FINGERPRINTING

REQUIREMENTS were REVISED effective January 1,2004.

New text is in bold underlined text like this sentence.
Deleted portions are struck through italic text like this sentence.

Click Here for the OLD requirements

To see the NEW requirements without the changes highlighted,
Click Here

  1. Give a short history of fingerprinting. Tell the difference between civil and criminal identification.
    Take a clear set of prints. Use both rolled and plain impressions. Make these on an 8-by-8-inch fingerprint identification card, available from your local police department or counselor.
  2. Explain the difference between the automated fingerprint identification systems (AFIS) now used by some law enforcement agencies and the biometric fingerprint systems used to control access to places like buildings, airports, and computer rooms.
    Do the following:
    1. Name the surfaces of the body where friction or papillary ridges are found.
    2. Explain why plain impressions must be taken on a card.
  3. Do the following:
    1. Name the surfaces of the body where friction or papillary ridges are found.
    2. Name the two basic principles supporting the science of fingerprints and give a brief explanation of each principle.
    3. Explain what it takes to positively identify a person using fingerprints.
    Show you can identify the eight types of fingerprint patterns.
  4. Give a short history of fingerprinting. Tell the difference between civil and criminal identification. Point out the purposes of each.
    Take a clear set of prints using ONE of the following methods:
    1. Make both rolled and plain impressions. Make these on an 8-by-8-inch fingerprint identification card available from your local police department or counselor.
    2. Using clear adhesive tape, a pencil, and plain paper, record your own fingerprints or those of another person.
  5. Show your merit badge counselor you can identify the three basic types of fingerprint patterns and their subcategories. Using your own hand, identify the types of patterns you see.

Fingerprint Card for use in working on these requirements:

 PDF Format

BSA Advancement ID#: 49
Pamphlet Revision Date: 2003
Requirements last updated in 2004

Page updated on: November 18, 2021

Scouts Using the Internet Cartoon - Courtesy of Richard Diesslin - Click to See More Cartoons
© 1994-2024 - U.S. Scouting Service Project | Site Map | Disclaimer | Project Team | Contact Us | Privacy Policy

Materials found at U. S. Scouting Service Project, Inc. Websites may be reproduced and used locally by Scouting volunteers for training purposes consistent with the programs of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) or other Scouting and Guiding Organizations. No material found here may be used or reproduced for electronic redistribution or for commercial or other non-Scouting purposes without the express permission of the U. S. Scouting Service Project, Inc. (USSSP) or other copyright holders. USSSP is not affiliated with BSA or WOSM and does not speak on behalf of BSA or WOSM. Opinions expressed on these web pages are those of the web authors. You can support this website with in two ways: Visit Our Trading Post at www.ScoutingBooks.com or make a donation by clicking the button below.
(U.S. Scouting Service Project Donation)


(Ruth Lyons Memorial Donations)