ASIS International (ASIS) Professional Certified Investigator Practice Exam

What does 'ridge count' refer to in fingerprint identification?

1. The number of ridges crossing the core

2. The total number of ridges on a fingerprint

3. The distance between two deltas

4. The classification of a fingerprint pattern

The correct answer is: The number of ridges crossing the core

Ridge count refers to the specific measurement used in fingerprint identification that involves counting the number of ridge lines found between two specific points of a fingerprint. The right context in this case is the number of ridges that cross a particular line—specifically from the core (the center point of the fingerprint pattern) to the delta (the point where ridge patterns diverge). This method is essential for analysis because it helps differentiate between fingerprints. While total ridge count might seem relevant, it does not focus on the significant markers that are crucial for comparative analysis. Similarly, the distance between deltas and the classification of fingerprint patterns do not pertain directly to the ridge counting process. Ridge counts are commonly utilized in forensic science to assist in the classification and identification of fingerprints during investigations.