An example of an individual evidence item that can link a source to a suspect.

An example of an individual evidence item that can link a source to a suspect.

• A. Fingerprint
• B. Blood type
• C. Tire tread pattern
• D. Shirt color

Answer: (A)

Fingerprints are a clear example of individual evidence because the friction ridge patterns on fingertips are unique to each person (save for identical twins) and can be used to link a specific source to a suspect. When a latent print from a crime scene is compared to a suspect’s prints, the level of detail—minute ridge endings, bifurcations, and their overall arrangement—provides a high-probability association between the source and the person. This is why fingerprint evidence can place a suspect at a scene with strong support. In contrast, blood type is class evidence since many people share the same type, not identifying a single individual. Tire tread pattern and shirt color describe attributes shared by groups of people or objects rather than a unique source, so they don’t tie a specific person to a crime scene.

Fingerprints are a clear example of individual evidence because the friction ridge patterns on fingertips are unique to each person (save for identical twins) and can be used to link a specific source to a suspect. When a latent print from a crime scene is compared to a suspect’s prints, the level of detail—minute ridge endings, bifurcations, and their overall arrangement—provides a high-probability association between the source and the person. This is why fingerprint evidence can place a suspect at a scene with strong support.

In contrast, blood type is class evidence since many people share the same type, not identifying a single individual. Tire tread pattern and shirt color describe attributes shared by groups of people or objects rather than a unique source, so they don’t tie a specific person to a crime scene.