At Shadow Ridge High School, Forensic Science II students are diving into the world of fingerprint analysis which is one of the most detailed and delicate parts of real life investigations. Through handson labs, they’re learning what it truly takes to uncover and identify fingerprints with accuracy and care.
Sophomore Jakub Wisniewski acknowledges that he was surprised by how complex the fingerprinting process can be.
“One thing I learned about fingerprints is that they take a very long time and it’s a very difficult job procedure to maintain high standard value,” he shared.
He described the detailed steps involved in dusting and lifting prints “First you have to observe the scene, then locate the fingerprint,” Wisniewski said. “Then you take pictures, put on protective equipment, equip the brush, and dust it. Then you get tape, lift it, put it on a card, then you examine the fingerprint or minutiae.”
“It’s an important part because everybody has different prints and it can locate a suspect easily, if done correctly,” Wisniewski remarked.
Practicing these skills in class has shown him how realistic and challenging this process can be.
“It shows how difficult it could be, number one is obviously getting a good lift, it’s one of the hardest things to do. Another one is too much dust and smudging the fingerprint.” Wisniewski added
Junior Soren Oren shared a similar enthusiasm for the unit.
“It’s fun to dust them and put fingerprints down,” Oren states.
To keep evidence from being ruined, “You must wear gloves and have no one around you, and make sure you’re not too rough or rushing the process,” Oren reminds.
He also noted how Forensics II gives students a more realistic understanding of what forensic work looks like compared to TV shows.
“It’s a lot different, because in TV shows they just watch a video, and in here we actually learn how to do it,” Oren said.
He added that he’d like to see “better equipment” and more “objects we take fingerprints on” in future labs.
Through this hands-on experience, Shadow Ridge’s Forensic Science II students are not just learning about fingerprints. They’re gaining insight into the patience, precision, and skill it takes to work in real world criminal investigations.
