When does individualization occur?

• A. When two friction ridge impressions originate from different sources
• B. When there is inconclusive
• C. When two friction ridge impressions originated from the same source, to the exclusion of all others
• D. When there is no value

Answer: (C)

Individualization occurs when two friction ridge impressions originated from the same source, to the exclusion of all others. In practice, this means there is a definitive, unique match between the prints such that every observed feature—ridge paths, minutiae points like ridge endings and bifurcations, and any distinctive scars or formations—can be explained by a single source, with no plausible alternative source left. The impression quality and the level of detail must be sufficient to rule out other potential origins; only then can a conclusive identification be made.

If two impressions come from different sources, there isn’t a valid basis for linking them to one origin. If the result is inconclusive, the evidence does not meet the threshold for a positive identification.