MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) Exam with multiple choice questions and detailed explanations. Enhance your law enforcement career prospects with our comprehensive study guide!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

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Which of the following is NOT a type of fingerprint pattern?

Loops
Whorls
Stars
Arches

The correct answer is: Stars

In the classification of fingerprint patterns, the primary types recognized by forensic experts are loops, whorls, and arches. Each of these patterns is defined by distinct characteristics in the arrangement of ridges on the finger. Loops are identified by ridge lines that enter from one side of the fingerprint, curve around, and exit on the same side. Whorls feature circular or spiral patterns that create a spiral shape, while arches are characterized by ridges that rise in the center, creating a wave-like pattern. These three patterns are fundamental to fingerprint analysis and are widely used in forensic science for identification purposes. On the other hand, "stars" do not represent a recognized fingerprint pattern. This term does not correlate with any of the established classifications in fingerprint analysis, making it the correct choice for the question asked. Understanding these classifications is critical in the context of forensic investigations, as they help in the accurate identification of individuals based on their unique fingerprint patterns.