Check-in starts 1/2 hour prior to the start time of your class. You should bring a blue card filled out properly for this class. If you are not familiar with how to fill out a blue card, you should familiarize yourself with Scoutmaster Bucky's "How To Fill Out A Blue Card" document.  Click here for Scoutmaster Bucky's "How To Fill Out A Blue Card". Remember it is a Scout's responsibility to take care of their own blue card from beginning to end.


Your Scout Uniform is required to be worn for attending this Merit Badge session.   If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact Brian Reiners; Scoutmaster Bucky via email or on the phone at 612-483-0665.

Reviewing the merit badge pamphlet PRIOR to attending and doing preparation work will insure that Scouts get the most out of these class opportunities. The merit badge pamphlet is a wealth of information that can make earning a merit badge a lot easier. It contains many of the answers and solutions needed or can at least provide directions as to where one can find the answers.  It is NOT acceptable to come unprepared to a Scoutmaster Bucky event.

You can (and should) use the Scoutmaster Bucky Fingerprinting Merit Badge Workbook to help get a head start and organize your preparation work. You can download the Scoutmaster Bucky Fingerprinting Merit Badge Workbook by clicking here.

It should be noted that this merit badge class is not meant for those who just want to come and see what they can get done. It is possible to complete this merit badge by being properly prepared and having done the preparation work prior to the class. Preparation is a MUST.


Things to remember to bring for this Merit Badge Class:

1. Merit Badge Blue Card properly filled out and signed off by your Scoutmaster
2. Your Registration Receipt
3. Scout Uniform
4. Scoutmaster Bucky Merit Badge Workbook for this merit badge printed out and preparation work filled in
5. Any additional supporting documentation or project work pertinent to this merit badge 
6. A positive Scouting focus and attitude

1. Give a short history of fingerprinting. Tell the difference between civil and criminal identification

   This requirement will be covered in the class, however, Scouts are encouraged to review this requirement and its components and see how much they can determine ahead of time prior to the class.  Preparation is important and Scouts will find that referencing the merit badge pamphlet will yield many of the answers that will help them be prepared for positive and active participation in the class.

2. Explain the difference between the automated fingerprint identification systems (AFIS) now used by some law enforcement agencies and the biometric fingerprint systems used to control access to places like buildings, airports, and computer rooms

   This requirement will be covered in the class, however, Scouts are encouraged to review this requirement and its components and see how much they can determine ahead of time prior to the class.  Preparation is important and Scouts will find that referencing the merit badge pamphlet will yield many of the answers that will help them be prepared for positive and active participation in the class.

3. Do the following:

   1. Name the surfaces of the body where friction or papillary ridges are found

   2. Name the two basic principles supporting the science of fingerprints and give a brief explanation of each principle

   3. Explain what it takes to positively identify a person using fingerprints

   This requirement will be covered in the class, however, Scouts are encouraged to review this requirement and its components and see how much they can determine ahead of time prior to the class.  Preparation is important and Scouts will find that referencing the merit badge pamphlet will yield many of the answers that will help them be prepared for positive and active participation in the class.

4. Take a clear set of prints using ONE of the following methods.

   1. Make both rolled and plain impressions. Make these on an 8-by-8-inch fingerprint identification card, available from your local police department or your counselor

   2. Using clear adhesive tape, a pencil, and plain paper, record your own fingerprints or those of another person

   This requirement will be covered completely within the class.

5. Show your merit badge counselor you can identify the three basic types of fingerprint patterns and their subcategories. Using your own hand, identify the types of patterns you see

   This requirement will be covered in the class however it should be noted that Scouts will need to pay attention in order to learn the methods to completing this task within the class.

this page last reviewed and updated - March 2011