Personal Identification: Unit-1
Personal Identification: Unit-1
What to Expect?
IDENTIFICATION
COURSE TITLE: PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION AND TECHNIQUES
COURSE CODE: Forensic-2
CREDIT UNITS: 3
COURSE DESCRIPTION: The course covers the fundamental study of ancient and modern methods of
personal identification with emphasis on Dactyloscopy, Orthodontology and Palmistry, which embraces
the identification and comparison of fingerprint patterns and ridge characteristics; the scientific method of
recognition, development and preservation of latent prints; and the recording and classifying of
fingerprints that include the Henry System, FBI extension and NBI modification.
I. NATURE OF FINGERPRINTS
CONCEPT:
The ridges appearing in a fingerprint are commonly referred to as papillary or frictional ridges. The
ridges have a definite contour and appear in definite individual details by which positive identification can
be made.
Ducts – these are little pockets underneath the skin where oils or sweats are carried by small holes
to the surface of the skin.
Ridge Destruction:
Creases – little white lines that are found on a fingerprint that look like sears (burn/blister). These
are not permanent, and will not show any turning or “puckering.”
Skin conditions such as warts and blisters of temporary impairments caused by certain
occupations, e.g. bricklayers, carpenters, have no permanent effect and the individual characteristics revert
to their natural alignment once the temporary skin condition has been corrected.
On the face of a cliff in NOVA SCOTIA, there has been found prehistoric Indian picture writing of a
hand with crudely marked ridge patterns.
Scholars refer to the impression of fingerprints on clay tablets recoding business transactions in
ancient Babylon and clay seals of ancient Chinese origin bearing thumbprints. Some of these seals can be
seen in the SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, WASHINGTON, D.C. Chinese documents identified with the
Tang Dynasty (618-907) refer to fingerprint being impressed upon business contracts. It is conjectural as
to what extent these earlier instances of fingerprinting were intended for actual identification of the persons
impressing the prints. History shows that Emperor Te In Shi was the first on to use fingerprint in China.
In the Bible, Apostle Paul concludes in one of his epistles with the words, “The Salvation of Paul
with my own hand, which is the token in every epistle, so I write.” Some have inferred from these words that
Paul used his finger impressions as a distinctive signature.
In Persia, 14th century, various government papers were reportedly impressed with fingerprints, and
a government official who was also a physician made the observation that no fingerprints of two persons
were exactly alike.
In Old Mexico, the Aztecs impressed their hands accidentally or intentionally on the molded and
still soft clays of their hand-made idols to serve as their trade marks. The authorities stamped their hands
on the death warrants for the men and women who offered their lives to sacrifice for their idol-gods.
In France, numerous rock carvings and paintings featuring hand designs and fingerprints have
been found on the granite wall slabs in the Neolithic burial passage of the L’lle de Gavr’nis. Other
specimens were also found in the Spanish Pyrunees caverns, the numerous digital relics left by Indiana at
Keuimkooji Lake in cliff dwellings in Nova Scotia, in the Balearic Islands, Australis, New England coasts
and in Africa.
In Babylonia, the first use of fingerprints for personal identification originated when Babylonian
Magistrates ordered their officers in making arrests and property confiscation to secure the defendants’
fingerprints.
Kom Ombo Plain, on the east bank of river Nile, Egypt, lump of hundred much found in Sebekian
deposit which shows a portion of an adult palm during 12,000 B.C.
In Judea, Paul, the Apostle, used his own fingerprints to sign his letters (II Thessalonians 3:17 – “I,
Paul, greet you with my own hand. This is the mark in every letter. Thus I write.”). Other significant
quotations are found in Job 37:7 – “He sealeth up the hand of all men, that every one may know his works.”
Revelations 13:16 – “It will cause all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free and
the bond, to have mark on their right hand or on foreheads.”
In Jerusalem, fingerprint relics were found in clay lumps during the 4 th and 5th centuries of the
Christian Era. The excavation of Palestine by the late Dr. Bade yielded fragments of such specimens
(fingerprints).
In China, fingerprint is called “Hua Chi”. The value of fingerprints for purposes of identification was
found on a Chinese clay seal made not later than the 3 rd century B.C.
During the Tang Dynasty, fingerprints were used in connection with the preparation of legal
documents. Kia Yung-yen, an author during this time stated that, “Wooden tablets were engraved with the
full terms of the contract, and notches were cut in the sides where they were identical so that the tablets
could later be matched or tallied, thus proving them genuine.”
The code of domestic relations as described in the Chinese Law Book of Yang Hwui states: “To
divorce a wife, the husband must write a bill of divorcement and state the reasons or grounds that are due
for action, and then impress his palmprint thereon.” For contracts, fingerprints were also used as
signatures of those who were illiterates, who could neither read nor write. This was under the subject of
“Land Tenure.”
In Japan, deeds, dotes, and certificates to be used as proofs were sealed by the mark of the hand
(Palm-print) called “Tegata.” In the treatment of criminals, the imprint of the thumb (bo-in or bo-an) was
taken. The criminal signed only by thumb-print with regard to his sentence and it was considered as an
inferior sort of signature.
In Constantinople, in a treaty of ratification, the sultan soaked his hand in a sheep’s blood and
impressed it on the document as his seal.
In England, Thomas Bewick, an English engraver, author, and naturalist engraved the patterns of
his own fingers on every wood-work he had finished to serve as his mark so as to establish its
genuineness.
1684-Nehemiah Grew published a report which was read before the royal society of London,
England. He described the ridges and pores of the hands and feet.
1685-Midle wrote a book, “Human Anatomy,” in which he included a drawing of the thumb print
showing the ridge configuration of the whorl pattern.
1686-Professor Marcello Malpighi, a professor of anatomy at the University of Bologna noted in his
treatise; ridges, spirals and loops in fingerprints. He made no mention of their value as a tool for individual
identification. A layer of the skin was named after him; “ Malpighi” layer, which is approximately 1.8 mm
thick. An Italian anatomist, who published his work “De Externo Tactus Organo” depicting the construction
of the layer of the human skin. (known as the GRANDFATHER OF DACTYLOSCOPY according to Dr.
Edmond Locard – “Father of Poroscopy”), commented in his writings on elevated ridges on the fingertips
and alluded to diverse figures on palmar surfaces. He was also noted for the discovery of the inner and
outer structure of the skin: *Dermis-inner layer & *Epidermis-outer layer
1751-Hintzo wrote on the ridge formation, but dealt with the subject from the viewpoint of anatomy
rather than identification.
1788-J.C.A. Mayer stated in his book (Anatomische Kupfertafein Nebst Dazu Geharigen) that
although the arrangement of the skin ridges is never duplicated in two persons, nevertheless, the
similarities are closer among some individuals. He was the first to state that the prints of two different
persons are never alike.
1856-Herman Welcker took the prints of his own palm. In 1897, (forty one years later) he printed
the same palm to prove that the prints do not change. (Principle of Permanency).
1883-Kollman, an anthropologist who wrote his book on ridges and pores. He did not associate
fingerprints with identification.
1880-Dr. Henry Faulds, an English (Scottish) doctor stationed in Tokyo, Japan, wrote a letter to the
English publication, “NATURE” – “On the Skin Furrows of the Hand”, (dtd Oct. 28, 1880) on the practical
use of fingerprints for the identification of criminals. He recommended the use of a thin film of printers ink
as a transfer medium and is generally used today.
1880-Sir Francis Galton, a noted British anthropologist and a cousin of scientist Charles Darwin
began observation which led to the publication in 1882 of his book “Fingerprints.” Galton’s studies
established the individuality of classifying fingerprint patterns.
1882-Gilbert Thompson, a U.S. geological surveyor in charge of a field project in New Mexico used
his own fingerprints in commissary orders to prevent forgery.
Isaiah West Taber – A photographer in San Francisco advocated the use of the system for the
registration of the immigrant Chinese.
1883-An episode in Mark Twain’s life on the Mississippi relates to the identification of a murderer
by his thumbprint.
Twain (Samuel L. Clemens) further developed his theme. Eleven (11) years later, he causes the
publication of “Puddin Head Wilson”, a novel based on dramatic fingerprint identification demonstrated
during a court trial. His story pointed out the infallibility of fingerprint identification.
1889-Sir Richard Henry at Dove, England read a paper detailing his system before the British
association for Advancement of Science.
1891-Juan Vucetich, an Argentinean police official, installed fingerprints files as an official means
of criminal identification; based his system of the pattern typed by Sir Francis Galton; and he also claimed
the first official criminal identification by means of fingerprints left at the scene of crime.
In 1892, at La Piata, Argentina, a woman named Rojas who had murdered her two sons and had
cut her own throat, though not fatal, blamed the attack on a neighbor. Bloody fingerprints on a door post
were identified by Vucetich as those of the woman herself which led to her confession.
1892-Sir Francis Galton, an English Biologist, wrote his first textbook. He devised a practical
system of classification and filing.
1894-Sir Francis Galton’s report on fingerprint as a method of identification, along with his system,
was read at Asquith Committee of London, England. His system was officially adopted on February 12,
1894.
1900-Alphonse Bertillon’s system of body measurement had by this time spread throughout the
world.
1901-Sir Edward Richard Henry was appointed assistant commissioner at Scotland Yard. His
system was so applicable that Henry emerged as the “Father of Fingerprints,” at least as the first man to
successfully apply fingerprints for identification.
1901-marked the official introduction of fingerprinting for criminal identification in England and
Wales.
The system employed was developed from Galton’s observation and devised by Edward Richard
Henry, the Inspector-General of Police in Bengal, India. He later became commissioner of London’s
Metropolitan Police.
1882-Gilbert Thompson of the Us Geodetic survey used thumb print for camp orders on an
expedition to New Mexico. This was not official but it was proven useful (the record was dated Aug. 8,
1882).
The New York Civil Service Commission, on Dec. 19, 1902 required all civil service applicants to
be fingerprinted. Dr. Henry P. Forest, put the system into practice.
1903-New York State Prison in Albany claims the first practical, systematic use of fingerprints in
the US to identify criminals.
Captain James Parke of the institution installed the identification system where the fingerprints of
prisoners were taken and classified and the fingerprint system was officially adopted in June of the year.
Today, New York State uses the American system that is similar to the Henry System and
represents the system initiated by Capt. Parke in 1903.
1904-Maj. R. Mccloughry, the warden of the Federal Penitentiary of Leavenworth when the office of
the Atty. General of the U.S. granted permission to establish a fingerprint bureau therein. It was the first
national government use of fingerprints.
E. Evolution of Fingerprint
1904-John Kenneth Ferrer (Perrier) of the Fingerprint Branch of the New Scotland Yard, attended
the St. Louis Missouri Worlds Fair. He had been assigned to guard the British Crown Jewels. American
police officials became interested in fingerprint through him and he became their instructor.
1904-The City of St. Louis Missouri, became the first city to adopt fingerprint. The police
department officials adopted the system on October 29, 1904.
1905-Fingerpritning was officially adopted by the U.S. Army. It was known as the first military use
of fingerprint.
1907-Fingerprinting was officially adopted by the U.S. Navy (January 11, 1907).
1911-The State of Illinois, made the first criminal conviction based solely upon fingerprint evidence.
It was known as the first judicial ruling on such evidence, (People vs Jennings, 252 Illinois 543-96 NE 1007,
43 LRA (NS) 1206 for 1991).
1915-The International Association for Criminal Identification was founded. The word “criminal”
was later dropped from the Association’s name. It is the first organized body of professional identification
experts.
1916-The Institution of Applied Science established at Chicago, Illinois was the first school to teach
fingerprint identification (June 16, 1916).
1916-Frederick Kuhne published a book entitled “The Fingerprint Instructor,” which probably the
first authoritative book in fingerprint to be circulated in the U.S. Munn and Co., served as the publisher.
1919-Marked the publication of “Fingerprint and Identification Magazine” (Chicago). The first
monthly journal devoted exclusively to fingerprint science, (July 1919).
1920-The Exceptional Arch, a new pattern, was adapted to Henry’s system by American experts.
The pattern was added after the study made by the assembly members at annual convention of the
International Association for Identification in 1920.
1922-Haken Jersengen, the sub-director of police in Copenhagen, Denmark introduced first a long
distance identification to U.S. at a police conference here. The method was adopted and published in a
magazine entitled “Publications” of the International Police Conference, (New York City Police Department,
1932).
1924-The book entitled “Single Fingerprint System” by T.K. Larson, was first published in U.S.,
(Berkley, Police Monograph Series) D. Application and Co., New York City.
1924-The First National Bureau of Identification was created by the act of Congress. The bureau
was established within the U.S. DOJ (Washington DC).
1925-Harry J. Myers II installed the first official fact fingerprint system for infants in Jewish
Maternity Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
1925-The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania used compulsory foot and fingerprinting of new born
infants and mothers which was enacted into law by Act of General Assembly as approved on April 20,
1925.
1932-The International Exchange of Fingerprint date was initiated with a number of other nations
on February 15, 1932.
1933-The Bureau of Identification, U.S. Department of Justice, adopted the single fingerprint
identification system. The first national use of single print for identification purposes for certain crimes only,
(Feb. 1933).
1933-Latent fingerprints section, for making technical examination of latent prints or have inked
prints on an individual basis was instituted on November 10, 1933. The Civil Identification on Section was
established
1937-The Institute of Applied Science installed Photographic and Firearms Identification (Forensic
Ballistics) laboratories. The institute was the first private school in U.S. which installed laboratories for
instructional purposes only.
1973-implementation of the first phase of the automated Identification System (AIS-1), which was
to establish the database consisting of the name, description, and criminal record of all first offenders with
birthdates of 1956.
1978-Journal of Forensic Science – reported that certain properties of perspiration and body oils
contained in latent print residue will luminesce without pre-treatment and to a degree that photographs
could be taken when activated by continuous Argon-ION Laser. Hence, the FBI’s Latent Print Detection
System was put into use.
1979-AIS-2 replaced AIS-1. This phase involved the automated searching by name and other
descriptor information of incoming fingerprint cards against the database.
1979 (Oct. 17, 1979)-A latent fingerprint was developed and lifted from the hand of a victim in
Miami, Florida murder resulting in identifying the suspect. This was the first known case where a fingerprint
from a human skin was used in the identification, prosecution and conviction of a perpetrator of a crime.
1982-Missing Children Act was signed into law which requires the Attorney General to acquire,
collect, classify, and preserve any information which would assist in the location of any missing person
(including an unemancipated person as defined by the laws of the place of residence of such person) or
assist in the identification of any deceased individual who have not been identified.
1983-Completion of the conversion of the FBI criminal fingerpint searching from manual to
automated searching. Also, AIS records became available by mail upon request of the National Crime
Information Center’s (NCIC’s) interstate identification index (III) – an interstate record exchange.
1984-AIS records became available “ON-LINE” through the NCIC program. Records from the
NCIC and AIS, and participating state and local telecommunication networks became available w/in
seconds to authorized criminal justice agencies.
1985 (Jan. 2) – a contract was awarded for building the final phase of the Identification Division
Automated System (IDAS).
1989-IDAS was implemented. Its features are: integrated document transport equipment; on-line
automated technical fingerprint search; and simplified processing flow. All, for expeditious response time of
fingerprint cards.
1900-Mr. Robert Jones was the first to teach fingerprints in the Philippines in the Phil.
Constabulary.
1918-The Bureau of Prisons records show that carpetas (commitment and conviction records)
already bear fingerprints.
Under the management of Lt. Asa N. Darby during the American occupation in the Philippines, a
modern and complete fingerprint file has been established for the Philippine commonwealth.
1937-The first Filipino fingerprint technician employed by the Phil. Constabulary was Mr. Generoso
Reyes.
Capt. Thomas Dugan of New York City Police Department and Mr. Flaviano C. Gurrero of the
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) gave the first examinations in fingerprints in 1927 and
Agustin Patricio of the Philippines top the Examination
1933-The first conviction based on fingerprints was handed by the Supreme Court of the Phil. in
the case People vs. Medina and this case is considered the leading judicial decision in the
Philippine jurisprudence concerning fingerprinting (December 23).
The science of fingerprinting was first offered as a subject in the Philippines through the effort of
the Plaridel Educational Institution.
Lucila Lalu – the first Filipina Chop-chop lady who was identified through fingerprint.
Plaridel Education Institute (PEI) now known as Phil. College of Criminology, first government
recognized school to teach the Science of Fingerprint and other Police Sciences.
FINGERPRINT defined
Fingerprint is an impression of the friction ridge of all or any part of the finger.
FRICTION SKIN
Unique
Friction skin is unique. All areas of friction skin are totally individual. When
sufficient detail is present, it can be individualized. In other words, when
someone is identified as the donor of a print, it establishes that person as the
only person in the world who could have that print.
Permanent
Friction skin is permanent. Friction skin is formed during fetal life. The location,
appearance and relationships of the features remain unchanged throughout a
person’s lifetime, with the exception of permanent damage such as injuries that
result in permanent scars.
The fact that friction skin can be individualized and does not change makes
friction skin one of the best forms of personal identification available.
Located along the undersides of the fingers, palms, toes, and soles appear
corrugated skin structure known to the biologist as volar skin; to the fingerprint
examiner, it is known as friction skin; and to the public, it’s commonly referred to
as just, fingerprints. Friction skin is made up of elevated areas called ridges
with depressions between the ridges known as furrows.
RIDGES – are the tiny elevation or hill-like structures found on the Epidermis of
the skin containing sweat pores. Through these sweat ducts emitted the greasy
substance from the sweat glands. These perspirations are the ones that forms
the ridge characteristics on any smooth objects. It may touch. The ridges appear
as black lines with tiny white dots Called “PORES “ in an inked finger
impression.
FURROWS – are the canals or depression found between the ridges. They
appear as white lines in an inked finger impression.
The epidermis is made up of several smaller layers. The innermost layer of the
epidermis is the generating layer. New cells are created in the generating layer.
The outer layer of the epidermis is made up of mostly dead cells.
The dermis is covered with double rows of peg-like formations called papillae.
Each of these double rows appears under one ridge.
Anatomy of Fingerprints
Corneous layer – the outermost layer of the epidermis consisting of dead and
desquamating cells.
Transparent layer – is a thin, clear layer of dead skin cells in the epidermis
named for its translucent appearance under a microscope.
Malphigian layer – the Malpighian layer of the skin is a term that is generally
defined as both the stratum basal and stratum spinosum as a unit, although it is
occasionally defined as the stratum basale specifically.
Granular layer – a thin layer of cells in the epidermis.
Generating layer or Stratum Germinativum – The stratum basale is a
continous layer of cells. It is often described as one cell thick, though it may in
RICO T. MUSONG, RC. Page 13
fact be two or three cells thick in glabrous (hairless) skin and hyperproliferative
epidermis (from a skin disease). The stratum basale is primarily made up of
basale keratinocyte cells, which can be considered the stem cell of the
epidermis.
Each friction ridge is made up of a series of ridge units joined together to form
the ridge. Each ridge unit contains one sweat gland one pore. A close
examination of a friction ridge reveals that each ridge is not merely a line, but has
a unique structure and appearance. Even the pores appearing along the tops of
the ridges have random placement resulting in unique arrangements and
appearance on the ridge.
Anatomy of Fingerprints
This states that the papillary ridges are immutable, perennial and individual from
the third months of the embryonic while the child is still at the mother’s womb and
it will never change until decomposition sets in after death.
The configuration and details of individual ridges remain constant and
unchanging till after the final decomposition of the body.
Fingerprints result from friction skin ridges found on the palm side of the fingers
and thumbs. Similar friction skin ridges are also be found on the surface of the
palms and the soles of the feet. These skin surfaces have been designed by
nature to provide our bodies with a firmer grasp and a resistance to slippage.
Each skin ridge contains rows of pores which are connected to sweat glands. It is
through these pores that perspiration is released and deposited on the surface of
the skin. Once a finger touches a surface, perspiration and body oils are
transferred onto that surface, thereby leaving an impression of the finger's ridge
pattern—a fingerprint. Prints deposited in this manner are invisible to the eye and
are commonly referred to as latent or hidden fingerprints. Such prints must be
developed before use in an investigation.
Although it is impossible to change one's fingerprints, there has been no lack of
effort on the part of some criminals to change or remove them. To remove or
change any part of a fingerprint, an injury must reach deeply enough into the skin
to damage the dermal papillae. However, for this to happen, such a wound would
have to penetrate 1 to 2 millimeters beneath the skin's surface. Indeed, efforts
at intentionally scarring the skin can only be self-defeating, for it would be totally
impossible to obliterate all the ridges on the hand. In most situations, an attempt
to alter one’s fingerprints results in a scarring which actually makes the
fingerprints easier to identify.
That fingerprint is a reliable means of personal identification and all courts accept
and adopt fingerprint as a means of personal identification.
All fingerprints are divided into three classes on the basis of their general pattern:
loops, whorls, and arches. Sixty to sixty-five percent (60-65%) of the
population has loops, thirty to thirty-five percent (30-35%) has whorls, and about
five percent (5%) has arches. These three classes form the basis of the
classification system presently in use.
The pattern area of a loop surrounded by two diverging ridges is known as type
lines. The ridge point nearest the type-line divergence is known as a delta. A
fingerprint delta resembles the silt formation that builds up as a river flows into
the entrance of a lake. The core, as the name suggests, is the approximate
center of the pattern where ridges curve around or circle.
In 1911, an Illinois court, in the case of the People v. Jennings (252 Ill. 534, 96NE 1077 (1911) )
pass upon the admissibility of fingerprint evidence.
In that case, fingerprint evidence was admitted as a means of identification may give their opinions
as to whether the fingerprints found at the scene of the crime correspond with those of the accused. The
court’s conclusion were based on a comparison of the photographs of such prints with the impressions
made by the accused, there being no question as to the accuracy or authenticity of the photographs. It was
stated that the weight to be given to the testimony of experts in the fingerprint identification is a question for
the jury.
Following the Illinois case was one in New Jersey, State V. Cerciello, in which fingerprint evidence
was permitted to be introduced.
In the Cerciello Case, the defendant argued that it was an error to allow the testimony by experts
explaining the comparison of fingerprints obtained from the defendant voluntarily with those fingerprints
found upon a hatchet near the body of the deceased when the body was discovered. The New Jersey
Court of Errors and Appeals held, “in principle, its admission as legal evidence is based upon the theory
that the evolution in practical affairs of life, whereby the progressive and scientific tenderness of the age are
manifested in every other department of human endeavor, cannot be ignored in legal procedure.
In the case of State Vs. Conners (87 N.T.L. 419, 94 Atl. 812 (1915) ) it was held competent to show
by a photograph the fingerprints upon the balcony post of a house entered, without producing that post in
court, and to show by expert testimony hat the fingerprints found on the post were similar to the fingerprints
of the defendant.
In the case of Lamble Vs. State (Lamble V. State, 96 N. T. L. 231; 114 ATL. (N.J.) 346 (1921) )
which involved the discovery of fingerprints on the door of an automobile, the court was of the opinion that it
was not necessary to produce the door as an evidence. The court stated that a photograph of the
fingerprints noted on the door should be sufficient along with the identification of the fingerprints by an
expert to show these of the defendant. The court referred the case of States V. Conners (Supra).
In the case of Commonwealth V. Albright, (101 Pa. Sup. C.L. 317 (1931) ) a fingerprint expert
testified that the fingerprint on a piece of glass, establish to be from a pane in a door that had been broken
to effect entrance to the house was the same as the impression of the defendant’s left index finger and he
explained in detail the points of identity which led him to that judgment. The court stated, “it is well settled
that the papillary lines and marks on the fingers of every man, woman and child possess an individual
character different from those of any person and that the chances that the fingerprints of two different
persons may be identical are infinitesimally remote.
The US Supreme Court in the case of Schmerber V. California (Schmerber v. California, 384 us,
757, 763 764 (1966) ), held that the introduction into evidence of fingerprint impressions taken without
consent of the defendant was not an infringement of the constitutional privilege against self incrimination.
The high court held that it is constitutional to obtain real or physical evidence even if the suspect is
compelled to give blood in a hospital environment, submit to fingerprinting, photographing or measurement,
write or speak for identification, appears in court, stand or walk, assume a stance or make a particular
gesture, put on a cloth that fits him, or exhibit his body as evidence when it is material. The Schmerber
case points out the fact that the privilege against self-incrimination is related primarily to “TESTIMONIAL
COMPULSION”.
In the Philippines, several decided cases could be cited where fingerprint evidence was admitted,
considered and appreciated by the appellate courts with even lesser number of ridge similarities. In the
BILANGAWA Vs. AMADOR case, (Court of Appeals No. 37320-b), a fingerprint expert and constabulary
sergeant testified and successfully defended fingerprint evidence based on eight identical ride points.
People v. Medina (59 Phil. 330) - N.B. The first leading judicial decision in the Philippine
jurisprudence on the science of fingerprinting.
Expert’s testimony as to the identity of thumb marks or fingerprints is admissible. The method of
identifying fingerprints is a science requiring close study. Where thumb impressions are blurred and many
of the characteristic marks far from clear, thus rendering it difficult to trace the features enumerated by
experts as showing the identity of the impressions, the court is justified in refusing to accept the opinion that
a distinct similarity in some respects between the admittedly genuine thumb mark and the questioned
thumb mark is evident.
This method of identification of persons has become a fixed part of our “SYSTEM OF
JURISPRUDENCE”. Proof of the accused found in the place where the crime was committed under such
circumstances that they could only have been impressed at the time when the crime was committed may
be sufficient proof of identity to sustain conviction.
There are no national or international rules or laws that fix the number of ridge characteristics that
must be present in both the questioned and standard prints that should be used as a basis for establishing
absolute identity. Experts of different countries differ in the requirements of the minimum number. In
England, the minimum is 16 and in USA, the minimum requirement is 12. However, fingerprint experts in
these countries believe that identity can be established in lower number of guidelines laid down by the
famous French Criminalist Dr. Edmond Locard:
a. Clearness of the pattern.
Australia - - - - - -12
Austria - - - - - -10-12
Belgium - - - - - -8-12
Canada - - - - - -10
Denmark - - - - - -16
France - - - - - -17
Interpol - - - - - - 12
Israel - - - - - -10-12
Japan - - - - - -12-14
New Zealand - - - - -8-12
Spain - - - - - -10-12
U.K. - - - - - -16
U.S.A. - - - - - -7-12
Philippines - - - - -8-12
D. Weight of Fingerprint
The weight to be given to evidence of correspondence of fingerprint when offered to prove identity
of the accused as the person committing a crime is for the determination of the court in the light of all the
surrounding facts and circumstances.
To warrant a conviction the fingerprints corresponding to those of the accused must have been
found in the place where the crime was committed under such circumstances that they could only have
been impressed at the time when the crime was committed.
Ans. No, as long as the dermis of the bulbs of the fingers is not completely destroyed, the
fingerprints will always remain unchanged and indestructible.
John Dellinger, a notorious gangster and a police character, attempted to erase his
fingerprints by burning them with acid but as time went by the ridges were again restored to their
“natural” feature. The acid he applied temporarily destroyed the epidermis of the bulbs of his
fingers.
Robert James Pitts- The person who attempted to destroy his fingerprint through surgery. Also
known as “The Man without Fingerprint”
The authorities conducted various experiments and although they could almost make an accurate
reproduction’s till there is no case on record known or have been written that forgery of fingerprints has
been a complete success.
Yes, provided the arrest was legal, this is to establish the true identity.
H. Reasons why Fingerprints is one of the Most Infallible Means of Personal Identification.
Dactylos – a finger
Skopien – to examine
1. Typelines are not always two continuous ridges, but are often broken. When
there is a definite break in a typeline, the ridge immediately outside of it is
considered as its continuation.
3. The arms of a bifurcation on which the delta is located cannot be used for
typelines.
G. Rules in Delta Location when there is a Choice Between Two or More Delta
1. The delta may be located at a bifurcation which does open towards the core.
2. When there is a choice between a bifurcation and another type of delta, equally
close to the point of divergence, the bifurcation is selected.
3. When there is a series of bifurcation opening towards the core at the point of
divergence of two type lines, the bifurcation nearest to the core is chosen as the
delta.
4. The delta may not be located in the middle of the ridge running between the type
lines toward the cores but at the nearer end only. The location of the delta
depends entirely upon the point of origin of the ridge between the type lines
toward the core.
5. If the ridge enters the pattern area from the point below the divergent type lines.
The delta must be located at the end nearer (inner terminus) to the core.
1. Ridge Counting – It refers to the process of counting the intervening ridges that
touch or cross an imaginary line drawn between the core and the delta.
2. Ridge tracing – Is the process of tracing the ridges that emanate from the lower
side of the left delta towards the right delta to see where it flows in relation to the
right delta.
1. Arches – 5% of populations
2. Loops – 60 to 65% of populations
3. Whorls – 30 to 35% of populations
N.B. - According to studies, the appearance of arches is less followed by whorls and
the loops.
1. ulnar
2. radial
II- Arches
1. Tented
2. Plain
III-Whorl
1. Plain whorl
2. Central pocket loop whorl
3. Double loop whorl
4. Accidental whorl
K. Rules to be Memorized
1. Radial loop (R) derived its name from the radius bone of the forearm; it is
one type of fingerprint patterns in which the ridges run its direction to the
radius bone or to the thumb.
2. Ulnar loop is one type of fingerprint pattern in which the ridges flow toward
the ulnar bone or little finger. Ulnar loop, therefore derived its name from the
ulna bone of the forearm, or little finger. Its symbol is letter “ U” in
classification purposes.
N.B. - A pattern to be a loop must have the following four (4) essential
requisites:
It has two (2) deltas, one of which appears as the edge of the pattern
area, as in plain loop. And one shows inside the pattern area just below the
counterpart ridges.
Generally speaking, TENTED ARCHES are formed in any of these three (3)
way formations, to wit:
Real Impressions - Impressions of the finger bulbs with the use of the printing ink on
the surface of the paper. Any other coloring materials may be used but less visible and
indelible.
1. Rolled Impression
are fingerprint impression taken individually by rolling each finger from one side to
the other side and from the tip to the end of the first joint.
2. Plain Impression
are impression made by simultaneously pressing the finger to the card, use as a
reference to classification.
Porelon Pad Method - No advance preparation is needed to use the Porelon pad.
However, the pad surface should be cleaned occasionally to remove oil and dirt
deposits by wiping the surface lightly with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth.
Print Matic Method - Like the slab and roller method, the Print matic method
requires that the ink is embedded within the Print Matic roller, and coating the slab
requires only a few passes of the roller in the same direction to apply a thin, even layer
of ink.
1. INKING PLATE – A 12 inches plate is long enough for most set of 0 fingers. The
width of the plate should not be less than 8 inches, ten (10) is a better width. A
10 inch plate is also wide enough to ink a complete palm in one operation
whenever it becomes necessary.
2. CARD HOLDER – The simplest is a U-shaped spring clamp. Made of spring
steel, stainless steel or brass of gauge sufficient to hold its shape in heavy
usage.
3. ROLLER – 6 inches long, and 2 inches in diameter. The handle should have
supporting posts or legs to suspend the rubber roller from developing flat sides
and to keep unused portions of the plate and table top from being smeared with
ink.
4. INK - black printers ink is the most commonly used for taking fingerprint
impression. It is a consistency suitable for rolling into a thin film and it is quick
drying when transferred to a card as an inked impression. Yet it does not dry too
fast. Usable for several hours after a film has been rolled.
FOUNTAIN PEN INK, COLORED INK AND STAMP PAD INK ARE OBJECTIONABLE
FOR SEVERAL REASONS, TO WIT:
1. They are too thin
2. Dry too quickly
3. Stamp pad smears easily
4. Impressions using stamp pad reproduce ‘weave” of the pad stamp covering
the inked impression.
5. Unsatisfactory for comparison purposes.
RICO T. MUSONG, RC. Page 33
5. FINGERPRINT STAND – 32 inches high, the inking surface of a fingerprint stand
should be approximately 12 inches above the top of an ordinary desk making the
printing surface approximately 44 inches from the floor for the average person.
6. STANDARD EIGHT BY EIGHT INCHES FINGERPRINT CARD – It is found to
be adequate for receiving five rolled impressions across the card the size
convenient for handling and filing.
STANCE FOR TAKING PRINTS - Most operators stand on the left side of the person
whose prints are being taken for the simple reason that more people are right handed
and then normally work more efficiently and do better advantage toward the right.
Therefore, most fingerprint stands are made so that the printing is done on the left front
corner.
FINGERS WITH PEELED-OFF SURFACE SKIN. Wind that surface skin around the
operator’s finger. Apply ink to it and impress. When the true skin is exposed, take
photo after applying ink to the true skin or drying it with an aqueous marker in water or
alcohol.
FINGER OF CHARRED BODY. In case where it is feared that they will disintegrate by
even the slightest, their photo shall be taken as they are.
Each powder has its own properties of color, adhesiveness, grain size,
delineability, etc. A suitable powder is selected and used according to the conditions of
impression and object. Sometimes, two or more kidns of powder are used in mixture.
This is called mixture powder. By using mixture powder, color and adhesiveness can
be adjusted. For example, by mixing lead carbonate with indigo, the disappearance of
fingerprints lifted to gelatin paper can be prevented, while by mixing aluminum powder
(gray) with lycopodium, the excessive adhesion of aluminum powder (gray) can be
prevented.
Method of Restoration - When the fingerprint collection by solid method is over, the
object should be restored to its original state by removing powder which has been
affixed to it. This is called “restoration.” The method of restoration is as follows:
Wipe the object lightly with a piece of cloth or a brush which contains 0.5-1%
synthetic cleanser liquid or 2-5% soap liquid.
This method is effective for developing a latent print from an object such as
paper, wood or metal and to collect a visible fingerprint such as a blood fingerprint. This
is a chemical collecting method whose principle is that the element of the chemical
liquid reacts to the element in excreta or blood by changing color.
1. Reagent (chemical liquid) - Reagents commonly used are ninhydrin, silver
nitrate, etc.
2. Method to affix reagent - Method to affix reagent include the painting method,
soaking method and spraying method.
The painting method is a method where an object is painted evenly with a brush
9flat brush for liquid) with ample reagent to affix the reagent to the fingerprints.
This method is suitable for a large or solid object to be examined.
The soaking method is a method to affix reagent to fingerprints by soaking an
object to be examined into regent in a tray or other vessel. This method is
suitable for cases where a small object is to be examined for development.
Method of Restoration - When the fingerprint collecting work by the liquid method is
complete, the article should be restored to its original state by removing fingerprints
impressed thereon and stains produced by development, this is called restoration.
Restoration methods vary according to types of reagent used for development. For
restoration of a case using silver nitrate reagent, the object shall be washed in water
after being soaked in 2% alcohol liquid of corrosive sublimate. There is another method
of soaking in saturated solution of sodium thiosulphate after soaking in saturated
solution of iodine or of potassium ferry cyanide.
For restoration of a case using ninhydrin reagent, the object shall either be
applied with “Osyfull” oxygenated water) and be warmed, or be applied with 3% solution
of ammonium, or be soaked in hot water at 80 degrees or over.
The methods of affixing the reagent include a method where gas is blown on to an
object to be examined using an iodine gas generator or a method where gas is
filled up into a box in which an object has been placed. Also, there is another
method where gas is blown into a vinyl bag in which an object has been placed.
Since the fingerprint developed disappears within a few minutes, it is collected by
being photographed.
One of the recently developed method is to develop a fingerprint in white by affixing
gas generated from cyan acrylic instant adhesive. It proves effective for
developing fingerprints from a blackish object, especially the adhesive face of
adhesive tape.
1. Lifting material - All lifting materials used for lifting under the solid method, gelatin
paper, lifter, cellophane tape, transparent vinyl tape, and other adhesive tapes can
be used; but in most cases, gelatin paper is used.
2. Lifting method - The method of lifting directly to the lifting material is mostly used
for collecting a dust fingerprint or oil/grease fingerprints.
The method using processed lifting material is to lift the material to whose
surface chemical liquid etc. has been applied in advance. This method is used for
collecting an oil/grease fingerprint and a just fingerprint.
a. Dust fingerprint - In cases where dust quantity is small, a fingerprint shall be lifted
directly to gelatin paper (black). Whenever the fingerprint has become unclear after
lifting, the transparent plate shall be peeled off and photograph shall be taken by
lighting from the rear side, or the fingerprint shall be developed by having
lycopodium stick to the peeled backing by rolling method 7-9 days after lifting. Also
if the transparent plate is peeled off after lifting, its impressed face is turned
upwards, and the plate is soaked in ethyl alcohol for 1-3 minutes, its gelatin film
hardens and further change is prevented.
b. Blood fingerprint - In cases where a blood fingerprint has just been impressed on
an unabsorptive object, it shall be directly lifted on gelatin paper. In cases whir lifting
is difficult as it has become slightly dryer, it is better to apply gelatin paper to and
lightly press the blood fingerprint following the technique of lifting, to peel off the
paper after moistening the blood, to stick aluminum powder or gray to the blood
fingerprint by brushing, and to lift it onto other gelatin paper.
c. Oil/grease fingerprint - When the surface is dry, it shall be collected by lifting it onto
Binio roll lifter as it is. If not dry, it shall be lifted after drying in the shade.
Meanwhile, in cases of fluid oil/grease, a fingerprint cannot be collected by this
method.
D. SYMBOLS IN BLOCKING
FINGERPRINT PATTERN INDEX FINGER OTHER FINGERS
Arches (Plain) A a
Arches (tented) T t
Radial loops R or / r or /
Ulnar loops U or \ u or \
Plain Whorls W w
Central Pocket Loop Whorl C c
Double Loop Whorl D d
Accidental Whorl X x
Note Bene:
1. If a finger appears to be amputated (cut off) just place the symbol or simple
abbreviation as AMP and the date of amputation on the box of the finger actually
amputated.
RICO T. MUSONG, RC. Page 45
2. In case of partial amputation, place the abbreviation symbol “TIP AMP”.
PRIMARY CLASSIFICATION
A. Procedure to be followed in obtaining primary classification
Numbering in natural sequence. The first step in classifying fingerprints is the
numbering of the finger and thumbs. The natural sequence, starting with the right
thumb as one and ending at the left little finger as ten is followed:
Right hand 1 2 3 4 5
Left hand 6 7 8 9 10
ODD FINGERS: The odd fingers are 1 (right thumb) 3 (right middle finger) 5 (right little
finger) 7 (left index finger) 9 (left ring finger).
EVEN FINGERS: The even fingers are 2 (right index finger) 4 (right ring finger) 6 (left
thumb) 8 (left middle finger) 10 (left little finger).
TOTAL WHORL FOR PRIMARY - In a set of prints, the numerical value is represented
by two (2) distinct totals. First: all whorls appearing on the odd fingers; and
second, all whorls appearing on the even fingers. The two totals obtained
constitute the primary classification. ODD and EVEN finger must never total
together. The ODD numbered fingers shall constitute as the denominator and the
EVEN numbered fingers as the numerator.
ARBITRARY COUNT OF ONE (1) ADDED - To each total, an arbitrary count of one is
added.
PURPOSE OF ARBITRARY COUNT OF ONE (1) - The purpose of the arbitrary count
of one is to avoid a classification of zero over zero in a set of print in which no
whorls appear; this might be mistaken for the letter “O” which has another specific
meaning in the classification.
ILLUSTRATION:
1. 1/1, ½, 1/3, ¼, 1/5, 1/6……………………….. 1/32
2. 2/1, 2/2, 2/3, 2/4, 2/5, 2/6 ……………………. 2/32
3. 3/1, 3/2, 3/3, ¾, 3/5, 3/6 ……………………… 3/32 TILL
4. 32/1, 32/2, 32/2, 32/4, 32/5, 32/6 ……..….. 32/32
NOTE: The numerical value of the (AMP) (FMB) must not be changed.
2. If both fingers are amputated or missing at birth they are treated as whorl with the
respective numerical value and with meeting (M) tracing.
SECONDARY CLASSIFICTION
RANK – The secondary classification follows the primary classification.
POSITION OF SECONDARY – The secondary classification appears just to the right of
the fraction which represents the primary.
MEANING OF SECONDARY – The numerator (WRITTEN ABOVE) indicates the type
of pattern appearing on the index finger of the right hand.
DENOMINATOR MEANING – The denominator (WRITTEN BELOW) Indicate the type
pattern appearing on the index finger of the left hand.
right hand, and thumb tented arch, and index ulnar, and a middle finger radial on the left
hand.
IMPORTANCE OF SMALL LETTERS - The absence of small letter groups are of vital
importance to the classification system as the small letter occurs relatively
infrequently.
FREQUENCY - The small letter groups, after the index fingers have been grouped
(small) in the following sequence:
FIRST: The denominator by count (the lesser number of small letters proceeding
the greater).
SECOND: By position (small letter to the left of the index finger proceeding these
at the right).
THIRD: By type (a,t, r).
INDEX FINGERS:
One (1) to Nine (9) ridges ……………………… I (Inner)
Ten (10) or more ridges ………………………… 0 (Outer)
MIDDLE FINGERS:
One (1) to Ten (10) ridges ……………………… I (Inner)
Eleven (11) or more ridges ……………………... O (Outer)
RING FINGERS:
One (1) to thirteen (13) ridges ………………….. I (Inner)
Fourteen (14) or more ridges……………………. O (Outer)
3. For Arches
Use small letter (t) for tented arch.
Use small letter (a) for plain arch
If the index finger, middle finger, and ring finger are all plain arches just
put three dashes in the sub secondary classification and A2a in the Secondary
Classification. (Same is true when both index and middle fingers are the same).
If the index finger, middle finger and ring finger are all tented arches just
put three dashes in the sub secondary classification and T2t in the Secondary
Classification. (same is true when index and middle finger are the same).
Clues:
RICO T. MUSONG, RC. Page 50
1. If the ridges in the whorl pattern is ulnar it is OUTER.
2. If the ridges in the whorl pattern is radial it is INNER.
A. Take only the loop excluding the whorl inside it.
B. Left Delta will always be the one to drop. And in counting its ridges include
ending ridges and bifurcation.
FINAL CLASSIFICATION
POSITION - The final classification is indicated at the extreme right of the numerator.
NO LOOP IN THE RIGHT LITTLE FINGER - If a loop does not appear in the right little
finger, a loop in the left little finger may be used. The little finger position in the formula
remains unchanged, except that the ridge count is noted as a denominator rather than
as a numerator.
ARCH OR TENTED ARCH - If an arch or tented arch appears in the little finger, it is
indicated in the classification formula by a small dash (-). If such a formation appears in
both little fingers, final classification is not obtainable.
The Arch or Tented Arch appearing in either or both little fingers is not ignored in
the classification formula since it is incorporated and designated as a small letter in the
secondary classification.
BOTH LITTLE FINGERS ARE USED - Both little fingers are considered by some
bureaus and the ridge counts of both are recorded. However, the count of the
right little finger governs the sequence for filing within the final classification.
WHORL - If no loops appear in the little fingers but a whorl appears instead. A final
classification may be obtained by a ridge count of the whorl. Making a ridge count
of whorls (in either or both little fingers) is required in connection with a large
collection or group of prints, such as prints having a primary classification of thirty
two over thirty two.
SEARCH - When a search is made within a group of cards, and when the final is
designated, only prints having the same final count or count are examined. Some
bureaus allow a count of three on either side of the final classification.
LITTLE FINGERS USED ONLY FOR FINAL CLASSIFICATION - The ridge of the little
finger is used exclusively for the final classification.
LITTLE FINGERS NOT USED FOR KEY CLASSIFICATION - At no time can the ridge
count of either of the little fingers be used for the key classification.
IMPORTANCE OF FINAL - The final and the key classifications may be considered the
CONTROL FINGERS for filing and searching. They limit the number of the prints
to be examined each group.
FINAL NOT POSSIBLE - If the type pattern of either little finger is an arch, as a tented
arch, no final classification is obtained. This is indicated by a small dash (-).
RICO T. MUSONG, RC. Page 51
THE MAJOR AND KEY CLASSIFICATION
Major Classification, Defined - The major classification represents only the thumb of
each hand. It is the ridge count of the loop and/or the tracing of the whorl
appearing in the thumb of each hand (if such whorls appear).
POSITION - The major classification is placed immediately to the left of the primary in
the classification formula.
RIGHT AND LEFT THUMBS: NUMERATOR AND DENOMINATOR - The thumb of the
right hand appears in the classification formula as the numerator, and the thumb of
the left hand as the denominator.
SYMBOL FOR MAJOR CLASSIFICATION - The major classification is written with
specific symbols, which indicates the respective patterns of the thumb as being
either whorls or loops.
RIDGE TRACING OR RIDGE COUNTING - These symbols are governed by the ridge
tracing for whorls or the ridge counts for the loops.
SYMBOLS FOR LOOPS: S (small) in loops (ridge count); M (medium) in loops (ridge
count); L (large) in loops (ridge count).
LOOPS PATTERN IN BOTH THUMBS - In a set of prints having loop patterns in both
hands, the ridge count of the left thumb governs the symbol for the right thumb.
EITHER THUMB MISSING - When the thumb is missing, the missing one acquires the
same pattern, ridge count, or ridge tracing as the thumb of the opposite hand. On
this assumption, the classification proceeds as usual. Since the left thumb, real or
assumed, is the denominator, it governs the classification, filing and searching.
GROUPING THE PRINTS - Because specific symbols have been given for loops and
others for whorls appearing on the thumb, the prints are grouped according to their
respective patterns.
SEQUENCEFOR MAJOR - The filing for prints follows definite within each group.
SEQUENCE FOR WHORLS - For the whorls in the thumbs indicated as Inner (I),
meeting (M), and outer (O), the sequence is as follows:
NUMERATOR IMO IMO IMO
DENOMINATOR III III III
LOOP AND WHORL IN MAJOR - When the whorl appears in one thumb and a loop in
the other, a specific sequence is used.
REFERENCE: ONE THUMB MISSING - Although a classification was obtained for one
missing thumb, (as described above), it is necessary to continue the search in all
possible references. The original pattern of the missing thumb might be different
from the thumb of the opposite hand.
BOTH THUMBS MISSING - If both thumbs are missing, they arbitrarily acquire the
classification of meeting whorls, and no other reference searches are necessary.
No major classification is obtainable if one thumb pattern is plain arch or tented
arch. Such print will pertain to the small letter group (referring to the secondary
classification).
RADIAL LOOP ON EITHER OR BOTH THUMBS - The major classification is obtained
if a radial loop is present on either or both thumbs because a ridge count is
possible. However, the print will be filed with the small letter group.
N.B. All answers obtained must be put/placed on the numerator of the key
classification.
K. WRITE THE KEY AT THE LEFT OF THE ENTIRE FORMULA, PRECEDING ALL
OTHER COMPONENTS OF THE CLASSIFICATION FORMJLA
RICO T. MUSONG, RC. Page 53
LITTLE FINGERS NOT USED - If not used, the little fingers (regardless of their type
patterns or ridge count) as shown by the key for which they represent, are
reserved for the final.
KEY NO LOOPS - Make ridge count of whorl appearing in the thumb of the right at the
extreme left delta. This may be used as a key.
KEY NOT POSSIBLE - If the entire set of prints is composed of plain arches and
tented arches, the key cannot be obtained.
If both hands are amputated or missing at birth, the footprints should be taken as
they, too, bear friction ridges with definite patterns. A footprints file is maintained by the
FBI for identification purposes in instances where the subject has all fingers amputated
or missing at birth.
Partially amputated fingers often present very complex problems and careful
consideration should be given to them. The question often arises as to the appropriate
groups in which they should be filed, i.e., amputations or non amputations. As no
definite rule may be applied, it is a matter of experience and judgment as to their
preferred classification.
In those instances in which a partially amputated finger has half or more than half
of the pattern area missing, it is given the classification of the opposite finger. It will be
filed in the amputation group under those conducted in all possible classifications of the
opposite fingers only and are governed by the rules concerning amputations.
Generally, a “tip amputation,” or one which has less than half of the first joint
amputated, will always be printed in the future. Therefore, a partially amputated finger,
with less than half of the pattern area missing is classified as it appears and is
referenced to the opposite finger. It will be field in the non amputation group and
reference searches should be conducted under the classification of the opposite finger,
and in the amputation group. It must be referenced this way even though it never could
have originally had the classification of the opposite finger.
The preparation of the charts is ultimately the sole responsibility of the expert
using them. As matter of interest to law enforcement personnel engaged in fingerprint
work, a brief explanation of such charts follows, along with suggestions and remarks
based on long experience in these mattes.
Nova Scotia
Pre-historic picture writing of a hand with ridge patterns was discovered in Nova
Scotia.
In Peru, aerial photographs have exposed a huge ancient drawing which can
only be accurately viewed from the air. I have exhibited one of these photos to
the International Association for Identification and suggested it as a "possible"
fingerprint pattern.
In 1856, Sir William Hershel, Chief Administrative Office, Bengal India, first used
fingerprints on native contracts.
During the 1880's, Sir Francis Galton, a British anthropologist and a cousin of
Charles Darwin, began his observations of fingerprints as a means of
identification. In 1892, he published his book, "Fingerprints", establishing the
individuality and permanence of fingerprints. The book included the first
classification system for fingerprints.
In 1891, Juan Vucetich, and Argentine Police Official, began the first fingerprint
files based on Galton pattern types. At first, Vucetich included the Bertillon
system with the files. (see Bertillon below)
In 1892, Juan Vucetich made the first criminal fingerprint identification. He was
able to identify a woman by the name of Rojas, who had murdered her two sons,
and cut her own throat in an attempt to place blame on another.
Her bloody print was left on a door post, proving her identity as the murderer.
1902
First systematic use of fingerprints in the U.S. with the New York Civil Service
Commission for testing. Dr. Henry P. DeForrest, a pioneer in U.S. fingerprinting.
1903
The New York State Prison system began the first systematic use of fingerprints
in U.S. for criminals.
1904
The use of fingerprints began in Leavenworth State Penitentiary in Kansas, and
the St. Louis Police Department. They were assisted by a Sergeant from
Scotland Yard who had been on duty at the St. Louis Exposition guarding the
British Display.
1905
1905 saw the use of fingerprints for the U.S. Army. Two years later the U.S.
Navy, and was joined the next year by the Marine Corp.
During the next 25 years more and more law enforcement agencies join in the
use of fingerprints as a means of personal identification. Many of these agencies
began sending copies of their fingerprint cards to the National Bureau of Criminal
Identification, which was established by the International Association of Police
Chiefs.
It was in 1918 when Edmond Locard wrote that if 12 points (Galton's Details)
were the same between two fingerprints, it would suffice as a positive
identification. This is where the often quoted (12 points) originated. Be aware
though, there is "NO" required number of points necessary for an identification.
Some countries have set their own standards which do include a minimum
number of points, but not in the United States.
In earlier civilizations, branding and even maiming were used to mark the
criminal for what he was. The thief was deprived of the hand which committed
the thievery. The Romans employed the tattoo needle to identify and prevent
desertion of mercenary soldiers.
More recently, law enforcement officers with extraordinary visual memories, so-
called "camera eyes," identified old offenders by sight. Photography lessened the
burden on memory but was not the answer to the criminal identification problem.
Personal appearances change.
This Bertillon System, named after its inventor, Alphonse Bertillon, was generally
accepted for thirty years. But it never recovered from the events of 1903, when a
man named Will West was sentenced to the U.S. Penitentiary at Leavenworth,
Kansas. You see, there was already a prisoner at the penitentiary at the time,
whose Bertillon measurements were nearly exact, and his name was William
West.
Upon an investigation, there were indeed two men. They looked exactly alike, but
were allegedly not related. Their names were Will and William West respectively.
Their Bertillon measurements were close enough to identify them as the same
person. However, a fingerprint comparison quickly and correctly identified them
as two different people.
Animal
kingdom
OPA Home
Facts:
The patterns of ridges on our finger pads are unique: no two individuals—even
identical twins—have fingerprints that are exactly alike.
We leave impressions—or prints—of these patterns on everything we touch with
any pressure.
The prints can be visible, as when our fingers are dirty or oily, or they can be
latent, as when they are made only by the sweat that is always present on our
finger ridges.
Injuries such as burns or scrapes will not change the ridge structure: when new
skin grows in, the same pattern will come back.
Dactyloscopy is the practice of using fingerprints to identify someone.
Fingerprints can be classified by pattern types, by the size of those patterns, and
by the position of the patterns on the finger.
Skills:
Observing
Comparing and contrasting
Classifying
Materials:
Introduction
If you want to use fingerprints to solve crimes, you must have a way to describe and
sort and find prints that are similar to the one you find at a crime scene. The FBI has
over 200 million prints on file; they can't look through every single one to find a match.
Today we are going to look at some of our fingerprints and see how we might sort them
into categories, just as fingerprint specialists do.
Activity:
Divide into groups of 2
Note that, while scars, such as the white line on one of the sample prints in this lesson,
are the easiest patterns to see, they cannot be used either for classification or
identification. They are not unique in the way that ridge patterns are, and they also
change over time—making them unreliable for these purposes.
For over 100 years, police agencies have had a powerful tool in combating crime. The
use of fingerprinting allows crime fighters an extremely accurate means of identification.
Other means of identification (such as hair color or style, weight, or eye color) may
change, but fingerprints do not.
In earlier civilizations, branding, tattooing, or even maiming was used to mark and
identify criminals. Although man had been aware of the fact that each person
possessed a unique set of ridges on the fingers and hands, the use of these prints for
criminal identification was not accepted until the early 1900s.
Currently, the FBI possesses over 250 million sets of fingerprint records. This enormous
collection is composed of both criminal and civil prints. The civil file includes the prints of
both government employees and applicants for federal jobs.
For many years, scientists did not use fingerprinting as a serious tool for identifying
criminals. Instead, they used a system which recorded the dimensions of certain
skeletal body parts (known as the Bertillon System). But in 1903, Leavenworth Federal
Penitentiary received a prisoner by the name of Will West.
Shockingly, Will had almost the same Bertillon measurements (as well as appearance)
as another prisoner currently serving a life sentence for murder. But even though the
two unrelated criminals looked identical, and had similar names, their fingerprints were,
of course, different.
The classification of fingerprints into distinct groups based on general similarities allows the
fingerprint examiner to search for an unidentified fingerprint within a specific section of the
fingerprint file rather than having to search the whole file.
There are numerous fingerprint classification systems in use throughout the world today. These
systems are all based on three fundamental ridge formations described by Purkinje, Galton,
Vucetich and Henry. They are the arch, the loop - radial and ulnar, and the whorl.
CLASSIFICATION PATTERNS
IDENTIFICATION CHARACTERISTICS
Individuals generally have a mixture of pattern types on their fingertips, with some correlation
between the left and right hands. There is also evidence that the general fingerprint pattern may
be genetically determined. While the loop pattern is the most common pattern, classification of
individuals by assigning a pattern type to each of the ten fingers in an ordered fashion, serves as
a first line of differentiation, however, no such classification is likely to be unique.
Fingerprint Identification
Identification points consist of bifurcations, ending ridges, dots, ridges and islands. A
single rolled fingerprint may have as many as 100 or more identification points that can
be used for identification purposes. There is no exact size requirement as the number
2 First, image 1 and image 2 are both taken from the same
image. In real life you would have impressions made at
separate times and subject to different pressure distortions. Secondly, these images are
relatively clean and clear where many of the actually crime scene prints are anything
but clear. Last you have to consider that this is an easy comparison because you are
blessed with having a core pattern and a delta when in some cases you may have a
latent that could be a fingertip, palm or even foot impression.
dot trifurcation
opposed
hook (spur) bifurcation/ridge
ending