FINGERPRINTING (DACTYLOSCOPY) NATURE OF FINGERPRINTS

A FINGERPRINT is a composite of the ridge outlines which appears on the skin surface of the bulbs on the
inside of the end of joints of the fingers and thumbs. 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.
Take Note:
Ridge – literally, the top of long hill
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.
HISTORICAL ACCOUNTS INVOLVING FINGERPRINTS
Are there any ancient records concerning the use of Finger and Palm Prints?
1. 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.
2. 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 TeIn Shi was the first on to use fingerprint in China.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. In Holland and China, identification of individuals was by means of branding, tattooing, mutilation, and also
manifested by wearing clothes of different designs.
6. 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.
7. 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, and New England coasts and in Africa.
8. 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.
9. KomOmbo 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.
10. 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.”
11. In Jerusalem, fingerprint relics were found in clay lumps during the 4th and 5th centuries of the Christian
Era. The excavation of Palestine by the late Dr. Bade yielded fragments of such specimens (fingerprints).
12. 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 3rd century B.C.
13. During the T’ang Dynasty, fingerprints were used in connection with the preparation of legal documents.
Kia Yungyen, 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.”
14. 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 palm print 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.” 15. Early in the 12th century, in the
novel, “The Story of the River Bank,” fingerprinting found itself already in the criminal procedure of China; and in the
16th century, a custom prevailed in connection with the sale of children. 16. 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. 17. 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. 18. 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.

Are there any early publication concerning Fingerprints?

1. 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.

2. 1685-G. Bidloo published a treaty describing sweat pores and ridges.

3. 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.

4. 1686-Professor Marcelo Malpighi, an Italian anatomist (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.

5. 1751-Hintzo wrote on the ridge formation, but dealt with the subject from the viewpoint of anatomy rather than
identification.

6. 1764-Albinus followed along the same lines as Hintzo had written.

7. 1788-J.C.A. Mayer stated in his book (AnatomischeKupfertafeinNebstDazuGeharigen) that although the arrangement
of the skin ridges is never duplicated in two persons, nevertheless, the similarities are closer among some individuals.

8. 1823-Johannes Evangelist Purkinje,(FATHER OF DACTYLOCOSPY) a Czechoslovakian professor of anatomy at the

University of Breslau, published a thesis in Latin (Commentio de Examine PhysiogicoOrganiVisus Et systematisCutansi – A
Commentary of the Physiological Examination System: Dec. 22, 1823, Breslau, Germany) describing the ridges, giving
them names and established certain rules for classification (nine groups). He involves vague differentiation of
fingerprints or uses them for identification.

9. 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).

10. 1883-Kollman, an anthropologist who wrote his book on ridges and pores. He did not associate fingerprints with
identification.
What are the historical events concerning Fingerprints as Method of Identification?

1. 1858-Sir William J. Herschel (FATHER OF CHIROSCOPY), in Hoogly, district of Bengal, India, he used fingerprints in India
to prevent fraudulent collection of army pay account and for identification of other documents. He printed the palms of
natives in order to avoid impersonation among laborers. Prints of the entire palms were used instead of signatures. The
first person Herschel printed appears to have been one RAJYADHAR KONAI.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Isaiah West Taber – A photographer in San Francisco advocated the use of the system for the registration of the
immigrant Chinese.

6. 1883-An episode in Mark Twain’s life on the Mississippi relates to the identification of a murderer by his thumbprint.
7. 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.

8. 1888-Sir Edward Richard Henry succeeded Sir William J. Herschel at his post in India. He became interested in
fingerprints and devised a classification of his own and published his work in book form and titled it “Classification and
Uses of Fingerprints.”

9. 1889-Sir Richard Henry at Dove, England read a paper detailing his system before the British association for
Advancement of Science.

10. 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.

11. 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

12. 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.

13. 1900-Alphonse Bertillon’s system of body measurement had by this time spread throughout the world.

14. 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.

15. The system employed was developed from Galton’s observation and devised by Edward Richard Henry, the
InspectorGeneral of Police in Bengal, India. He later became commissioner of London’s Metropolitan Police.

16. 1914-Fingerprints were officially adopted in France, replacing Bertillon age.

What are the important dates concerning the development and use of fingerprint in the United States?

1. 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).
2. 1902-Sir Henry P. Forest, chief Medical examiner of New York Civil Service Commission and an American preacher in
fingerprint science in the US for the New York Civil Service commission to prevent applicants from having betterqualified
persons to take the test for them.

3. 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.

4. 1903-New York State Prison in Albany claims the first practical, systematic use of fingerprints in the US to identify
criminals.

5. 1903-Fingerprints identification was adopted in the following penitentiaries: Singing Sing, Napanoch, Auborn and
Clinton prisons

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 1904-John Kenneth Ferrer (Perrier) of the Fingerprint Branch of the New Scotland Yard attended the St. Louis Missouri
World’s 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.

9. 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.

10. 1905-Fingerpritning was officially adopted by the U.S. Army. It was known as the first military use of fingerprint.

11. 1907-Fingerprinting was officially adopted by the U.S. Navy (January 11, 1907).

12. 1908-Fingerprinting was officially adopted by the U.S. Marine Corps.

13. 1910-Frederick A. Brayley published what appears to be the first American book in fingerprints.

14. 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).
15. 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.

16. 1916-The Institution of Applied Science established at Chicago, Illinois was the first school to teach fingerprint
identification (June 16, 1916).

17. 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.

18. 1919-Marked the publication of “Fingerprint and Identification Magazine” (Chicago). The first monthly journal
devoted exclusively to fingerprint science, (July 1919).

19. 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.

20. 1922-Haken Jersengen, the sub-director of police in Copenhagen, Denmark introduced first 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).

21. Mary K. Holland – the first American Instructress in Dactyloscopy.

22. 1924-The Identification Division of the FBI was established after J. Edgar Hoover was appointed Director.

23. 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.

24. 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).
25. 1925-Harry J. Myers II installed the first official fact fingerprint system for infants in Jewish Maternity Hospital in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.

26. 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.

27. 1932-The International Exchange of Fingerprint date was initiated with a number of other nations on February 15,
1932.

28. 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).

29. 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.

30. 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.

31. 1938-A book by Harry J. Myers II, “History of Identification of fingerprints in U.S.” was published in Fingerprint and
Identification Magazine (Chicago, Illinois, Vol. 20, no. 4, Oct. 1938).

32. 1946-the 100th millionth fingerprint card was received in the identification division of the FBI. The total grew to 152
million in May 11, 1959.

33. 1967-“Minutiae” was initiated by the FBI, a computerized scanning equipment to read and record fingerprint
identifying characteristics.

34. 1972-the prototype automatic fingerprint reader was delivered.

35. 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.

36. 1978-Journal of Forensic Science – reported that certain properties of perspiration and body oils contained in latent
print residue will luminescence 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.

37. 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.

38. 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.

39. 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.

40. 1983-Completion of the conversion of the FBI criminal fingerprint 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.

41. 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.

42. 1985 (Jan. 2) – a contract was awarded for building the final phase of the Identification Division Automated System
(IDAS).

43. 1989-IDAS implementation. 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.

What about Historical Development of Fingerprints in the Philippines?

1. 1900-Mr. Jones was the first to teach fingerprints in the Philippines in the Phil. Constabulary.

2. 1918-The Bureau of Prisons records show that carpetas (commitment and conviction records) already bear
fingerprints.
3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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).

6. The science of fingerprinting was first offered as a subject in the Philippines through the effort of the Plaridel
Educational Institution.

STUDYING FINGERPRINTS

What are the basic principles of Fingerprint Science?

(3 dogmatic Principles)

1. Principle of Individuality (Variation) – There are no two fingerprints that are exactly alike unless taken from the same
finger.

2. Principle of Permanency (Constancy/Perennial/Immutable) – The configuration and details of individual ridges remain
constant and unchanging till after the final decomposition of the body.

3. Principle of Infallibility – That fingerprint is a reliable means of personal identification and all courts accept and adopt
fingerprint as a means of personal identification.

What are the two main layers of the Skin?

1. Outer scarf or Epidermis

2. Inner Scarf or Dermis

Take Note:

1. Stratum Malpighi or the layer of the Malpighi – the ridges are formed into patterns by virtue of the fact that the
epidermis is penetrated and molded by the dermal papillae

2. Damage to the epidermis alone does not result to permanent ridge destruction, whereas damage to the dermis will
result to permanent ridge destruction

3. We can identify many fingerprints which we cannot classify.

State the principal uses of fingerprints –

Some of the uses of fingerprinting include:

1. Identification of criminals whose fingerprints are found at the scene of the crime

2. Identification of fugitive through a comparison of fingerprints

3. Assistance to prosecutors in presenting their cases in the light of defendants’ previous records

4. Imposition of more equitable sentence by the courts

5. Furnishing identification data to probation and parole officers and to parole boards for their enlightenment in decision
making

6. Exchanging of criminal-identifying information with identification bureaus of foreign countries in cases of mutual
interest

7. Means of personal identification

8. Recognition by the government of honored dead

9. Identification of unknown deceased

10. Prevention of hospital mistakes in the identification of infants

11. Identification of persons suffering from amnesia where fingerprints are on file

12. Identification of missing person

13. Personal identification of victims of disaster works

14. Identification of unconscious persons; and

15. Licensing procedures for automobile, firearms, aircraft and other equipment.

Give some important Events, Dates or Personalities showing the basis of the Legality of Fingerprinting

1. In 1911, an Illinois court, in the case of the People vs. Jennings (252 Ill. 534, 96NE 1077 (1911) ) pass upon the
admissibility of fingerprint evidence.

2. 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.

3. Following the Illinois case was one in New Jersey, State vs. Cerciello, in which fingerprint evidence was permitted to
be introduced.

4. 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.

5. 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 that the fingerprints found on the post were similar to the fingerprints of the defendant.

6. 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 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).

7. In the case of Commonwealth vs. 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.

8. In a California case, People vs. Coral (224 cal. 2d300 (1964( ), the court stated, “it is completely settled law that
fingerprints are the strongest evidence of the identity of a person.” This Doctrine was reasserted in another California
case, People V. Riser (47 cal. 2d566 (1956) ) in which the court stated, “fingerprint evidence is the strongest evidence of
identity and is ordinarily sufficient alone to identify the defendant.”

9. The US Supreme Court in the case of Schmerber vs. 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”.

10. 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.

11. People vs. Medina (59 Phil. 330) - The first leading judicial decision in the Philippine jurisprudence on the science of
fingerprinting.

Admissibility of Fingerprint Testimony

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.

Number of Ridge Characteristics as Basis for Absolute Identity

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:

1. Clearness of the pattern.

2. Rarity of the type

3. Presence of core or delta in the decipherable part

4. Presence of pores

5. The perfect and clear identity of the width of ridges and furrows, of the direction of the lines, and the angular value of
the furrows.

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.

Can Fingerprint be destroyed?

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 but re occur later.

Locard and Witkowsji of Lyons, who performed rather painful experiments on themselves by burning their fingertips
with boiling water, hot oil and hot metal had shown that after the healing of the epidermis (outer skin), the original
patterns of fingerprints reappeared.

Can Fingerprints be forged?

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.

Give the reasons why Fingerprints is one of the most Infallible Means of Personal Identification
1. Fingerprints are already formed about 3 to 4 months of intra-uterine life and will remain unchanged throughout life
until the final decomposition of the body.

2. The pattern formation formed by the papillary ridges contains peculiar characteristics upon which a person can always
be identified by fingerprint examiners.

3. Almost every police and law enforcement agencies throughout the world accept, adopt and utilize the fingerprint
system as a means of absolute identification of a person.

4. The court and other authorities had taken cognizance of its importance and reliability as a means of identification.

5. That fingerprint will speak for itself as it shows the owner thereof in accordance with the principle of re ipso liquitor (a
thing will speak for itself).

FINGERPRINT CHARACTERISTICS AND FORMATIONS

Allied Sciences of Fingerprints

Dactyloscopy – identification of persons through examination and comparison of fingerprint.

Taken from Greek words: Dactylos – a finger and skopien – to examine

1. Poroscopy – The scientific examination or study of the sweat pores. It is the study of the configuration, size, and
relative position of the pores in human skin.

2. Chiroscopy – Science of palm print identification.

3. Podoscopy – Science of foot print identification.

Pattern Interpretation

1. Arches – 5%

2. Loops – 60%

3. Whorls – 35%

Take Note: According to studies, the appearance of arches is less followed by whorls and the loops.

What are the Types of Ridge Formation?

1. Recurving ridge – is a ridge that curves back in the direction in which it started.

2. Converging Ridges – Two or more lines forming an angle, a ridge whose closed end is angular and serves as a point of
convergence.

3. Diverging ridges – Two ridges running side by side and suddenly separating, one ridge going one way and the other
ridge, another way.

4. Bifurcating ridges – A single ridge which splits into two ridges forming a “Y” shape formation or structure.

5. Island, Eyelet, lake or Eye – it is a single ridge which bifurcates where the bifurcating ridges converge at a certain point
to form again into a single ridge.

6. Dot or Series of Dots – They are fragmentary ridges formed like a dot or dots.

7. Short or Series of Short Ridges – they are fragmentary ridges formed by short or series of short ridges.

8. Ridge Ending - It is a termination or ending of ridge or ridges.

9. Fragmentary Ridges – They consist of disconnected sequences of short ridges embodied intensely. These ridges are
considered in the classification of fingerprints if they appear as dark and as thick as the surrounded ridges within the
pattern area.

10. Ridge Hook – It is a ridge that divides to form two ridges which are shorter in length than the main ridge.

11. Ridge Bridge – This is a connecting ridge between two ridges.

12. Incipient or Nascent Ridge – This is a kind of ridge which is madly formed, thin, short or broken which appears in the
depressions between two well formed ridges.

13. Sufficient Recurve – The space between shoulders of a loop, free of any appendage, and a butting at right angle.
14. Appendage – A short ridge at the top or summit of a recurve usually at right angle.

15. Core – It is a point on a ridge formation usually located at the center or heart of a pattern.

16. Delta or Triradial Point – It a point on the first ridge formation at or directly in front or near the center of the
divergence of the type lines.

17. Envelop – Is a single recurving ridge enclosing one or more rods or bars.

18. Friction ridges – Are strips of skin on the inside of the end joints of our fingers and thumbs by which fingerprints are
made. They are also called papillary ridges or epidermal ridges.

19. Furrows – Are depressions or canals between the ridges which maybe compared with the low area in a tire tread.

20. Rod or Bar – is a single ending ridge at the center of a recurving ridge of a loop pattern.

21. Up thrust - Is an ending ridge of any length rising at a sufficient degree from a horizontal place.

22. Dissociated ridges – are unusual ridge structures having no well defined patterns; the ridges are extremely short,
appear like a series of “patches” caused by a disturbance of developmental process at early fetal life of the individuals.
23. Shoulder of a loop – It is that point at which the recurving ridge definitely turns or curves.

24. Puckering – As growth ceases at several ends, the ends curl slightly.

25. Creases – Are thin, usually straight narrow white lines running transversely or formed side to side, across the print,
causing the puckering of the ridges.

26. Staple – Single recurving ridge at the center of the pattern area.

27. Spike – an ending ridge at the center of a pattern which forms the up thrust.

Type Lines and Pattern Area

1. Type line – basic boundaries of most fingerprints.

2. Pattern area – The part of the fingerprint which lies within the area surrounded by the type lines.

What are the Rules on Core and Delta Location?

The rules in CORE location are:

1. The core is placed upon or within the innermost sufficient recurve.

2. When the innermost sufficient recurve contains ending ridges or rod rising as high as the shoulder of the loop further
from the delta. The exemption to this rule is when both shoulders are equidistant to the center of the sufficient recurve.
3. When the innermost sufficient recurve contains an uneven number of rods rising as high as the shoulders, the core is
placed upon the end of the center rod whether it touches the looping ridge or not.

4. When the innermost sufficient recurve contains an even number of rods rising as high as the shoulders, the core is
placed upon the end of the further one of the two center rods, the two rods being treated as though they were
connected by a recurving ridge.

Take Note - Always base on the entrance of the pattern in the fingerprint.

The rule in DELTA location is:

1. A dot can be a delta when there is no other alternative. 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.

Ridge counting and Ridge tracing

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. Take Note - It applies only to loops.

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.

Divisions of Fingerprint Patterns

A. LOOPS

1. ulnar
2. radial
B. ARCHES

1. Tented
2. Plain
C. WHORLS

1. Plain whorl
2. Central pocket loop whorl

3. Double loop whorl

4. Accidental whorl

RULES ON FINGERPRINT PATTERNS

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.
Take Note - A pattern to be a loop must have the following four (4) essential requisites:
a. It must have a core
b. It must have a delta
c. An imaginary line must pass between the core and the delta
d. It must have a ridge count of a minimum of at least one (1)

3. Plain Whorl - Symbolized by letter “W” in the classification. It is a fingerprint pattern which there are two (2) deltas
and in which at least one (1) ridge makes a turn through one complete circuit, an imaginary line drawn between the two
(2) deltas must touch or cross at least one (1) of the circuiting whorl ridges within the pattern area.

4. Central Pocket Loop Whorl - Symbolized by letter “C“in the classification. It is a fingerprint pattern which for the most
part of a loop, but which has a small whorl inside the loop ridges, sometimes called a composite pattern, which means
that it is made up of two (2) patterns in one, a whorl inside a loop. 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.

5. Double Loop Whorl - Symbolized by letter “D” in the classification. A double loop whorl is a pattern consisting of two
(2) separate and distinct loop formations. One of the loops surrounds or overlaps the other, also called COMPOSITE
PATTERN, like the central pocket loop whorl. It arises from the fact that these patterns are a composite or combination
of two 92) patterns in one, with two cores and two deltas.

6. Accidental Whorl - Symbolized by letter “X” in the classification. It is a pattern which is a combination of two or more
different types of pattern except in the PLAIN ARCH. It is a pattern which is a combination of two or more different types
of pattern except in the PLAIN ARCH. It can be a combination of a loop and a whorl, a loop and a central pocket loop
whorl, or any combination of two or more different loops and whorl type patterns.

7. Plain Arch - Symbolized by letter “A” in the classification. It is a fingerprint pattern in which the ridges enter on one
side of the pattern and flow towards the other side with a rise at the center with not more than one of the four (4)
essential requisites for loop pattern and with no recurving ridge, no angular formation and no upward thrust.

Take Note - It enters to the left and flows towards the right.
8. Tented Arches - Symbolized by letter “T” in the classification. It is a variety of arch family, but their ridge formations
are not simple as those of the plain arch, also considered TRANSITIONAL PATTERN between a plain arch and a loop.
Generally speaking, TENTED ARCHES are formed in any of these three (3) way formations, to wit:
a. One or several ridges in the center of the form an up thrust.
b. The ridge or ridges in the center formed a well-defined angle.
c. The pattern may have two or three or four essential requisites of a loop pattern.
Take Note - An up thrust must have an ending ridge.
REAL FINGERPRINT IMPRESSIONS 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.

Methods of Producing Real Impressions

1. Plain Method.
2. Rolled Method

Methods of recording real Fingerprints

Step 1- Ink the roller. Apply a small amount (about ¼ inch long stream) of fingerprint ink on the right side of the slab,
toward the back. Roll out a two to three inch wide layer of ink on the back portion of the slab-lifting the roller off the
slab after each stroke and return to the starting point (do not use a back-and-forth motion with the roller). Repeat
several times until a thin film of ink forms on the roller.
Step 2 - Next, using the same roller motion (without rolling back and forth), spread the layer toward the front edge of
the slab, until a smooth, uniform coating of ink forms. The front edge is where the fingerprints are rolled. When the ink
on the front edge becomes too thin, replenish the ink roller on the back edge of the slab and repeat step two.
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.

PrintsMatic 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.

Equipment Used in Preparation for Taking Fingerprint using Slab and Roller Method
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. What are the reasons why FOUNTAIN PEN INK, COLORED INK
AND STAMP PAD INK are objectionable to be used as fingerprint ink? a. They are too thin b. Dry too quickly c. Stamp pad
smears easily d. Impressions using stamp pad reproduce ‘weave” of the pad stamp covering the inked impression. e.
Unsatisfactory for comparison purposes.
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.

IMPORTANT POINTS TO BE CONSIDERED IN TAKING LEGIBLE FINGERPRINTS

1. Cleanliness of equipment
2. The right kind and correct amount of ink.
3. Proper distribution of ink on the glass slab or inking plate.
4. The distance of the subject from the inking on the fingerprint card.
5. The advice of the operator to the subject to relax and never to aid in the operation.
6. The pressure exerted must be slight and even the rolling be continuous movement including lifting.
7. The nail of the fingers should be at rights angle to the slab or to the card before starting the rolling and always roll the
fingers until the other side of the nail is reached (180 degrees).
8. The inking and printing must always reach below the first of the fingers.
9. The thumbs should be rolled towards the subject’s body and all other fingers away from the subject’s body.

STEPS IN TAKING FINGERPRINTS

1. The first and most important step is clear the plate thoroughly.
2. A daub of printer’s ink is deposited near the edge of the plate away from the operator.
3. The subject’s hand and fingers must be relaxed.

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.
Take Note: Rolled Impression – the subject must be relaxed Plain Impression – the subject may not be relaxed FINGER
DISABILITIES THAT NEED EXTRA-ATTENTION IN TAKING PRINTS 1. Temporary Disabilities a. fresh cuts or wounds or
bandaged fingers b. Occupational marks (dry skin) – carpenters, bricklayers, etc. c. Excessive perspiration 2. Permanent
Disabilities a. lack of fingers – in-born or amputated b. crippled fingers – bent or broken c. deformities – webbed, extra
fingers (poly dactyl) d. old age e. split fingers/thumbs EXTRAORDINARY TAKING OF REAL FINGERPRINT IMPRESSIONS 1.
Excessively sweating fingers - Impressing shall be made after temporarily suppressing sweating by wiping fingers with a
lightly squeezed piece of gauze to which formalin alcohol liquid (100 ml. of ethyl alcohol liquid containing 1-3 ml. of
formalin pharmacopoeia) is applied. 2. Fingers with stiff joints - Impressing shall be made after shaking a subject’s hand
grasped by the wrist up and down several times to smoothen the joint movement. In this case, if the impressing plate
and the glass plate are placed somewhat higher while having the subject stand somewhat away from the table, handling
would be easier. 3. Fingers with stiff surface skin, coarse fingers and fingers suffering from dermatophytosis - Wrap
fingers in a steamed towel for several minutes then impress. In this case, somewhat denser ink and somewhat weaker
impressing will be better. FINGERPRINT IMPRESSING TECHNIQUE FOR A DEAD BODY 1. Fingers soon after death - Wipe
out fingers with a piece of gauze containing alcohol if they are stained. In case where satisfactory roll impressions are
not obtainable by the ordinary impressing technique, the impression paper shall be cut to a proper size, and impressing
shall be made onto it using such aids as a fingerprint taking pallet from a dead body. 2. Stiff fingers of a clenched fist -
Impressing shall be made using an aid such as a spatula for taking fingerprints from a dead body. 3. Blanched and
wrinkled fingers Take Note: Finger without percolate - Wipe them with a piece of alcohol – containing gauze, soften
them thoroughly with your finger tips, stretch wrinkles, and then impress. Fingers with percolate - Take their mold with
silicon after drying with lycopodium powder. In order to obtain fingerprint impressions from silicon molds, strippable
paint or cortex shall be used this technique is as follows: Fingers with peeled-off surfaced 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. Mummified fingers.Take their
mould with silicon, make films with strippable paint or cortex, and impress.

CHANCE FINGERPRINT IMPRESSIONS Chance Impressions - These are fingerprints which are imprinted by mere chance
or without any intention to produce the print. Chance print may be 1. Plastic impression – impressions made by chance
on cellophane tapes or any plastic materials. 2. Visible prints – impressions made by chance and visible without chemical
treatment. 3. Latent prints – impressions which are visible grossly but made visible by the addition of some substances.
These are fingerprints found at the scene of a crime. Search for Scene of Fingerprint Impressions In order to collect
scene fingerprints, it is necessary to clarify where they were impressed. Most scene fingerprints are usually found at the
points of entry, and departure, places ransacked, etc. Therefore, searching for scene fingerprints should be made with
emphasis on such places but be thoroughly made on their surroundings. Further, there may be cases where a suspect
uses gloves, wipes out his fingerprint after committing a crime, or makes other actions in connection with fingerprints.
Thus, even when glove impressions or other traces of actions have been found as result of a fingerprint search, it is
necessary not to give up but to make a thorough search all over the scene of the crime. How to collect Chance
Fingerprints? The methods of collecting fingerprints are roughly classified into eight, i.e., solid method (powder
method), liquid method, gas method, lifting method, and flame method, molding method, photographing method and
development with lasers. SOLID METHOD (POWDER METHOD) This solid method is also called the powder method since
powder is used, and is the most basic method.

The kinds and properties of powders commonly used are as follows:

 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 kinds 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.

POWDERING METHODS Powdering methods include the brushing method, rolling method, spraying method and light
hitting method 1. The brushing method is a method where, after affixing powder to an object to be examined with a
brush (developing brush) to whose tip a small quantity of powder has been affixed a fingerprint is developed by lightly
sweeping it with another, powder less brush (finishing brush) to remove excessive powder. 2. The rolling method is
method where, after placing a proper quantity of powder on an object to be examined, lightly moving it by bending and
tilting, spreading out powder all over the object to have powder adhere to the fingerprint, the fingerprint is developed
by flipping the back side of the object to remove excess powder. 3. Also, there is another method called the sprinkling or
tapping method where, after having powder adhere to a fingerprint by lightly tapping the object to be examined, the
fingerprint is developed by lightly tapping a part of the object with one’s fist, etc. to remove excess powder. 4. The
spraying method is a method where, after evenly spraying powder over the object to be examined from a distance of
approximately 30 cm, the fingerprint is developed by removing excess powder by an air spray or with a brush, etc. This
method is suitable for cases where development is made from a porous or solid object using lowly adhesive powder. 5.
In cases where development has been made by using fluorescent powder, the effect is doubled if observed by utilizing a
ultra-violet ray emitter. 6. The light-striking method is a method where, after having powder adhere to a fingerprint by,
say, lightly striking the object to be examined with a brush tip to which powder has been applied, the fingerprint is
developed with another brush to which no powder is applied or by air blowing with a blower-brush or a spray to remove
excess powder. This method is suitable for development from an object with a porous or adhesive surface.

LIFTING METHOD Collecting method by lifting fingerprint developed with powder include methods employing
cellophane tape, vinyl tape or other adhesive tape, and methods employing silicon rubber. 1. The lifting technique with
gelatin paper or lifter is as follows: 2. Cut gelatin paper or lifter to proper size. 3. Pull off the backing. 4. Direct the
adhesive face toward the fingerprint. 5. Press on corner to the paper firmly to the object. 6. Press the rest of the paper
to the object in stages, from the point already affixed towards the fingerprint. 7. Press it lightly and evenly with your
palm, etc. Less air should be trapped. 8. Peel it off after lifting. 9. Stick it to the backing in the same manner of lifting.

The lifting method using silicon rubber follows the following: 1. Stretch the above thinly and evenly onto a proper-sized
piece of paper or cloth. 2. Add 5-10% by volume of hardener to silicon base. 3. Mix them thoroughly. 4. Stretch the
above thinly and evenly onto a proper-sized piece of paper or cloth. 5. Apply above to a fingerprint to be lifted. 6. Press
lightly and evenly with a palm, etc. to prevent bubbles from being trapped. 7. Pull off after silicon has hardened.

Take Note: 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.” 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. LIQUID
METHOD 1. Affix some chemicals to latent or visible fingerprint to cause a chemical change in the excreta elements. 2.
Develop or clarify it. 3. Record the print by photographing it. 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. a. 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.

b. 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. The
spraying method is as follows: 1. Fill a sprayer for liquid with reagent. 2. Spray evenly over the object to be examined
about 30 cm. From the nozzle for affixing the reagent to the object. a. This method is applicable to three-dimensional as
well as flat-surfaced objects either large or small. b. The sprayer used for the thin method should be capable of spraying
as fine as mist as possible. c. A ninhydrin sprayer is an aerosol-type sprayer exclusively for fingerprints which sprays the
reagent (0.5% acetone solution of ninhydrin) by means of pressurized gas. Meanwhile, since silver nitrate reagent
corrodes the metallic portions of a sprayer, it should not be used in development by spraying method. Take Note:
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. GAS METHOD This is a method where a latent fingerprint is developed by
means of coloring by affixing gasified reagent or by causing chemical change in elements of excreta, and then collected
by photographing or by lifting onto lifting material. This method is suitable for developing fingerprints from papers,
unpainted wood and textiles. Iodine is exclusively used as a reagent. The developed pattern disappears within a few
minutes. Therefore, reduction is unnecessary. a. 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. b. Since the fingerprint developed disappears within a few minutes, it is collected by being
photographed. c. One of the recently developed methods 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. This method follows the following: 1. Apply cyanoacrylate to a plastic or similar plate. 2.
The place on which a fingerprint is supposedly impressed shall be placed and fixed face to face about 3 mm above the
plate. 3. Leave it under a cover. 4. The fingerprint is developed about 3 minutes later at the earliest. 5. The developed
fingerprint shall be collected by being photographed. LIFTING METHOD This method includes a method where a visible
fingerprint is directly lifted to lifting material, a method where a fingerprint which has been directly lifted is processed
with powder, chemical liquid, etc., and a method where a fingerprint is lifted using lifting material processed in advance
with chemical liquid, etc., and then preserved as it is or photographed. These are effective for collecting dust
fingerprints, oil/grease fingerprints, and blood fingerprints. 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. 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. Major collecting methods by tape of visible fingerprint are as follows:

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. FLAME METHOD This is a method of developing or clarifying by affixing
soot to a latent or unclear fingerprint. The developed fingerprint shall be collected by lifting in onto lifting material or by
photographing. This method is suitable for collection from metal or other object with a porous surface. Soot-generating
materials (burning material) include magnesium (photo flash powder), camphor, pine resin, benzene, kerosene, edible
oil, paraffin and candles. MOLDING METHOD This is a method of collecting visible fingerprints with a molding material,
and is suitable for collecting from an object with so complicated and uneven a surface that lifting with lifting material is
unfeasible. This is also suitable for collecting a latent fingerprint developed from a heated object. The molding materials
include silicon rubber, plaster, “Aljix”, strippable paint, paraffin was, and plastic liquid. Collection shall be made by taking
a photograph or just preserving the mold. PROTOGRAPHING METHOD Space age technology is being used to enhance
latent prints that heretofore were of insufficient quality to be used. While image processing has been used for some
time, the high cost of computers precluded the use of such technology in most crime laboratories. Major advances in the
“microchip” industry and the resulting proliferation of relatively inexpensive microcomputers have placed this
technology within the budgets of many laboratories. DEVELOPMENT WITH LASERS Light amplification by stimulated
emission of radiation. The use of lasers for detection of latent fingerprint is relatively new and dates from 1976. By 1985,
approximately 50 forensic science laboratories, or approximately 15 percent of the crime laboratories in North America,
used lasers. With nonporous items (e.g., plastic bags, glass, and so forth), the evidence is first fumed with cyanoacrylate.
If prints are not visible by means of normal techniques employed, the material is washed with a methanol solution of
rhodamine. Excess rhodamine is washed off with methanol, using a laboratory plastic wash bottle. If prints are present,
the small amount of excess rhodamine will adhere to them and show up under laser illumination can be used. A zinc
chloride solution is used to change the Ruheman’s purple coloration, caused by the reaction of ninhydrin with the amino
acids present in the prints, to a yellow-orange color. The color change is luminescent in laser light, and visible prints may
be photographed. On porous items of evidence (e.g., paper, cardboard, and the like), evidence is treated in the usual
way with ninhydrin. If prints are visible but have insufficient ridge detail, laser illumination can be used. A zinc chloride
solution is used to change the Ruhemann’s purple coloration, caused by the reaction of ninhydrin with the amino acids
present in the prints, to a yellow-orange color. The color change is luminescent in laser light, and visible prints may be
photographed. At this time there are three types of lasers used in latent print work: the argon ion laser, copper vapor
laser, and neodymium: YAG laser. LATENT FINGERPRINTS ON HUMAN SKIN Techniques for developing latent fingerprints
on human skin have been devised, but have been successful only in rare instances. They may be attempted in certain
cases. The procedures are simple to use, inexpensive, and can be accomplished by evidence technicians. The procedures
work on both living and deceased subjects.