PERSONAL

IDENTIFICATION
TECHNIQUES
PREPARED BY:
JAN MICHAEL R. JAVIER, RCRIM
 METHOD OF IDENTIFICATION
• 1. TATTOO OR TATTOOING- old times signifies family group, clan or tribal
relations. It did not last long because it can be duplicated, changed or
disfigured. This method of identification was originated in Columbia.
• 2. SCARIFICATION- this is done through cutting some parts of the body to
leave scars or marks, these scars or marks when healed was used as a means
of identification. This was originated in Africa.
• 3. BERTILLON SYSTEM- There is two methods of identification which was
devised and discovered by Alphonse Bertillon (Father of Personal
Identification). These are: a. Portrait parle- Speaking likeness or based on
personal description b. Anthropometry- identification based on the
measurements of the various
• 4. PHOTOGRAPHY- a method of identification which is based on the use
of pictures or photograph.
• 5. DNA-Deoxyribonucleic Acid- analysis methods have been applied to
forensic cases. It is also responsible for storing all the genetic material
and is unique to each individual.
• a. BLOOD SAMPLES/EXAMINATION- now DNA, comparison of tissues
and fibers to determine cells/chromosomes
• b. ODONTOLOGY- denture comparison and identification
• c. HAIR SAMPLING- DNA examination and comparison
• 6. FINGERPRINT- identification of person through the use of fingerprint.
It is considered as the most positive means of identification.
MODERN METHOD OF
IDENTIFICATION
• DNA FINGERPRINTING- is a way of identifying a specific individual, rather
than simply identifying a species or some particular trait. It is also
known as genetic fingerprinting or DNA profiling. As a technology, it has
been around since at least 1985, when it was announced by its inventor,
Sir Alec Jeffrey’s.
• DIGITAL FINGERPRINTING- Also known as electronic fingerprinting,
digital fingerprinting is a contemporary approach to creating images of
fingerprints that can be used for purposes of identification in a number
of settings. This type of resource may be used to enhance security
measures at companies, government buildings, and other physical
locations, as well as create a more efficient means of copyright
protection and the identification of criminals involved in the commission
of a specific crime.
• BIOMETRIC FINGERPRINTING- is one method that is commonly used to
automatically establish the identity of an individual. There are a few
different techniques that a computer can use to compare fingerprints, and
several methods that may be used to capture them for analysis. Most
biometric fingerprinting is accomplished through either pattern recognition
or the identification of minutia features.
• AFIS- An automated fingerprint identification system is a type of modern
technology that is mostly used by law enforcement agencies. The basic
concept behind this type of computer system is to match one set of
fingerprints with existing fingerprints that are contained within a large
database. By using this technology, law enforcement officials can identify
criminals, verify identification, and preserve public safety.
IMPORTANT TERMS IN THE STUDY OF FINGERPRINT

• 1. DACTYLOSCOPY - the science of fingerprint identification. It is the

study of identification, interpretation, and classification of fingerprint.
Latin Words: Dactyl – a finger Skopein – to examine ALLIED SCIENCES
OF DACTYLOSCOPY

a. CHIROSCOPY - The scientific examination of the palm of the hand.

Latin Words: Cheir – Palm/Hand Skopein - to examine
b. b. PODOSCOPY – scientific examination of the sole of the foot.
Latin Words: Podo – Sole/Foot Skopein - to examine
c. . POROSCOPY – scientific examination of the sweat pores/glands.
Latin Words: Poros – a pare Skopein – to examine
• 2. DACTYLOGRAPHY - The scientific study and analysis of fingerprint
as a means of identification.

• 3. DACTYLOMANCY - Is the study of fingerprint for the purposes of

interpreting ones personality.

• 4. DERMATOGLYPPHICS - the study of the lines, tracings, ridges of the

skin of fingers, palms and hands.

• SYNDACTYL - a condition in which children are born with fused or

webbed fingers
• 5. POLYDACTYL – a hand having more than the required numbers of
fingers
• PATTERN ZONE OF PALM PRINT
a. THENAR ZONE- The base of the thumb
b. HYPOTHENAR ZONE- The base of the little finger
c. PALMAR ZONE- base of the four fingers
d. CARPAL DELTA ZONE- near the wrist
• OTHER TERM USED IN THE STUDY OF PALM
a. DISTAL SIDE- towards fingertips
b. PALMAR SIDE- towards the wrist
c. RADIAL SIDE- towards the radius bone or thumb side
d. ULNAR SIDE- the side of the ulna bone where little finger rests
PODOSCOPY- The scientific
examination of the soles of the feet.
• PATTERN ZONE OF FOOTPRINT
• 1. BALL PATTERN ZONE- base of the big toe
• 2. PLANTAR PATTERN ZONE- base of the four little toes
• 3. CALCAR PATTERN ZONE- the area of heel
• 4. TIBIAL SIDE (inner)- the big toe side (Tibial bone)
• 5. FIBULAR SIDE (outer)- The little toe side (Fibular bone)
• 6. THREAD AREA- does not form footprints
• POROSCOPY- scientific examination of the sweat pores of the friction
of the skin,

• RIDEOLOGY- The study of the uniqueness of friction ridge structures

and their use for personal identification.
 ORIGIN OF FINGERPRINTS
• CHINESE • Chinese- are the ones noted to be the first user of Fingerprint.

• Use fingerprints as symbolism in the early part of their rituals until they utilize
it in the signing of a contract on the part of the illiterate.

• A Chinese deed of sale, 1839, signed with a fingerprint.

• In China fingerprint is called “Hua Chi”

• Emperor Te’in Shi (246-21BC)- first Chinese ruler who devised a seal carved
from white jade; on the side of it was the name of the owner, and on the other
side the thumb mark of the destitute.
PERSONALITIES IN THE STUDY OF
FINGERPRINTS
• 1686-MARCELLO MALPIGHI
(GRANDFATHER OF DACTYLOSCOPY)
In 1686, 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 skin was named after him; "Malpighi" layer,
which is approximately 1.8mm thick.
He was noted for the discovery of the inner and outer structure of the
skin:

Dermis- inner layer

Epidermis- outer layer
• 1788-J.C.A. MAYER (Johann Christophe Andreas Mayer )

• A German doctor and anatomist who published a book which was an atlas
of anatomical Illustrations of Fingerprint. His remarks contain a statement
which clearly pronounced one of the fundamental principles of Fingerprint
Science although the arrangement of the skin, ridges is never duplicated in
two persons; nevertheless, the similarities are closer among some
individuals.
• His book included detailed drawings of patterns and friction skin. He wrote:

• "Although the arrangement of skin ridges is never duplicated in two

persons, nevertheless the similarities are closer among some individuals. In
others the differences are marked. yet in spite of their peculiarities of
arrangement, all have a certain likeness."
• He was the first to state that the prints of two different persons are never
alike. “Principle of Individuality”.
• 1823-JOHN EVANGELIST PURKINJE
(FATHER OF DACTYLOSCOPY)

• In 1823, John Evangelist Purkinje, Professor of Physiology at the

University of Breslau, Germany, published a thesis in which he
• described nine types of fingerprint patterns. He did not mention the
value of fingerprints for personal identification. He published his book
"Commentary of the Physiological Examination of the Organs of Vision
and the Cutaneous System"
• 1856-HERMAN WELCKER

• He took the prints of his own palms and after forty-one years (1879)
he printed the same palms to prove that prints do not change except
for some scratches due to old age.
1858-SIR WILLIAM JAMES HERSCHEL
• Herschel is credited with being the first European to note the value of
fingerprints for identification. He recognized that fingerprints were
unique and permanent. Herschel documented his own fingerprints
over his lifetime to prove permanence. He was also credited with
being the first person to use fingerprints in a practical manner. As
early as 1858, working as a British officer for the Indian Civil Service at
Jangipur in the Bengal region of India, he started putting fingerprints
on contracts.

• (FATHER OF CHIROSCOPY)
1880-DR. HENRY FAULDS
• In 1880 he advocated the use of fingerprint in the detection of crimes.
His article "On The Skin - Furrows of the Hand" points out his
observation that chance prints left at the scene of the crime would
provide for positive identification of offenders when apprehended. He
discussed fingerprints as a means of personal identification, and the
use of printers ink as a method for obtaining such fingerprints.

• He is also credited with the first fingerprint identification of

fingerprint left on an alcohol bottle, and he discovered the Principles
of Infallibility.
• 1882-GILBERT THOMPSON

• In 1882, Gilbert Thompson of the U.S. Geological Survey in New

Mexico, used his own thumb print on a document to prevent forgery.
This is the first known use of fingerprints in the United States.
• 1883-ARTHUR KOLLMANN

• In the late 1800's, Kollmann of Hamburg Germany, was the first

researcher to address the formation of friction ridges on the fetus and
the random physical stresses and tensions which may have played a
part in their growth.
1888- FRANCIS GALTON
• He was able to discover the three families of fingerprint patterns -
Arch, Loop & Whorl. He is also credited for being the first scientist of
friction skin identification who established the first Civil Bureau of
Personal Identification in London, England.

• he argued that the uniqueness and permanence of fingerprints

highlighted their potential as a system for personal
identification.
• "That fingerprints do not change over the course of an individual's
lifetime, and that no two fingerprints are exactly the same"
• 1891- JUAN VUCETICH

• An Argentine Police Official began the first fingerprint files based on

Galton pattern types. He developed his own system of classifying
prints that was officially adopted in Argentina and was used in most
Spanish Speaking Country.
• In 1982, Inspector Eduardo Alvarez, taking direction from Vucetich
took digital impressions from a crime scene.
• This led Vucetich in making the first criminal fingerprint identification.
• He was able to identify a woman by the name 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 identify. She confessed to the murders.
1900-SIR EDWARD RICHARD HENRY
(FATHER OF MODERN FINGERPRINTS)

-Was the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis from 1903 to 1918.

Henry is best known for as the inventor of The 'Henry' Finger Printing
Classification System.
Why Henry became the father of
fingerprint?
• Henry Faulds was a Scottish doctor, missionary and scientist
who has become widely known as the "Father of
Fingerprinting."
• In 1880, he was the first to suggest using fingerprints for
criminal investigations using a classification system that
he developed.
MARY K. HOLLAND
• The first American Instructress in Dactyloscopy.
• 1912-DR. EDMOND LOCARD (FATHER OF POROSCOPY)
• Professor at the University of Lyons in France, Locard established the
Institution of Criminalistics in 1910.
• He made a remarkable statement on contact trace evidence;
• When two objects come into contact there is an exchange of material
from each to the other"

• Locard studies and investigated identification using the position and

variation of pores as unique ridge characteristics. He presented
evidence of identification in one case at Court using poroscopy, even
though the impression already contained many characteristics in
agreement.
FINGERPRINT EVENT IN THE
PHILIPPINES
• 1. MR. JONES - one who first taught fingerprint in the Philippine
Constabulary in the year 1900

• 2. BUREAU OF PRISON - records shows that in 1918, CARPETAS

(Commitment and Conviction Records) already used fingerprint

• 3. LT. ASA AND N. DARBY - established a modern and complete

fingerprint files for Philippine Commonwealth during the
reoccupation of the Philippines by the American Forces.
• 4. GENEROSO REYES - First Filipino Fingerprint Technician
employed by the Philippine Constabulary.

• 5. ISABELA BERNALES - first Filipina Fingerprint Technician

• 6. CAPT. THOMAS DUGAN - New York Police Department and

Flaviano Guerrero FBI Washington gave the first examination in
fingerprinting in 1927 and Agustir Patricio of the Philippines, top the
examination.

• 7. PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES VS. MEDINA - first conviction

based on fingerprint leading judicial decision in the Philippine
Jurisprudence.
• 8. PLARIDEL EDUCATION SYSTEM - now known as the Philippine
College Criminology, the first government recognized school to teach
the Science c Fingerprint and other Police Sciences.

• 9. THE FIRST NATIONAL BUREAU OF IDENTIFICATION (1924) was

created by the act Congress. The bureau was established with the U.S.
DOJ (Washington D.C.)
FINGERPRINTS
•is an impression design by the ridges on
the inside of the last joint of the finger
or thumb on any smooth surface
through the media of an ink, sweat or
any reagents capable of producing
visibility.
Phalange of Fingers

• 1. Terminal Phalange/phalanx - the end

joint/tip of fingers

• 2. Middle Phalange/phalanx – the middle

portion of fingers

• 3. Proximal Phalange/phalanx – the base

portions of fingers
Formation

Fingerprints develop early in fetal life before birth. Pads (bumps)

form on the babies' fingers and palms between 6 and 13 weeks of its
life. Where these bumps occur, how the baby moves around inside the
womb and how fast and big the baby grows all effect how the
fingerprint patterns and ridges form and ensure the unique
properties of fingerprints are never duplicated.
UNIQUENESS

• The details of a person’s prints are unique to them and only them.
Even IDENTICAL TWINS do not have identical fingerprints.
PERSISTENCE

• A person's fingerprints will remain the same throughout their life. If

superficial damage occurs the skin will grow back in exactly the same
arrangement as at birth. This is why fingerprints are a reliable means
of identification at all stages of a person's life. They are even one of
the last features to decompose after death.
DOGMATIC PRINCIPLES OF
FINGERPRINT IDENTIFICATION

• 1. PRINCIPLE OF INDIVIDUALITY (VARIATION, UNIQUENESS)

• This principle states that no two fingerprints of different persons or

the neighboring fingers of the same person have ever been found to
be identical or exactly alike in all respect that the ridges appearing in
fingerprint patterns of identical twins are never found to be identical
to each other.
PRINCIPLE OF CONSTANCY

• 2. (PERMANENCY, IMMUTABILITY)- This principle states that the

papillary ridges are immutable, perennial and individual from the
third month of the embryonic while the child is still at the mother's
womb and it will never change until decomposition sets in after
death.
PRINCIPLE OF INFALLIABILITY

• That fingerprint is a positive and reliable means of identification. It

cannot be forged easily.
Some attempts of destroying
Ridges and Disguised.
JOHN DILLENGER-
•• US notorious public enemy No. 1, who tried to remove his
fingerprints with acid but failed. Post-mortem fingerprints was taken
when he was shot by FBI agents proved that he was Dillenger..
ROBERT JAMES PITTS
• the man without fingerprints knowing from an inmate of a possible
destruction of fingerprints.

• He contacted a doctor. He removed the skin up to the generative layer

and served thin into incisions on each side of Pitts chest.
LOCARD AND WITKNOWSJI OF LYONS
• who performed rather painful experiments on themselves by burning
their fingerprints with boiling water, hot oil and hot metal, had shown
that after the healing of the epidermis, the original patterns of
fingerprints reappeared.
THE FRICTION SKIN AND ITS
COMPONENTS
FRICTION SKIN
• is an epidermal hairless skin found on the ventral or lower surface of
the hands and feet covered with minute ridges and furrows and
without pigment or coloring matters. It is the skin covering of the
palms of hands and the soles of feet. These are strips of skin on the
inside of the end joins of our fingers and thumbs by which fingerprints
are made. Friction skin is also called as papillary or epidermal ridges.
COMPONENTS OF FRICTION SKIN
• 1. RIDGE SURFACE- Is that component of the friction skin that
actually forms the fingerprint impression.
a. Ridges - are tiny elevation or hill like structures found on the
epidermis layer of the skin containing sweat pores. It appears as black,
lines with tiny white dots called pores in an inked impression.
b. Furrows - are the canal like impression or a depression found
between the ridges which may be compare with the low area in a tire
thread. They appear as white lines in an inked impression.
SWEAT PORES
• is a small opening found anywhere across the ridge surface but is
usually found near the center. Sometimes called an "islands which
colors white in plain impression and it's considered as individual as
the fingerprints.
SWEAT DUCT
is a long-host like structure that serves as the passage exists as Its
mouth, the pore.
SWEAT GLANDS -

• are that glands found in the dermis layer of

the skin which is responsible for the
production of the sweat (watery substance).
FUNDAMENTAL LAYERS OF THE SKIN

• EPIDERMIS - the outer covering of the skin

(1) Stratum Corneum - the outer layer

(2) Stratum Mucosum - Immediately beneath the covering layer.

• FIVE SUBDIVISIONS:

• 1. Corneus layer- stratum corneum

• 2. Transparent layer- stratum mucosum
• 3. Granucar layer stratum lucidum
• 4. Malphigan layer- stratum spinosum
•
DERMIS

the inner layer of the skin containing blood vessels, various glands and
nerves. It is where the dermal papillae are found.
SUBCUTANEOUS LAYER
(HYPODERMIS)
• - the innermost layer of skin that also contains blood vessels,
connective tissues, nerves, and fat lobules (a rounded division or
projection of an organ or part in the body, especially in the lungs,
brain or liver.
• RIDGE FORMATION

• Ridges begin to form on the human fetus during its 3rd to 4th months
of fetus life (5th to 6th months before birth).
• They seem to appear as continuous lines with some are short and
curved, others are long and straight and few like islands containing a
single pore.
• During the process of growth these is consist of a series of islands,
each containing a small opening or pores.
DERMAL PAPILLAE -
• are irregular blunt pegs composed of delicate connective tissues
protruding and forming the ridges of the skin on the fingers, palms,
toes, and soles of the feet. It does not containing coloring pigment.
RIDGE DESTRUCTION
• The patterns that appear on the inside first joint of the four fingers
and thumbs never undergo changes, except in the size of the pattern
during the life of an individual. However there are some outside and
even outside pressure that may cause an effect of destroy the ridges.
• In certain cases such destruction is permanent but usually it is only
temporary.
• When the epidermal skins are permanently damaged the affected
area of the pattern will never reappear.
• If it was only temporary, the ridges grow back in exactly the same
pattern before.
MANUAL WORKS
• Person who used chemicals like lime, cement, plasters, electric shop
workers and assembly workers usually cause temporary of the tissues.

DECEASED PERSON:

• Skin diseases may cause temporary destruction similar with those

persons handling lime, cements but such destruction ceases the
moment that the diseased has been cured.
WARTS:
• Fibrous growths in the skin and are easily distinguished in impressions
by the appearance of a light spot. Usually encircled by the black ring.
Warts do not destroy the ridges just like creases, they are not
permanent and when they are removed the ridges assume their
natural conditions without even the appearance of a scar.
ULCERS
• In case where ulcerous sores stack ridges, they are permanently
destroyed; for ulcers work so deeply into the flesh as to destroy the
sweat glands, which characterized the surface of the skin. It is true
throughout the entire body.
BURNS:

• Burns severe enough to leaves a scar will change the appearance of

the skin and totally destroy the ridges. In fact, the destruction of the
sweat glands from any cause whatever will change the skin surface,
by leaving as scar in some form.
IDENTIFICATION PURPOSES/VALUE OF FINGERPRINTS

• 1. Identification of criminal whose fingerprint are found the crime

scene
• 2. Identification of fugitives through comparison of fingerprint
• 3. Exchanging of criminal identifying information with
identification bureaus of foreign countries in cases of mutual interest.
• 4. Means of personal identification
• 5. Identification of unknown deceased
• 6. Prevention of hospital mistake in identification of infants
• 7. Part of licensing procedures for automobiles, firearms other
equipment.
USES OF FINGERPRINTS
• Fingerprints is very essential in the conduct of investigation either
criminal or civil cases because it aids the investigator.
• Fingerprints is useful in identifying suspects for investigation
purposes, providing identity for unidentified dead person,
identifying missing person, detecting a criminal identity through
fingerprints collected at the scene and determining recidivism or
habitual delinquency.
• important in the verification or confirmation of public documents,
issuance of clearance, opening volts or doors leading to confidential
matters and in checking or verifying entry of authorized personnel
on certain establishments.
AGENCIES USING THE FINGERPRINT
SYSTEM AND HOW IT IS USED
1. POLICE DEPARTMENT - for the persons who have previous criminal record
for apprehension and identification of criminals who have left tell-
tale impression while committing crimes and for establishing identity
of unknown dead.
2. BUREAU OF CORRECTION - for identification of habitual offenders.

3. ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILPPINES - for the identification of person to

prevent enlisting person who were dishonorably discharge or those with
the criminal record for apprehension and for the identification of
unknown dead on the battlefield in the case of war.
1. CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION - in examination for position to prevent
impersonation
2. BANKING INSTITUTION - to prevent impersonation in medical examination
or the filing of funds by unauthorized person who are enabling to read
and write.
3.

INSURANCE COMPANIES - to prevent impersonation in medical examination

or the filing of false claimed in case of death.
4. COMELEC - to prevent false registration and illegal voting at
election.

5. COMMISSION ON IMMIGRATION - and deportation to prevent admission of

undesirable aliens or the reentering of persons who were deported.
6. by some individuals in connection with their signature as a safeguard
for the prevention of forgery.
INTERPRETATION AND
FINGERPRINT TAKING
PROCEDURES
PATTERN AREA
• - is that part of a loop or a whorl in which appear the delta, core and
the ridges with which we are concern in classifying fingerprints.
TYPE LINES
• are the two innermost ridges which start parallel, diverge or tend to
surround the pattern area. Typelines are not always two continuous
ridges in fact they are more often found to be broken when there is a
definite break in a type line the ridge immediately outside of it is
considered as its continuation.
DELTA
• – is the point on a ridge at or in front of and nearest the center of the
divergence of the type lines.
1. A bifurcation may not be selected as a delta if it does not open
towards the core. A bifurcation should be the first ridge formation in
front of the divergence lines and it must open toward to the pattern
area.

2. When there is a choice between two or more possible delta, the one
nearest to the core be selected. When single ridge enters the pattern
area, with two ore more bifurcations opening toward the core.
3. When there is a choice between two or more possible delta one of which
is a bifurcation, the bifurcation should be selected.
• 4. The delta may not be located on the middle of the ridge
running between the type lines towards the core, but at the nearer
end only. The location of the delta in this case depends entirely upon
the point of origin of the ridge running between the type lines toward
the core.
• 4.a. If the ridge is entirely within the pattern area, the delta is
located at the end nearer the point of divergence of the type lines.
• 4.b. If the ridge enters the pattern area from a point below the
divergence
• of the type’s lines, the delta must be located at the nearer the core.
CORE
– The approximate center of fingerprint impression. It is also known as
Inner Terminus.
RULES IN THE SELECTION OF CORE
• 1. The core is placed upon the innermost sufficient recurve.
• 2. When the innermost sufficient recurve contains no ending ridge
or rode rising as high as shoulders of a loop, the core is placed on the
shoulder of the loop farther from delta.
• 3. When the innermost sufficient recurves contains an uneven
number of rods rising as high as the shoulders, like 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 farther one of the two center rods being treated
as though they were connected by a recurving ridge.
RIDGE CHARACTERISTICS

• (also known as minutiae) - This refers to the details of ridge

structures, formations and elements which differentiate from one
fingerprint to another and which impart individuality to each print.
KINDS OF RIDGE CHARACTERISTICS
• 1. BIFURCATION – a single ridge that divides itself in two or more
branches. It sometimes called as fork.
CONVERGING RIDGE
• – a ridge formation characterized by a closed angular end and
serves as a point of convergence (meeting of two ridges that were
previously running side by side).
DIVERGING RIDGES
• – two ridges that are flowing side by side and suddenly separating or
spreading apart.
ENCLOSURE (Lake or Eyelet)
• 4. – a ridge that divides into two branches and meets to form the
original ridge.
ENDING RIDGE
• – an end point of a ridge with abrupt ending. A single friction
ridge that terminates within the friction ridge structure.
RECURVING OR LOOPING RIDGE
• – a kind of ridge formation that curves back in the direction from
which it started.
SUFFICEINT RECURVE
• – a recurving ridge complete in its shoulder and is free from any
appendage.
APPENDAGE
• – a short ridge found at the top or summit of a recurving ridge.
ROD OR BAR
• – a short or long ridge found inside the innermost recurving ridge of a
loop pattern.
RIDGE DOTS
• – an isolated ridge unit whose length approximates its width in size.
BRIDGES
• – a connecting friction ridge between parallel running ridges,
generally right angles.
VALUE OF FINGERPRINT AS
EVIDENCE
• Fingerprint evidence plays a vital role in criminal investigations
because person's fingerprints are unique and do not change during
the course of their life.
• Latent prints collected at a crime scene have the potential to link a
series of crimes together, or to place a suspect at the scene.

• It is also important role in identifying victims following a disaster such

as a cyclone, earthquake, bombing or other attack.
LATENT PRINTS
• has been defined as the markings of oily matter or perspiration from
the skin glands left upon surface which the hands and fingers may
have touched. It is best described as a combination of chemicals
which is exuded by the pores on the surface of the skin.
CHANCE IMPRESSIONS
• - these are impressions left by chance at the crime scene.
TYPES OF EVIDENTIARY FINGERPRINTS

• 1. VISIBLE PRINTS - often impress on dust, blood, oil or grease.

• Molded Prints- those marks on the surface whenever fingers touch
soft.
• 2. INVISIBLE PRINTS- those prints that are made due to the sweat
present in the fingers and thumb of a person that is transferred to any
object that he holds.
a. SMUDGE PRINTS - those prints that are indistinct due to sliding
motion of fingers at the time they are impressed.

b. FRAGMENTARY PRINTS - those prints that show only a portion of

the pattern or of the friction skin.

c. PLASTIC PRINTS - (Plastic Impression) Prints formed plastic

material, such as melted paraffin from a pitch, paste on envelope and
stamps This type of friction ridge impression is molded into the surface of
material such as putty or modeling clay forming a three dimensional
impression.
• SMUDGE PRINT PLASTIC PRINT
• d. Latent Impression - This type of friction ridge impression is not
readily visible. The term 'latent' is commonly applied to all chance or
unintentional impressions that are of evidentiary value.

• e. Patent Impression - This type of friction ridge impression is

visible. e.g. an impression found in blood.

• f. Plastic Impression - This type of friction ridge impression is

molded into the surface of material such as putty or modeling clay
forming a three dimensional impression.
FACTORS AFFECTING LATENT
FINGERPRINTS
• 1. CLIMATIC CONDITION
• a. Heavy condensed moisture such as rain, snow or dew will
immediately erase fingerprints.
• b. Excessively high temperature caused by direct rays of the sun
during summer months can destroy them in a matter of few minutes.
• c. Winds due to warm temperature will cause the disappearance
of fingerprint evidence because of the increased evaporation of
watery substance.
• d. Dust accumulated on finger impressions obliterates the
identification of ridge characteristics.
NATURE OF THE SURFACE

• Latent fingerprints left on a smooth non-porous surface will formally

retain their usefulness longer than those impressed on a porous
surface. These very rough surfaces may retain the deposits of latent
print residue, but it is impossible to decipher the ridge characteristics
left behind due to the nature of the receiving surface.
SWEAT CONTENTS

• 1. Amino Acid

• 2. Water
•
• 3. Salt

• 4. Oil
PURPOSES OF SWEAT

• 1. Regulate temperature of the body

• 2. Moisten the skin

•
• 3. To remove waste and other toxic materials
• 4. Means of identification
Materials For Collection of Latent
Fingerprint
• 1. Fingerprint powders - refers to the powder used in developing
latent prints found at the scene of the crime. They are normally found
in two; the black and the white or gray, which is applied depending
upon the contrasting background.

• 2. Fingerprint brushes - used for developing latent prints using

non-magnetic powder. There are three variations of brushes used: the
fiberglass, magnetic and feather type.

• 3. Magnetic Wand - use in powdering latent prints using magnetic

powder.
• 4. Fingerprint Lifting tape - refers to a tape used for lifting
developed latent prints which is quite harder than an ordinary tapes.

• 5. Latent Print Transfer Card - refers to a card used in preserving

lifted latent prints which is either white or black in background.

• 6. Fingerprint cameras - use in photographing the developed

latent prints
Latent Fingerprint Techniques

•PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
P R OC E D UR E S IN DE VE L O P IN G L AT E N T P RI NT S

• 1. Select the proper powder to conform to the properties of the surface and to
give good photographic contrast.
• 2. Pour a small amount of powder onto a piece of paper or into a shallow bowl.
• 3. Touch the tips of the brush to the powder being careful not to pick up too
much. Gently tap the brush to remove any excess.
• 4. Apply the powder to the surface gently, using short strokes. When a print
begins to appear, begin making the brush strokes to conform to the pattern of the
ridges. If the print in too faint, try adding additional powder as necessary.
• 5. 5. Once the print is fully developed, remove all the excess powder from the
brush by first tapping, then wiping it back and forth on a clean sheet of paper.
• 6. Next, go back over the latent with the clean brush to remove any excessive
build up between the ridges.
• 7. Photographed the developed latent print.
• IODINE FUMING - A development method which involved process of
sublimation and absorption. The Iodine crystal is capable of fuming to
gas without passing the liquid state, thus it is subjected to heat the
process of sublimation becomes faster and such will liberates a violet
iodine vapor which will be absorbed by the fingerprint secretion
residues producing a yellow brown prints.
CYANOACRYLATE FUMING -
• This method is used for the development of latent prints on surfaces
as diverse as plastics, electrical tape, garbage bags. Styrofoam, carbon
paper, etc.
CYANOACRYLATE (SUPERGLUE) -
• Cyanoacrylate vapor develops fingerprints on a wide range of surface.
It produces a white deposit as a result of polymerization with the
latent fingerprint. Water acts as a catalysts for the polymerization.
SILVER NITRATE
• - Silver nitrate is probably the oldest known chemical technique for
fingerprint detection on porous surfaces such as paper. The technique
is effective for detecting fresh finger marks on most paper surfaces
and untreated wood. Silver nitrate reacts with chlorides contained in
latent fingerprints producing silver chloride, which when exposed to
light turns to a dark gray.
SCIENTIFIC WAY OF TAKING FINGERPRINTS

• 1. Prepare the set-up for printing.

• 2. Clean the inking plate/slab thoroughly before spreading the ink
• 3. Place a small amount of fingerprint ink on each side of the slab
and in the center, then start spreading the ink using the roller back
and forth until the ink is evenly distributed.
• 4. To check whether or not the ink was spread properly or
whether it is enough or not, try to print one of your finger or put the
slab near the light and if brownish reflection is observe it means you
have a good ink for used.
• 5. Place the fingerprint card on the card holder property to ensure
that proper entry will be easy.
• 6. Check the hands of the subject. Make sure that it is clean and
dry. If it is perspiring freely, wipe them off with a soft, clean cloth
dampened with alcohol.
• 7. The technician should stand at the left of the subject in taking the right hand
impression and take the right side in taking the left hand impression of the subject.
• 8. Subject should be instructed to stand straight but relax and not to assist the
technician in rolling his finger.
• 9. In taking the rolled impression, technician should place first the right thumb
to be rolled towards the body of the subject while the other fingers not in use is
either folded or closed. Then inked the remaining fingers and rolled it away from
the body of the subject. Make sure to roll the finger from the tip down to the
beginning of the next joint, and from one side of the nail to the other (180 degrees).
• 10. Same should be done in the left hand only that the technician will turn to the
right of the subject.
• 11. Apply only moderate amount of pressure in printing subject's fingers to avoid
blurred prints but hold the subjects hand firmly so as to prevent pulling that may
cause smeared impression.
• 12. To obtain the plain impression, all the fingers of the right hand should be
pressed lightly upon the inking plate, then press simultaneously upon the lower
FINGERPRINT LABORATORY MATERIALS

• 1. INK ROLLER - refers to an instrument used for spreading the ink

into the ink slab or inking plate.
• 2. INK SLAB / INKING PLATE - refers to a piece of metal or a plane
glass with as much as 1/4 thick and 6 or more inches long where the
fingerprint ink is distributed for fingerprinting
• 3. CARD HOLDER - refers to a gadget used for clipping the
fingerprint card to avoid movement of the card during printing.
• 4. FINGERPRINT INK - refers to manufactured ink fingerprints an
especially for purposes of taking
• 5. FINGERPRINT CARD - refers to a piece of card used for
recording the ten fingerprints. The usual size is 8" x 8".
• 6. SCISSORS - refers to a simple instrument for cutting latent print
tapes and for other purposes.
• 7. RUBBER GLOVES - to protect the technician's fingers from leaving
his own prints on the object or on the scene.
• 8. POST-MORTEM FINGERPRINT EQUIPMENT - refers to a set of
equipment consisting of hypodermis syringe, spoon, tissue builder
solvent, tissue cleaner, etc. used for taking prints of dead person.
• 9. FINGERPRINT TABLE - a table intended for taking fingerprints
• 10. FINGERPRINT POINTERS - use for pointing the ridges in the
conduct of ridge counting
• 11. FINGERPRINT CAMERAS - use in photographing the developed
latent prints
• 12. FORENSIC OPTICAL COMPARATOR - an equipment use to compare
THE FINGERPRINT PATTERNS
• TYPES OF FINGERPRINT PATTERNS

• With much familiarity with these frictions designs we have to know

that there are only three (3) general groups of fingerprints pattern (A -
L-W Family).

• At present with the modification made by the FBI on the Henry

System there are eight (8) types of fingerprint patterns. The following
are the list of the modified Henry Classification of Patterns:
• Arch (5%) Loop (60%) Whorl (35%)

• Plain Arch Radial Loop PlainWhorl

• Tented Arch Ulnar Loop Central Pocket Loop

Accidental Whorl
The Basic Fingerprint Pattern Types:

• 1. PLAIN ARCH - is a pattern in which the ridges flows from one

side to the other or flows towards the without recurving, usually
having a slight upward curve in the center, making the pattern like an
arch. No core and no delta
• The most simplest type of fingerprint patterns
• 2. TENTED ARCH - is a type of pattern where majority of the ridges
form an arch. It only differs from plain arch when one or more ridges
at the center shape a tent or make rise giving the pattern of a "Tent',
giving an angle of 90 degrees or less, or one w an up trust having an
angle of 45 degree or more, or a pattern similar to a loop lacking one
or two of its essential elements.
LOOP

• Requisites of a loop pattern:

• a. It must have a delta

• b. It must have a core
• c. It must have a recurving ridge that passes between the delta
and
• d. It must have a ridge count of at least one
TWO DIVISIONS OF A LOOP PATTERN:

• 1. RADIAL LOOP - is a loop in which the downward slope or the

slanting ridges run towards the direction of the thumb.
• 2. ULNAR LOOP - Is a loop in which the slanting ridges run
towards the direction of the of the little finger. In other words to
differentiate a radial from an ulnar loop in the plain impression it is
important to know from what hands it was taken.
WHORL
• It refers to the pattern consisting of a core and Two (2) or more deltas.

• 1. PLAIN WHORL - is a pattern consisting of two deltas and which

at least one ridge makes a turn through one complete circuit. An
imaginary line drawn between the two deltas must touch or cross at
least one of the recurving ridges within the pattern area. The pattern
could be a spiral, oval, circular or any variant of a circle.
Elements of Plain Whorl

• a. A complete circuit
• b. Two deltas:
• c. At least one circuiting ridge is touched or crossed by an
imaginary line
• -traversing between the two deltas.
Central Pocket Loop Whorl

• Elements of Central Pocket Loop Whorl

• a. At least one recurving ridge or obstruction at right angle

• b. Two deltas
• c. No recurving ridge within the pattern area is touched or crosses
by an imaginary line drawn between the two deltas.
DOUBLE LOOP WHORL
• Elements of Double Loop Whorl

• a. Two separate loop formation

• b. Two separate and distinct sets of shoulders
• c. Two deltas
ACCIDENTAL WHORL
• Elements of Accidental Whorl:

• a. Combination of two different type of pattern with the

exceptions of the plain arch
• b. Two or more deltas
THANK YOU!
GOOD LUCK CRIMINOLOGY INTERNS.
ADVANCED CONGRATULATIONS!

FROM YOU’RE FORENSIC SCIENCE TEACHER:

JAN MICHAEL R. JAVIER, RCRIM