INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED RESEARCH

THE UNIVERSITY FOR INNOVATION

FORENSIC DERMATOGLYPHICS
ASSIGNMENT
PRESENTED BY- Jayrajsinh Gadhavi 14285
Durwa Oza 14092
Jiya Bhatt 14120
Hetvi Bhatt 14654
Mahatta Salvi 14057
Known prints and Rolled impressions
Direct or Inked prints
Fingerprinting the deceased
Developing fingerprints on gloves

BY- JIYA BHATT

IAR/14120
 Known prints
❖ Ten prints are also known as known prints because their source is known.
❖ Known prints are often collected from persons of interest, victims, others
present at the scene or through a search of one or more fingerprint databases
such as the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS).
❖ During criminal arrests, a set of exemplar prints will normally include one print
taken from each finger that has been rolled from one edge of the nail to the
other, plain (or slap) impressions of each of the four fingers of each hand, and
plain impressions of each thumb. Exemplar prints can be collected using live
scan or by using ink on paper cards.
Jiya Bhatt IAR/14120
Rolled prints

❖ Rolled impressions. Rolled impressions are made by rolling the finger or

thumb from nail edge to nail edge. They are made to show the entire
friction surface of the finger or thumb, from the tip to one quarter inch
below the first joint. The larger surface of the fully rolled impression not
only allows accurate classification but it also gives more points for
comparison.

Jiya Bhatt
IAR/14120
Ten prints and Rolled impressions

Jiya Bhatt
Direct or Inked prints
❖ The terms known, direct, and inked are considered synonymous. Simply
stated, these are prints taken from a known source. The clarity of the prints
should be sufficient to allow for the comparison process to be conducted.
These prints may also be known as tenprint cards.
❖ Direct prints are taken by the means of live scanner.
❖ With the manual method, proper inking of the prints is accomplished by
ensuring the equipment is clean and in order. Live scans must adhere to the
same basic principles.
Jiya Bhatt
IAR/14120
Direct or Inked prints

Jiya Bhatt
IAR/14120
Fingerprinting the deceased

❖ Postmortem fingerprinting is necessary when any body is

beyond recognition (mass disaster, homicide, drowning or
due to scavenger activity).
❖ Cadaver Spoons are curved metallic devices used for
recording postmortem fingerprints.
❖ In case, the corpse is in rigor mortis
Fingers need to be straightened before recording the
imprints. Thus Rigor mortis needs to be removed.

Jiya Bhatt
Fingerprinting the deceased
❖ During early decomposition, skin of the fingers become
shrunken and wrinkled at the bulb portion of the fingers.
❖ To remove these shrinkages and to restore fingers to its
approximate original shape, glycerinated gelatin or air is
used.
❖ Formaldehyde retards the decomposition process and also
hardens the skin layer.
❖ Sometimes, the epidermal layer of the fingers is removed.

Jiya Bhatt
IAR/14120
Degloving of skin

❖ Degloving occurs when a part of the skin, with or without the underlying soft tissue,
becomes wholly or partially detached from the body, like a glove stripped off a
hand.
❖ Degloved” remains, where the skin has sloughed from the hands due to
decomposition, can be fingerprinted by inserting one’s gloved hand into the
sloughed skin.
❖ To record the fingerprints of the deceased degloving is performed on the hands of
the victim. The layer of the skin is removed surgically and then later used to create
fingerprints of the deceased.
Jiya Bhatt
IAR/14120
Developing fingerprints on gloves
❖ Latent fingerprint development on latex gloves is possible in many circumstances.
The tight-fitting, non-porous nature of the gloves themselves leads to
considerable perspiration of the hands. When the gloves are removed, they are
typically “peeled” off, preserving the fingerprint evidence on them without
smearing. These latent fingerprints can subsequently be developed and
photographed, using conventional techniques.
❖ Traditional and Magnetic Powders
Fluorescent Powders
Cyanoacrylate Fuming
Jiya Bhatt
IAR/14120
Developing fingerprints on gloves

Jiya Bhatt
Physical & Chemical Methods
for development of Fingerprints
BY:- HETVI BHATT,
IAR/14654
Physical Method

Physical methods are based on the fact that perspiration and greasy matter retain certain
substances without fusion. Powder method is used in physical method. The powder
selected should be fine grained, and of a colour that gives contrast with the background.

On a dark surface, white or gray coloured powder is used; on light surfaces, black coloured
powder is used.

There are different types of powders available for this method. They are, regular,
fluorescent, magnetic, etc.
 Black & White
powder

Magnetic powder
Fluorescent powder

DIFFERENT TYPES OF POWDERS

Application of fingerprint powders

● These powders are applied on non-porous surfaces using brush

● The brush used is either made up of fiberglass, feathers or ostrich or
camel hair
Note: make sure to wear glo
● Magnetic powders are applied with a magnetic brush
● These powders adhere to the surface and define ridge patterns
Lifting the prints

There are a times when we can not take a photograph

of the developed prints. Thus, in order to capture it, we
need to place it somewhere else.

To achieve this, we lift the prints from the surface

using a transparent lifting tape.

While lifting fingerprints, one should keep in mind that

air bubbles should not be formed.
Chemical methods

1. IODINE FUMING METHOD

This method is useful on porous surfaces such as paper, cardboard
and plaster wall, where the fats and oils of the greasy prints get
absorbed on the surface. When vapours of iodine are forced on the
surface, fatty or oily deposits physically absorb the iodine fumes
and the print gets developed to yellow-brown colour. The
developed prints should be photographed immediately as
otherwise the prints fade due to the release of iodine from the
prints.
2. SILVER NITRATE METHOD

In a chance fingerprint, the grease and moisture will

dissipate with the passage of time, but the salt from
the perspiration persists indefinitely. If an aqueous
solution of silver nitrate, about 3 per cent, is allowed to
act on a latent print, a chemical reaction occurs
between sodium chloride and silver nitrate producing a
photosensitive silver chloride. The dried object when
exposed to light source shows a dark developed print.
This method is particularly useful for paper, cardboard
and even unpainted wood. Prints, those are as old as
two years old can be developed by this method.
3. NINHYDRIN METHOD

Very old prints, where the powders are not likely to adhere to the
prints and the iodine fuming or silver nitrate development also are
not likely to succeed, can be developed by Ninhydrin process.
Ninhydrin reacts with amino acids present in human perspiration
giving rise to a pink or purple coloured print. The development of
print is hastened by application of heat. This method has been
used almost exclusively for prints on paper. Ninhydrin method
should be used after the iodine fuming method, but before the
silver nitrate process.
Ridge counting and tracing of
latent prints, Filing and Searching
Ridge counting

The number of ridges intervening between

delta(s) and the core is known as ridge count.

Ridge counting helps differentiates 2 persons’

fingerprints.

A line is drawn from the core to the delta of the

fingerprint, and every ridge that crosses or
touches the line is counted.

If the line passes over a bifurcation, 2 ridges are

counted. If the line passes over a trifurcation, 3
Ridge tracing
Ridge tracing is the process of following the path of ridges in a
fingerprint.
Ridge tracing begins at the extreme left delta and stops at the point
directly in front of the right delta.
➔ If there are three or more ridges inside the right delta, the
tracing is considered an inner tracing.
➔ If there are three or more ridges outside the right delta, the
tracing is an outer tracing.
➔ If there are one or two ridges either inside or outside the right
delta, or if the tracing stops exactly on the right delta, the
tracing is noted as a meeting tracing.
Filing of fingerprints

Filing of latent prints involve cataloging and

storing fingerprint data in database for future
reference and comparison. This can be achieved
either by using ink and paper or scanners.

Law enforcement agencies collect fingerprints

for various purposes; and classify them on the
basis of their patterns.

Fingerprints are filed and stored in databases like

Henry classification system, AFIS, etc
Searching

Fingerprints records are stored in secure

database to prevent unauthorized access and
ensure data integrity.

When a fingerprint needs to be compared or

searched against the database, law enforcement
personnel use specialized software to retrieve
and analyze the stored fingerprints.

Comparison involves examining the details

fingerprint, including ridge patterns, minutiae
and other characteristics, to determine if a
Processing of Post developed prints, Digital
imaging for fingerprint enhancement,
Fingerprint comparison and Identification

By Mahatta Salvi
Processing of Post developed prints

Processing for post developed prints refers to the steps taken after a latent
fingerprint have been visualized on an evidence item. Latent fingerprints are
fingerprint that are not readily visible and require certain techniques to be
revealed.
● Documentation: The developed fingerprint is photographed using high
resolution cameras with a scale for reference.
● Analysis: A trained fingerprint examiner will analyse the clarity and detail
of the developed fingerprint.
Processing of Post developed prints
● Comparison: If the fingerprints has sufficient detail, it can be compared to known
fingerprint databases to identify the individual who left the print.
● Preservation: The evidence item is then packed and stored appropriately to prevent
damage and contamination.

There are additional techniques that can be used after development to enhance the
fingerprint clarity:
● Light sources: Alternate light sources like lasers can improve the contrast of certain
developed fingerprints.
● Chemical treatments: In some cases, additional chemical treatments may be applied
to further enhance the fingerprint.
Digital imaging for fingerprint Enhancement

Digital imaging plays a crucial role in fingerprint enhancement, offering several

advantages over traditional methods.

Fingerprint capture:
● A high-resolution digital camera captures the image of the developed
fingerprint. This allows zooming in and manipulating the image on a computer
screen for detailed analysis.
Digital imaging for fingerprint Enhancement

Fingerprint enhancement software: Fingerprint enhancement software utilizes

various algorithms to improve the clarity and definition of the fingerprint ridges
and valleys. These algorithms can:
● Increase contrast: Highlighting the ridges against the background noise.
● Reduce noise: Eliminating unwanted elements that may obscure element
details.
● Sharpen edges: Making the ridge pattern more crisp and defined.
● Filtering: Applying specific filters to target certain fingerprint features.
Digital imaging for fingerprint Enhancement

Benefits of digital enhancement:

● Improved accuracy: Digital enhancement techniques can reveal faint fingerprint
details that might be missed by the naked eye, leading to more accurate
identification.
● Non-destructive: Unlike some chemical treatments, digital enhancement is non-
destructive, preserving the original fingerprint for further analysis.
● Archiving: Digital images can be easily archived and stored electronically,
facilitating future reference and comparison.
● Standardization: Digital capture ensures consistent image quality for fingerprint
analysis.
Fingerprint comparison and Identification

Fingerprint comparison and identification are forensic

techniques used to establish a person’s identity based
on their unique fingerprint ridge patterns.
Fingerprint comparison

Fingerprint comparison involves the meticulous examination and analysis of two or

more fingerprint to determine if they originated from the same individual. Fingerprint
examiners rely on a standardize method to ensure consistency and accuracy.
● Analysis: The examiner will first assess the clarity and quality of fingerprints
being compared. They will then classify the overall fingerprint pattern (arch,
loop, whorl) and meticulously examine the ridge details.
Fingerprint comparison

● Comparison: If the fingerprints are of sufficient quality, the examiner will

meticulously compare corresponding ridge features, known as minutiae.
Minutiae points include ridge ending, bifurcations and enclosures.
● Evaluation: After a thorough comparison, of minutiae points and patterns,
the examiner will reach a conclusion. The examiner will determine if the
fingerprints are:
Fingerprint comparison

❏ Identified: If enough corresponding minutiae points are present, the

examiner can conclude that the fingerprints originated from the same
source.
❏ Excluded: If there are sufficient differences in the minutiae ridge patterns,
the examiner can determine that the fingerprints originated from different
sources.
❏ Inconclusive: In some cases, the quality of the fingerprints or the lack of
sufficient minutiae may prevent the examiner from reaching a definitive
conclusion.
Fingerprint identification

● Fingerprint identification is the process of comparing a fingerprint from an

unknown source (often a latent print lifted from a crime scene) to known
fingerprints stored in a database.
● Law enforcement agencies around the world maintain fingerprint databases
containing the fingerprints of million individuals. These databases are used to
identify suspects, link crimes to specific individuals, and eliminate innocent
people from investigations.
AFIS :- Automated Fingerprint
Identification System.
BY :-
JAYRAJSINH GADHAVI
Introduction to AFIS

● The concept of using fingerprints as a unique identifier for individuals

dates back to ancient times, but it wasn't until the late 19th century that
fingerprinting became a systematic practice in criminal investigations.
● The Automated Fingerprint Identification System, commonly known
as AFIS, emerged in the 1980s as a digital solution to the manual and
labor-intensive process of fingerprint matching.
 WHAT IS AFIS?
1. AFIS is a computerized system that captures, stores, analyzes, and compares
fingerprint data.
2. It's a digital workhorse for identification, used by law enforcement, government
agencies, and even private companies.
3. Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS) are a cornerstone of modern
forensic science, providing an invaluable tool for law enforcement agencies worldwide.
4. The integration of AFIS in forensic fingerprinting has revolutionized the way
investigators approach crime scene analysis and suspect identification. This essay
delves into the history, technical challenges, and future prospects of AFIS, highlighting
its pivotal role in criminal investigations
The Evolution of AFIS

● AFIS technology has undergone significant evolution over the past few
decades. Initially, the systems were rudimentary, capable of storing and
comparing a limited number of fingerprint records.
● However, with advancements in digital imaging, database management,
and pattern recognition algorithms, modern AFIS can handle tens of
millions of fingerprint images, offering rapid and accurate matches.
Classification
● The classification within an Automated Fingerprint Identification System
(AFIS) is a critical feature that allows for the systematic categorization of
fingerprints.
● This process involves analyzing and sorting fingerprints based on their unique
patterns and characteristics. Here's a brief overview of how AFIS classifies
fingerprints:
 Classification
1. Pattern Classification: Fingerprints are first sorted into general pattern types such
as loops, whorls, and arches. This initial classification helps in narrowing down the
search within the database.

2. Minutiae Extraction: The most distinctive features of a fingerprint, known as

minutiae, are then identified. These include details like ridge endings, bifurcations,
and short ridges.
Classification
3. Ridge Flow and Pattern Analysis: The overall flow of the ridges and the
specific patterns they form are analyzed to provide further classification
criteria.

4. Matching Algorithm: Once the fingerprints are classified, a matching

algorithm compares the details against a database of known prints to find
potential matches.

5. Storage: Classified fingerprints are stored in the database with their specific
details, making future searches and comparisons more efficient.
Crux Of The Classification

● AFIS relies on three main components:

● 1. Fingerprint Capture
● 2. Fingerprint Analysis
● 3. Fingerprint Comparison
Crux Of The Classification

● Fingerprint Capture: Fingerprint scanners digitally capture fingerprint

patterns.
● Fingerprint Analysis: AFIS extracts key features called minutiae (ridge
endings, bifurcations) from the captured fingerprint.
● Fingerprint Comparison: AFIS searches these minutiae against a vast
database of fingerprints for potential matches.
Power Of AFIS

1. Rapid Identification
2. Accuracy
3. Crime Solving
4. Background Check
5. Civil Applications
 Brief Info About Power Of AFIS
1. Rapid Identification: AFIS can compare fingerprints against millions of records in
seconds, significantly faster than manual searches.
2. Accuracy: Modern AFIS boasts near-perfect accuracy, making it a reliable tool for
identification.
3. Crime Solving: AFIS helps link suspects to crimes by matching fingerprints found at
crime scenes to known criminals in the database.
4. Background Checks: AFIS can be used for background checks, verifying an
individual's identity for employment or licensing purposes.
5. Civil Applications: Beyond law enforcement, AFIS is used in civil identification
systems to prevent duplicate enrollments in programs like voting or social security.
The Future of AFIS

● As technology advances, AFIS will continue to play a vital role in security and
identification. Expect to see even faster search capabilities, integration with other
biometric systems, and potential applications in areas like border control and
immigration.
● The future of AFIS is intertwined with the broader field of biometrics. As
technologies like iris and facial recognition become more prevalent, AFIS is
evolving into the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS), which
incorporates multiple biometric modalities. This multimodal approach enhances the
system's reliability and expands its application beyond traditional law enforcement.
Technical Challenges

● The implementation of AFIS brought about several technical challenges.

The accuracy of the system heavily relies on the quality of the
fingerprint image captured. Poor-quality or partial prints, common in
crime scenes, can hinder the matching process.
● Moreover, the system's algorithms must be sophisticated enough to
account for variations in finger placement, pressure, and skin condition.
 Conclusion
● AFIS is a testament to the power of technology in identification. From solving
crimes to securing our identities, AFIS plays a crucial role in our world.
● AFIS has undeniably transformed forensic fingerprinting, offering a fast,
reliable, and objective method for identifying individuals. Its continuous
development promises to keep pace with the ever-changing landscape of crime
and technology, ensuring that it remains a vital tool in the pursuit of justice.
COMPARISON PROTOCOLS:
CLASS AND INDIVIDUAL
CHARACTERISTICS
(GALTON’S DETAILS)

BY- DURWA OZA IAR/14092

What are comparison protocols ?
Fingerprint comparison protocols involve a systematic process to
determine if two or more fingerprints are from the same individual.
Here's a brief overview of the key steps involved:
1. Orientation and Alignment: Fingerprint images are oriented and
aligned for accurate comparison. Reference points like core and delta
points are identified.
2. Ridge Pattern Comparison: The ridge patterns, such as loops,
whorls, and arches, are examined for similarities in flow, shape,
direction, and distribution.
3. Minutiae Comparison: Minutiae points, like ridge endings and
bifurcations, are compared. The number, type, and positions of these
4. Additional Features: Characteristics like scars, creases, pores, and ridge
discontinuities are also considered.
5. Automated Comparison Systems: Advanced algorithms and software assist
in automated fingerprint comparison, using pattern recognition to identify matches
and generate similarity scores.
Class characteristics
Class characteristics in fingerprint forensics are the features that narrow down the
print to a group but not an individual. These are the features that place an
individual or object in a group or subcategory. The three fingerprint class types are
arches, loops, and whorls.

1. Arches: These are patterns where the friction ridges appear to enter on one
side of the impression and flow or tend to flow out the other side with a rise or
wave in the center. Arches make up about 5 percent of all pattern types.
1. Loops: These are patterns where the ridges enter from one side, curve up and around,
and flow back out the side it entered. There is always one delta present in the loop
pattern type. Loops account for approximately 60 percent of pattern types.
2. Whorls: These form circular or spiral patterns, like tiny whirlpools. There are four groups
of whorls: plain (concentric circles), central pocket loop (a loop with a whorl at the end),
double loop (two loops that create an S-like pattern), and accidental loop (irregular
shaped). Whorls make up about 35 percent of pattern types.
Individual characteristics (Galton’s details) :
Individual characteristics in fingerprint forensics are the minute details present within the friction ridges of a
fingerprint. These are unique to each individual and are often referred to as Galtons details. The most
common types of Galtons details are:

1. Bifurcation

2. Ridge ending

3. Dot or islands
Matching characteristics:
The number of matches required for two fingerprints to be considered a match can vary. In the
past, a minimum number of matching characteristics was needed to be demonstrated to
establish a match between two fingerprints. However, as our ability to visualize fingerprints has
become so much greater and use of technology has improved, a mechanical, quantitative
measure like ‘16 matching characteristics’ asks as many questions as it answers.

Many fingerprint experts use a “twelve-match guideline” — plus or minus a few matches. When
a fingerprint expert takes the witness stand and says he’s absolutely certain about two
fingerprints match, he means he’s found about twelve or more matching minutiae.

However, it’s important to note that there is no standard number required. In fact, the decision
as to whether or not there is a match is left entirely to the individual examiner. However,
individual departments and agencies may have their own set of standards in place that
requires a certain number of points be matched before making a positive identification.
Different ridge characteristics
● Core: The center of a loop or whorl pattern.
● Ending Ridge: A ridge that ends abruptly.
● Short Ridge: A ridge that is significantly shorter than the average ridge length
on the fingerprint.
● Fork or Bifurcation: A single ridge that splits into two ridges.
● Delta: A triangular area found in all patterns except the plain arch.
● Hook: A ridge that curves back on itself.
● Eye: A short ridge that encloses a small area.
● Dot or Island: A small, isolated segment of a ridge.
● Crossover: Two ridges that cross each other.
● Bridge: A small ridge that connects two larger ridges.
● Enclosures: A single ridge that bifurcates and rejoins shortly afterward to
continue as a single ridge.
Thank you for
your attention