FORENSIC FINGERPRINT

IDENTIFICATION
Period in person’s life wherein papillary ridges formed
and developed?

a. 3rd to 4th month of infancy

b. 3 months after birth
c. 4th month after birth
d. 3rd to 4th month of fetal life
A single ridge that bifurcates and meets again to form a
single ridge again.
a. Enclosure ridge
b. Bifurcation
c. Trifurcation
d. Typelines
In taking fingerprints_______ is rolled away from the
body of the subject.
a. All fingers except thumb
b. All fingers
c. Both thumbs
d. Both index fingers
It constitutes approximately 65% of all fingerprints
a. Loops
b. Arches
c. Whorls
d. None
Refers to the total numerical value of the even numbered
finger plus one over the total numerical value of the odd
numbered finger.
a. Primary Classification
b. Secondary Classification
c. Final Classification
d. key Classification
If one finger is amputated, it is given a classification with
that of;
a. The next finger
b. The index finger
c. The opposite finger
d. Whorl and meeting
In ridge counting of loops, which among the following is
not counted?
a. Delta
b. Core
c. Both a and b
d. Intervening ridges
A person suspected of having committed a criminal
offense may fingerprinted by a law enforcement officer
a. Only in the presence of a counsel
b. In the presence of two witness
c. Only in freewill
d. Even against his consent
In primary classification what fingers is in number 5 and
number 6 respectively
a. Right little finger and left little finger
b. Left little finger and right thumb
c. Right thumb and left little finger
d. Right little finger and left thumb
 . Sub-secondary classification: RIGHT HAND: 1 =\;
ridge count: 26, 2 = R; ridge count: 12, 3 = W; ridge
traced: O, 4 = \; ridge count: 17, 5 = \; ridge traced: 12;
LEFT HAND: 6 = W; ridge traced: I, 7 = W; ridge
traced: M, 8 = /; ridge count: 18, 9 = W; ridge traced: I,
10 = /; ridge count 15
 A. MOI/OOO C. OOO/MOI
 B. IMO/IOI D. IOI/IMO
 NicéphoreNiépce invention

 Heliography C. Calotype
 Dagguerotype D. Photographic fix-
bath
 The ridges of the skin is part of the dermal surface that
is why sometimes it is called as the dermal ridges and it
will not be forged. The statement best describes:
 A. the principle of individuality
 C. principle of permanency
 B. principle of infallibility
 D. none of these
Fingerprint
is the reproduction on some smooth
surface of the pattern or design formed by
the ridges on the inside of the end joint of
the fingers and the thumb, through the
medium of the ink or any coloring
substance capable of producing visibility
Fingerprint
As a Science –
Is the identification of a person by means of the
ridges appearing on the fingers, on the palms and on
the soles of the feet.
Dactyloscopy
 the identification of a person through the examination
and comparison of fingerprints.
 the classification of fingerprints.
 THE SCIENCE OF FINGERPRINT

 Dactyl – Fingers
 Scopia – Study
Dactylography
 Is the art of fingerprint recording for identification
purposes
Fingerprinting
 a method of identification
of an individual through
the use of the impression
made by the ridge
formation found in the
terminal part of the
fingers.
Origin Of Fingerprints
 It is believed that ancient man also have already
appreciated the difference skin patterns.
 Somewhat more practical uses of fingerprints are

recognized in the many digital impressions to be seen

upon the clay tablets that display writing from ancient
Babylon.
 The system of identification by fingerprints and its origin
was in China where it was vogue for many centuries. The
Chinese employed the fingerprint system for the signing of
contracts on the part of illiterate.
The thumb mark of the destitute is written. Infants at the
time were recorded for Chinese mother is familiar with the
fingerprint marks of her newborn.
EMPEROR TE’ IN SHI, B.C. 246-210

 was the first Chinese ruler who devised a seal carved

from white jade; on the one side of it was the name of
the owner, and the other, and the other side is the
impression of his thumb.
 The purpose of the seal was used in sealing documents as
a sign of authenticity. The Chinese, through well
acquainted with the types of patterns found in
fingerprints, did nothing to develop a system of
classification
THOMAS BEWICK, 1773-1828,
 English engraver, an author of natural and more

acceptable evidence of an appreciation of fingerprints

is his personal mark.
 ENGRAVED HIS OWN FINGERPRINT IN WOOD

AS HIS SIGNATURE
Discovery And The Development Of The
Fingerprint System
Marcelo Malphigi – 1686
In 1686, Marcello
Malphigi, a professor of anatomy
at the University of Bologna,
noted in his treaties; ridges,
spirals and loops in fingerprints.
He made no mention of their
value as a tool or individual
identification.

A layer of skin was named

after him; “Malphigi” layer,
which is approximately 1.8 mm
thick.
JC Mayer
Johannes Evangelist
Purkinje – 1823
In 1823, a
professor of anatomy at
the University of Breslau,
published his thesis
discussing 9 fingerprint
patterns,
A Commentary on the physiological Examination of the
Organs of the Vision and the Cutaneous System

 Transverse curve
 Central longitudinal stria
 Oblique Stripe
 Oblique loop
 Almont whorl
 Spiral Whorl
 Ellipse
 Circle
 Double whorl
Sir William James Herschel –
The English first began
using fingerprints in July 1858,
when Herschel, Chief
Magistrate in Bengal, India.
First used fingerprints on
native contracts. On a whim,
with no thought toward
personal identification,
Herschel had Rajyadhar Konai,
a local businessman, impress
his hand print on the back of a
contract.
 The native was suitably
impressed, and Herschel
made a habit of requiring
palm prints and later,
simply the prints of the right
index and middle fingers –
on every contract made with
the locals.
 Personal contract with the
document, they believed,
made the contract more
binding than if they simply
signed it. Thus, the first
wide-scale, modern-day use
of fingerprints was
predicated, not upon
scientific evidence, but
upon superstitious beliefs.
 As his fingerprint collection grew, however,
Herschel began to note that the inked impressions
could, indeed, prove or disprove identity.
While his experience with fingerprinting was
admittedly limited, sir Herschel’s private conviction
that all fingerprints were unique to the individual, as
well as permanent throughout that individual’s life,
inspired him to expand their use.
Dr. Henry Faulds – 1880

During the 1870’s, Dr.

Henry Faulds, the British
Surgeon-Superintendent of
Tsukiji Hospital in Tokyo,
Japan, took up the study of
“skin-furrows” after noticing
finger marks on specimens of
“prehistoric” pottery.
A learned and
industrious man, Dr. Faulds
not only recognized the
importance of fingerprints as a
means of identification, but
devised a method of
classification as well.
 He forwarded an explanation of his classification
system and a sample of the forms he had designed for
recording inked impressions, To Sir Charles Darwin.
Darwin, in advance age and ill health, informed
Dr. Faulds that he could be of no assistance to him, but
promised to pass the materials on his cousin, Francis
Galton. Also in 1880,
Sir Francis Galton – 1888
A British anthropologist and a cousin of Charles
Darwin, began his observations of fingerprints as a means of
identification in the 1880’s.
He published his book “Fingerprints” in 1882,
establishing the individuality and permanence of fingerprints.
The book included the first classification system for
fingerprints. Galton’s primary interest in fingerprints was an
aid determining heredity and racial background.
While he soon discovered that fingerprints offered no
firm clues to an individual’s intelligence or genetic history, he
was able to scientifically prove what Herschel and Faulds
already suspected: that fingerprints do not change over the
course of an individual’s lifetime, and that no two fingerprints
are exactly the same.
 According to his
calculations, the odds of two
individual fingerprints being
the same were 1 in 64
billion. Galton identified the
characteristics by which
fingerprints can be
unidentified. These same
characteristics (minutia) are
basically still in use today,
and are often referred to as
Galton’s Details
Mark Twain (Samuel
Clemens) – 1883
In Mark Twain’s
book, “Life on the
Missisippi”, a murder was
identified by the use of
fingerprint identification.
In later book by
Mark Twain, “Pudd’n Head
Wilson”, there was a
dramatic court trial on
fingerprint identification. A
more recent movie was
made from this book.
Juan(Ivan) Vucetich
In 1891, Juan Vucetich, an
Argentina Police Official, began
the first fingerprint files based on
Galton pattern types. At first,
Vucetich included the Bertillon
System with the files.
In 1892, Juan Vucetich
made the first criminal
fingerprint identification. He was
able to identify a woman by the
name of Rojas, who had
murdered her tweak sons, and cut
her own throat in an attempt to
place blame on another. Her
bloody print was left on a
doorpost, proving her identity as
the murderer.
Right Thumb Impression and Signature of Juan Vucetich
Mary K. Holland
Capt. James I. Parke
 Advocated the first state and penal use of
fingerprint which was officially adopted in Sing-sing
prison on June 5, 1903 and later in Auburn.
Edward Richard Henry
An Inspector General
of the Bengal Police(India).
Adopted his own system
different from the system
presented by Galton and
Vucetich.
The first conviction
using the system was the
Harry Jackson’s burglary
case.
State of Illinios, USA
 first US conviction based solely upon fingerprint
evidence.
 also known as the first judicial ruling on evidence

(People vs. Jennings).

Thomas Taylor
 Introduce a new system of
palmistry.
 He cited that the marks of
the palms of the hands can
possibly be used in
identifying criminals.
Herman Welcker
 in 1956, took his own on his own palm
and 41 years later took another print of the same hand
and found out that prints do not change.
John Herbert Dillinger
 An infamous
American gangster
in the Depression-
era United States,
who operated with a
group of men known
by some as the
Dillinger Gang or
Terror Gang

Roscoe James Pitt (Robert Phillips)
 considered as the man
without fingerprint in 1941.
 He surgically removed his

fingerprint of the first joint

and covered it with another
skin from his chest but his
works was futile.
Sgt. John Kenneth Perrier
 the first fingerprint instructor at the St. Louis Police
Department in Missouri.

The City of Missouri

 the first city adopted the use of fingerprint.
Generoso Reyes
 the first Filipino fingerprint technician who was
employed in the Philippine Constabulary.
Important Dates
 1901
Introduction of fingerprints for criminal
identification in England and Wales, using Galton’s
observations and revised by Sir Edward Henry. Thus
began the Henry Classification System, used even
today in all English speaking countries.
 1902
First systematic use of fingerprints in the U.S. by
the New York Civil Service Commission for testing. Dr.
Henry P. DeForrest pioneer U.S,. fingerprinting.
 1903
The New York State Prison system began the
first systematic use of fingerprints in U.S. criminals.
 1904
The use of fingerprints began in Leavenworth
State Penitentiary in Kansas, and the St. Louis Police
Department.
They were assisted by a Sergeant from Scotland
Yard who had been on duty at the St. Louis Exposition
guarding the British Display.
 1905
This year saw the use of fingerprints from the U.S.
Army. Two years later the U.S Navy started, and was joined
the next year by the Marine.
During the next 25 years more and more law
enforcements agencies join in the use of fingerprints as a
means of personal identification. Many of these agencies
began sensing copies of their fingerprint card to the
National Bureau of Criminal Identification, which was
established by the International Association of Police
Chiefs.
 It was in 1918 when
Edmond Locard wrote that if 12
points (Galton’s Details) were the
same between two fingerprints, it
would suffice as a positive
identification.
This is where the often
quoted (12 points) originated. Be
aware though, there is “NO”
required number of points
necessary for an identification.
Some countries have set their
own standard which do include a
minimum number of points, but
not in United States.
Allied sciences of Fingerprint
1. Chiroscopy
2. Podoscopy
3. Poroscopy
4. Edgeoscopy
5. Ridegeology
The 3 Principles of Fingerprint
1. Principle of Individuality
No two persons have the same fingerprint
patterns.
2. Principle of Permanency
Principle of womb to tomb.
3. Principle of Infallability
Fingerprints are reliable and cannot be forged.
Friction skin
is an epidermal
hairless skin usually
found on the palm and
soles. This is where
fingerprints are formed.
termed as “friction”
because of the biological
function of to assist in our
ability to grasp and hold
onto objects.
Two layers of the skin
1. Epidermis
the upper layer of the skin. It is tough and water
proof and a protective layer.
2. Dermis
the lower part of the skin made mainly of fibrous
proteins and other large molecules.
Kinds of Sweat glands
1. Eccrine glands
2. Apocrine glands
3. Sebaceous glands
Two components of the Friction ridge
1. Ridges
are tiny elevated
hill-like structures.
2. Furrows
are the
depressions or canal like
found between ridges.
Ridge Characteristics
1. Bifurcation
2. Ridge Enclosure
3. Ridge ending
4. Ridge bridge
5. Diverging ridge
6. Converging ridge
Ridge Characteristics
7. Ridge hook or spur
8. Dot
9. Appendage
10. Short ridge
11. Fragmentary ridge
Other characteristics
Typelines
are the two innermost ridges that start parallel, diverge, surround or
tend to surround the pattern area.

Pattern area
is a part of the fingerprint which lies within the area surrounded by the
typelines, core and delta.
Two focal points of a Fingerprint
1. Delta(Outer terminus)
 is the first obstruction or point on the first ridge

formation at or directly in front or near the center of

the divergence of the typelines.

2. Core(Inner terminus)
 is a point on ridge formation usually located at the
center or heart of the pattern.
 the proximate center of the fingerprint.
What may considered as Delta?
 Bifurcation
 Short ridge
 Ending ridge
 Convergence
 Dot
 Recurving ridge
Rules in the selection for a Delta
1. The delta may not be located at the bifurcation
which does not open towards the core.
2. When there is a choice between a bifurcation and
another type of delta, the bifurcation is selected.
3. If there are series of bifurcation opening towards the
core, equally close to the point of divergence of the
typelines, the delta nearest to the core shall be
selected.
4. When there are two or more
possible deltas which conforms to
the definition, the one nearest the
core is chosen.
5. The delta may not be located in the
middle of a ridge running between
the typelines toward the core, but
the nearer end only.
Rules in the selection for a Core
1. The core is placed upon or within the innermost
sufficient recurve.
2. When the innermost sufficient recurve contains NO
ending ridge or rod rising as high as the shoulders
of the loop, the core is placed on the shoulder of the
loop farther from the delta.
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 farther one of the
two center rods, the two center rods being treated as
though they were connected by a recurving ridge.
Fingerprint patterns
 the general formations of the ridges
found inside the pattern area.
 these are very essential in the

fingerprint classification.
Fingerprint pattern divisions.
1. Arches 5% Pattern Frequency
2. Loops 65%
3. Whorls 30%

Arches Loops Whorls

Sub-groups of the pattern
A. Arches
1. Plain Arch
2. Tented Arch
B. Loops
1. Radial Loop
2. Ulnar Loop
C. Whorls
1. Plain Whorl
2. Central Pocket Whorl
3. Double Loop Whorl
4. Accidental Whorl
Sub-groups and their frequency
Loops
Arches

Plain Arch
Radial 4%
40%
Ulnar 96%
Tented
Arch60%

Whorls

Plain 71%
Central Pocket 13%
Double Loop 13%
Accidental 3%
Arches
 a pattern in which the ridge
flows from one side to the
other side without
recurving.
 It has no delta and core.

Elements of an Arch:
 The ridges flow without

recurving
 No delta and core

 No ridge count
Plain Arch
 A plain arch is that type of
pattern in which the ridges
enter upon one side, make a
rise or wave in the center,
and flow or tend to flow out
upon the opposite side.
 A plain arch cannot have a

looping ridge, an upthrust

ridge, an angle, or a recurve.
Tented Arch
A tented arch is that type of pattern which
possesses an angle, an upthrust, or two of the
three basic characteristics of the loop
 The different types of tented arches:

◦ Angular Type Tented Arch

◦ Upthrust Type Tented Arch
◦ Loop Type (Lacking One Characteristic)
Angular Type Tented Arch
 Formed by two ridges
meeting at an angle.
 One continuous ridge

cannot form an angle.

 Angle must be 90 degrees

or less.
Upthrust Type Tented Arch
 An up thrust must be an
ending ridge – a ridge which
ends in space.
 An up thrust must make a
definite change of direction
from the basic ridge. It must be
an angle of forty-five degrees
or more from base ridge.
 An up thrust must be as high
as the surrounding ridges are
thick.
Loop Type (Lacking One Characteristic)
 This form of tented arch, the one
which approaches the loop, may
have any combination of two of
the three basic loop
characteristics, lacking the
third. These three loop
characteristics are, to repeat:
◦ A sufficient recurve.
◦ A delta.
◦ A ridge count across a looping ridge
Loops
 A pattern in which the
ridges start at one side of
the pattern goes towards the
upper corner of the opposite
side,
 then recurve and start back
toward the side from which
they came originally,
 forming a loop with core at
the center and a delta at the
edge of the pattern area.
Loops
Elements of a loop:

 There must be a sufficient

recurve.
 There must be a Delta and

Core.
 There must be a ridge

count of at least one.

TYPES OF LOOPS
 Ulnar loops flow toward the little finger – Ulna bone
–
◦ An ulnar loop is indicated by a diagonal line in the direction
the loop flows.
 Radial loops flow toward the thumb – Radius bone –
◦ Radial loop is indicated by a Capital “R” in fingers two and
seven and by a small “r” in all other fingers
 The deltas for the right hand, fingers 1-5, are on the left side of the pattern.
 The deltas for the left hand, fingers 6-10, are on the right side of the pattern.

Remember!
Right hand ulna. Delta on left side.
Left hand ulna. Delta on right side.
Ridge Counting
 usually applied to a loop type of pattern. It can be done
by drawing an imaginary line between the delta and
core.
 the number of ridges intervening between the delta and

core is the ridge count.

 The core is on the
spike.

The delta is on the bifurcation.

Whorls
A pattern in which the formation of the ridges
are usually circular or spiral. It has two or more deltas.

Elements of a Whorl:
 There must be a core
 Two or more delta
TYPES OF WHORLS
 PlainWhorl
 Central Pocket Loop Whorl
 Double loop whorl
 Accidental Whorl
 Plain Whorl
 A plain whorl consists of one or
more ridges which make or tend to
make a complete circuit, with two
deltas, between which,
 when an imaginary line is drawn, at

least one recurving ridge within the

inner pattern area is cut or touched.
Remember :
◦ Two deltas and at least one ridge making
a complete circuit or variant of a circle.
◦ An imaginary line drawn from delta to
delta must cut or touch at least one
recurving ridge within the inner pattern
area.
Central Pocket Loop Whorl
 A central pocket loop whorl consists of at least one
recurving ridge, or an obstruction at right angles to the
line of flow, with two deltas, between which,
 when an imaginary line is drawn, no recurving ridge

within the inner pattern area is cut or touched

Double loop whorl
 A double loop whorl
consists of two separate
loop formations, with two
separate and distinct sets of
shoulders and two deltas.
 Remember:
 Two separate loop
formations.
 Two separate and distinct
sets of shoulders.
 Two deltas
 No ridge count is needed for
loops in a double loop whorl.
 The appendage rule for double

loops is the same as that for

plain loops.
 Plain loop appendage rule –

Sufficient recurve consists of

the space between the
shoulders of a loop, free of any
appendages which abut upon it
at a right angle on the outside
of the recurve.
Accidental Whorl
 An accidental whorl consists of a combination of two different
types of patterns with the exception of the plain arch, with two
or more deltas, or a pattern which possesses some of the
requirements for two or more different types or a pattern
which conforms which conforms to none of the definitions.
 Remember:
◦ Combination of two different types of patterns with the exception of the plain
arch.
◦ Two or more deltas. Only pattern which may possess two or more deltas.
◦ Patterns possessing some of the requirements of two or more different types,
with the exception of the plain arch.
◦ Patterns conforming to none of the definitions.
Whorl Tracing
 is done by locating the or
identifying the ridge trace
and examining its
direction.
 the patterns are further

classified according to its

whorl tracing either inner,
outer and meeting.
Rules in Ridge Tracing
1. Starts from left to right delta
2. When tracing ridge abruptly terminates the next
lower ridge shall be the continuation
3. If it bifurcates, the lower should be considered
4. When there 3 or more deltas trace from the furthest
left delta to the furthest poitnt delta
Fingerprint Classification
 Since the early 1900’s, the “Henry System” of
classification of fingerprint has been in use in the
United States.
 The basic Henry System served for many years, but as

files grew it became necessary to “modify” it. The

modified Henry System is recommended for all
agencies currently maintaining fingerprint files
although not all steps in the classification formula are
used.
Taking of fingerprint impression
a. Pressure
b. Removing of finger from the cards
c. Rolling of the thumbs and fingers
Fingerprint Classification
 Refers to the formula derived for a complete set of ten
fingerprints or the arrangement of fingerprint records
into groups or subgroups for easy filing and easy
retrieval.
CLASSIFICATION FORMULA
 the formula derived for a complete set of ten fingers.
 the arrangement of the fingerprint record into groups

and sub-groups for filling purposes.

FPC = K M P S Ss F
C C C C (C)
Primary Classification
 The first step in classifying a fingerprint record card is
the “Blocking Out” step. To block out a card, the
technician first identifies all ten fingers as to pattern
type.
 It is obtained by summing up or adding all the

numerical value of the whorl type pattern and its

composites that appears in all ten fingers.
 The sum total of which will be added by one (1).
Secondary Classification
 Is placed just to the right of the primary classification.
 Finger that appear in the right hand will become the

numerator while the other is the denominator.

Two divisions of the Secondary Classification:

1. Capital Letter Group (ATRU-W)
2. Small letter Group (rat)
Sub-secondary Classification
 is placed just to the right of the secondary
classification.
 concerned only with the index, middle and ring

fingers of both hands.

 only the loops and whorls will be considered are

considered.
 Index Middle Ring

1–9 = I 1 – 10 = I 1 – 13 = I

10 or more = O 11 or more = O 14 or more = O

Same as above Same as above Same as above

Final Classification
 is obtained from the ridge count of the little fingers.
 only one little finger is necessary.
 always give the priority to the no. 5 finger.
 If there is no loop, the whorl will be considered
 Right little finger is ridge-counted from left delta to

core and opposite to left little finger

Major Division
 concerns only with the thumbs of both fingers (no.
1&6).
 whorl type patterns are traced and the symbol of the

tracing (IMO) will be brought in the classification.

 loop type patterns will be represented by SML (small,

medium and large).

 Formula for the Right Thumb

Formula 1 Formula 2

1 – 11 =S 1 – 17 =S

12 – 16 =M 18 – 22 =M

17 or more = L 23 or more = L

Formula for the Left Thumb

1 – 11 =S

12 – 16 =M

17 or more = L
Key Classification
 is place at the extreme left of the classification formula
or to the left of the major division.
 is obtain by determining the ridge count of the first

loop appearing on the fingerprint card from all the

fingers except the little fingers.
Classification of Scarred Patterns
 Rule 1. (So) Scarred Impression
 Rule 2. Partially Scarred (general type cannot be

determined)
 Rule 3. Partially Scarred (general type can be

determined

 Rule 4. (So) Scarred (general type and ridge tracing

and count cannot be determined)
Rule 1. (So) Scarred Impression
 Characteristics:
◦ general type of pattern;
cannot be determined with
◦ or ridge tracing; or reasonable accuracy
◦ ridge count

 Classification:
◦ general classification and sub classification is that of the
corresponding finger of the other hand.
Rule 2. Partially Scarred (general type
cannot be determined)
 Characteristics:
◦ large scar around the core
◦ general type cannot be determined with reasonable accuracy
◦ ridges can be accurately subclassified by ridge tracings or
counting

 Characteristics:
◦ primary value of the pattern of the corresponding finger and
the sub classification value as indicated by the ridges of
partially scarred impressions
Rule 3. Partially Scarred (general type
can be determined
 Characteristics:
◦ general type of pattern can be determined with reasonable
accuracy;
◦ ridges cannot be traced or counted so as to fall within the proper
subsecondary classification

 Classification:
◦ ridge count or tracing value of the corresponding finger of the other
hand, if the corresponding finger is of the same general type.
◦ scarred impression should be given the probable value and
referenced to all other possibilities, If the corresponding finger is
not of the same general type.
Rule 4. (So) Scarred (general type and ridge
tracing and count cannot be determined)

 Characteristics:
◦ general type of pattern and ridge tracing or count cannot be
determined with reasonable accuracy;
◦ corresponding finger of the other hand is similarly scarred.

 Classification: whorls with meeting tracings.

Classification of amputations and fingers
missing at birth
Rule 1. Amputation Group; Statement of Amputation or
Missing of Finger
◦ Separate filing of fingerprint cards having one or more amputations
◦ (Amputation) Card must contain express statement of subject about amputation of
finger or missing of finger since birth.
Rule 2. One Amputation; Classification Corresponds to
Opposite Finger
◦ If one finger is amputated, classification corresponds with the opposite finger and
referenced to every other possible classification.
Rule 3. Two or More Amputations; Classification Corresponds
to Opposite Fingers
◦ If two or more fingers are amputated, classification corresponds with the opposite
fingers and with no additional references.
 Rule 4. Opposite Amputated Fingers;
Classification is whorls with meeting tracings.
◦ If amputated fingers are opposite each other, classification is
whorls with meeting tracings.
 Rule 5. Missing Fingers Treated as Amputations
 Rule 6. All 10 Fingers Amputated or Missing at

Birth –
◦ If all 10 fingers are amputated or missing at birth,
classification is:

M 32 W MMM
M 32 W MMM
 Rule 7. Both Hands Amputated or Missing at Birth
◦ If both hands are amputated or missing at birth, footprints
should be taken, i.e., if the police maintains a footprint file such
as the FBI.
 Rule 8. Partially Amputated Fingers
◦ Partially amputated fingers are left to the discretion of the
classifier as there was no definite rule to this effect.
◦ General Guidelines
 Half or more than half of the pattern area missing:
classification of the opposite finger.
 Two or more fingers with half or more than half of the
pattern area missing. Classification of the opposite fingers
and governed by the rules concerning amputations.
 Tip Amputation (less than half of the first joint amputated) –
classified as it appears and referenced to the opposite finger.
Classification of bandaged or imprinted
fingers
 Rule 1. Recently Injured, Bandaged Not Sufficient
to File Fingerprint Card
◦ If the injury is temporary, and if possible, these prints
should not be taken until after healing.

 Rule 2. Injured Fingers Impossible to Ink

◦ If injured fingers are impossible to ink, classification of
unprinted fingers correspond with the opposite fingers.
◦ If injured fingers which are impossible to ink, classification
is whorls with meeting tracings.
LATENT PRINT DEVELOPMENT
 Why are latent prints develop? The purpose
is to make is visible so that it may be
preserved and compared. Development of
latent fingerprints is a process where
positive identification of a criminal may be
established.
 Fingerprints located at crime scenes can be

classified as visible, plastic, or latent

prints..
 In developing latent prints, the investigator is
influenced by the kind of surface that is being
examined in choosing a developing method. For
example, prints on porous evidence such as paper,
unfinished wood, cardboard, etc. are normally
developed by treatment with a chemical.
 On the other hand, prints on nonporous evidence such

as plastic, glass, metal, foil, etc., are either develop by

powdering method or super glue fuming method.
Methods for developing Latent Prints
A. Powder methods
1. Oxides-ideally used on painted area or smooth surfaces
2. Metallics- for plated or polished surface such as metal
3. Magnetics-powder having magnetic power
4. Combination (oxides and metallics)-
5. Flourescents- used to overcome multicolored surfaces, same
characteristics sa oxides

“applicable only to non-porous objects”

Methods for developing Latent Prints

B. Chemical methods
1. Ninhydrin- biological stain that reacts to amino acids present
in latent fp
2. DFO (1, 8 Diazafluoren-9-one)-2.5 times better than
ninhydrin-
3. Silver Nitrate-light sensitive and will react with the silver
choride or salt residue found in latent prints
4. Physical Developer-reacts to the sebaceous components of the
latent print
5. Small Particle Reagent (SPR)-adheres to the fatty substance-
good for rain-soaked body of vehicles.
Methods for developing Latent Prints

C. Vapor methods
1. Iodine Fuming method-reacts with greasy,oily and fatty
substance, through process of sublimation
2. Cyanoacrylate (super glue) fuming-reacts to the water present
in the latent print residue. It form a hard compounds when in
contacts with the print.
Methods of comparison of latent print
and standard print
1. Ordinary method-the marking of the point of
identity, arranged in clockwise direction.
- simple method
-modified method
-drawn method
2. Osborn method-DIVIDE INTO SQUARES
3. Seymour method-SKELETON
4. Pricking method –ENLARGEMENT THEN PRICK
USING PIN
5. Polygon method-PRICKING BUT ALSO DRAWING
POLYGON THROUGH CONNECTING DOTS
Methods of comparison of latent print
and standard print
6. Overlay method
7. Osterburg Grid method
8. Microscopic triangulation method
9. Conventional method
10. Photographic method
The AFIS (Automated Fingerprint
Identification System)
 It is the state of the art of computer based identification
system.
 The process of automatically matching one or many

unknown fingerprints against a data based known and

unknown prints.
  The largest AFIS repository in
America is operated by the Department
of Homeland Security's US Visit
Program, containing over 63 million
persons' fingerprints, primarily in the
form of two-finger records (non-
compliant with FBI and Interpol
standards).
The US Visit Program is migrating from two flat (not rolled)
fingerprints to ten flat fingerprints during 2007. "Fast
capture" research funded by the US government will enable
implementation of ten "rolled print equivalent" fingerprint
recording (within 15 seconds per person fingerprinted) in
future years.
TAKE RISKS

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