FORENSIC SCIENCE

1. FORENSIC PHOTOGRAPHY
2. PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION
3. FORENSIC CHEMISTRY AND TOXICOLOGY
4. QUESTION DOCUMENTS
5. LIE DETECTION
6. FORENSIC BALLISTIC

FORENSIC PHOTOGRAPHY

Absorption - The nature of light to be images of astronomical objects and

absorbed in the process of dark surfaces. large areas of the night sky.

Aerial Photography - Between the Lens Shutter - Consist of

A kind of a series of thin metal leaves or blades
photography applied for photo mapping. so mounted that they close
Alhazen- He invented the first completely, somewhat an iris diaphragm
pinhole camera that was known later as and yet spring open and close again when
Camera Obscura (Italian word for the shutter trip is pressed.
darkroom chamber) which is literally
translated as Darkened Fox. Blue Filters - These filters can be used
effectively when photographing blood
Aloh Roemer - He measured the speed of in black and white. When used outdoors,
light in 1676. it will make the sky or any blue
objects appear white in the photograph.
Angle of View - The view of the
subject sustained by two lines emerging Camera - A light proof box with a means of
from the corners of the film extending to forming an image (lens/ pinhole), with a
the center of the lens. means of holding sensitized material
(film holder) and with a means of regulating
Artificial Light - Source of light that is the amount of light that enters the camera
man- made and are divided to at a given time (shutter). A light proof
continuous radiation and the short duration. box into which light is admitted through a
lens.
ASA (American Standard Association) Changing Bag - A small bag with sleeved
Rating - An indicator of film speed arm holes designed to be completely light-
rating expressed in arithmetical value. proof used for film processing whenever a
dark room is not available.
Astigmatism - Inability of the lens to focus
both horizontal and vertical plane at the Circle Of Confusion - The overlapping
same time. order patches of light representing each
patch of light on the subject. This circle
Astrophotography - It is a of confusion represents unsharp images,
specialized type of photography that but the human eyes see them as
entails recording acceptably sharp.
Clear Filter - A type of filter that is Dark Room - A room capable of being
completely transparent and ideally perform "blacked out or completely darkened and
no filtering of incoming light at all. The only which contains running water, a sink,
use of a clear filter is to protect the front of washer, dryer, enlarger, printer, developing
the lens. solution, developing trays and tanks,
and other equipment necessary to
Color Conversion Filters - These the production of a finished photograph.
are filters with odd reference number
which is yellowish or orange, for Depth of Field - It is the
lowering the color temperature of the distance measured from the nearest to
light. Filters with even numbers are the farthest object in apparent sharp
bluish and raise the color temperature. focus when the lens is set or focused
at a particular distance.
Color Subtraction Filters - These filters
work by absorbing certain colors of light, Developing Solution
letting the remaining colors through. compounded - Specially
causes the image chemical mixture
on the film to develop
Complementary or Secondary Colors - out as a reverse which image of the
AKA "Subtractive complementary Primary original object or scene photographed.
Colors" The colors include; Magenta
(red+blue), Cyan (green+blue), and Yellow Development -A stage of film
(red+green) development by which an invisible latent
image in an emulsion is made visible. It is
Contact Printing- It is a type the process of converting the
of photographic printing by exposed image on the film into actual
exposing photographic print materials image. Exposed film affects the silver
while it is pressed in contact with the halides but the change is invisible.
negative being reproduced. This is the Developing enables the invisible image
simplest and the most economical into form. This is performed by
method of photographic printing. soaking the film in the developer
(developing solution).
Contrast - A tonal difference between Diaphragm or Aperture - A small opening
the darkest and lightest portions of a in a camera usually circular in shape
negative or print. and usually variables in the form iris
diaphragm that regulates the intensity of
Convergent or Positive or Convex Lens light which passes through the lens. It
- A type of lens that is always thicker at the is generally represented by number
center and thinner at the side. Light known as f/stops. The number
passing through it are bended toward each indicating the size of lens opening
other on the other side of the lens meeting located at the inner ring of the focusing
at a certain point (focal point). It mechanism. The lower the f-stop that is
produces a real image on the opposite set, the bigger the opening of the lens.
side of the lens or where light is coming
from, Diffraction - The bending (spreading) of
Cyan - A secondary color produced as light when it hits a sharp edge of
a result of the combination of blue an opaque object.
and green.
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Digital Camera - A camera that Emulsion Speed - The extent to which an
takes video or still photographs, or both, emulsion is sensitive to light. The
digitally by recording images on a light- general types of speed ratings are ASA,
sensitive sensor (not film). DIN, and ISO.

DIN (Deutche Industri Normen) Rating Enlarger- A projector for making

- An indicator of film speed rating enlarged positives by means of projection
expressed in logarithmic value. printing.
Enlarging - Process of making enlarged
Distance Scale - A device that shows the positives from small negatives, usually
approximate distance from the done by direct projection.
optical center of the lens to the point of
focus on the object. Exposure-Is making a photographic
record by exposing sensitive material to
Distortion - Inability to produce the light action, the quantity of light allowed to
same enlargement in the image formed act is expressed in terms of the length
by the edges of the lens as in that part of time the action is allowed to continue
formed by the center of the lens. with effective lens aperture used.

Diverging or Negative or Concave Exposure Counter or Frame Counter - A

or Biconcave Lens - A type of lens device in the camera indicating the number
that is always thinner at the center and of exposure made.
thicker at the sides. Light passing
through it are bended away from each F/Stop Number - It indicates or represents
other as if coming from a point. It produces the diaphragm or aperture opening
a virtual image on the same side of the lens
or where light is coming from. Film - It is a sensitized material with a
cellulose tape or plate where silver salts
Dogging - The process used in printing by are suspended capable of recording
covering some light that strikes the printing light. The result is a transparent film
paper in order to give the same amount of image, but the image is "negative". The
light available. light and dark parts are reversed. The
light part of the original subject turns
Edwin H. Land - He introduced our black in the negative and the dark
Polaroid, known as one-step photography. part of the original turns our clear or light.

Electromagnetic Spectrum - A colored Film Advance Lever - A part of the

band that is formed when light is allowed to camera that is twisted to advance the
pass through a prism. It includes film inside and to check the
different energies such as cosmic rays, number of exposure.
gamma rays, x-rays, ultra- violet rays,
visible light, infrared rays, heat rays, Film Base - It is the supporting layer in this
Hertzian waves, and the alternating current base has to transparent (with
oscillations be optical some free from
Emulsion-The most fundamental layer in a density), imperfections stable,
film and adheres to the base by means of chemically
photographically, and resistant toinsensitive
moisture
a binder. and processing chemicals, while remaining

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mechanically strong resistant tearing, Flash Photography - A type
to flexible, and dimensionally of made
photography whereby exposures are
stable with illumination from one or more
to photographs.
principle
Film in Development the
photography that explains
how the Latent - Image inRefers
the exposed Focal Length - It is the distance measured
film is converted into a Negative Image from the optical center of the lens to
(visible image). This provides that there are the film plane when the lens is
six (6) stages of chemical processing focused at infinity position
needed to make the latent image become
visible such that it can be printed to Focal Plane - The area/location in
produce a photograph The six (6) which the image is formed is called focal
stage are as follows; (3) plane; or the area location of the film.
Predevelopment Water Rinse (Optional), A certain distance behind the lens they
(2) Development, (3) Stop-bath, come to a point.
(4) Facation, (5) Washing, and (6) Drying.
Film Holder - A part of the camera that Focus - The means by which the object
holds the film firmly inside it. It is distance is estimated or calculated to form
always located at the opposite side of the sharp or clear images.
lens.
Film Speed - Refers to film sensitivity Focusing - The adjusting or changing
to light. The higher the rating of the film, the distance between the focal plane
the more sensitive it will be and the lens.

Film Speed Control - This control is Focusing Ring - A part of the camera that
utilized by manipulating the ASA/150 or moves the lens back and forth which
DIN dial of the camera allows the photographer to create a
sharp image of the subject
Filters - These are discs of glass or
negative which when placed in front of the Fogging - It is the accidental exposure
camera lens stop one or another color of the film to light.
of light from passing through in striking
the film. These are used to change Forensic Photography - AKA "Forensic
the composition of available light Imaging or Crime Scene Photography".
before allowing it to strike the film. It is the art of producing an
accurate reproduction of a crime scene
Filtration-The character of light to be or an accident scene using
altered from its colorless into visible photography for the benefit of a court
its state. or to aid in an investigation.

Fixation - A stage of film development that Frequency -The number of

makes the developed image permanent. In complete waves per unit of time and
this processing stage, the unexposed is used in measuring the speed of light.
and underdeveloped silver halide crystals The unit of measuring the speed of light
are dissolved and removed from the maybe mu, per second (mu/sec).
emulsion of the photographic material.
Granularity or Graininess - This refers to
the size of the metallic silver grains that
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are formed after development of an discovered and proved that the
exposed film. sizes of the strongest light is white light.
The silver grains metallic dependent
emulsion
are speed of the
onfilm and the type of
the ISO (International
developing solution that is used Standard Organization) Rating - An
processing. indicator of film speed rating expressed in
The rule is: the lower in the combined Aarithmetical and
the
speed rating of the film, the finer is Llogarithmic values.
the grain and conversely, theemulsiohigher ISO/ASA/DIN Dial - A camera device in
n
the emulsion speed rating of the film which when adjusted it will conform with
the bigger are the grains. the sensitivity of the film to light.

Hyperfocal Distance - The nearest John Herschel - He coined the

distance at which a lens is focused with word Photography.
a given diaphragm opening, which will
give the maximum depth of field. Lens - A specially shaped piece of
glass which reflects light from outside
Identification - This is the very first use of into the back of the camera and
photography in police work. creates a reversed, upside down image
on the film at the back of the
Infrared Photography - The principle of camera. A disc of transparent glass
infrared photography as a means generally bounded by two special
of preparing photographic evidence is surfaces capable of forming an image. The
based upon the fundamental fact that eye of the camera is also the heart of
different chemical composition may the camera.
have varying ability to reflect or transmit Light - A form of radiant
infrared rays and hence, will not electromagnetic energy which travels in
appear alike when photographed by wave motion and it emanates from heat. It
infrared rays. Example invisible due to travels at speed of about 186, 000 miles
burnt document. per second in air or 300, 000 km/sec in
Intensity - It refers to the strength of an open space but they differ in wavelength
light which varies according to the output of and frequency. It takes about 8 minutes for
the light source and the distance from the light to travel from the sun to reach the
the source. earth. It is considered as the most
important element of photography.
Inverse Square Law - A principle which
states that illumination is reduced Macro Lens - The word macro was
as distance increases. An object twice derived from a Greek word which means to
the distance from the light source will "enlarge". It is a lens designed
receive a quarter the amount of with extended focusing capabilities to shoot
illumination. few inches from a subject.
Invisible Light - It is a type of light with a
shorter or longer wavelength than visible Magenta - A secondary color produced as
light. a result of the combination of blue and red.

Isaac Newton - An English Philosopher, Magnification - Described as changing by

Mathematician and Physicist who use of optical instrument, the ration

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between the photographic image and other
object. Over-Exposure - A film exposure with too
great light action resulting from a
Mathew B. Brady - When the American long period of exposure with too large
Civil War broke out, he was able to lens opening.
preserve the scene with the use a
of camera. Panoramic Photography - AKA
"Wide Format Photography". It involves
Microphotography - A type using specialized equipment or
photography whereby a software that captures images with
photograph is encountered in elongated fields of view.
microfilming or with the use of micro-film.
of very
Parallax - The difference between what
Mug Shot Photography - It issmall usually use is seen through the view finder and
for personal identification which is the what exactly is recorded on the film. It
first use of photography in police work. usually common to twin lens reflex camera.
The process of taking photographs of
the suspect/s in fur length, half body, right Photograph - It is known as the final
and left side views, and two quarter views. or positive result of photography. It is
the reproduction made with a camera
Nadar - He took the first light- sensitive material.
Aerial photographs of Paris from a free
balloon in 1858. Photographic Evidence - Is the means by
the rules of court of ascertaining in
Natural Light - Source of light a judicial proceeding the truth respecting a
coming from nature like the sun, moon, of fact with the aid of photographs.
stars, and other heavenly bodies, lighting,
fire, etc. Photographic Paper - A type of
Negative - An exposed film being a light sensitized material that produces a
reverse of the original object. positive result or photographs after
development which is the final result of
Neutral Colors - Neutral colors photography.
include Gray, White, and Black. Photography - It was derived from two
Greek words: phos (light) and
Neutral Density Filter - This filter is graphos (draw/chart/sketch). Literally,
used when the light is too bright to allow the photography means "to draw with light".
use of the desired f-number or shutter It is a science or an art of obtaining
speed with a particular film. images on a sensitized material by
the action of electromagnetic radiation
Odelbercht - He first advocated the use of or rays through the use of a camera
photography for the and its accessories and the chemical
criminals and process involved therein.
evidence and crime scenes.
identification of the
Photomacrography - Photographing
Over-Development - Refers
documentation to objects directly enlarged on the negative
the development at too long time
of at too and magnified from one to nine times.
high temperature resulting in excessive Photomicrography - The
contrast and density. photographing minutes art of
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magnified by means of a microscope Projection Printing Or Enlarging - this is
and enlarge from 10 times and up. a type of photographic where the image in
a negative is optically projected or
Pinhole Camera - A camera of enlarged onto a print material for exposure
single designed construction, usually to produce a picture image. The
home-made consisting of a box having a main equipment used is the enlarger.
small aperture functioning as a lens at one
end, the image being projected on the Rectilinear - The nature of light that
film at the other end. normally travels in straight line.

Polarizing Filter - It polarizes Reflection - It is the deflection or bouncing

reflected light from a non-metallic surface back of light when it hits a surface.
such as water and reduced reflection It occurs whenever an object changes
in the photograph. the direction of a light wave byte
does not allow the wave to pass.
Polaroid Still - This camera is restricted in
its uses but it is ideal in instant photograph Refraction - The bending of light when
when there is no requirement passing from one medium to another.
for enlargements.
Relative Aperture - The light
Police Photographer - One who is tasked gathering power of the lens is expressed
to take photographs of crime in the f- number system, it is otherwise
scene, suspects, witnesses, or any called the lens opening.
physical evidence found at the crime
scene, and bring them to the laboratory for Self-Timer - The time setting of the
processing, recording, and filing. camera, this is automatically operated to
allow the photographer to participate
Police Photography - The science in photo taking.
which deals with the study of the
principles of photography and the Sensitized Material - Refers to the
preparation of photographic evidence films and papers which composed of
and its application to police work. an emulsion containing silver halide
crystals suspended in gelatin and
Primary Colors - AKA "Additive Primary coated on a transparent or reflective
Colors". The primary colors are Red, support.
Green and Blue (RGB).
Shadow - Condition wherein an
Printing - The production a print from a intervening object prevents the light
negative by causing light to pass direct rays from striking certain areas
through the negative and strike a images on the photograph.
light-sensitive printing paper which is Shutter - An adjustable mechanism of the
developed later to give a finished camera that regulates the of light reaching
photograph. film by varying the length of time light
Printing Paper (Photographic Paper) - A is allowed to pass through the lens. This is
light sensitive paper which is not a control by which you can determine how
transparent and will provide dense black in time the lens will remain open for
and opaque whites. light to be recorded on the film.

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Shutter Release Button - A part of the of excess or undeveloped silver halides.
camera which when pressed will keep It also prevents the contamination
the shutter in open position. of developer and fixer from each other.

Shutter Speed Dial - A part of the camera Super Coat - It is the top layer of the
will control the length of time when light is film with the purpose to protect the
allowed to strike the sensitized material. emulsion from damage during transport
The common shutter speed exhibited on through the camera.
the shutter speed dial are B2, 1, 12, 4, 1/8,
1/15, 1/30, 1/30, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500, Telephoto/ Narrow Angle Lens - A
1/1000, 1/2000, 1/4000, 1/1800 (T/B). "T type of lens that has a longer focal
stands for time. Pressure on the shutter length and provides a close-up image
release button causes the shutter to open. of a distant subject. In contrast to the
It will remain open until the wide angle lens, the telephoto covers a
shutter releases button is pressed a smaller field of view and a shallower depth
second time to close it "B" stands for of field.
bulb. When you press the shutter Thermo Photography - A kind
release button with the setting "B", the of photography where we use laser
shutter remains open as long as the beam
shutter is pressed down, for long radiation using -laser
Transmission beam film.
A property of light where it
exposure,
dim placesthistois permit
usually required
enoughin passes through a medium or object.
accommodate light
pictures. to to Tripod - A three-legged device having legs
make which may be adjusted to any
Silver Halide Crystals - These carry
satisfactory reasonably desired extension.
minute specks of metallic silver- so
called sensitivity specks with amount in Twin Lens Reflex Camera - A camera
mass to about 1/1,000, 000, 000 part of that employs two separate lenses- one
the silver halide crystal. for viewing and one for focusing, and
the second usually mounted under the
Single Lens Reflex Camera - A first, transmit the light to the focal
camera that only uses one or single lens plane for recording. Its two lenses focus in
for both the scene and
viewing taking unison so that the top screen shows
photograph of it, the the image sharpness and framing as
parallax. thereby recorded on the film in the lower section.

Standard or Normal Lenspreventing

- A lens with a Under-Development - Means insufficient
focal length equal to the diagonal measure development due to either solution is
of the image area (35mm). The too weak or overworked, too low
picture angle is 45° up to 75° which temperature, insufficient agitation, thus
corresponds to the viewing angle of the resulting in a thin negative lacking contrast.
human eye.
Steven Sasson - An American Electrical Under-Exposure - A film exposure with
Engineer who invented the digital camera. insufficient light action, too high
shutter speed, too small lens aperture,
Stop-Bath - A stage of film or a combination of the factors.
development that involves the removal of
the traces of developer as well as it helps
in the removal 8
Victor Baltazard - He developed a method Wide Angle Lens - A type of lens that has
of photographic comparison of bullets a shorter focal length than the normal lens
and cartridge cases which act as an and it covers a picture angle 60° wider
early foundation of the field of ballistics. than normal lens. It enables photographing
a widely extended scene from a
View Finder or Window - A viewing close proximity or within a confined area.
instrument attached to a camera used
to obtain proper composition. Wide View Angle Camera - A camera
with a very wide lens produces a
Visible Light – AKA "White Light". It is rectangular image that designed
a type of light with a wavelength of 400 for landscape photography and
to 700 nm. White light is the sum total architectural photography
of all the colors of the rainbow while black William Henry Fox Talbot - He is as
is the absence of all colors. the
Father of Modern Photography.
Washing - The last stage of film He invented the Calotype which
development which removes the residual produces a negative picture on paper,
chemicals and soluble silver compounds the light on the image was recorded as
from the emulsion and reveals the image. dark and dark as light.
X-Ray Photography - The process of
Wavelength - It is the distance from photographing or recording the internal
crest to the succeeding crest and is structure of the body.
used in measuring the intensity of light.
Common unit of measurement of light Yellow - A secondary color produced as a
intensity is in terms of millimicrons (mu.) result of the combination of red and green.
or nanometers (nm.).
Zoom Lens - A type of lens that provides a
Wavelength Theory - This theory states close-up image of a distant subject: It
that light travels in all direction from can be moved back and forth while
a source with equal velocity. The series other elements stay in place which
of wave which travels outward from gives the same effect as if the camera
the center point are just like light waves itself was moving towards or away from
that travel in all direction from a source the subject. This lens allows quick
with equal velocity. It is illustrated by adjustment to give a wider or narrower
the dropping of a stone in a pond of still field of vision but keeping the image in
water. focus.

PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION TECHNIQUES

Accidental Whorl (X) - It is a

fingerprint pattern which is a combination Alphonse Bertillon - He devised the
of two or more different types of pattern first
truly scientific method of criminal
except the Plain Arch. It can be a identification in Paris France called
combination of a loop and a whorl, a anthropometry or Bertillonage. He
loop and a central pocket loop whorl, or conceived the idea of using
any combination of two or more different anatomical measurements to distinguish
patterns.
loops and whorl type from another. He decided to use various
one criminal
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body measurements such as head damaging a latent print, powders are
length, head breadth, length of left best applied with a camel hair of
middle finger, length of the left cubit fiberglass brush.
(forearm)/ length of left foot, body height,
face breadth, face height and other Bifurcation Or Bifurcating Ridge -
descriptions including features such as A single ridge which splits into two
scars and hair and eye color to ridges forming a "y" shape formation or
distinguish criminals. structure.
Anthropometry - A system of Blocking - It is the process of
identification of individuals by writing below each fingerprint
measurements of the parts of the body pattern the corresponding symbol of its
developed by Alphonse Bertillon. name.
Bulb of the Fingers - The portion of
Approximating Patterns - Patterns with the friction skin on the tips of the
extreme complexities in their formations, fingers, thumbs, and toes in the digital
which cannot be assigned definite phalanx, from side of the nail to the
and specific interpretation. opposite side of the nail.

Arch - A pattern in which the ridges Calcar Zone - The area at the heel.
flow from one side to the other side Very infrequently do patterns show in this
without recurving. It has no delta and zone, it's usually ridge formation consisting
core. Its frequency of appearance in all more than latitudinal striations.
fingers is five percent (5%)
Catch or Ident - The location or finding of a
Automated Fingerprint Identification previously filed duplicate record card of
System (AFIS) - A computer system used the subject.
to store fingerprint data, whether
criminal or non-criminal. The system Pocket Loop Whorl (C) - A
provides speedy and accurate matching fingerprint pattern that consists of at
of the identity of an individual least one recurving ridge or an
through a questioned latent print obstruction at right angle to the line of
collected from a stored data. It is also flow with two deltas, between which
the answer to the long process of when an imaginary line is drawn no
manually comparing crime scene latent recurving ridge within the inner pattern
prints with collected fingerprints. area is cut or touched.
The machine electronically captures Chance Impression - Fingerprints which
fingerprint images and textual are imprinted by mere chance or without
information to form of fingerprints enabling any intention to produce the print.
faster database identification of suspects
and resolution of crimes. Cheiloscopy - Examination of lip prints
Ball Zone - A large cushion below the which may serve as to identify an
base of the big in this zone individualized persons.
toe, appear loops, may or
whorls, them. combination of Chiroscopy - It was derived from
the Greek words: cheir - a hand, and
Bichromatic - A multi-colored powder skopien - to examine, It is a science of
used to process an object with the purpose dactyloscopy which deals with the study of
of visualizing friction ridge detail. To the palms of the hand.
avoid 2
 Creases - A ridge characteristic that
Class Characteristics - Refers to those that consist of thin, usually straight
characteristics that can be possessed by narrow white lines running transversely
more than one print. or formed side to side, across the print,
causing the puckering of the ridges.
Classification Formula - It is the result of
combining all the patterns of the Dactylography - A scientific study of
fingerprints and recording them in fingerprints as member
a specific order or manner at the top right of means identification.
the fingerprint card. It represents
the patterns of all ten fingers of both Dactylomancy - Study of the character or
hands. Combined. The classification behavior through the use of fingerprints.
formula is composed of the following
Primary
divisions;classification (PC), Dactyloscopy - It came from greek
Secondary
classification (SC), Sub-secondary word "Dactylos" a finger and skopein to
classification: (SSC), Final classification examine it refers to identification of
(FC), Major classification (MC), and Key person through examination comparison of
classification (KC). finger print.
Dactylos - a finger and Skopien -
Combination - All the possible to examine. It refers to the identification
variations of classification for a set of of persons through examination
prints may produce. and comparison of fingerprint.
Example; A loop maybe inner or outer, the
"I" and "O" therefore are combinations. Delta or Triradial Point - It a point on the
first ridge formation at or directly in front or
Comparison of Prints - The friction near the center of the divergence of the
ridge structure (latent impression) is type lines. The delta is also known as outer
then compared to the exemplars. terminus.

Composite - Fingerprint patterns in Dermatoglyphics - The study of

which combinations of the tented arch, the surface markings of the skin;
loop, and whorl are found on the same friction ridges.
print.
Converging Ridge - A ridge with two Developing - The process of
or more lies forming an angle, a ridge applying powder to the print in such a
whose closed end 15 angular and way that the fine particles will adhere to
serves as a point of convergence. the moisture left by the ridges of the finger.

Core - It is a point on a ridge formation Discrepancy - A difference in two ridge

usually located at the center or heart of impressions due to different sources of the
a pattern. It is the approximate center of impression.
the pattern. The core is also known as
inner terminus. Dissociated Ridges - Unusual ridge
structures having well-defined patterns; the
Core and Delta - Are the focal points ridge are extremely short which never
of fingerprint patterns except in arch got very far, never fused and are a
pattern. series of "patches" caused by
disturbance of
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developmental process at the early fetal Enclosure - Also known as Island, Eyelet,
(prenatal) life of the individual. lake or Eye. It is a single ridge
which bifurcates where the bifurcating
Distal - Manifested when the exit of a loop ridges converge at a certain point to
formation points toward the fingertips. form again into a single ridge.

Diverging Ridges - A ridge Envelop - It is a single recurving ridge

characteristic that consist of two ridges enclosing one or more rods or bars.
running side by side and suddenly
separating, one ridge going one way and Even Fingers - The even fingers are 2
the other ridge, another way. (right index finger), 4 (right ring finger),
6 (left thumb), 8 (left middle finger), and
Dot Ridge - A ridge which resembles a 10 (left little finger).
point.
Fabricated Latent Print - A representation
Double Loop Whorl (D) - A fingerprint of print that never existed on the
pattern consisting of two (2) separate surface from which it purportedly
and distinct loop formations. One of the came. A fabricated print is
loops surrounds or overlaps the other, fabricated evidence produced by a police
also called Composite Pattern. Two or employee in order to bolster a case or
more loops in a double loop whorl frame a person.
need not comply with all the requirements Filing - Operation of locating the proper
for a plain loop pattern and that no ridge place in a fingerprint file where a
count Is necessary for both loops in the certain set belongs then depositing it there.
formation.
Filing Out - Entering on a fingerprint
Ducts - These are little pockets record card of all known essential data
underneath the skin where oils or about a subject, except the fingerprint
sweats are carried by small holes to the themselves.
surface of the skin.
Edgeoscopy - This was first presented Final Classification - It is the ridge
in 1962 by Salil Chatterjee of count on the loop (ulnar and radial)
India. Chatterjee envisioned an appearing in the right little finger.
identification process where
characteristics along the ridge edge Fingerprint - It is a composite of the ridge
would be compared and evaluated for outlines which appears on the skin surface
comparison purposes. of the bulbs on the inside of the end of
Edward Richard Henry - He developed joints of the fingers and thumbs. It
"The Henry Classification" in India. is already formed about 3 to 4 months of
The the intra-uterine life and remain
Henry Classification System started what unchanged throughout life until the
is considered the modern era of fingerprint final stage of decomposition after death.
identification which is the basis for most of
the classification presently used. Fingerprint Analysis - It is the
The system was so applicable that identifying and distinguishing of
Henry emerged as the "Father of fingerprint pattern according to their
Fingerprints," at least as the first man to design and formation.
successfully apply fingerprints for
identification. 4
Fingerprint Card - Is a square one, source for the purpose of revealing
measuring 8" X 8". It is printed on a sturdy latent fingerprints.
stock so as to withstand the wear and tear
of filing and searching that fingerprint cards Island Ridge - Resembles a dot and
undergo. has only single pore.
Fingerprint Classification Index -
A series of guide cards having tabs on J.C.A. Mayer - He stated in his
which are the various classification book (Anatomische Kupfert Fein Nebst
combinations. Forged Latent Print - Is one Dazu Geharigen) that although the
which actually arrangement of the skin ridges is never
exists on a surface, but was not left by the duplicated in two persons, nevertheless,
person whose fingerprint it represents. A the similarities are closer among some
forged print individuals. He found that the fingerprints
Friction Ridges - These are strips of skin of two persons are never alike
on the inside of the end joints of the fingers (Principle of Individuality). His paper on
and thumbs. They are also called papillary fingerprint clearly addressed the
ridges or epidermal ridges. individuality of the friction ridges.
Jennings, Thomas - He was the
Furrows - Are depressions or canals first person to be convicted of murder in
between the ridges which the United States based on fingerprint.
maybe compared with the low area in a tire In 1911, Jennings appealed his
tread.
Generoso Reyes - The Filipino conviction to the Illinois Supreme Court
first fingerprint technician by questioning the admissibility of fingerprint
employed Philippine evidence. The Illinois Supreme Court
Constabulary. the upheid his conviction concluding
Incipient or Nascent Ridge - A that fingerprint evidence Is admissible
ridge which is madly formed, thin, and is a reliable form of identification.
short or broken which appears in the Thomas Jennings was sentenced to
depressions between two well-formed death and executed on Feb. 16, 1912
ridges. for the murder of Clarence
Inner Whorl (I) - One in which the B. Hiller,
ridge whose course being traced from Johannes Evangelist Purkinje - He
the left delta to the right delta passes was known as the Father of
inside (above) the right delta with three Dactyloscopy." A Czechoslovakian
or more ridges intervening between professor of anatomy at the University
the traced ridge and the right delta. of Breslau, published a thesis in Latin
(Commentio de Examine Physiogico
Intervening Ridges - The number of Organi Visus Et Systematis Cutansi -
friction ridges between two characteristics. A Commentary of the Physiological
Examination System: Dec. 22, 1823,
Invisible Print - A type of latent Breslau, Germany) describing the
print whose markings are caused by the ridges, giving them names and
sweat that left on the surface established certain rules for classification
whenever our fingers touch an object. (nine groups). He classified nine
principal configuration groups of
Iodine Fuming - A technique in fingerprints and assigned each a name.
which crystals of iodine are exposed John Dellinger - A notorious gangster and
to heat a police character, attempted to erase
5 his
fingerprints by burning them with acid entered. There are two types of loop
but as time went by the ridges were namely; Radial loop and Ulnar loop.
again restored to their "natural" feature. It occurs in about 60% to 65% of
The acid he applied temporarily all fingerprints.
destroyed the epidermis of the bulbs of
his fingers. As long as the dermis of Major Case Prints - A systematic
the bulbs of the fingers are not recording of all friction ridge detail
completely destroyed, the fingerprints ill appearing on the palmar sides of the
always remain unchanged and hands. This includes the extreme sides
indestructible. of the palms, joints, tips, and sides of the
fingers.
Juan Vucetich - An Argentinean police
official, installed fingerprints files as Major Classification - This represents
an official means of criminal only the thumb of each hand. It is the ridge
identification. He based his system of count of the loop and/or the tracing of
the pattern typed by Sir Francis Galton. the whorl appearing in the thumb of each
He also claimed the first official criminal hand (if such whoris appear).
identification by means of fingerprints left at
the scene
Key of crime.
Classification - It represents the Make - Refers to the fact that identification
ridge count of the right first loop appearing has been made.
in a set of prints, beginning with the thumb
of the right hand but excluding the little Marcelo Malpighi - He was known as the
finger. In case no loops appear in a set of "Grandfather of Dactyloscopy" according to
prints except in the little fingers, Dr. Edmond Locard, the "Father of
ridge count on the first whorl is applied. Poroscopy." He originated the terms "loops
If no loop or whorl appears, key is and spirals."
not obtainable.
Meeting Whorl (M) - One in which the
Known Print - A recording of an ridge whose course being traced from
individual's friction ridges with black ink, the left delta toward the right delta
electronic images, photography, or other exactly meets the right delta or passes
medium on a contrasting background. inside or outside (over or under) the right
delta with not more than two ridges
Latent Prints - Are those markings usually intervening between them.
rather indistinct, left by the oily matters
or perspiration exuded from the finger Minutiae - Small details.
tips or palms upon any substances
which the fingers/palms may have Non-Numerical - In primary
touched. classification, the non-numerical group is
Lateral Pocket Loop - Patterns composed of sets of prints in which
whose core points have their exits on no whorls are present.
the same side of the deltas. Numerical - In primary classification, it
is
Loop - A fingerprint pattern in which one or the numerical group is composed of set of
more ridges enter upon either side, prints containing whorl pattern.
recurve, touch or pass an imaginary line Odd Fingers - The odd fingers are; 1 (right
between delta and core and pass out or thumb), 3 (right middle finger), 5 (right little
tend to pass out upon the side the
ridge 6
finger), 7 (left index finger), and 9 (left ring Personal Identification - Is defined as
finger). the process, or techniques, or
approaches, or means of establishing
Outer Whorl (0) - One in which the the identity of a particular person.
ridge whose course being traced from
the left delta toward the right delta passes Plain Arch (A) - A fingerprint pattern
outside (under) the right delta with not where ridges enter on one side of
less than three ridges intervening. the pattern and flow towards the other
side with a rise at the center with not more
Pairing Off - Method of arranging a set of than one of the four (4) essential
fingerprints so that all numerator fingers or requisites for loop pattern and with no
denominator fingers or values are below recurving ridge, no angular formation and
the line. no upward thrust.
Plain Impression - A type of finger
Palm Pattern Zone - These are parts impression which requires that the
of the human palms containing friction fingers be taken or printed
ridge characteristics where palm simultaneously, then the thumb without
print identification is based. rolling.
Plain Whorl (W) - A fingerprint pattern that
Patent Prints - Friction ridge consists of two (2) deltas and in which
impressions of known origin which are at least one ridge makes a turn through
obvious to the human eye and are caused one complete circuit, an imaginary line
by a transfer of foreign material on the drawn between the two (2) deltas must
finger, onto a surface. Because they touch or cross at least one (1) of the
are already
they need novisible
would be a latent print circuiting whorl ridges within the pattern
planted at the crime scene by the true area.
criminal in other to fool the police. Plaridel Educational Institution (PEI) -
Enhancement, and are photographed Now the Philippine College of
instead of being lifted Criminology (PCCr), Manila is the first
governmental recognized school to teach
Pattern Area - It is the part of a fingerprint the science of fingerprints and other police
pattern in which the core, delta and ridges sciences
Plastic Prints - A friction ridge impression
appear enclosed by the type lines. from a finger or palm (or toe/foot)
deposited in a material that retains
Pattern Formations - Friction ridge skin the shape of the ridge details. Eg.
arrangement formed as early as the Cellophane tapes or any plastic materials.
third month of gestation.
Pockets - The fingerprint cards are
Pattern Interpretation Process of grouped according to the classification
designation of names of formula and the classification of
fingerprint patterns. extensionthe
used in the bureau.

People of the Philippine vs. Medina - Podoscopy - It was derived from

The first conviction based on fingerprint the Greek words: podo - foot, and skopien -
and led to the judicial decision to examine. It is a science of
jurisprudence on the Philippine in dactyloscopy which deals with the study
December 23, 1933, It accepted ten (10) of the sole of the foot.
identical
points orridge characteristics.
7
Points - Refers to the have characteristics of two or more
identical characteristics that are found in types of fingerprint patterns.
fingerprints from known and questioned Radial Loop (R) - A fingerprint pattern
sources. in which the ridges run its direction to
Polydactyl - He is person who has the
more finger/s than normal. radius bone or to the thumb. If it appears in
the right hand is indicated by a slant, or
Pore - An opening that is present along mark, thus (/), or (N) if the radial
surface of the friction ridges. loop appears in the left hand.

Poroscopy - It was derived from the Real Impressions - These

Greek words: poros - pores, and skopien - are impressions of the finger bulbs with
to examine. It is a science of dactyloscopy the use of the printing ink on the surface of
which covers the study of the sweat pores the paper. Any other coloring materials may
found in the friction skin. be used but less visible and indelible.
Recording - Placing the prints in
Post-Mortem Fingerprinting their proper places on the card.
Taking fingerprints of a deceased
person for identification purposes. Recurving Ridge - It is a ridge that curves
back in the direction in which it started.
Primary Classification - It is the sum total
of all numerical values of whorls and its Reference Classification - A
composite plus the arbitrary count 1/1. second choice classification from set of
points having approximating or disputed
Principle of Individuality - There are patterns.
no two fingerprints that are exactly Ridge - Literally may refer to a
alike unless taken from the same finger. long, narrow chain of hills or mountains.
Or, it refers to the long and narrow
Principle of Infallibility - That upper edge, angle, or crest of something,
fingerprint is a reliable means of as a hill.
personal identification and all courts
accept and adopt fingerprint as a means Ridge Counter - A small
of personal identification, or simply, it will pointed instrument used for counting
not fail. ridges. Counting - It is the process
Ridge
of counting the intervening ridges that
Principle of Permanency - The touch or cross an imaginary line drawn
configuration and details of between the core and the delta.
individual ridges remain constant and
unchanging till after the final decomposition Ridge Ending - Located just the abrupt
of the body. - The clarity of
Qualitative end of a ridge formation, whether the
information contained within a friction ridge ending points up or down in a
impression. fingerprint pattern.
Quantitative - The amount of
information contained within a friction ridge Ridge Tracing - It is the process of tracing
impression. the ridges that emanate from the lower
side of the left delta towards the right delta
Questionable Patterns - These are to see where it flows in relation to the right
patterns that do not have delta.
definite identification. These patterns may 8
seem to
 Sir Francis Galton -noted British
Ridgeology - It is a method of anthropologist and a cousin of
evaluating all friction ridge structure. scientist Charles Darwin began his
observations of FP as a means of
Rod or Bar - It is a single ending ridge at identification. In 1892, he Publish his
the center of a recurving ridge of a loop book, "FINGERPRINTS", establishing
pattern. the individuality and permanency
of FP. He proposed three pattern
Rolled Impression - A type of finger types: loops, whorls and arches.
impression which requires that the Spike - An ending ridge at the center of a
thumb be rolled towards and fingers pattern which forms an upthrust.
away from the center of the subjects body.
Staple - It is single recurving ridge at
Scarf Skin - Dry or dead skin which the center of the pattern area.
has scaled and peeled away from the
surface skin. Sub-Secondary Classification - It
refers to the grouping of prints according
Searching - The act of looking through to the ridge count of loops and ridge
a fingerprint file systematically to tracing on whorls. Ridge counts are
determine whether or not there is a translated into small and large,
duplicate on file of a set of prints the represented by symbols "I" (Inner) and
technician has in hand. "O" (Outer) for the loops. The whorl
Secondary Classification - It is tracings are brought up as "I" (Inner),
the exhibition of the capital letters symbol "M" (Meeting) or "O" (Outer).
of A, T, R, U, W, C, D, X on the indexes of Sufficient Recurve - It is the space
both hands the numerator indicates the between shoulders of a loop, free of
type of pattern appearing on the index any appendage, and a butting at right
finger of the right hand. The denominator angle.
indicates the type pattern appearing on Tented Arch (T) - A fingerprint
the index finger of the left hand. pattern where the ridge formations are
not as simple as those of the plain
Semi-Visible Print - AKA "Plastic or arch, also considered Transitional Pattern
mold prints". A type of latent print marked between a plain arch and a loop. It
on the surface whenever our fingers possesses either an angle, an up thrust
touch soft object like wax or candle. or two of the three basic characteristics
Sequencing - The placing of a group of of the loop,
classified sets of prints in their correct filing
order before beginning to file or search Trifurcation - A ridge characteristics
them. where two bifurcations develop next
to each other on the same ridge.
Short Ridge - An indefinite term in that Twin Loops - The ridges containing the
there is no specific length at which a ridge core points have their exits on different
stops being short and becomes long. sides.

Shoulder of a Loop - It is that point at Type Lines - Are two innermost ridges
which the recurving ridge definitely turns or which start parallel, diverge, and
curves. surround or tend to surround the pattern
area. They
9
serve as basic boundaries of a Whorl - A pattern in which the formation of
fingerprint pattern. the ridges are usually circular or spiral.
Whorl pattern will have two or more deltas.
Ulnar Loop (U) - A fingerprint pattern in All deltas and the areas between
which the ridges run its direction toward them must be recorded. It occurs in
the ulna bone or little fingers. about 30% of all fingerprints.

Upthrust - An ending ridge of any William J. Herschel - He is known as the

length rising at a sufficient degree Father of Chiroscopy. He is credited as
from the horizontal plane. being the first European to recognize
the value of friction ridge points and to
Visible Print - A type of latent print left on actually use them for identification
the surface when our fingers are purposes.
smeared with any colored substances
such as wet paint, blood, oil or dust.

FORENSIC CHEMISTRY AND TOXICOLOGY

Antidotes - Are agent which neutralize
Acute Poisoning - A kind of poisoning a poison or otherwise counteract or oppose
characterized by prompt and marked it or its effect.
disturbance of function or death within a
short time due to either taking a strong Benzidine Test - The most commonly
poison in excessive single dose or several used preliminary test for blood.
small doses at short interval. The Benzidine test never fails to detect
blood even when very old,
Alkaloid - A nitrogenous organic decomposed stain with all sorts of
basic compound with bitter taste contamination is examined. The positive
containing usually oxygen that occur result is only indicative that the blood
especially in seed plants. maybe present.
Blood - Has been called the circulating
Antibody or Agglutinin - These are tissue of the body. It is referred to as a
properties or "principles contained in the highly complex mixture of cells,
serum which cause agglutination enzymes, proteins, and inorganic
or clumping together of the red blood substances. It is the red fluid of the blood
cells. They are antitoxic substances vessels. Blood is opaque. On the
within the body which reacts when treatment with either, water or other
confronted determine the presence of reagents becomes transparent lake
nitrates, a test to with a specific antigen color. It is finally alkaline. Normally pH
to protect the system determine whether a is 7.35-7.45. It comprises 45% formed
person fired a gun or not. There are materials
elementsconsisting
or thechiefly of cells namely:
solid
two different agglutinins classified as Red Blood Cells or
Anti-A and Anti-B. Agglutinins are RBC (ERYTHROCYTES) around 4-5
demonstrable in about 50% of newly born millions of red cell per cc. of blood, White
infants. Blood Cells or WBC (LEUKOCYTES) &
Blood Platelets (THROMBOCYTES), and
55% PLASMA.
1
Casting Material - Is any material w/c can problems that arise in connection with
be changed from plastic or liquid state the administration of justice. It is
to the solid condition is capable of use chemistry applied in the elucidation
as casting material. of legal problems. It is chemistry used
in courts of law. Chemistry belonging to
Chronic Poisoning - A kind of the court of law.
poisoning in which there is gradual
deterioration of function of tissues and Friction Marks - A tool impression
may or may not result in death. It is which consists of series of scratches or
produced by either taking several small striations produced by pushing a tool
doses at long intervals or taking only toxic across the surface such as those
doses of the drug. produced by cutters jimmy or axe.
Compression Marks - A tool
impression which produced by a single Glass - A supercooled liquid that
application of tool is the area of contact, for possess high viscosity and rigidity. It
example: the impression of a single blow of is a non- crystalline inorganic substance.
a hammer.
Diphenylamine-Paraffin Test - A test to Guaiacum Test - A fairly delicate
be determine the presence of nitrates, a test showing the presence of fresh blood
test to determine whether a person fired a in a solution of 1:50,000 dilution. It may
gun or not. not react to very old stains

Dust and Dirt - has been described as Haemochromogen Crystal Test or

"matter in the wrong place". The study Takayama Test - One of the popular
of such piece of evidence may often microchemical test. A delicate test for
provide the investigator with agent which the presence of hemoglobin.
neutralize a poison clues as to the
occupation or previous or otherwise Hair - Is a specialized epithelial
counteract or oppose it or its effect. outgrowth of the skin which occur
Whereabouts of a person under everywhere on the human body except
investigation. Dust is a matter which on the palm of the hands and the sole
is dry and in finely divided form while of the feet. Hair is not completely round
mud is dust mixed with water. but maybe into the body and is absorbed
Etching Fluid - A fluid used to restore through the blood oval flattened.
tampered serial numbers. Choice of
etching fluid depends on the structure of Melanin - The brownish-black pigment
the metal bearing the original number. in hair, skin, etc. and it is the
chemical responsible for Posology - A
Explosive - Is any substance that may branch of science which treat of the color
cause an explosion by its of the hair. Black and brown hair differs
sudden decomposition or combustion. A only to the amount of melanin.
material either a pure single substance
or mixture of substances which is Metallography - Branch of metallurgy that
capable of producing an explosion by its involves the study of the microstructures of
own energy. metals and alloys.
Forensic Chemistry - That branch of
chemistry, which deals with the application
of chemical principles in the solution of
2
Metallurgy - The art of extracting the animal from which
and working on metals by the application specific family it
of chemical and physical knowledge. originated.
Qualitative examination -
Opacity - The quality of paper that forensic chemistry
does not allow light to pass through or characterized by identification ofA substance
which prevents dark objects from present in the sample.
being seen through the paper. type
Quantitative examination - A type of
Paraffin Wax - A white, forensic chemistry examinationofthat aims in
translucent, tasteless, odorless solid determining the percent examination
purity of
consisting of a mixture of solid the sample.
hydrocarbons of high molecular weight.
Phenolphthalein Test- An alternative Semen and Seminal Fluid - Is a viscid
test to benzidine blood test. It can detect whitish fluid of the male reproductive track
blood in a dilution of 1:80,000,000 containing spermatozoa suspended in
parts. A positive results with this test seerission of accessory glands.
is highly indicative of blood. The
negative result is, therefore, valuable and Serum - A straw-yellow liquid formed when
is conclusive as to the absence of blood. clotted blood is allowed to stand for
some time and the clot contracts.
Physical Properties Examination - The
most sensitive method of Spectrographic Test - A method of
determining differences of composition glass test/analysis that determines the
in glass samples and it depends upon presence of trace element. Shows the
the study of the physical properties of constituent elements of a glass. It will
glass. Properties like specific gravity or not give sufficient information to establish
density, refractive index. the origin of the samples examined.
A rapid examination and an adequate
Plasma - The yellowish fluid of blood in method for glass analysis since it requires
which numerous blood corpuscles are only a small amount of sample.
suspended. A straw-yellow liquid formed
when blood to which oxalate has Standard Specimen - Are known
been added to prevent clotting is specimens to compare with the questioned
allowed to strand. needed to aid in establishing a
suspect's relationship to the
Poison - A substance which when crime under investigation.
introduced steam and acting chemically, is
capable of introducing noxious effect Textile fibers - These are fibers that
or destroy life. can be converted into yarns.

Posology - A branch of science Toxicology - Is that branch of

which treat of the form and quantity of which treats of science poisons, their
medicine to be administered within a physical and origin, chemical
certain period. physiological action properties,
treatment of
Precipitin Test - One method of blood test their noxious effect, and methods of
that determines whether blood is a human detection.
or non-human origin, and if non-human,
3
Watermarks - It is a distinctive mark or of the roll that carries
design placed in the paper at the time of its dandy the
manufacture by a roll usually a dandy roll. watermark.
Yarn - They are made of fibers which have
Wire masks - Marks produced on paper been twisted together, linked thread.
by the flexible wire soldered to the surface

QUESTIONED DOCUMENT EXAMINATION

Agraphia - An illness characterized by the Baseline - It is the ruled or imaginary
inability to write in an orderly fashion line upon which the writing rests.
but can still be able to manipulate
writing materials. Beaded - A preliminary embellished
initial stroke which usually occurs in
Albert S. Osborn - He is known as the capital letters.
father of questioned
document examination. Boldface - A darker typeface with more
weight to emphasize text.
Alignment - The relaxation of a line, or the
words in a line, or the letters in a word Cacography - A bad writing.
to the baseline.
Calligraphy - The art of beautiful or
Anachronism - It refers to something elegant handwriting.
wrong in time and in place. This means
that the forger has trouble matching the Certificate - Any writing by
paper, ink, or writing materials to the exact which testimony is given that a fact has
date it was supposed to have been written. or has not taken place.

Aphasia - An illness characterized by Characteristics - The significant

the impairment of the power to use peculiarities found in the writing as
and understand words in communicating. expressed by the style,
movement, pressure, direction, angle,
Ball Point Pen - This is a pen patented by curve, and any other minor features of
John Loud. Its point has a small the writing habit of the individual.
rotating metal ball that continually inks
itself as it turns, the ball is set into a Chemical Erasure - A kind of
tiny socket. In the center of the socket is a erasure where the writing is effaced by the
hole that feeds ink to the socket from use of a liquid ink eradicator.
a long tube (reservoir) inside the pen.
Class Characteristics - These
characteristics refer to those habits that
4
are part of the basic writing system reflected in its works, and which leads
or which are modifications of the system to its individualization or identification.
of writing found among so large of writers
that have only slight identification Discoloration - A change in the
value. It serves just to narrow down physical characteristics of the paper
the search when comparing a questioned after a passage of time due to
document to standard writing systems. environmental factors such as moisture,
temperature, dust, etc.
Coins - These are pieces of
metal stamped by government authority, Disguised Writing - This is made by a
for use as money or collectively referring person with the intention of hiding
to metal currency. his identity by deliberate altering his
normal habits of writing.
Collected Standards - These are
known
handwriting standards of individual Document - Any material containing
an
written in the course of life, marks, symbols, or signs either visible,
daily business and social. both or
partially visible that may present or
ultimately convey a meaning to
Commercial Document - kind someone, maybe in the form of pencil, ink
document defined
A and regulated byofthe writing, or typewriting, or printing on paper.
Code of Commerce or any In its legal sense, it is a written statement
commercial law. other by which a right is established or an
obligation extinguished.
Comparison - It is the act of setting two or
more items side by side to weigh Document Examiner/ Handwriting
their identifying qualities. Identification Expert - One who studies
scientifically the details and elements of
Connection - The stroke or links which the documents in order to identify
connect a letter with the following letters. their source or to discover other
facts concerning them.
Counterfeiting - It means the imitation
of a legal or genuine coin. It may Dyslexia - An illness characterized by
contain more silver than the ordinary coin. the disability to read and miss-spell words.

Criminalistics Examination - A division of Electrostatic Detection

questioned document examination Apparatus
(ESDA) - A questioned document
that involves the detection of forgery, examination instrument that records
erasure, alteration, or obliteration of transparencies of any indentations.
documents.
Cursive - A kind of writing that Element - Refers to the separate
connected and which one letter is joined to physical parts of a thing.
the next.
Cyperus Papyrus - It is the plant used Elite - A typewriter type that prints
to make a writing material known as twelve
Papyrus. (12) characters per inch.
Defect- It describes any abnormality Embedded Security Thread – A special
or maladjustment in a typewriter which thread vertically implanted off center of the
is bank note during manufacture.
2
Erasure - The removal of writings, downward strokes (strokes going toward
typewriting or printing from a document. the writer).
Erasures can be mechanical or chemical.
Forensic Questioned Document
Examination - It is the act of making a Examination - A branch of
close and critical study of any material, and forensic science that deals with the
with questioned documents, it is application of questioned document
the process necessary to discover the examination in the administration of
facts about them. justice or law enforcement.

Excellent Eyesight - The common tool of Forgery - It is committed by giving to a

any forensic examination. treasury or bank note or any instrument
payable to bearer or to order the
Ex-Parte Examination- Conduct appearance of a true and genuine
of examination by the adverse party document; and falsification is committed by
after examination of the examiners by the erasing, substituting, counterfeiting, or
other party. altering by any means the figures,
letters, words, or signs contained therein.
Expert Witness - A legal term used to To forge an instrument is to make false
describe a witness who by reason of instrument intended to be passed for the
his special training or experience is genuine one.
permitted to express an opinion regarding Formal Signature - A type of signature
the issue, or a certain aspect of the that consist of complete correct
issue, which is involved in a court action. signature for an important document.
His purpose is to interpret technical Fountain Pens - This is a pen patented by
information in his particular specialty Lewis Waterman. The pen draws ink
in order to assist the court in from the reservoir through a feed to the nib
administering justice. and deposits it on paper via a
Extended Writing - Any writing that is not a combination of gravity and capillary
signature of an individual. action (even the pen is in upward
position, it will still write).
Extensor Muscles - Are group of hand Graphoanalysis - It is the study
muscles that push up the pen to form of handwriting based on the two
the upward strokes (strokes going away fundamental strokes, the curve and the
from the writer). straight strokes.
Graphology - The art of determining
Facsimile - Exact copy of the original. character disposition and amplitude of a
person from the study of handwriting.
Feigning (Imitation) - To represent
by false appearance when no original Graphomania (Writing Insanity) - It refers
exists. to an obsessive impulse to write.
Falsification - It involves the counterfeiting
or imitating of any handwriting, Graphometry - It is the analysis by
signature, or rubric. comparison and measurement.

Flexor Muscles - Are group of hand Guided Signature - A signature that is

muscles that push the pen to form the executed while the writer's hand or arm
steadied in any way.
3
 Import - To import fake coins means to
Habits - Any repeated elements or details bring them into port. It is completed before
which may serve to individualize writing. entry at the Customs House.

Handwriting - AKA "visible speech". It Indented Writing - The impression left on

is the result of a whole, plicated series papers positioned under a piece of
of acts, being used as a whole, paper that has been written upon.
and combination of certain forms of
visible mental and muscular habits Individual Characteristics - These
acquired by long, continued painstaking are characteristics which are the result
effort. of the writer's muscular control,
Handwriting Investigation - A division coordination, age, health, nervous,
of questioned document examination that temperament, frequency, personality and
is more focused in determining the author character.
or writing. Informal Signature - A type of
signature that is usually for routine
Hesitation - Applied to the documents and personal correspondence.
irregular thickening of ink which is
found when writing slows down or stop Ink - A fluid viscous marking material used
while the pen take a stock of the position. for writing or printing.

Hiatus/Pen Jump - A gap Insertion and Interlineations

occurring between a continuous addition of -writing and The other material
strokes without lifting the pen. between lines or or
addition of
paragraphs whole page to a document.
Holographic Document - AKA the
"Holograph". It is any document completely Legible Writing - This handwriting is
written and signed by one person. readable and identifiable as executed by
There are two types of holographic an individual person.
document namely; holographic will and
notarial will. Lumbrical Muscles - The combination
Holographic Will - A type of of flexor and extensor muscles to form
holographic document entirely written lateral strokes.
in the handwriting of the testator.
Mechanical Erasure - A kind of erasure
Horizontal Alignment Defect - A where the writing is effaced by rubbing with
typewriter defect where a letter will print a rubber erasure or scratching out with
slightly above or below the others. a knife or other sharp instrument. It is
usually made w/ a knife, rubber erasure
Identification - The state of being identical or fine memory paper that will injure the
or absolutely the same as in similarity paper.
of source or authorship of the Microscopic Examination - A questioned
questioned document and the standard document examination technique that
document. aids in the decipherment of some
Illegible Writing - This handwriting is non- minute manipulation not perfectly pictured
readable but identifiable as executed by an to the naked eye.
individual person.

4
Minor Coins below ten - Official Document - A kind of
denomination. centavo document which is issued by a public
official in the exercise of the functions of
Model Signature - A genuine signature his office.
that has been used to prepare an imitated
or traced forgery. Opinion - It refers to the
document examiner's conclusion.
Movement - it embraces all the factors Paleography - It came from the Greek
which are related to motion of word palaios which means "old"
the
writing instrument, the speed
skill, graphein which means "to write".
freedom, hesitation, rhythm, emphasis, Paleography is the study andancient
tremors and the like. The manner in of handwriting.
which the writing instrument is moved that
is by finger, hand, forearm or whole arm. Paper - The earliest form of material on
which writing was placed were the skins of
Mutilation - It means to take off part of the animals called parchment or vellum. The
metal (coin) either by filing it or substituting word "paper" came from papyrus, a grass-
it for another metal of inferior quality. like plant found in Egypt.
The coin mutilated must be genuine and
has not been withdrawn from circulation Parchment - A writing material made from:
skin of animals primarily of sheep,
Natural Variations - These are normal calves or goats.
or usual deviations found between
repeated specimens of any individual Patching - The retouching or going
handwriting. back over a defective portion of a stroke.
Natural Writing - Any specimen of writing
executed normally without any attempt Pen - It came from the Latin
to control or alter its identifying habits and word "PENNA", meaning feather. It is a
its usual quality or execution. tool for writing or drawing with a colored
Non-Identification - It means that the fluid such as ink. This is considered as an
sources or authorship of the compared extension of the hand in writing
questioned and standard specimens is
different. Pen Emphasis - It is the act of
intermittently forcing the pen against the
Normal Form - Means the more or less paper surfaces.
perfectly executed letter.
Pen Lift - An interruption in a
Notarial Will - A type of holographic stroke caused by removing the writing
document signed by the testator instrument from the paper.
acknowledged before a notary public in the
presence of at least 3 witnesses. Pen Pressure - The average force with
which the pen contacts the paper.
Obliteration - A form of alteration
that involves the blotting out or shearing Permanent Defect - It is any identifying
over the writing to make the original characteristics of a typewriter which cannot
invisible as in addition. be corrected by simply cleaning the type
face or replacing the ribbon.

5
Pica - A typewriter type that prints ten (10) Rubric or Embellishment - Refers to
characters per inch. the additional unnecessary strokes to
legibility of letterforms or writings but
Private Document - A kind of incorporated in writing for decorative or
document executed by a private person ornamental purposes.
without the intervention of a notary
public or of any person legally authorized. School Copybook Form - The standard
of handwriting instruction taught in
Public Document - A kind of document particular school.
authorized by a notary public or competent
public official with solemnities required Security Fibers - These fibers are
by law. scattered on the surface of the paper (front
& back) at random and can be
Punctuation - Is a small mark, which readily
by virtue of their inconspicuousness are picked off by means of any
all the more valuable in identifying features pointed instrument. The colors of these
fibers are red & blue.
Questioned - Any material which some Shading - It is the widening of the ink
issue has been raised or which is under strokes due to the added pressure on a
scrutiny. flexible pen point or to the use of a
stub pen.
Questioned Document - A document in
which the faceted either may not be Signature - It is the name of a person
true, or are contested either in whole or written by him/her in a document as a sign
part with respect to its authenticity, of acknowledgment. Or, it is name or a
identity, or origin. mark that a person puts at the end of
a document to attest that he is its
Questioned Document Examination - author or that he ratified its contents.
Is a branch of instrumentation that deals
with the study of documents that Simulated or Freehand Imitation
are questionable or disputable. Forgery- A class of signature forgery
which was executed purely by simulation
Quill Pen - A pen made from the outer rather than by tracing the outline of
wing feather of a goose, swan, crow, a genuine signature.
and even turkey. The shaft of the feather
act as the ink reservoir. Simulation - The act of assuming
the appearance and character of the
Requested Standards-These original without reality.
are handwriting standards written
individual upon
by request
an for the purpose Slant - The inclination of letters which may
of comparison with other handwriting or either be to the right or left.
for specimen purposes.
Spacing - The vertical distance of
Retrace or Retracing - Any part of letters, words, sentence, or
a stroke which is super imposed upon paragraph of typewriting print
the original stroke. impressions.
Spurious or Simple Forgery - A class
of signature forgery in which there was
6 no
apparent attempt of simulation or imitation. Vertical Alignment Defect - A
Forger does not try to copy a model typewriter defect where a letter will print
but writes something resembling what at a slight angle to the other.
we ordinarily call a signature.
Video Spectral Comparator -
Standard Document - Is a document A questioned document
whose origins are known and can be examination used
technique for masked or
proven and which can be legally used obliterated text, watermarks, visible
as examples to compare with a fluorescence, paper fluorescence
questioned documents. and oblique illumination of
indented writing and embossing.
Stroke - The path followed by the pen
in the paper. Watermarks - A figure or
incorporated design
into paper during its
Substitution - A form or alteration when manufacture. It appears lighter thanthe in
the entire/part of the page has been rest of the sheet when
removed from the instrument and has been transmitted light. The designviewed
is placed
replaced by another piece by
means of dandy roll during the
containing matters different from those manufacture of the paper.
of the removed page.
Windowed Security Thread- A
Terminal Stroke - The manner in which an narrow security thread located like
individual letters and words end. "stitches" at the face of the bank note with
clear text of the numerical value in
Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC) - It is repeated sequence. It changes in color
considered as the most common from magenta to green or green to
chemical ink testing and regarded as the magenta, depending on the angle of view.
principal method of ink examination.
Writing - A product of complicated mental
Tilted Character - A typewriter defect and muscular customary act forming
where a letter is tilted so the top or bottom a visible combination of certain forms
is lighter than the other end. of execution acquired from long
continuous traditional practices.
Vellum - A writing materials from fine skins Writing Instruments - An implements or
of young calves or kids and the manual devices used to make
term (name) was often used for all alphanumeric marks on or in a surface;
kind of parchment manuscripts. usually controlled by movement of the
fingers, wrist, and arm of the writer.

LIE DETECTION TECHNIQUES

American Polygraph Association (APA)-
An international association which Administration of Truth Serum- A
represents the polygraph profession in deception detection method where
programs which establish standards or hyoscine hydro bromide is given
ethical practice, techniques hypodermically in repeated doses until a
instrumentation, and training. state of delirium is induced. It is not
7
admissible as evidence in court because
its very nature is involuntary. Chart Probing- Refers to the process of
showing the Polygram to the subject
Angelo Mosso- Pursued in his and providing a brief explanation on
studies emotion and fear and its the dissimilarities or responses with
influence on the heart and respiration with the
objective of determining the true cause
an instrument for measuring blood of recorded responses and to
pressure and pulse change called clarify confusion or misunderstanding that
Plethysmograph. might have been caused by vague
Cardiograph Channel - A component of questions.
the polygraph machine that is Color Change- A sign of lying or
responsible in detecting pulse rate and tension
characterized by ruddy, flushed face
heartbeat. It is placed around the bicep (indication of shame, anger, and
of the subject used to measure the embarrassment) or pale, blanched face
cardiovascular activity. The blood (indication of fear and index of guilt)
pressure cuff containing a rubber bladder although not conclusive.
that is wrapped around one of the Control Question - Question unrelated
subject arms in such a way as to ensure to the matter under investigation but are
that the rubber portion of the cuff is place of similar nature although less serious
over the brachial artery of the right arm for as compared to those relevant
more satisfactory recordings. questions under investigation. Example:
Centering Knob - A part of "Not related with the killing from your
polygraph instrument that allows the house, did you ever kill someone?"
polygraph examiner to adjust the position
of each pen to mechanical center so that Countermeasure-It refer to any method
tracings will not overlap each other and used by the subject to mislead
the pens will not collide with each other. the polygraph examiner.

Cesare Lombroso - First person to Deception Indicated (DI)- The conclusion

have used the instrument or finding of a polygraph examiner if the
called Hydrosphygmograph. examinee is not telling the truth after
the test.
Chart Interpretation - It is the process
of reading and deciphering the meaning Detection- The act of detecting, discovery,
of graphical responses of the subject perceiving, finding, or uncovering
based on the chart tracings. something obscure.

Chart Marking-Is the process of Direct Denial-Is a lie that results to

using signs or symbols (either emotional disturbance. The disturbance
standard or customized) on the is caused by conflict of a
polygraph chart to denote the subject person's conscience in his attempt to
reactions and other circumstances that deceive. This lie is manifested by the
occurs donning the actual polygraph response "I Did Not Do It" to evade inner
test. This is a very important part of conflict while seeming to answer the
polygraph technique without which, question.
polygraphy is of no value. This is also Disturbance - Refers to the
the procedure that should be observed conflict between what is true and
to facilitate evaluation and attempted
interpretation of test chart. 2
deception that creates an internal battle in Finger Electrodes - A sensor that is
the mind. fastened to the left index and ring finger of
the subject.
Deception - The practice somebody or the
act of lying. of misleading Fidgeting- A sign of lying or tension
characterized by constant moving in the
Dry Mouth - A sign of lying or tension chair, pulling of the ears, rubbing of the
characterized by continuous swallowing by face, picking and tweaking the
the subject, licking the lips, and drinking nose, crossing and uncrossing the knees or
excessive amount of water. legs, shifting the feet, rubbing the hair,
eyes, or eyebrows, and biting or
Electro dermal Response - The snapping of fingernails.
most current popular name for the
human body phenomenon in which the Forensic Psychophysiology- More
body, mainly the skin, changes resistance popularly known as "Polygraphy". It
electrically upon application of certain deals with the psychophysiological
external stimuli. detection of deception to relationship and
Emotion - The complex state of application of legal matters.
feelings, involving conscious experience,
internal and external physical Galvanograph/GSR Channel -
responses, and power to motivate the A component of the polygraph machine
organism to action. used for obtaining the recording of the
GSR or electro dermal responses coming
Ethnological Liar - Is a person who is from the sweat of the subject. This consists
trained to lie. of a set of electrodes attached to the
index finger and to the ring finger of the
Examiner - The expert in left hand and an imperceptible amount
polygraph science who uses polygraph of electricity is run through them. It has
machine to verify truthfulness of a the longest pen that has 1.5 inches
subject's statement or testimony. further than that of its neighboring pens.

Expiration - Breathing caused by Gaze Aversion - Is the most prevalent

relaxation of the diaphragm and typical sign of deception that
contraction of the chest cavity resulting is characterized by the inability of the
in the air rushing out of the lungs. subject to maintain eye contact with the
False Negative An error in polygraph- person questioning.
examination that occurs when a
deceptive subject is reported as truthful. Inconclusive (INC) - The conclusion or
finding of a polygraph examiner if
False Positive- An error in polygraph the physiological data of the examinee
examination that occurs when a after the test is inconclusive.
truthful subject is reported as being
deceptive. Inspiration- Breathing caused by
Fear- An emotional response to specific the contraction of the diaphragm
danger that appears beyond a and expansion of the chest cavity that
person's defensive power results in the air rushing into the lungs.

3
Instrumentation - The third stage of Kymograph - It is a motor that drives
the polygraph examination that involves the chart at the rate of six (6)
the attachment of the polygraph inches per minute during the test.
components to the subject; such as the
pneumograph, cardiograph and the GSR. Leonard Keeler- He gained first-hand
This stage is also where the experience in polygraph interrogation
subject's physiological responses are and founded the world's first polygraph
recorded as the subject answers a school in Chicago Illinois (Keeler
set of questions reviewed earlier. It Polygraph Institute). He is considered as
also covers chart collection and chart the "Father of Modern Polygraphy."
analysis.
Irrelevant Question - The question Lie - Otherwise known "Deception".
establishing subject's norm in as This refers to anything deceives or
polygraph examination. It has no that create a false It could be
relation to the matter under impression.that gives a false or misleading
something
investigation, designed to absorb the impression with intent to deceive.
initial response as to the question
sequence commences and produce Lie Detection - It is sometimes referred to
little or no emotional change in the subject. as Deception Detection or Detection
of Deception. This is the system or practice
Intoxication- A deception detection of determining whether or not somebody
method where the person whose is telling the truth during questioning.
statement is to be taken is allowed to take
alcoholic beverages to intoxication point. Lie of Exaggeration - It is the type of
Confession made by the subject while lie used by a person who overplays
intoxicated is admissible if he is what actually happens. This could be in the
physically able to recollect the facts and form of a testimony where details are
state truly after the influence of added to intensify the impact of the story.
alcohol has disappeared.
Lie of Fabrication - A type of lie that
John Larson - Developed an instrument is most difficult to use. This involves the
that continually and simultaneously act of creating a story or series of events
measured blood pressure and respiration. that never transpired.

John Reid - He designed the 1s Lie of Minimization - The type of lie

movement sensing chair and that involves acceptance of a person
developed the review control question. that something happen but downplays
the implication or seriousness of the
Joseph Kubis - The 1st researcher to use offense.
potential computer application for Lie of Omission - The type of
the purpose of polygraph chart lie commonly used because it is easy to
analysis. Knowledge Question This is the tell. This is the act of telling what transpired
question designed to probe whether but omitting details that are incriminating.
the subject possesses information
regarding the identity of the offender or Malicious Lie - Is a chronic (constant)
as to the location of evidence or other lie that is intended to mislead justice. It
secondary elements or facts of the case is usually in the form of pure
under investigation. dishonest
4
statement for the purpose of obstructing pay a champion to fight for him. The victor
justice. is said to win not by his own strength
but because of supernatural powers that
Mythomania - It is the condition where had intervened on the side of the right.
there is an excessive or abnormal
propensity for lying and exaggerating. Ordeal of Ingestion - A type of trial by
ordeal where accused will be given dry
Narcoanalysis/Narcosynthesis - A bread and cheese blessed by a priest. If he
deception detection method which involves choked on the food, he was considered
the process of inducing a state of mind by guilty.
the application of a drug
whereby individual's capacity to unite Ordeal of The Bier - A type of trial by
thoughts and choose those to which he ordeal that the slain dead could point
decides to give utterances is inhibited. out their killer. When the accused
This utilizes the administration of will approach the bier where the corpse
anesthesia or hypnotics and psychiatry in lay the wounds of the victim will began
criminal interrogation. to bleed again. It is a belief that
No Deception Indicated (NDI) - The murderer is near which causes the blood
conclusion or finding of a to flow out from the wound of the victim.
polygraph examiner if the examinee is
telling the truth after the test. Ordeal of the Eucharist - A type of trial by
ordeal which believes that if the accused is
Norm - Also called normal response. It innocent, when given a poisonous drink for
is the tracing of subject when no him to take in Angel Gabriel will
question is asked or the response of a descend from heaven to prevent the
subject to an irrelevant question. accused from taking in the poisonous
drink.
Ordeal by Balance - A type of trial by Panic Liar - This is a person who
ordeal where a scale of balance is used in panics when questioned about his
one end of the scale is placed and in involvement concerning a crime but
the other end is a counter balance. The immediately denies the truth to avoid
person will step out of the scale and shame or humiliation that it might cause to
listen to a judge to deliver an his family.
exhortation on the balance and get Pathological Lie - A lie made by
back in. If he was found lighter than persons who cannot distinguish right from
before, then he should be acquitted. wrong.
Peak of Tension Test - The test is
Ordeal by Boiling Water - A type of applicable only in cases where the subject
trial by ordeal consisted of lifting a stone has not been informed by the
out of the boiling water, with the hand investigator or by other person or other
inserted as deep as the wrist. More resources like print media of all the
serious offense demanded that that arm vital facts of the offense in question.
was submerged up to the elbow. The
burn was bandaged for three days before Pen Lifter - A part of polygraph instrument
fateful examination. that raises or lowers pens to 3 positions
Ordeal by Combat - A type of trial by (loading, ready, test).
ordeal where the aggrieved party
claimed the right to fight the alleged
offender or to 5
5 Perjury - Act of lying or making verifiably physiological response of the subject are
false statement on a material matter under recorded. The chart rolls are about 100
oath or y affirmation in a court of law, or in ft. holes spaced ½ inches apart.
any various al sworn statement in writing. Paper is imprinted with horizontal lines
inch (20 divisions) and a vertical lines
Pneumo 1 - A part of polygraph instrument at 1/10 inch
intervals with heavy lines at 1/2 inch
on the pneumatic connection for divisions across the paper represents
upper (thoracic) Pneumograph. sec. of 5 time. Pulse rate/min. can
Pneumo 2-A part of polygraph computedbeby multiplying the number
instrument of bets in one divisions by 12.
on the pneumatic connection for
lower (abdominal) Pneumograph. Polygraph Examiner - Also
Pneumograph Channel-A component of called Polygraphist or
the polygraph machine that is designed Forensic Psychophysiologist. One who is
to detect and transmit breathing patterns. capable of being able to detect deception
The length of the pneumograph tube is ten or verify truth of statement through
(10) inches. This is fastened around the instrumentation or the use of
chest (thoracic) and abdomen (abdominal) mechanical device (polygraph).
of the subject.
Polygraph File - It is a folder containing a
Polygram - It refers to the variety of essential information about a test
composite record of the pneumograph, subject and polygraph test results.
cardiograph and the galvanograph
tracings from the moment the actual test Polygraph Room - Sometimes referred to
begins until it ends. It contains the tracings, as an interrogation room. It is the sound
stimulus mark and symbols skillfully proofed room where the subject is being
written by the polygraph examiner while questioned while the polygraph sensor are
writing asking question to the subject. attached to his body. There should be
an observation room adjoining the exam
Polygraph - Derived from the Greek words room in the wall with a 1-way Mirror.
poly (many) and graph (writing), literally
it means. "many writings". The Polygraph Test - The specific part of
polygraph instrument was named this way the polygraph examination that transpires
because it makes various ink recordings of from the moment the chart drive
a person's psycho-physiological (kymograph) is turned on until it is turned
reactions in a simultaneous manner. off.
It is a scientific diagnostic instrument Polygraphy It is defined as the
that is used by a polygraph examiner scientific detection of deception through
to administer a polygraph the use or aid of a polygraph.
examination for the purpose of verifying
the truthfulness of a person's Post-Test- The last stage of the polygraph
statement with regard to a specific issue. It examination where the polygraph examiner
is not admissible
because as evidence
it has not gained a degree inof reviews the test data obtained and
court
development beyond the experimental interprets the polygraph chart. This is
stage. also the stage where the examiner will
conduct post- test interview or
Polygraph Chart - It is the post-test interrogation depending on the
continuous paper with graph result of the examination.
where detected 6
 Reaction - Any activity aroused in
Post-Test Interrogation - A last stage an organism by a stimulus, which is a
of polygraph testing done if the polygraph mental processes.
test result indicates deception then
the examiner proceeds to conduct a Red Hot Iron Ordeal - A type of trial
short interrogation, the purpose of which by ordeal where the accused had to
is to obtain confession or admission. carry a bar of red-hot iron in his hands
while he walked nine marked paces. In
Post-Test Interview- A last stage the unlikely event of no burns appearing on
of polygraph testing done if the test charts his hands, he was adjudged innocent.
of polygraphs indicate that a subject is Otherwise, he was promptly hanged.
telling the truth, he will be released
cordially and the examiner will thank Relevant Question- This is the primary
him for his cooperation. key question asked by the examiner
in order to resolve a specific subject matter.
Pre-Employment Screening - The If this is questioned, it causes
applicant should undergo on polygraph physiological changes in the body of the
examination before they are being hired by subject.
their employer.
Requesting Party - The person or
Preliminary Preparation - The first persons who ask for the services of the
stage of the polygraph examination examiner to help verify the truthfulness of a
whereby the polygraph examiner conducts subject's statement or testimony; usually
a conference (formal interview) with the the investigator of a criminal case under
requesting party. Also, this stage is scrutiny.
where the polygraph examiner will obtain Specific Response - Any deviation
accurate information regarding all or change from the subject's normal
available facts and circumstances of tracing as shown by the polygraph
the case. because of a specific stimulus.
Pre-Test Interview - The first official stage
of polygraph examination whereby the Specific Stimulus- A well-
subject is informed about the nature of the phrased question that is designed to
examination including his rights in cause a response from a subject. It could
relation to the examination and conditioned be in the form of relevant question,
to take the test. It involves the control question or symptomatic question.
formal but systematic asking of a series Sphygmomanometer - A part
of questions designed to elicit verbal of
and non- verbal responses of the polygraph instrument that reads
subject. This is essential before the operating pressure of cardio channels.
actual test because extraneous fear, Stimulus - The force or motion
apprehension, or nervousness of the reaching the organism from the
subject can be minimized thereby environment and excites the receptors.
preparing him for the examination.
Pseudologia Fantastica - A term for Stimulus Mark - Refers to the short
the behavior of habitual or compulsive vertical lines (normally about 1/8 of an inch
lying. placed below the descending stroke of the
cardio tracing denoting exactly the

7
beginning and the end of the Judgment). A severe test of character or
question). stimulus endurance; a trying course of experience.

Subject -The person to be (or being) Vittorio Benussi- Discovered a method of

examined, usually a suspected calculating the quotient of inhalation
criminal; also called examinee. to exhalation (Pneumograph).

Symptomatic Question A question that White Lie-It is the type of a lie

determines whether subject is perceived or intended not to harm, but told
the
convinced trulyexaminer will
that the polygraph in order to avoid distress or embarrassment
not ask an unreviewed question during the
polygraph test. Example: "Is there William Marston - Devised the
something else you are afraid I will ask you systolic blood pressure deception test in
a question about, even though I have 1915.
told you I would not?" Word Association Test- A method of
deception detection which was
Theory of Polygraph Examination introduced by Prancis Galton. This is
- "When a mentally normal person tells a being done by giving the subject a long
lie, physiological changes occur within list of carefully selected stimulus words
his body that could be recorded by or object with other picture
the instrument and evaluated by the interspersed with other irrelevant
examiner. words, objects, or pictures with the
Trial by Ordeal-This involves the instructions to respond with the very first
practice
of setting a dispute using divine word that may come to the subject's
intervention or Judicum Dei (God's mind.

FORENSIC BALLISTICS
Accessories - Refer to parts of a
firearm which may enhance or Accurate Range - The distance
increase the operational efficiency or within which the shooter has control of his
accuracy of a firearm but will not shots.
constitute any of the major or minor Aging Test - A test performed under
internal parts thereof such as, but not extreme conditions to simulate stability and
limited to, laser scope, telescopic behavior of a certain ballistic product
sight and sound suppressor or silencer. during a long period of time.

Accidental Characteristics - These are Aim - The process of aligning the gun with
characteristics or marks left by some the target, usually by means of sight.
individual gun that on
occurred particular shot that Air Resistance - The resistance of the
and may or reproduced may passage of a projectile in flight.
on any other shots. not
Accuracy Range - The maximum distance Alexander John Forsyth - He was known
at which a particular gun and cartridges will as the "Father of the percussion ignition”.
consistently place all shots in the standard
target for that distance.
8
Ammunition - It is any unfired assembly of in diameter like mortars,
cartridge case, powder, primer bazookas. cannons,
and projectile which may be used in a
firearm. Complete unfixed unit Automatic Loading Type - A type
bullet, gunpowder,
consisting of a cartridge case and of firearm wherein after the first shot is
primer or loaded shell for use in any fired, automatic loading or feeding of
firearm. the chamber takes place.

Analytical Balance - It determines Ballistician – A person whose

the
weights of the bullets, shots, and pellets for knowledge whose firearms identification
possible type caliber, and make for firearm is accepted by the courts and other
from which they are fired. investigation agencies.

Antique Firearm - Refers to any: (1) Ballistics - Greek word "Ballo" or "Ballien"
firearm which was manufactured at least mean "to throw" and "Ballista" (old English
seventy-five (75) years prior to the Ballistae)-a gigantic bow or catapult
current date but not including replicas; which was used to hurl large objects
(2) firearm which is certified by the such as at
stones particular distance to
National Museum of the Philippines to a animals deter
enemy forces Ballistics
be curio or relic of museum interest; and or is the science of
(3) any other firearm which derives a defined as It also refers themotion of
projectiles.
substantial part of its monetary value science firearm identification. of
from
novel, the factbizarre
rare, that it oris because of its
association with some historical figure, Barrel - A part of the firearm through which
period or event. a projectile or shot charge travels under
the impetus of powder
Anvil - Part of the cartridge primer which is gasses, compressed air, or other like
a groove solid surface, against which means. A long hollow tube through
the firing pin strikes to set off the which the bullet travels on its way to the
priming powder. target: It can be rifled or smooth.

Armor Piercing Bullet - A classification of Belt - The narrow band around the rear
bullet that has a hardened steel core section of a cartridge case just forward
and are fired against vehicles, weapons of the extractor groove.
and armored targets in general.
Benjamin Robins - He developed ballistic
Arms Smuggling - Refers to the pendulum. The principle of the
import, export, acquisition, sale, ballistic pendulum is the transfer of
delivery, movement or transfer of momentum from a projectile with a small
firearms, their parts and components mass and a high velocity to a large
and ammunition, from or across the mass with a resultant low velocity. He is
territory of one country to that of another considered as father of modern gunnery.
been
country which has innot with
authorized
domestic law both Berdan Primer - A type of primer invented
country/countries. accordance in Hiram Berdan that consists of two flash
holes or Vents.
Artillery - A typeeitherof firearm
or
where propelled projectile is more than
one inch Page 2
Black Powder - The oldest propellant Caliper - An instrument used for making
powder that consists of 75% Potassium measurements such as bullet diameter and
nitrate, 10% Sulphur, and 15% Charcoal. bore diameter.

Blasting Agent - A chemical Calvin H. Goddard - He was known as the

composition or mixture, consisting “Father of Modern Ballistics."
mainly of ammunition nitrate, which
will detonate when initiated by high Cannelure - A circumferential
explosive primers and boosters. groove generally of a knurled or plain
appearance in a bullet or cartridge
Bolt Action Type - A type of firearm where case used for crimping, lubrication, and
reloading is done by manipulation of the identification.
bolt. Carbine - A short barrel rifle having
a barrel not longer than 22 inches.
Bomb - Any device containing
explosives or Incendiary material that is Cartridge - It is derived from the word
designed to explode or ignite upon "charta", the Latin word for paper,
receiving the proper external stimulus. and French word 'cartouche", meaning a
roll of paper, which indicates that the
Bore - The interior of a barrel forward original cartridges were not the brass
of the chamber. gilding- metal tipped units which we
are familiar with today. Cartridge is
Boxer Primer-A type of primer invented by complete unfired unit consisting of
Col Edward Munier Boxer that consists cartridge case, gunpowder, primer, and
of only one flash hole or vent. projectile
Cartridge Case - A body or container that
Bullet – it holds together the bullet, propellant, and
came the French primer as one unit.
word "boulette", which means a small
ball. It is the projectile propelled through Chamber - The rear part the barrel
the barrel of a firearm by means of bore that has been formed to accept a
expensive force of gases coming from specific cartridge. Revolver cylinder
burning gunpowder. Bullet Comparison are multi- chambered.
Microscope - This is designed to permit
the firearms examiner to determine the Chinese - They are the one that
similarity and dissimilarity between two first invented the gunpowder.
fired bullets or two fired shells, by
simultaneously observing their magnified Choke - The interior constriction at or near
image in a single microscopic field. the muzzle end of a shotgun barrel bore for
Caliber of the firearm – it is the diameter the purpose of controlling shot dispersion.
of the bore of the barrel measured from
land to land in rifled firearm. American and Chronograph - A modern device used
English manufacturers use fraction of an to estimate the velocity of the projectiles
inch while manufacturers in in flight.
Continental Europe use millimeter or
centimeter. Class-A Light Weapons - It refer to
self- loading pistols, rifles and
carbines, submachine guns, assault rifles
and light Page 3
machine guns not exceeding caliber check weapon function, and for crew
7.62MM which have fully automatic mode. training.

Class-B Light Weapons - It refer to Effective Range - The maximum distance

weapons designed for use by two (2) or at which a bullet may reasonably be
more persons serving as a crew, or expected to travel accurately and kill
rifles and machine guns exceeding a particular type of live target.
7.62MM
caliber such as heavy machine
guns,
handheld under barrel and mounted Ejector - A device that causes
grenade launchers, portable anti- aircraft the cartridge case or shell to be thrown
guns, portable anti-tank recoilless out from the gun
guns, rifles, portable anti-tank
launchers of missile and portable Erosion - Mechanical wear and tear of the
rocket systems,
launchers of anti- aircraft missile bore of an arm due to sliding friction when
systems, and mortars of a caliber of the bullet passes through.
less than 100MM.
Exterior or External Ballistics – A branch
Corrosion - The chemical eating away of ballistics which has something to do with
of the bore of an arm due to rusting or the Attributes and movements of the bullet
the action of salt deposited from the passes through.
cap gunpowder.
Extractor - A mechanism in a firearm
David "Carbine" Williams - The maker of by which the cartridge case or shell
first known carbine. is withdrawn from the chamber
mechanism in a revolver that pulls the
Demilitarized Firearm - Refers to a empty shells simultaneously
firearm deliberately made incapable of
performing its purpose of firing Firearm - Refers to any handheld or
main projectile. a portable weapon, whether a small arm
or light weapon, that expels or is designed
Double-Action Revolvers - A type of to expel a bullet, shot, slug, missile or
revolver but, unlike single-action revolvers, any projectile, which is discharged by
double-action revolvers do not require means of expansive force of gases
the user to manually cock the hammer from burning gunpowder or other form of
before firing. combustion or any similar instrument or
implement. The barrel, frame or receiver
Double-Base Gunpowder - Mixture of is considered as firearm.
nitrocellulose and 25%
nitroglycerin. about Information Management System (FIMS)
of - The compilation of all data and
Drift - It is the curve/deviation taken by the information on firearms ownership and
bullet while in flight. A right hand rifling disposition for record purposes.
curves to the right while that of the left and
riffing curves to the left. Forensic Ballistics - A branch of ballistics
that involves in the investigation
Dummy Bullet – A round ammunition that and identification of firearms by means
is completely inert, contains o primer, of the ammunitions fired through them.
propellant or explosive charge. It is use
to Page 4
Forfeited Firearm - Refers to a firearm Henry Shrapnel - He invented
that is subject to forfeiture by reason of the its load of
shrapnel, which disperse
court order as accessory penalty or for the case
shot with a small bursting
disposition by the FEO of the PNP charge, increasing the effective range of
firearms
of considered as abandoned, case.
surrendered, confiscated or revoked in Hiram Maxim - An American-born inventor
compliance with existing rules and who developed the first entirely
regulations. automatic machine gun to gain wide
acceptance.
Fouling – The accumulation of a Imitation Firearm - A replica of a firearm,
deposit within the bore of a firearm caused or other device that is as
by solid by-products remaining after a substantially similar in coloration
cartridge of its fired. and overall appearance to an existing
firearms as to lead a reasonable person
Frame-The main body of the gun to believe that such imitation firearm is a
that connects the other parts. real firearm.
Incendiary Bullets – A classification of
Galileo-He proved that in a vacuum bullet that contains a mixture such
a projectile describes a parabolic arc. as phosphorous or other materials that can
be set on fire by impact. They are
Gauge - It indicates that the bore diameter used against target that will burn readily
is equal to the diameter of lead ball such as aircraft.
weighing in pounds.
Individual Characteristics - Are
Grooves - Indented or depressed portion a those characteristics which are
firearm barrel that serve to impart determinable only after the manufacture
the spinning movement of the bullet. of the firearm. They are characteristics
whose existence is beyond the control of
Groove Marks - Raised marks on elevated man and which have random distribution.
portions on the fired bullets caused by the Interior or Internal ballistics - A
Grooves. branch of ballistics which has something to
do with the properties and attributes
Gunpowder - The propellant which of the projectile while still inside the
when ignited by the primer flash is gun. This extends from the breech to
converted to gas under high pressure the muzzle of the gun.
and propels the bullet or shot charge
through the barrel and on to the target. Jacketed Bullet - A classification of bullet
with a core of lead alloy covered a jacket of
Gunshot Wound (GSW) - It is an open harder metal such as guiding metal and
wound produced by the penetration of copper zinc
bullet slug within the tissues of the body.
John M. Browning - A wizard of
Helixometer - An instrument used modern firearms and pioneered the breech
in
measuring pitch of rifling This loading single shot riffle.
firearms. instrument is generally high
used in advanced ballistic John T. Thompson - He pioneered the
laboratory. making of Thompson Sub-machine gun.

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Key-Hole Shot - The tumbling of the bullet Musket - Smooth bore weapon
in its flight and hitting the target designed to shoot a single round lead ball.
sideways as a result of not spinning on its They are considered as a muzzle loading
axis. firearm.
Kolibri - Smallest pistol in the world Muzzle Blast - The noise created at
(caliber 2.7 5 shots). the
muzzle point of the gun due to the sudden
Land Mark - A depressed mark found escape of the expanding gas coming in
on fired bullets caused by the lands. contact with the air in the
surrounding
Muzzle Energyatmosphere at generated
- The energy the muzzleat
Lands - Raised portions of a firearm barrel point.
the muzzle point.
that serve to impart the spinning
movement of the bullet. Niccolò Tartaglia - An Italian
mathematician, in a published work
Lead Bullet - A classification of on gunnery, claimed that no part of the path
bullet which are made of lead or alloy of of a projectile could be a straight line and
this metals such as lead, tin and antimony. that the greater the velocity of the projectile
the flatter its path. He invented the
Lever Type (Break-Type) - A type of gunner's quadrant used to determine
firearm where loading takes place by lever elevation of the muzzle of a gun.
action on the firearm.
Onoscope - A small instrument sometimes
Loose Firearm - Refers to an unregistered used in examining the internal surface
firearm, an obliterated or altered firearm, of the gun barrel in determining
firearm which has been lost or the irregularities inside the bore of the
stolen, illegally manufactured firearms, gun barrel. It has a tiny lamp at the
registered firearms in the possession of terminal portion and this is inserted inside
an individual other than the licensee the bore for internal examination.
and those with revoked licenses in
accordance with the rules and regulations. Paradox Gun - A type of shotgun
having the last few inches of the muzzle
Machine Gun - It is an automatic weapon rifled so that it will Impart a spin to the
that can fire from 400 to 1,600 rounds patented slug that is used with it when
of ammunition each minute. Machine it is desired to fire a large single projectile
gun barrels range in size from .22 caliber to instead of a charge of shot.
20 millimeters. Ammunition is fed into the
gun from a cloth or metal belt, or Percussion - A means of ignition of
from a cartridge holder called a a propellant charge by mechanical
magazine. Because machine guns fire so blow against the primer or percussion cap.
rapidly, they must be cooled by air.
Permit to Carry Firearm Outside of
Maximum Point Blank Range – This is Residence - Refers to a written
the farthest distance at which the authority issued to a licensed citizen by the
bullet's path stays within the critical zone. Chief of the PNP which entitles such
person to carry his/her registered or
Motion - The movement or action of lawfully issued firearm outside of the
projectiles launched from firearms. residence for the duration and purpose
specified in the authority.
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 Propellant – A gun powder loaded in a
Permit to Transport Firearm - Refers to a cartridge or shotgun shell which when
written authority issued to a ignited by the primer flash, is converted to
licensed citizen or entity by the Chief of the gas under high pressure and launches
PNP or by a PNP Regional Director a projectile through the barrel and on
which entitles such person or entity the target.
to transport a particular firearm from
and to a specific location within the Range - The straight distance between the
duration and purpose in the authority. muzzle point and the target.

Pistol - A handgun that is magazine feed. It Recoil - The rearward movement of

is said that pistols were invented in the a firearm resulting from firing.
Italian town "Pistoia." Hence, the
name pistol - arrived in Britain about Repeating Arm - A type of firearm that
1515 as German import. fires several shots in one loading.

Point Blank Range - Popularly used to Republic Act No. 10591 - This Act
indicate the distance the bullet will travel shall be known as the "Comprehensive
before it drops enough to require Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act".
sight adjustment.
Revolver - A handgun with a
Presidential Decree No. 1866 - This corresponding cylinder that revolves before
decree shall be known as the "Codifying the barrel which consist of different
the laws on illegal/unlawful chambers.
possession, manufacture, dealing in,
acquisition or disposition, of firearms, Ricochet - The bouncing off or
ammunition of explosives or deflection
of a bullet from its original trajectory
instruments used in the manufacture of (normal path) after striking a resistant
firearms, ammunition or explosives, surface.
and imposing stiffer penalties for certain
violations thereof and for relevant Rifle - A type normally
purposes." designed to be fired from the shoulder.
of weapon
Primer - It is the assembly which ignite the
propellant. The primer assembly of Rifled Bore Firearm - A classification
center fire cartridges consists of a of firearm that has rifling. Examples are
brass or guiding-metal cup that contains rifle, pistol, and revolver.
a primer composition pellet sensitive
explosive, a paper disc (foil), and a Rifling - Consist of the number of
brass anvil. The metal cap containing the helical grooves cut on the surface of
the highly sensitive priming mixture of the bore, it includes the lands and grooves
chemical compound, which when heat or that are running parallel with one
struck by firing pin ignite - also called another concentrically. This is designed to
"percussion." impart of rotation to a bullet and to ensure
Projectile - A metallic or non-metallic stability in flight.
objects propelled from a firearm. It also
refers to the bullet that passes through the Rim - A part of the cartridge case that
barrel of the firearm. serve the purpose of limiting the forward
travel of Cartridges into the chamber.
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 rotating cylinder puts a cartridge into
Rimless Cartridge Case - A classification line with the barrel and the firing pin
of cartridge case where the diameter of (part that strikes the primer to fire the
base is the same as of the body. cartridge). After cocking the hammer,
the shooter pulls the trigger. The hammer
Rimmed Cartridge Case - A classification unlocks and falls, exploding the cartridge.
of cartridge case where the diameter of
base is very much bigger than of the body. Single-Base Gunpowder – Generally
contains only nitrocellulose, of
Semi-Rimmed Cartridge Case – A 12.5% to 13.5% nitrogen
classification of cartridge case where the about
diameter of base is slightly bigger than Slide Action Type - A of
of the body. type where loading takes firearm
place manipulation
forth by of the under back and
forearm
Serial Number - A number applied to a of the gun.
firearm in order to identify the individual
firearm. Small Arms - Refer to firearms intended to
Shocking Power - The power of the bullet be or primarily designed for individual
that results in the instantaneous death use or that which is generally considered
of the victim. to mean a weapon intended to be fired
from the hand or shoulder, which are
Shooting Range - Refers to a not capable of fully automatic bursts
facility established for the purpose of of discharge. It propel sights. projectile
firearms training and skills less than one inch in diameter.
development,
testing, firearm
as well as for sports
and competition shooting either for Smokeless Powder - A propellant powder
exclusive use
the of its members or open to that consists primarily of Nitrocellulose and
the general public, duly registered with and Nitroglycerine. It is mixed with one or more
accredited in good standing by the FEO of minor ingredients such as centralite,
the PNP. Vaseline esters, inorganic salts and etc.

Shotgun - A smooth bore Smooth Bore Firearm - A classification of

firearm designed to shoot a number of lead firearm has no rifling inside the gun
pellets in one discharge. It is a shoulder barrel for the breech end up to the muzzle
gun that fires a cartridge that contains a of the firearm. Examples are shotguns,
powder charge and a load of metal muskets, and airsoft guns.
pellets, called shot. The caliber of a
shotgun is measured by bore, or gauge. Stereoscopic Microscope -
An instrument used in the
Shots Ballistics - It deals with preliminary examination of fired and
the attributes and properties of shots fired shells to determine the relative
and pellets. distribution of the class characteristics
or for so- called orientation purposes.
Single Rifle Firearm - A type of firearm It can be used also in the close-up
that fires only one shot for every loading. examination of tempered serial
numbers of firearms.
Single-Action Revolvers - A type of Stopping Power - The power of the bullet
revolver where the movement of that put the victim out of action instantly.
the Page 8
Tailwag - A phenomenon that occurs over Trigger Guard - A rigid loop which partially
the few yards of trajectory where bullet's surrounds the trigger to prevent accidental
flight is slightly unstable, the end of the discharge or damage to it.
projectile wobbles before it picks up
a smooth flight path. Triple-Base Gunpowder - Has
developed been for some very
Taper Gauge - Used for determining applications specific such as high rate
the bore diameter of the firearm. of fire or artillery. The third
automatic weapons
explosive substance used in these is a so-
Terminal Ballistics - A branch of ballistics called "cool burning explosive" often
that deals with the effects of the impact of nitroguanidine, which is used to lower
the projectile on the target. the temperature of deflagration.

Thermal Weapon Sight - Refers to Type 1 License - Allows a citizen to

a battery operated, uncooled own and possess a maximum of
thermal imaging device which amplifies two (2) registered firearms.
available thermal signatures so that
the viewed scene becomes clear to the Type 2 License - Allows a citizen to
operator which is used to locate and own and possess a maximum of
engage targets during daylight and from five (5) registered firearms.
low light to total darkness and
operates in adverse conditions such Type 3 License - Allows a citizen to
as light rain, light snow, and dry smoke or own and possess a maximum of ten
in conjunction with other optical and red dot (10) registered firearms.
sights.
Tracer Bullet - A classification of bullet Type 4 License - Allows a citizen to
that contains compound usually similar own and possess a maximum of fifteen
to barium nitrates which is set fire when (15) registered firearms.
the bullet is projected. The flash of this Type 5 License - Allows a citizen, who is a
smoke from this burning permits the certified gun collector, to own and possess
flight of the bullet to be seen. more than fifteen (15) registered firearms.

Trajectory - The actual curved path of the Velocity - The rate of speed of the
bullet during its flight from the gun bullet per unit of time.
muzzle to the target.
Wad - A disc used to separate powder
Transitional or Intermediate Ballistics from shot, to seal propellant gases
- A branch of ballistics that deals with behind the shot or to hold shot together
the study projectile's behavior from the in the barrel.
time it leaves the muzzle until the
pressure behind the projectile is equalized. Wound Ballistics - A branch of
ballistics which deals with the study of the
Trigger - A part of a firearm operated effects of a projectile on the human or
by the shooter which releases the firing animal tissues.
pin and allows it to discharge the cartridge.

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