Personal Identification

Alphonse Bertillon - was a French criminologist and anthropologist who

created the first system of physical measurements, photography, and
record-keeping that police could use to identify recidivist criminals.

Ancient Babylon - fingerprints were used in clay tablets for business

transactions. 1000 - 2000 BC

Anthropometry - the first system of personal identification.

Azizul Haque and Hem Chandra Bose(1897) - Two Indian fingerprint

experts credited with primary development of the Henry System of
fingerprint classification (named after their supervisor,
Edward Richard Henry).

Bertillon System - a system of identification which focuses on the

meticulous measurement and recording of different parts and components
of the human body.

Chiroscopy – It is the examination and thorough study fo the palms of

the human hand as a point indentifying persons.

Core - 1. Approximate center of the pattern

       2. It is placed upon or within the innermost sufficient recurve.

Delta - 1. point on a ridge at or nearest to the point of divergence

           of two typelines and
        2. is located at or directly in front of the point of
           divergence.

Dr. Henry P. DeForrest - he accomplished the first fingerprint file

established in the United States, and the first use of fingerprinting
by a U.S. government agency.

Dr. Nehemiah Grew - in 1684, he was the first European to publish

friction ridge skin observations.

Edgeoscopy – the study of the morphological characteristics of

friction ridges; shape or contour of the edges of friction ridges.

Edmond Locard - informally referred to as the Sherlock Holmes of France,

he developed the science of poroscopy, the study of fingerprint pores
and the impressions produced by these pores. He went on to write that
if 12 specific points were identical between two fingerprints, it would
be sufficient for positive identification. This work led to the use of
fingerprints in identifying criminals being adopted over Bertillon's
earlier technique of anthropometry.

Fingerprint - is an impression of the friction ridge of all or any

part of the finger. Fingerprint ridges are formed during the third
to fourth month of fetal development.

Fingerprint Classification Systems

      1. The Henry Classification System – developed by Henry in the

         late 1800s.
      2. Icnofalangometric System – the originalname of the system
         developed by Vucetichin 1891
      3. Dactiloscopy – the new name of the systemdeveloped by Vucetich.
      4. The Oloriz System of Classification – developed by Oloriz.
         Identakey – developed in the 1930s by G. Tyler Mairs.
      5. The American System of FingerprintClassification – developed
         by Parke in1903.
      6. The Conley System. The Flack-ConleySystem – developed in 1906
         in New Jersey,an improved Conley System.
      7. NCIC Fingerprint Classification System.
         Collins System – a classification system forsingle
         fingerprints
         used in Scotland Yard inthe early 1900s.
      8. Jorgensen System – a classification systemfor single
         fingerprints
         used in the early1900s.
      9. Battley System – a classification system forsingle
         fingerprints used in the 1930s

Gilbert Thompson - He used his thumb print on a document to prevent

forgery. First known use of fingerprints in the U.S.

John Evangelist Purkinje - anatomy professor at the University of

Breslau, in 1823, he published his thesis discussing nine fingerprint
patterns  but he made no mention of the value of fingerprints for
personal identification.

Juan Vucetich - In 1892, two boys were brutally murdered in the

village of Necochea, near Buenos Aires, Argentina. Initially,
suspicion fell on a man named Velasquez, a suitor of the children's
mother, Francisca Rojas. Investigators found a bloody fingerprint at
the crime scene and contacted Juan Vucetich, who was developing a
system of fingerprint identification for police use. Vucetich compared
the fingerprints of Rojas and Velasquez with the bloody fingerprint.
Francisca Rojas had denied touching the bloody bodies, but the
fingerprint matched one of hers. Confronted with the evidence, she
confessed—the first successful use of fingerprint identification in a
murder investigation.

Loop - 1. One or more ridges enter upon either side

            2. Recurve
            3. Touch or pass an imaginary line between delta and core
            4. Pass out or tend to pass out upon the same side the ridges
               entered.

           Three Loop Characteristics

           1. A sufficient recurve
           2. A Delta
           3. A ridge count across a looping ridge

Marcelo Malpighi - in 1686,  an anatomy professor at the University of

Bologna, noted fingerprint ridges, spirals and loops in his treatise.
A layer of skin was named after him; "Malpighi" layer, which is
approximately 1.8mm thick.

Mark Twain - author of the novel Pudd'nhead Wilson where one of the
characters has a hobby of collecting fingerprints.

Paul-Jean Coulier - of Val-de-Grâce in Paris, published his observations

that (latent) fingerprints can be developed on paper by iodine fuming,
explaining how to preserve (fix) such developed impressions and
mentioning the potential for identifying suspects' fingerprints by
use of a magnifying glass.

Poroscopy – refers to the examination of the shape,size and

arrangement of the small opening on friction ridge through which body
fluids are secreted or released.

Podoscopy – a term coined by Wilder and Wentwrth which refers to the

examination of the soles and their significance in personal identification.

Ridgeology – describes the individualization process of any area of

friction skin using allavailable detail.

Ridge Characteristics
1. Ridge Dots - An isolated ridge unit whose length approximates
   its width in size.
2. Bifurcations - The point at which one friction ridge divides
   into two friction ridges.
3. Trifurcations - The point at which one friction ridge divides
   into three friction ridges.
4. Ending Ridge - A single friction ridge that terminates within
   the friction ridge structure.
5. Ridge Crossing - A point where two ridge units intersect.
6. Enclosures (Lakes) - A single friction ridge that bifurcates and
   rejoins after a short course and continues as a single friction
   ridge.
7. Short Ridges (Islands) - Friction ridges of varying lengths.
8. Spurs (Hooks) - A bifurcation with one short ridge branching off
   a longer ridge.
9. Bridges - A connecting friction ridge between parallel running
   ridges, generally right angles.

Sir Edward Richard Henry -  he was appointed Inspector-General of Police

of Bengal, India in 1891, he developed a system of fingerprint
classification enabling fingerprint records to be organised and searched
with relative ease.

Sir Francis Galton - He devised a method of classifying fingerprints

that proved useful in forensic science. He pointed out that there were
specific types of fingerprint patterns. He described and classified
them into eight broad categories: 1: plain arch, 2: tented arch,
3: simple loop, 4: central pocket loop, 5: double loop,
6: lateral pocket loop, 7: plain whorl, and 8: accidental

Sir Henry Faulds - his first paper on the subject of fingerprint

was published in the scientific journal Nature in 1880. Examining his
own fingertips and those of friends, he became convinced that the
pattern of ridges was unique to each individual.

Sir William James Herschel - was a British officer in India who used
fingerprints for identification on contracts.

Time Line - Fingerprints

      1000-2000 B.C. - Fingerprints were used on clay tablets for

      business transactions in ancient Babylon.

      3rd Century B.C. - Thumbprints begin to be used on clay seals

      in China to “sign” documents.

      610-907 A.D. - During the T’ang Dynasty, a time when imperial

      China was one of the most powerful and wealthy regions of the
      world, fingerprints are reportedly used on official documents.
      1st Century A.D. - A petroglyph located on a cliff face in
      Nova Scotia depicts a hand with exaggerated ridges and finger
      whorls, presumably left by the Mi'kmaq people.

      14th Century A.D. - Many official government documents in

      Persia have fingerprint impressions. One government physician
      makes the observation that no two fingerprints were an exact
      match.

      1686 - At the University of Bologna in Italy, a professor

      of anatomy named Marcello Malpighi notes the common
      characteristics of spirals, loops and ridges in fingerprints,
      using the newly invented microscope for his studies. In time,
      a 1.88mm thick layer of skin, the “Malpighi layer,” was named
      after him. Although Malpighi was likely the first to document
      types of fingerprints, the value of fingerprints as
      identification tools was never mentioned in his writings.

      1823 - A thesis is published by Johannes Evengelista Purkinje,

      professor of anatomy with the University of Breslau, Prussia.
      The thesis details a full nine different fingerprint patterns.
      Still, like Malpighi, no mention is made of fingerprints as
      an individual identification method.

      1858 - The Chief Magistrate of the Hooghly district in Jungipoor,

      India, Sir William Herschel, first used fingerprints to “sign”
      contracts with native Indians. In July of 1858, a local
      businessman named Rajyadhar Konai put his hand print on the
      back of a contract at Herschel’s request. Herschel was not
      motivated by the need to prove personal identity; rather, his
      motivation was to simply “frighten (Konai) out of all thought
      of repudiating his signature.” As the locals felt more bound to
      a contract through this personal contact than if it was just
      signed, as did the ancient Babylonians and Chinese, Herschel
      adopted the practice permanently. Later, only the prints of the
      right index and middle fingers were required on contracts. In
      time, after viewing a number of fingerprints, Herschel noticed
      that no two prints were exactly alike, and he observed that
      even in widespread use, the fingerprints could be used for
      personal identification purposes.

      1880 - Dr. Henry Faulds, a British surgeon and Superintendent

      of Tsukiji Hospital in Tokyo, published an article in the
      Scientific Journal, "Nautre" (nature). He discussed fingerprints
      as a means of personal identification, and the use of printers
      ink as a method for obtaining such fingerprints. Faulds had
      begun his study of what he called “skin-furrows” during the
      1870s after looking at fingerprints on pieces of old clay
      pottery. He is also credited with the first fingerprint
      identification: a greasy print left by a laboratory worker on
      a bottle of alcohol. Soon, Faulds began to recognize that the
      distinctive patterns on fingers held great promise as a means
      of individual identification, and developed a classification
      system for recording these inked impressions. Also in 1880,
      Faulds sent a description of his fingerprint classification
      system to Sir Charles Darwin. Darwin, aging and in poor health,
      declined to assist Dr. Faulds in the further study of
      fingerprints, but forwarded the information on to his cousin,
      British scientist Sir Francis Galton.

      1882 - Gilbert Thompson, employed by the U.S. Geological Survey

      in New Mexico, uses his own fingerprints on a document to guard
      against forgery. This event is the first known use of
      fingerprints for identification in America.

      1883 - “Life on the Mississippi,” a novel by Mark Twain, tells

      the story of a murderer who is identified by the use of
      fingerprints. His later book "Pudd'n Head Wilson” includes a
      courtroom drama involving fingerprint identification.

      1888 - Sir Francis Galton’s began his study of fingerprints

      during the 1880s, primarily to develop a tool for determining
      genetic history and hereditary traits. Through careful study of
      the work of Faulds, which he learned of through his cousin Sir
      Charles Darwin, as well as his examination of fingerprints
      collected by Sir William Herschel, Galton became the first to
      provide scientific evidence that no two fingerprints are
      exactly the same, and that prints remain the same throughout
      a person’s lifetime. He calculated that the odds of finding
      two identical fingerprints were 1 in 64 billion.

      1892 - Galton’s book “Fingerprints” is published, the first of

      its kind. In the book, Galton detailed the first classification
      system for fingerprints; he identified three types
      (loop, whorl, and arch) of characteristics for fingerprints
      (also known as minutia). These characteristics are to an extent
      still in use today, often referred to as Galton’s Details.

      1892 - Juan Vucetich, an Argentine police official, had recently

      begun keeping the first fingerprint files based on Galton’s
      Details. History was made that year when Vucetich made the
      first criminal fingerprint identification. A woman named Rojas
      had murdered her two sons, then cut her own throat to deflect
      blame from herself. Rojas left a bloody print on a doorpost.
      After investigators matched the crime scene print to that of
      the accused, Rojas confessed. Vucetich eventually developed his
      own system of classification, and published a book entitled
      Dactiloscopía Comparada ("Comparative Fingerprinting") in 1904,
      detailing the Vucetich system, still the most used system in
      Latin America.

      1896 - British official Sir Edward Richard Henry had been living
      in Bengal, and was looking to use a system similar to that of
      Herschel’s to eliminate problems within his jurisdiction. After
      visiting Sir Francis Galton in England, Henry returned to Bengal
      and instituted a fingerprinting program for all prisoners. By
      July of 1896, Henry wrote in a report that the classification
      limitations had not yet been addressed. A short time later,
      Henry developed a system of his own, which included 1,024
      primary classifications. Within a year, the Governor General
      signed a resolution directing that fingerprinting was to be the
      official method of identifying criminals in British India.

      1901 - Back in England and Wales, the success of the “Henry

      Fingerprint Classification System” in India was creating a stir,
      and a committee was formed to review Scotland Yard's
      identification methods. Henry was then transferred to England,
      where he began training investigators to use the Henry
      Classification System after founding Scotland Yard's Central
      Fingerprint Bureau. Within a few years, the Henry Classification
      System was in use around the world, and fingerprints had been
      established as the uniform system of identification for the
      future. The Henry Classification System is still in use today
      in English speaking countries around the globe.

      1902 - Alphonse Bertillon, director of the Bureau of

      Identification of the Paris Police, is responsible for the first
      criminal identification of a fingerprint without a known suspect.
      A print taken from the scene of a homicide was compared against
      the criminal fingerprints already on file, and a match was made,
      marking another milestone in law enforcement technology.
      Meanwhile, the New York Civil Service Commission, spearheaded
      by Dr. Henry P. DeForrest, institutes testing of the first
      systematic use of fingerprints in the United States.

      1903 - Fingerprinting technology comes into widespread use in

      the United States, as the New York Police Department, the New
      York State Prison system and the Federal Bureau of Prisons begin
      working with the new science.

      1904 - The St. Louis Police Department and the Leavenworth State
      Penitentiary in Kansas start utilizing fingerprinting, assisted
      by a Sergeant from Scotland Yard who had been guarding the
      British Display at the St. Louis Exposition.

      1905 - The U.S. Army gets on the fingerprinting bandwagon, and

      within three years was joined by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.
      In the ensuing 25 years, as more law enforcement agencies
      joined in using fingerprints as personal identification methods,
      these agencies began sending copies of the fingerprint cards
      to the recently established National Bureau of Criminal
      Investigation.

      1911 - The first central storage location for fingerprints in

      North America is established in Ottawa by Edward Foster of the
      Dominion Police Force. The repository is maintained by the Royal
      Canadian Mounted Police, and while it originally held only 2000
      sets of fingerprints, today the number is over 2 million.

      1924 - The U.S. Congress acts to establish the Identification

      Division of the F.B.I. The National Bureau and Leavenworth are
      consolidated to form the basis of the F.B.I. fingerprint repository.
      By 1946, the F.B.I. had processed 100 million fingerprint cards;
      that number doubles by 1971.

      1990s - AFIS, or Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems,

      begin widespread use around the country. This computerized system
      of storing and cross-referencing criminal fingerprint records
      would eventually become capable of searching millions of
      fingerprint files in minutes, revolutionizing law enforcement
      efforts.

      1996 - As Americans become more concerned with the growing missing

      and abducted children problem, and law enforcement groups urge
      the fingerprinting of children for investigative purposes in
      the event of a child becoming missing, Chris Migliaro founds
      Fingerprint America in Albany, NY. The company provides a simple,
      at-home fingerprinting and identification kit for parents,
      maintaining the family’s privacy while protecting and educating
      children about the dangers of abduction. By 2001, the company
      distributes over 5 million Child ID Fingerprinting Kits around
      the world.
      1999 - The FBI phases out the use of paper fingerprint cards with
      their new Integrated AFIS (IAFIS) site at Clarksburg, West Virginia.
      IAFIS will starts with individual computerized fingerprint records
      for approximately 33 million criminals, while the outdated paper
      cards for the civil files are kept at a facility in Fairmont,
      West Virginia.

Typelines - 1. Two innermost ridges that start or go parallel

                   2. Diverge and surround or tend to surround the pattern
                      area

Types of Fingerprints
1. Visible Prints
2. Latent Prints
3. Impressed Prints

         Visible Prints - also called patent prints and are left in

         some medium, like blood, that reveals them to the naked eye
         when blood, dirt, ink or grease on the finger come into
         contact with a smooth surface and leave a friction ridge
         impression that is visible without development.

         Latent Prints - not apparent to the naked eye. They are

         formed from the sweat from sebaceous glands on the body or
         water, salt, amino acids and oils contained in sweat.
         They can be made sufficiently visible by dusting, fuming or
         chemical reagents.

         Impressed prints - also called plastic prints and are

         indentations left in soft pliable surfaces, such as clay,
         wax, paint or another surface that will take the impression.
         They are visible and can be viewed or photographed without
         development.

Types of Patterns
1. Arch  a. Plain Arch
              b. Tented Arch
2. Loop  a. Radial Loop
              b. Ulnar Loop
3. Whorl a. Plain Whorl
               b. Central Pocket Loop
               c. Double Loop
               d. Accidental Whorl
            Plain Arch - 1. Ridges enter upon one side
                                 2. Make a rise or wave in the center
                                 3. Flow or tend to flow out upon the
                                    opposite side.

            Tented Arch - Possesses an 1. Angle

                                                           2. Upthrust
                                                           3. Two of The Three basic
                                                               characteristics of the loop

            Ulnar loop - flow toward the little finger - ulna bone.

            Radial Loop - flow toward the thumb - radius bone.

            Plain Whorl - 1. Consists of one or more ridges which make

                             or tend to make a complete circuit
                          2. With 2 delta's
                          3. Between which, when an imaginary line is
                             drawn, at least one recurving ridge within
                             the inner pattern area is cut or touched.

            Central Pocket Loop - 1. Consists of at least one recurving

                                                    ridge or
                                                2. An obstruction at right angles to
                                                     the line of flow
                                                3. With 2 delta's
                                                4. Between which, when an imaginary
                                                    line is drawn, no recurving ridge
                                                    within the inner pattern area is
                                                    cut or touched.

            Double Loop - 1. Consists of two separate loop formations

                                    2. With two separate and distinct set of
                                        shoulders and
                                    3. Two delta's

            Accidental Whorl - 1. Consists of a combination of two

                                               different types of patterns with the
                                              exception of the plain arch
                                          2. With 2 or more delta's or
                                         3. A pattern which possesses some of the
                                             requirements for 2 or more different
                                             types or a pattern which conforms to
                                             none of the definitions.
 NOTES IN PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION

BRIEF HISTORY OF FINGERPRINTING

In tracing the origin of the fingerprint science we must draw a distinction

between the realization that the tips of the finger bear diversified ridged
and the application of the knowledge to the problem of personal
identification.

Unquestionable, men’s consciousness of the patterned ridges on his

fingers and palms predates the Christian era by many centuries and has
been evidenced in varying degrees by successive civilizations. On the
face of a cliff in Nova Scotia , for instance, has been found prehistoric
India “picture writing” of a hand with ridge patterns crudely marked.
Scholars refer to the impression of fingerprints on clay tablets recording
transaction in Ancient Babylon and to clay seals of Ancient Chinese origin
bearing thumb prints. Apostles Paul concludes one of his epistles with
the words. “The Salvation a Paul with mine own hand which is the token
in very epistle; so I write.” Some have inferred from these words that
Paul used his finger impression as a distinctive signature . Chinese
documents identified with the eight century (A.D) T’ and Dynasty refers
to fingerprints being increased upon business contracts, and the Chinese
Monarchs termed fingerprint as Hua Chi

It is conjectural to what extent these earlier instance of fingerprints were

intended for actual identification of the persons impressing the prints.
Certainly in some cases the object was simple to add more or less
superstitious solemnity to business contracts trough the personal contact
of the contracting parties fingerprints with the written record.

Their evidence, however that fact of the individuality of fingerprints

though not put to practical use drowned recurrently through the ages. In
fourteenth century in Persia , various official government papers were
reportedly impressed either fingerprints, and the observation was made
by a government official who was also a physician that no fingerprints of
two persons were exactly alike.

In 1684, Dr. Nehemiah Grew , a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians,

in the course of a lecture commented upon the ridge patterns appearing
on the fingers. But if any of these early adventures in fingerprints
observation had any direct influence on the men who are the fathers of
the modern science of fingerprints identification, the known record does
not reflect it.

A scientific approach to fingerprint was essential before it could be put

practical use on any extensive scale. The outline which follows begin with
what are believed to be the first scientific observations which may
reasonably be supposed to have contributed to the inception of modern
fingerprint identification. These observations were in:

1686 – by Marcello Malpighi , Professor of Anatomy at the University of

Bologna, Malpigi, making use of a newly discovered, microscope, noted
and discussed in his treaties “certain elevated ridges” describing “diverse
figures” on the palm surfaces.

He perceived them to be “drawn into 1686 and spiral” at the end of the
fingers.

Apparently the significance of his observation escaped him, however, for

he purposed them to further. More than a century elapsed, and it was not
until, 1823 that John Evangelist Purkinje , Professor of Anatomy at the
University of Breslau, published a thesis in which he commented upon the
diversity of ridged patterns “especially on the last phalange of each finger
and evolved a vague differentiation of these patterns into nine varieties.
Purkinje’s paper was intended only as a scholarly treaties and had no
practical application to the problem of personal identification, but thirty
years later, in 1858 Sir William Herschel, the British Chief
Administrative officer for the Hooghly district, Bengal, India, began the
first known official used of fingerprints on large scale. He required
natives to affix their fingerprints as well as their signature to contracts.

Apparently he had no idea originally that the marks were individual but
adopted the practice with the thought that this very personal type of
contract with official papers would be impressed to the native mind and
would discourage, dishonesty and default.

A familiarity with finger impressions grew; however, their individual must

have become evidence to him, for in 1877 Herschel introduced the use of
fingerprints in general departments at Hall and also submitted report
asking permission to extend the practice as a means of identification of
prisoners as well as parties to civil contracts. The permission was not
forthcoming but Herschel, within his own province, applied the system
extensively. He did not, however, evolve a method of classification
suitable for general use.

At about this same time, Dr. Henry Faulds , of Tsukiji Hospital in Tokyo,
Japan, began his observation of fingerprints. The English scientific
journal, “Nature” in 1880 published an article by Dr. Faulds, discussing
his studies and making suggestions as to the future possibilities of the
fingerprints sciences. His ideas are remarkable for their anticipation of
present day practice. He recommended the use of a thin film of printer’s
ink as transfer medium just as it generally used today. He discussed quite
fully the potentialities of identification of criminals by their fingerprints
left at the scene of crimes, just as in the modem science of latent
fingerprint identification. As a matter of facts, Faulds, himself,
demonstrated the practical application of his theory establishing through
greasy fingerprint marks the identity of a person who had been drinking
some spirits from the laboratory supply---certainly one of the earliest
latent fingerprint identification of modem times.

1882 – is the year in which appears the first authenticated record of

officials use of fingerprints in the United States. Mr. Gilbert Thompson of
the United States Geological Survey, while in change of a field in New
Mexico, used his own fingerprint on commissary orders to prevent their
forgery.

An interesting sidelight, which had possible effect on the introduction of

fingerprint identification into the United States, occurred in 1883 with the
publication of Mark Twian Life in the Mississippi. An episode in this book
relates to the identification of a murdered by his thumb print. Mark Twian
further developed his theme ten years later in 1893 with the publication of
“Pudd’n head Wilson”, novel plotted around a dramatic fingerprint
identification demonstrated during a court trial and including a striking
exposition of the infallibility of fingerprint identification, the more
remarkable because of the dates its publication.

It was also in the 1880’s that Sir Francis Galton, a noted British
Anthropologist and a cousin of scientist, Charles Darwin, began
observations which led to the publication, 1892, of is book, “Finger
Prints”. Galton’s studies established the individuality and permanence of
fingerprints and he made another important contribution by devising the
first scientific method of classifying fingerprint patterns.

1891 – marked the first installation of fingerprint files as an official means

of criminal identification . Juan Vucetich , an Argentinean police official,
based his system on the patterns typed by Bertillon system of
identification by body measurements, which it gradually replaced. The
Vucetich system is the basis of those systems presently used in most
Spanish speaking countries and a number of the countries as well
Vucetich also claimed the first official criminal identification by means of
fingerprints left at the scene of a crime.

1892 – At La Plata, Argentina, a woman named Rojas, who murdered her

two sons and cut her own throat, through not fatally, blamed the attacks
on a neighbor. Bloody fingerprint on a door post were identified by
Vucetich as those of the woman herself and led to her confession.

1901 – marked the official introduction of fingerprint for criminal

identification in England and Wales , the system employed was also
developed from Galton’s observation and was devised by Sir Edward
Richard Henry , the inspector General of police in Bengal. Henry
simplified fingerprint classification and made it applicable to police
identification, and later on Sir Edward Richard Henry was credited as the
father of fingerprint science.

1902 is the year in which the first known systematic use of fingerprints in
the United States was begun with the establishment of the practice of
fingerprints by the New York Civil Commission to Prevent applicants from
having better qualified persons takes their tests for them. Dr. Henry P.
De Forest, an American pioneer in the fingerprint science, installed the
system in December 1902.

1903 is claimed by the New York State prison system as the date of the
first practical, systematic use of fingerprints in the United State for the
identification of criminals.

As early as March of this year, fingerprints of prisoners were taken and

classified and on June 5, the fingerprint system was officially adopted.

1904 found acceptance of the fingerprints system accelerated when the

United States Penitentiary at Leavenworth, Kansas, and the St. Louise
Missouri Police Department both established fingerprint bureaus. The St.
Louise bureau was inaugurated with the assistance of a Sergeant of
London’s Scotland Yard who was on duty at the St. Louise Exposition
guarding a British exhibit. The Leavenworth bureau become the first to
offer facilities on more than a local basis when it gradually expanded the
scope of its operation to include a free fingerprint exchange service
among a growing list of contribution peace officers.

During the first quarter of the 20 t h Century more and more local police
identification bureaus established fingerprint systems and many sent
copies of their fingerprint records to the National Bureau of Criminal
Identification established by the International Identification, Association
of chief of Police. The obvious need and demand by police officials led to
an Act of Congress establishing on July.

1924 the identification Division of the FBI. The fingerprint records of both
the National Bureau of Criminal Identification and of Leavenworth
Penitentiary, totaling 810, 188 were consolidated to form the nuclear of
the FBI files. The national repository of criminal investigation date quickly
proved its worth to law enforcement officials faced with problems of
criminals moving rapidly from city to city and state to state. Additional
services were added in the FBI identification Division as the need became
apparent, on March 1, 1932. The International Exchange of fingerprints
date was initiated with a number of other nations, on February 15, 1932.

1933 – A Latent fingerprint Section for making technical examination of

latent prints or of inked prints on an individual basis, was instituted. On
November 10 of the same year the Civil Identification Section was
established. A steadily increasing rate of receipts brought the number of
fingerprints cards in FBI files to 10 million. In 1939, but it was the
exigencies of world II tat brought about the phenomena period of the
identification Divisions growth.
Drawing the years just before and during the war, the number of civil
fingerprints, including of aliens, military personnel and civilian employees
in defense industries, far outstripped the number of arrest prints. Both
types together added to the swelling total until January 31.

1946 – the 100 millionth fingerprint card use was received in the
Identification Division of the FBI, the world’s largest repository of
fingerprint records. Although new methods of personal identification are
constantly being suggested even today, it is hard to conceive of a system
being devised, which can improve upon the combination of facility,
practically, and infallibility, which is characteristic of the fingerprint
system. As of January 1,1959. The total had grown to over 152,000,000
records as of May 11,1959.

3 BRANCHES OF DACTYLOSCOPY

Chiroscopy – It is an allied science of dactyloscopy which deals with the

scientific examination of the palm of the hand

Podoscopy- A branch of science of dactyloscopy which focused on the

scientific examination of the sole of the foot.

Poroscopy- Allied branch of dactyloscopy which deals with the study of

the sweat pores found in the friction skin.

Three (3) fundamentals facts that have made Fingerprint a

superlative method of the individualization of person. (Doctrines of
fingerprint identification)

Perenniality- An individual fingerprint ridges are formed during the fetal

life 100-120 days (3-4 mos) inside the womb of the mother and remain
unchanged for the remainder of person lifetime.(Gods given)

Infalliability- It has been shown empirically (based on experienced and

observation) with theoretical support, that fingerprint are unique (one of
its kind) no two person possess the same ridge characteristics.

Immutability – it has been proven that the fingerprint of a person are

unchangeable, you cannot change the fingerprint of Any individual.

THE PRINCIPLES OF THE SCIENCE OF DACTYLOSCOPY

It is the only infalliable system of identification

it is the most convincing proofs to mans individuality
it enable to unmask the real identity of the law breaker
 Fingerprint as a science - it is an identification of a person through
the used of ridges appearing in the finger of the palm of the hand and
sole of the foot

Fingerprint as an impression - It is the reproduction of some surface

of the pattern formed by the ridges on the first joint of the finger.

Two (2) types of fingerprint impression

Rolled impression- Rolling the fingers

Plane impression- No need to roll the finger you just dent the finger including the
thumb.

RULES GOVERNING THE CHOICE BETWEEN TWO OR MORE

POSSIBLE DELTAS.

The delta may not be located at a bifurcation, which does open toward
the core.
When there is a choice between a bifurcation and another type of delta,
the bifurcation is selected/ chooses.
When there are two or more possible deltas, which conform to the
definition the one nearest the core, is chosen.
The delta may not be located in the middle of a ridge running between the
type line toward the core, but at the nearer end only.

RULES IN THE SELECTION OF CORE OF A LOOP:

The core in placed or within the innermost sufficient re-curves.

When the innermost sufficient re-curve does not contain any ending ridge
or rod, the core is placed on the shoulder of a loop further from the delta.
When the innermost sufficient re-curve contains odd number of rod, the
core is placed upon the tip of the outer rod.
When the innermost sufficient re-curve contains even number of rod, the
core is placed upon the end of one of the two center rods further from the
delta.

INTERPRETATION OF FINGERPRINTS:

Three basic types of pattern are as follows:

Percentage of appearance

Arch 5%
Loops 60%
Whorls 35%
The three basic types of pattern are further subdivided into the following:

1. Plain arch 5. Plain Whorl

2. Tented arch 6. Central pocket loop
3. Radial loop 7. Lateral pocket loop
4. Ulnar loop 8. Double loop/twin loop
9. Accidental Pattern

RIDGE COUNTING:

The number of ridges interviewing the delta and the core is known
as the ridge count. Every ridge that crossed or touched by the imaginary
line between the core and the delta, neither the delta/ core is counted red
line upon the ridicule of the fingerprint glass is used to insure absolute
accuracy. In the event there is bifurcation of a ridge exactly at the point
where the imaginary line would be drawn, two ridges are counted.
Fragments and dots are counted as ridges if they appear to be thin and
heavy as the ridges in the immediate pattern. Variations inking and
pressure must of course be considered.

TYPES OF FINGERPRINT PATTERNS

1. PLAIN ARCH

A type of fingerprint pattern where the majority of the ridges came from
one side then flow to the other side with the slight rise at the center. It
has no delta and core.

2. THE TENTED ARCH

In the tented arch, most of the ridges enters in one side of the impression
then flow or tend out upon the other side with a rise at the center giving
90 degrees more or less and with a present of up thrust. It has no delta
and core.

Three types of tented arches:

The type in which ridges at the center form a definite angel: i.e. 90 or
less
The type in which one or more ridges at the center form an up thrust is an
ending ridge of any length rising at a sufficient degree from the horizontal
plain, 450 degree or more.
The type approaching the loop type possessing two of the basic or
essential characteristics of the loop, but lacking the third.
 The arches and some of the loop are often confused. It should be
remembered that the mere converging of two ridges does not form a re-
curve, without which there can be no loop. In the other hand, there are
many patterns which at first sight resemble tented arches but which on
abuse inspection are found to be loop, as when one looping ridge will be
found in an almost vertical position within the pattern are entirely free
from and passing in front of the delta.

ULNAR LOOP

A Type of fingerprint pattern, which possesses a delta, core, and one or more
ridge forming a sufficient recurve within the pattern area. The slope or downward
flow of the innermost sufficient recurve is towards the little finger or to the ulna
bone of the hand of origin.

RADIAL LOOP

A type of fingerprint pattern, which possesses one delta and one core, and one
or more ridges within the pattern area, formed a sufficient recurve. The flow of
the innermost ridges is towards the thumb or to the radius bone of the hand of
origin.

THE PLAIN WORL

The plain has two deltas and one core and at least one ridge
making a complete circuit, which may be spiral, oval, circular or any
variant of a circle. And when an imaginary line drawn between the two
deltas it must touch or cross at least one of the re-curving ridges within
forming a complete circuit within the pattern area. A re-curving, however,
which an appendage connected with it in the line of flow cannot be
construed as a circuit. An appendage connected to the points is
considered to spin the re-curve on that side.

CENTRAL POCKET LOOP

The central pocket loop type of whorl has two deltas and least one
ridge making a complete circuit, which may be spiral, oval, circular, or
any variant of a circle. An imaginary line drawn between the two deltas
must not touch or cross any of the recurving ridges within the inner
pattern area. A recurving ridge, however, which has an appendage
connected within the line of flow and on the delta side, cannot be
constructed as a circuit. An appendage connected at that point is
considered to spoil the re-curve on that side.

On lieu of re-curve in front of the delta is the inner pattern area; an

obstruction at the right angle to the line of flow will suffice.
 It is necessary that the inner line of flow be fixed artificially. The
inner line of flow is determined by drawing a line between the inner delta
and center of the innermost re-curve or looping ridge.

DOUBLE LOOP

The double loop consists of two separate loop formation with two
separate and distinct sets of shoulders and two deltas.

The world “separate” as used here, does not mean unconnected.

The two loop may be connected by an appending ridge provided aid. It
does not turn about at the right angle between the shoulders of the loop
formation. The appendage rule for the loop applies also to the double
loop.

The fact that there must be two separate loop formation eliminates
from consideration as a double loop the “S” type core, the interlocking
type core, and the formations with one loop inside another.

It is essential that both sides of a loop be equal length, nor that the
two loops be of the same size. Neither is it materials from which side the
loop enters.

LATERAL POCKET LOOP

A type of fingerprint pattern in which the core ridges of the two loops makes their
access or exit on the same side of the fingerprint impression.

ACCIDENTAL WHORL

The accidental whorl is a pattern consisting of a combination of two

different types of pattern with the exception of plain arch, with two or
more deltas; or a pattern, which possesses some of the requirements for
two or more different types; or a pattern, which conforms to none of the
definitions. It may be a combination of loop and tented arch, loop and
whorl, loop and whorl, loop and central pocket loop, double loop and
central pocket loop or other combination. The plain arch is excluded,

FINGERPRINT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (Henry system with FBI

modification and extension)
Sir, Edward Richard Henry – Simplified the use of finger print and made it
applicable into police works

Mr. A.J Renoe- Superintendent of the U.S dept of justice fingerprint

bureau (1920), the Bureau was located in the Penitentiary Leavenworth,
Kansas. He devised what was known as the A.J Renoe Extensions and
modification.

William Burns- Head of U.S secret service (1924) he made division and
accumulation of fingerprint record cards into sufficiently small groups.

J. Edgar Hoover- Devised further extension, which in turn have been

revised from time to time until present. He made an adequate file
containing many million of fingerprint.

Note: The entire plan or further revision is based on the Henry System of
classification.

Division of Classification – the classification formula is divided into six

possible divisions under
the extension system:

Primary classification
Secondary classification
b.1 Capital letter groups
b.2 small letter groups
Sub- secondary classification
Major classification
Key classification
Final classification

Classification- The method of attaining a formula in a set of fingerprint

placed in the fingerprint record cards

Classification Formula - The numerical description in a set of fingerprints

which is composed of letters and figures written above and below the
classification line.

Classification line- Refers to a long line which is usually placed on the

right upper corner of the fingerprint card or chart where classification
formula is written.

The positions in the classification line for these divisions when complete
applied are as illustrated.

K.C M.C P.C S.C S.S.C F.C

18 L 29 rW2u MO I 5
I 5 Xt OIO
The Primary classification – the primary classification is the numerical
value of the whorls in a set print. The arbitrary value assigned to the
fingers for this purpose is as follows:

Why do we have a pre-established fraction of 1/1?

T o give the numbered value group a place in the file

Zero over zero might be mistaken as outer over outer in filing

Blocking- Is the process of writing below each finger print pattern the
corresponding symbol of its name.

Patterns as to numerical value

Pattern with numerical value – all whorl

Pattern without numerical value- arches and loops

Four stages to obtain primary classification

1. Pairing- 10 fingers are divided in 5 pairs

Finger # 1 and # 2 --------------- 16

Finger # 3 and # 4 --------------- 8
Finger #5 and # 6 --------------- 4
Finger #7 and #8----------------- 2
Finger #9 and #10 -------------- 1

2. Assigning numerical value

3. Knowing the numerator and denominator- The first pattern of every

pairs are the denominator (odd fingers; 1,3,5,7,9) while the second
pattern of every pair is the numerator (even fingers 2,4,6,8,10)

4. Summing the numerical value or values assigned to whorl plus the pre-
established fraction of 1/1

The sum of numerical value of whorls if any, in fingers 1,3,5,7 and 9

with one added is the denominator of the primary classification. The sum
of the numerical value of the whorls, it any in, 2, 4, 8 and 10, with one
added, is the numerator of the primary classified where no whorl appears
in a set of impressions, the primary, therefore, would be 1/1/. It is noted
that 10/24 possible primaries may be obtained 1/1 to 32/32, which is the
primary when whorls appear in every finger.
b. Secondary Classification - The secondary classification is based on
the types of patterns appearing on the index fingers. Each finger is
represented by capital and small lettered symbols

Secondary classification by capital lettered group- This is done by

exhibiting the capital; letter symbol of the individual type of patterns from
the two index finger after the primary classification.

Right index finger – Numerator

Left index finger – Denominator

A symbol of the following symbol may come out

A – Plain arch
T – Tented arch
R – Radial loop
U – Ulnar loop
W – Plain whorl
C – central pocket loop
D – Double loop
X – Accidental Pattern

Secondary classification by small lettered groups- the secondary

classification by small lettered refers to the 3 types of fingerprint patterns
that can be exhibited by small lettered groups.
It can be applied to all fingers with a said patterns except the two index
fingers

Radial loop – r
Plain arch - a
Tented arch- t

c. Sub-secondary classification - it is based upon the ridge count or

ridge tracing in the index, middle and ring fingers

Ridge counting refers to loops pattern while ridge tracing refer to

whorl patterns .

Ridge count – refers to the total number of ridges intervening between

the delta and the core (delta and core are not included in the counting)

Tables for symbols of loops as a result of ridge count

A ridge count of 1-9 inclusive of the two index finger is deducted into
symbol capital letter I for inner, while 10 or more O for outer.
A ridge count of 1-10 inclusive of inclusive of two index fingers is
deducted into symbol capital letter I for inner while 11 or more O for
outer.
A ridge count of 1-13 inclusive of two ring fingers is deducted into capital
symbol I for inner and O for outer.
Ridge tracing- It is the method of tracking or trailing the ridge
commencing from the left delta, with the number of ridges intervening
between the right delta are accounted for and compared the table for
corresponding symbol, capital letter I-M-O.

@ Tables for symbols of whorl as a result of ridge tracing

When the ridge being traced (from the left to the right delta) goes inside
or in front of the right delta, and there are 3 or more intervening ridges,
the tracing is known as inner and represented by capital letter symbol I.
When the ridge being traced goes either or inside to the right delta and
there are 2 or less ridges intervening the tracing is known as meeting and
represented by the capital letter symbol M.
When the ridge being traced goes outside to the right delta and there are
3 or more intervening ridges the tracing is known as outer and
represented by the capital letter symbol O.

Note: Arches are represented by a minus sign (-)

d.The Major classification - are created by counting and by tracing

ridges of the left and right thumb respectively. These divisions are to be
used for the purpose of subdividing large collections of prints.

In a large collection of prints where both thumbs are loop they are
divided into nine major divisions by counting the ridges of the thumb. The
ridge counts of the left thumb are represented in the denominator by the
symbol S, M, and L, which are arrived at as follows:

Major division of loops

1. Ridge counts 1 to 11; inclusive are S (small), 12 to 16 inclusive, by M

(med), and 17 or over, L (large).

2.The ridge counts of the right thumb are represented in the numerator by
the same symbols, M and L. The count in this instance for the small,
medium and large is the same as just explained for the denominator when
an S or M appears as denominator.

3.When there are 17 ridges or more making a “Large” (L) in denominator

the combinations changes in the numerator thus, the combinations
changes in the numerator, thus: 1 to 17 inclusive S, 18 to 22 inclusive M,
and 23 or more L.

Left Thumb Denominator Right Thumb Numerator

1 to 11 inclusive S (small) 1 to 11 inclusive S (small)

12 to 16 inclusive M (medium)
17 or more ridges L (large)
12-16 Inclusive M (medium) 1-11 inclusive S (small)
12-16 Inclusive M (medium)
17 or more ridges L (large)

17 or more ridges L (large) 1-17 inclusive S (small)

18 to 22 inclusive M (medium)
23 or more ridges L (large)

The following symbols are used to illustrate the sequences of the nine
combinations in this division.

S M L S M L S M L
------------- ------------- -------------
S S S M M M L L L

Major division of whorls

In a large collection of prints when both thumbs are whorls they are
divided into nine major divisions by the result of ridges tracing inner (1),
Meet (M) and Outer (O) of both thumbs. The left thumb represents the
denominator and the right thumbs the numerator.

The following symbols are used to illustrate the sequences of the nine
combinations in this division.

I M O T M D I M O
------------- ------------- ------------
I I I M M M O O O

e. Key Classification - is the ridge count of the first loop is a set of prints
beginning with the right thumb, but not including either of the little
fingers.

If there is no such loop, the key is the result of the ridge count of the first
whorl being treated as an ulnar loop.

When arches appear in all fingers, the symbol of the key classification is
just a minus sign (-)

The result of the ridge count of the key classification be exhibited or

placed at the extreme left of the classification formula in line with the
numerator

f. Final classification - this is the ridge count of the loop in the little
finger of the right hand, placed in the numerator line
If there is no loop in the right little finger, then the ridge count of the one
appearing in the left little finger/s used, in which case it is placed in the
denominator line.

If no loop appear in either little finger, the result of the ridge count the
whorl is being treated for the final classification

When arches appear in both little finger the absence of a loop or whorl or
either in the right and left little finger the last loop is being used as a final
classification, except the loop that is being used in the key classification.

Arches are represented by a minus sign (-) in the classification line.

Classification of scarred patterns (amputated, missing at birth

fingers)

a. Always indicate the amputated or missing at b birth fingers to the

fingerprint record cards.
b. If one is absent carry the symbol or counting by the counterpart, or
opposite fingers, which is present.
C. If two amputated fingers are opposite each other, both are given
classification of whorls with M for meeting.
d. if all fingers were missing or amputated the classification will be;

N= M 32 W MMM
D= M 32 W MMM

e. If both hands are amputated or missing at birth the classification will

be.

Suspect fingerprint sample and data base making

Method/ essential of the fingerprint sampling

Points of he fingerprint sampling are as follows;

Washing the hands before fingerprint sampling

Relax
Position
Area to be covered on the fingerprint collection
Rolling direction of the rolling method
Spreading of ink
Thickness of the ink
Speed in rolling the fingers
Check up after fingerprint recording

Search, preservation and collection of fingerprint evidence

 Fingerprints are very fragile and may be destroyed by
contamination or improper handling

The methods of searching, preservation and collection usually

affects both the quality and quantity of latent fingerprints.

The primary concerns are preventing the addition of fingerprints to

the evidence and preventing the destruction of ones that are already
present.

So the first step to be undertaken in a case involving that evidence

is to exclude those unauthorized person and to protect the scene.

SEARCHING- The search should begin with the area surrounding the
actual scene. The next logical places to search area points of possible
exit and entry.

PRESERVATION- when a latent print is located, the first thing to do is

to photograph the actual crime scene. A data card should be prepared
and it should contain the case number, date, location, name of officer
who discovered the print and the name of the photographer. Next is to
sketch the objects on which the latent prints was found and indicate
the exact location of the print.

LATENT IMPRESSIONS

Each ridge of the finger, palms and soles bears a row of sweat
ports, which in the average person constantly exude perspiration. Also
the ridge of the fingers and palms are in intermittent contact with other
parts of the body, such as the hair and face, and with various objects,
which may leave a film of grease or moisture on the ridges. In touching
an object, the film of moisture and/ or grease may be transferred to the
objects, thus leaving an outline of the ridge of the fingers or palm there
on. This print is called a latent impression the word “latent” meaning
hidden, that is, the print many times is not readily visible.

Latent impressions, regardless of the area of the ridges present,

are of the greatest importance to the criminal investigator as
identification of them may solve the crime and result in successful
prosecution of the subject. Consequently, every effort should be made to
preserve and identify them.
Visible prints in mediums such as blood, grease, dirt, or dust are equally
important to the investigator but strictly speaking, are not latent
impressions.

A search of the crime scene should be conducted in a logical

manner. Points of entry and exit should be examined, along wit surface or
objects disturbed or likely touched during the commission of the crime.
The examiner should wear a pair of light cloth gloves and handle an
object only in so far as is necessary and then only by edges or surface,
which are not receptive to latent impressions. A record of the exact
location of a print on an objects and of the objects itself should be made,
since these facts may be of the utmost importance in any trial resulting
from the investigation. NO one should handle and objects other than the
examiner him self.

Portable articles removed should be labeled or marked so that they

may readily identify thereafter.

The beam of a flashlight played over the surface of an objects will

frequently show the location of latent impression, although this is not an
infallible test their presence.

Evidence should be examined as soon as possible after its

discovery. Following the location of any latent prints scene of a crime, the
prints of all persons whose presence at the place under inspection has
been for legitimate purposes must be excluded from further attention. It is
advisable, therefore, during the initial stages of an investigation where
latent prints are found, to secure the inked prints of all members of the
household, the employees, and any police or other official who have
touched the objects on which the latent impressions were found. Inked
prints taken for this purpose are referred to as elimination prints.

Due to the fragment nature of most latent prints it is not possible to

derive a classification which makes a file search practicable, a latent
impression may be identified, however by comparison with the prints of a
particular suspects.

Inked fingerprints taken for comparison with the latent impressions

should be illegibly and as complete as possible including the areas not
essential to classification, since identification are often made with these
areas. Inked palm prints taken should likewise be complete and clear and
should include impressions of the finger joints. Persons not experienced
in latent comparisons should not attempt to evaluate latent fragment,
since the area necessary for identification may be extremely compared to
tat of an average inked fingerprint.

Articles are which are to be transported by mail or express should

be so packed that the surface bearing latent impressions are not in
contact with other surfaces. This may be accomplished by mounting the
articles on a piece of a fiberboard or plywood. The board should then be
secured in a box so that the objects will not touch or be taken against the
side in transit. The package should be plainly marked “Evidence”, to
prevent inadvertent handling on opining. Cotton or cloth surface never be
placed in direct contact with any surface bearing latent prints.

Any number of paper or cardboard specimens may be placed in a

single protective wrapper, since contact with other surface does not harm
latent on such objects. Lifts, negatives and photographs are readily
enclosed with letters.
 An explanatory letter should accompany all evidence. If it is
necessary to pack the evidence separately, a copy of the letter should be
placed in every package so tat the recipient will know immediately the
import of the contents. All items of evidence should be marked and
describe exactly in the accompanying letter so that will not be confused
with packing material of a similar nature, and to provide a check on what
the package should contain.

In addition, the letter should include for the record purposes brief
outline of the crime, i.e., date and place of occurrence, and names of
victims and subjects. If suspects are named for comparison, sufficient
descriptive data should be set out to permit location of their fingerprint
records. This information, in preferential order, comprises individual’s
complete name, aliases FBI number, date or prior arrest or fingerprinting,
fingerprint identification, date and place of birth, and physical description.

Evidence is preferable forwarded by registered mail of railway

express, as these means provide records of dispatch and receipt.
Elimination or suspect fingerprints are best enclosed with evidence itself,
with notation as to the type of prints forwarded.

POWDERING ANF LIFTING LATENT IMPRESSION

The sole purpose in “developing a latent impression is to make it

visible so that it may be preserved and compared various powders and
chemicals are used for this purpose. When a latent prints is plainly
visible, it should be photographed before any effort is made to develop it.

No attempt should be made to brush or apply powder to prints in

just, obviously greasy or bloody prints, as this will almost surely destroy
them. Objects, which have been wet or immersed in water, may still bear
identifiable latent impressions. Before any examination is attempted
however, the objects must be dried.

Powder brushed lightly over a latent-bearing surface will cling to

grease or moisture in the ridges of a latent prints, making it visible
against the background. Obviously, a powder should be used which will
contrast with the color of the surface. Photographic contrasts should also
be considered.

A gray powder and black powder are adequate for latent print
works. Many fingerprint powders of various colors and compositions are
available from fingerprint supply houses but none are superior to the gray
and black.

A very small amount of powder is placed on the brush for

application to the surface. Once the contour of a print is visible, the brush
strokes should conform to the direction of the ridges. All excess powder
should be brushed from between the ridges. Too much powder and too
little brushing are the chief faults of beginners.
 Gray powder is used on dark-colored surfaces. It is also used on
mirrors and metal surface which have been published to mirror like finish,
sense these surfaces will photograph with the fingerprint camera. Black
powder should be applied to white or light-colored surfaces.

Aluminum powder affords the same contrast as the gray. Gold and
red bronze powders, although of a glittering appearance, will photograph
dark and should consequently be used on light-colored surfaces.
Dragons’ blood powder is a photographically neutral powder and may be
dusted on either a light or dark surface.

On clear transparent glass, either gray or black powder may be

used, it being necessary only to use a contrasting black or white
background when photographing.
Prints should be lifted after photographing both rubber and transparent
tapes are available for this purpose. Rubber lifting tape id procurable in
black or white 4” x 9” sheets with the adhesive surface protects with a
celluloid cover. A black powder print should obviously be lifted on white
tape and gray powder print on black tape.

Gold bronze and red bronze powders should be lifted on white tape,
aluminum on block. Dragon’s blood is lifted on either black or white.

After cutting a piece of tape sufficiently large to cover the entire

latent print, the celluloid covering is removed and the adhesive side
supplied to the latent. The tape should be pressed evenly and firmly to
the surface, taking care not to sift is position. It is then peeled gently
from the surface and the piece of celluloid placed over the print to protect
it. The operator should handle the lift in such a manner that he will leave
no prints to his own on the adhesive surface. A small paper identification
tag bearing the initials of the operator, date an objects from lifted should
be placed under one corner of the celluloid, or this information may be
written on the black of the lift itself if it can belong in a permanent legible
manner.

If an excessive amount of powder adheres to the latent print, more

legible print may sometimes be obtained by lifting a second time (on a
new piece of tape, of course).

It should be noted that a print lifted on rubber tape is in a reverse

position. Consequently, in preparing a photograph of a print of such a lift,
it will be necessary to print the negative from the reverse side in order for
the print to appear in its correct position for comparison. Preparation of
such photographs should not be attempted be persons of inadequate
knowledge an experience.

Transparent tape with a durable adhesive surface is available in 1”

to 2” widths for fingerprint work. The common variety of transparent tape
is not suitable due to the deterioration (drying) of the adhesive surface.
The print on a piece of transparent tape is in correct position.
Transparent lifts should be affixed to a smooth gain less, opaque
background of a black or white color contrasting with the powder used.
Every effort should be made to avoid air bubbles under such lifts.
In no instance should a transparent lift ever be folded on itself or struck.
To another piece of such tape as a backing. Since it is generally not
possible to determine the correct position of such a print.

Groups of latent impressions, such as those of adjacent fingers and

palms which appear to have been made simultaneously, shroud be lifted
as units, that is, on single piece of tape, as this may facilitate the task of
making comparisons.

PREPARATION OF FINGERTPRINTS CHARTS FOR COURT TESTIMONY

In testifying to fingerprint identification, the expert often prepares

charts to visually aid the court and jury in understanding the nature of his
testimony. Many times it is undoubtedly difficult the layman to perceive,
from a vocal explanation alone, the full import of an expert’s testimony,
due to its technical nature; consequently, some graphic representation of
the facts presented is amply justified and rewarded. The preparation of
the charts is ultimately the sole responsibility of the expert using them.
As a matter of interest to law enforcement personnel engaged in
fingerprint work, a brief explanation of such charts follows, along with
suggestions and remarks based on long experience in these matters.

To do the work conveniently, it will be necessary to have available,

in addition to the ordinary photographic developing and printing materials,
a projection enlarger which will enlarge preferably to at least ten
diameters. In the projection method of enlargement, the image is printed
directly from the original negative, and the preparation of an enlarged
negative is unnecessary.

Aside from the photographic equipment, the needed materials are:

A roll of scotch photographic tape 1 inch wide to outline the areas

of the fingerprints on the negative to be used; some stiff cardboard
approximately 1/32 inch thick on which to mount the prepared charts a
tube of rubber cement and a bottle of translucent ink, other than black or
white.

A light- box on which to view the negative whole blocking, and a

lettering set to draw the lines and numbers uniformly on the charts, while
not absolutely essential, are helpful conveniences. A light- box is basically
a frosted pane of glass wit a light beneath it to produce soft, even, none
glaring illumination. If no light-box is available, a clear window may be
utilized in “blocking” the negatives.

If the experts find it necessary to have an outside source prepare is

photographs, he should retain personal custody of the evidence during
the operation.

The original latent print and inked print with which it is identical can
be photographed 25 times the actual size. This procedure eliminates
guesswork in enlarging both the same degree. Whatever areas of the two
prints are deemed requisite to illustrate the method of identification are
then outlined (blocked) on negative with the masking tape, so the only
those areas will show in the subsequent enlargements. Generally, if the
legible area of the latent print is small, it is well to show the complete
print. If the area is large, however, as in a palm print, an area which will
not make the cart too bulky or unwieldy may be selected.

On blocking, the negative is affixed to the window pane or light- box

by means of strips of photographic tape across the corners, wit the side
to be blocked up. The prevent constant shifting of the negative while it is
being prepared. The latent print should be blocked first. Corners of the
blocked areas should be square. Cares should be exercised to have as
nearly as possible the same ridge formation shown and the ridge
formation in the same upright or horizontal positions. This may be
facilitated by fixing a negative, bearing ruled squares between the
negative being blocked and the glass to which it is attached.

If the latent print was developed or photographed as a light print on

a dark background, a reverse-color negative should be prepared and
blocked in order that both prints may appear as black ridges on light. This
is done by placing the original negative adjacent to a new sheet of film
and exposing it. The resultant negative contains the same image as the
original except tat the color of the image has been reversed.

If the negative is a photograph of an upper lift, the print appears

reverse position; tat is, as a mirror image, and the negative will
accordingly have to be blocked from the dull or emulsion side in order for
it to appear in a position comparable to that of the inked prints.
Failure to present the prints in question in the same color and
position may confuse the observer and nullify the purpose for which the
chart is made.

The degree of enlargement is not important in itself, so long as the

ridges of the latent print are readily distinguishable by the eye. Ten
diameters have been found adequate, although any enlargement from 5 to
30 will serve. It should be remembered however, that small enlargements
are difficult to see a few feet away and tat background. A white border of
at least 1/1/2 inches or a width equal to one-third the enlarged area
should be left from carting purposes.
 Any chart prepared must be technically correct; tat is, the
corresponding ridge characteristics in the two prints must be similarly
numbered and indicated.

Several ways of pointing out the similar ridge formations have been
observed but the one which appears soundest is also simplest and
consists or merely marking the characteristics with lines and numbers.

All the ridge characteristics in the prints need not be charted.

Twelve have the ridge characteristics are ample to illustrate for
identification, but it is neither claimed nor implied that this number is
required.

All fingerprint identifications are made by observing that two

impressions have the ridge characteristics of similar shapes which occupy
the same relative positions in the patterns.

Method involving superimposition of the prints are not

recommended because such a procedure is possible only in a very few
instances, due to the distortion of ridges in most prints through pressure
and twisting. Such a procedure is not necessarily a test of identify.

Likewise, presenting charts with the shapes of the characteristics

drawn in the margin is not recommended. Individual ridge characteristics
may vary slightly in actual shape or physical position due to twisting,
pressure, incomplete inking condition of latent print when developed,
powder adhering to background, etc. Identifications are based on a
number of characteristics viewed in a unit relationship and not on the
microscopic- appearance of single characteristic.

Since the enlarged- photograph appear in black and white, an ink

other than black or white should be used to line the chart. Such an ink
should be preferably translucent so that it will be possible to see the
ridges which it reverses. A translucent carmine drawing ink serves well.
In placing the lines the chart should be arranged so that they do not cross
or touch.

The chart will present a clearer, hearer and more pleasing

appearance if it is numbered clockwise and the numbers are evenly
spaced. It is necessary however, to place the numbers evenly around the
photograph.

Ordinarily, the numbers are placed on three sides and the type of
print (latent or ink) noted at the bottom. In any case, the manner of
numbering should be subservient to an explanation of the characteristics
in an orderly sequence; and, if the situation warrants it, all of the points
may be illustrated on a single side of the photograph.

A single line should be drawn from each characteristic to a

numbered point on the march. Care should be taken to draw the line
exactly to the characteristics point, not short of it, beyond it or obscuring
it. Erasures should be avoided. If the ink runs or blots, it is sometimes
possible to remove it with a cloth in denatured alcohol, without damaging
the photograph.

If the enlargement is great, that is 25 or 30 diameters, it might be

well to draw a small circle around each characteristic and then draw the
line from a circle to the number, since the ridge will be much thicker than
the illustrating line. All line and numbers should be checked for absolute
accuracy. The expert should also study the enlargements for apparent
discrepancies in the prints, which he might be called upon to explain.

The chartered enlargements are readily mounted on stiff cardboard

with rubber cement, which maybe purchased in small tubes. After
cementing the photograph to the cardboard, it should be placed under a
heavy flat object which will cover the entire surface to prevent warping
and wrinkling. After drying, trim the two enlargements to the same square
size with heavy scissor, a pen knife or scalped, and fasten them together,
book fashion. Of course, if charts are large, 0 to 36 inches square,
mounting is unnecessary and they will have to be supported in the
courtroom with thumbtacks or metal rings.

Some courts do not permit numbering or lining of the photographs

and the enlargements alone in these cases will have to suffice. If there is
some question about admissibility of the charted enlargements, it is well
to prepare an extra-uncharted set.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Bifurcation – is the dividing of ridge into two or more branches.

Enclosure, Eye or eyelet – is the splitting of a ridge into two but meet at a
certain point to continue as a single ridge.
Divergence – is the spreading apart of two ridges which have been
parallel or nearly parallel.

Ending ridge – is a ridge that terminates.

Dot ridge – is a ridge that resemble a period.

Type lines – two innermost ridges which start parallel or nearly parallel
diverge, and surround the pattern area.

Pattern Area – is that part of a loop and whorl in which appears the
cores, deltas and ridges.

Delta – is that point on a ridge or in front of the near the centers of the
divergence of the type lines. It may be a bifurcation, an abrupt ending
ridge, a dot, a short ridge, a meeting of two ridges or a point on the first
recurring ridge located nearest the center and in front of the divergence
of the type lines.

Core – is the approximate center of the patterns area.

10 Ridges- Little lines found at the finger/palm of the hand and

sole of the foot.

11. Focal point- it is within the pattern area of a loop and whorl,
which are enclosed and called delta and core.

12. Friction skin- the epidermal hairless skin found on the lower
portion of the hands and feet covered with minute ridges and
without pigment or coloring matter.

13. Furrows- The canal or depression in between ridges.