FSC1 Personal Identification Techniques

STARS-NKL
REVIEW SERVICES AND CONSULTANCY Co.

``HOME OF SUCCESSFUL EXAMINEES ``
FSC 1 – PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION TECHNIQUES
Prepared by: Prof. Chervin Loewe B. Navilla
1st Placer, Criminologist Licensure Examination, October 2015
CRIMINALISTICS
 is the application of the principle of various sciences as it pertains in solving problems in connection with the
administration of justice.
 Also referred to as Police Science or Forensic Science
Dr. Hans Gross – He is known as the “Father of Modern Criminalistics.”
PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION
 Law of Multiplicity of Evidence – The greater the number of similarities and dissimilarities; the greater is the
probability for the conclusion to be correct”
1. Comparison- with the used of standard specimen, evidence under question can be compared in order to effect
identification.
2. Exclusion – is two or more persons have to be identified and all but one is not yet identified, then the one
whose identity has not been established may be known by the process of elimination.
 Fingerprints offer a reliable means of personal identification. That is the essential explanation for fingerprints having
replaced other methods of establishing the identities of criminals reluctant to admit previous arrests. That is why, it
stand out among the different methods in identifying persons involved in the commission of a crime.
FIRST KNOWN METHOD OF IDENTIFICATION

1. Tattoo Marks- method adopted by tribes during ancient times signifying their clan and family. It is barely used as
identification but purely utilized for the purpose of ornamentation. It is not a reliable means of identification because
it can be duplicated, changed or disfigured.
2. Scarification- a means of identification by cutting or wounding some parts of the body that forms scars in time and
forms pattern after healing which serves as an identification.
3. Alphonse Bertillion
a. Portrait Parle (Personal or Verbal Description) - it means “speaking likeness.” It is an identification in which
a person is being identified through memory and described the features and put into sketch. It is an unreliable
mean since certain cases of twins would likely to occur and subject to wrong accusation.
b. Anthropometry - it is the measurement of several bone structures of the human body and considered as a first
method of identification. This method was abolished because of the West Case.
c. History of Fingerprint
 BC 200’s – In China, the first details of using handprint identification was discovered during the Qin Dynasty. The
Chinese were well acquainted with the essential characteristics of fingerprints. The arches and whorl were called as
“LO” (snail) and loops are “KI” (winnowing basket). Though the Chinese were well acquainted with the types of
pattern, they did nothing in developing a system of classification.
EARLY STUDY OF FINGERPRINT
1600’s
NEHEMIA GREW
 In a "Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London" paper in 1684, he describes the RIDGES and
PORES of the hand and feet.
 Dr. Nehemiah Grew was the first European to publish friction ridge skin observation Dutch anatomist Govard
Bidloo's 1685 book, "Anatomy of the Human Body" also described friction ridge skin (papillary ridge) details.
1 C D I/C H E R V IN N A V IL L A /C L E JA N U A R Y 2024
Ang pagkopya, pagpapakalat, paggam it, pagbabago, pagbebenta, pag-upload, at pag-dow nload nang w alang m alinaw at nakasulat na pahintulot ng
S T A R S N K L R eview S ervices & C onsultancy ay m ahigpit na ipinagbabaw al. A ng gagaw a ng m ga nabanggit ay m aaring sam pahan ng kasong krim inal
at adm inistratibo sang-ayon sa m ga batas ng P ilipinas.
STARS-NKL
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.
Fingerprints as a Method of Identification

1. SIR WILLIAM J. HERSCHEL – (1858) Bengal, India, printed the palm of natives as to avoid impersonation and as
a substitute to signature.
o RAJADHAR KONAI - first person Herschel printed the palm.
2. HENRY FAULDS – (Tsukuji Hospital, Tokyo, Japan) advocated the use of fingerprints in the detection of crime.
3. SIR FRANCIS GALTON (1822-1911) –a cousin of Charles Darwin, is credited with being the first scientist of
friction skin identification as well as his role promoting its used.
4. SIR EDWARD RICHARD HENRY (1859-1931) – known as the “Father of Fingerprint” The United Kingdom Home
Secretary Office conducted an inquiry into "Identification of Criminals by Measurement and Fingerprints." Mr.
Edward Richard Henry (later Sir ER Henry) appeared before the inquiry committee to explain the system published
in his recent book "The Classification and Use of Fingerprints." The committee recommended adoption of
fingerprinting as a replacement for the relatively inaccurate Bertillon system of anthropometric measurement, which
only partially relied on fingerprints for identification.
a. THOMAS BEWICK, an English naturalist, uses engravings of his own fingerprints to identify books he
published.
b. HAQUE AND BOSE – two Hindu police officers who help Henry in attaining his goal.
c. JUAN VUCETICH – developed his own system of system of classification and which was officially adopted
in Argentina and in used today in most-Spanish speaking country. Credited to the case of “ROJAS
HOMICIDE”
History of Fingerprint in US
 1903 - The New York State Prison system began the first systematic use of fingerprints in the U.S. for criminals.
 1907- US Navy begins using fingerprint
 1908- US Marine Corps started using fingerprint.
 1924 – An act of Congress established the Identification Division of the NBI.
 1946 - the introduction of Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) technology begans due to the
massive number of fingerprint cards manually processed by the FBI.
 2015 - largets AFIS repository in America is operated by the Homeland Security’s US Visit Program in Clarksburg,
West Virginia but the world’s largest fingerprint system is in India. The Unique Identification Authority of India.
Related Studies in Fingerprints

A. Dactyloscopy
 (Latin word= “Dactyl” means Finger; Latin word= “Skopien” means to examine)
 is the practical application of the science of fingerprints.
B. Dactylography
 scientific study of fingerprint as a means of identification.
C. Dactylomancy
 scientific study of fingerprint for purposes of identification.
D. Dermatoglyphics
 deals with the study of skin patterns.
STARS-NKL
E. Chiroscopy
 (Greek word “Cheir” – a hand, “Skopien” – to examine)
 it studies the prints of the palm of the hand.
 William Herschel is considered as “Father of Chiroscopy”
F. Podoscopy
 (Greek word “Podo” – sole of the foot and “Skopien” – to examine)
 deals with the study of the footprints.
G. Poroscopy
 (Greek word “Poros” – pore and “Skopien” – to examine)
 deals with the study of the arrangement of the sweat pores.
 Edmond Locard is considered the “Father of Poroscopy”
Basic Principles of Fingerprint

1. Individuality – (Francis Galton) no two persons have the same fingerprint.
2. Constancy or Permanency – that the friction ridge once fully developed, its arrangement will remains the same
throughout the man’s life. Ridges appears from 3rd to 4th mos. Of fetus life and completes at 5th to 6th mos. Before
birth. It is also known as the “From Womb to Tomb” principle.
3. Infallibility – that fingerprint cannot be easily forged.
 FINGERPRINT- is an impression design by the first joint of the fingers and thumb on smooth surface through the medium of
ink, sweat, or any substance capable of producing visibility.
Finger Composition and Structure

A. PHALANGE- is the skeletal finger covered with friction skin. It is made up of three bones.
 Basal or Proxima l- it is located at the base of the finger nearest the palm.
 Middle Phalange - the next and above the basal bone.
 Terminal Phalange - the particular bone covered with friction skin and located at the tip of the finger.
B. FRICTION SKIN - is an epidermal hairless skin found on the lower surface of the hands and feet covered with
ridges and furrows. Also known as “Papillary Skin.” Biologists use the term “Volar Skin”
B.1. Composition of Friction Skin
 Ridge Surface
o Ridge - the elevated or hill like structure/the black lines with tiny white dots. It appears as black
lines in the fingerprint impression.
o Furrow - the depressed canal like structure/the white space between ridges. It appears as white
lines in a fingerprint impression
 Fundamental Layers
o Epidermis- the outermost layer.
o Dermis- the innermost layer.
B.2. Ridge Destruction- damage in the friction skin can be temporary or permanent. Such permanency in the
damage may cause scar or termed as “Sicatriz.”
 Epidermis- temporary
 Dermis- permanent
 Cut with a depth of more than 1 mm.- permanent; With less than 1mm.- temporary
THE FINGERPRINT PATTERNS

A. THE THREE GENERAL/FAMILY OF FINGERPRINT PATTERNS.
STARS-NKL
1. The Arch (5%)
2. The Whorl (35%)
3. The Loop (60%)
B. THE EIGHT STANDARD FINGERPRINT PATTERN

 Presently, there are eight standard patterns which are widely used in the field of fingerprint. Before, on the
Galton and Henry System, they used the Nine standard fingerprint pattern. Only that after the Galton-Henry
System with FBI Modification and Extension, we have our eight standard fingerprint pattern.
Galton and Henry System Galton-Henry System with FBI Modification and Extension
Groups/Families = 3 Groups/Families = 3
1. Arch (3) – Plain, Tented, and Exceptional Arch. 1. Arch (2) – Plain and Tented
2. Loop (4) – Plain, Lateral, Twin, and Central 2. Loop (2) – Radial and Ulnar Loop
Pocket Loop 3. Whorl (4) – Plain, Central Pocket Loop, Double Loop,
3. Whorl (2) – Plain Whorl and Accidental Whorl and Accidental Whorl
B.1. Arch (5%)

1. Plain Arch (A) - a type of fingerprint pattern in which ridges flow form one side to the other with a slight
raise in the center.
2. Tented Arch (T) - is a type of pattern having an angle of 90 degrees or less, an up thrust, and approaching
the loop type (there is no ridge count).
B.2. Loop (35%)

a. There must be a delta
b. A sufficient re-curving ridge passing or touching an imaginary line drawn between the core and delta.
c. There must be ridge count of at least one.
1. Ulnar Loop ( ) – downward slant are from the thumb towards the little finger or ulnar bone.
2. Radial Loop (/) – downward slant are from the little finger toward the thumb or radius bone.
B.3. Whorl (60%)

1. Plain Whorl (W) – at least one circuiting ridge is touched or cross by an imaginary line from delta to delta.
2. Central Pocket Loop (C) – no circuiting ridge is touched by the imaginary line from delta to delta.
3. Double Loop Whorl (D)
o 2 separate loop formation
o 2 separate and distinct shoulder
o 2 deltas
4. Accidental Whorl
o 2 or 3 deltas
o 2 different types of patterns except PLAIN ARCH.
THE RIDGE CHARACTERISTICS (GALTON DETAILS)

In a single fingerprint impression, there are a hundred of ridge characteristics present. Fingerprint pattern is not
enough to provide proof of identification to make an accusation prosper. It is indeed the importance of identifying every
details of ridge characteristics to provide number of points in order to support once conviction. The identification of ridges
characteristics serves as the basic ground to specifically determine the owner of those prints. Investigators rely heavily on
the amount of similarities of the ridges in the finger when compared with the specimen and standard print.
STARS-NKL
(Basic Types of Ridges: Island (Dot), Ending, & Bifurcation)
1. Ridge Dot (Island Ridge) - ridge formation in a form of a dot or period.
2. Bifurcation - a ridge formation wherein a single ridge divides or forks into two. It forks.
3. Converging Ridge - two ridges that meet at a certain point.
4. Diverging Ridge - two ridges that spread apart.
5. Enclosure/Lake Ridge/Eyelet - a single ridge that divides into two and meets at a certain point to form another
single ridge.
6. Ending Ridge - it refers to an abrupt end.
7. Type Lines - is a diverging ridge that tends to surround the pattern.
8. Pattern Area - it is surrounded by the type lines and where the delta, core, ridges and patterns are located.
9. Re-curving ridge - a single ridge that curves back from where it started.
10. Bridges - a connection ridge between parallel running ridges usually in right angles.
11. Sufficient Recurve - recurving ridge which is free from any appendage.
12. Rod or Bar - short or long ridge inside the recurve and directed towards the core.
The two fingerprint terminus (Focal points)

 The Delta (outer terminus) - found at the center or near the center of the diverging type lines.
 The Core (inner terminus or the heart) - found at the center or innermost recurve of the typelines.

RIDGE COUNTING AND RIDGE TRACING
1. Ridge Counting- process of counting the ridges that touches the imaginary line from delta to core in a loop
type and delta to delta with the exception in the final division wherein it requires a delta to delta ridge count.
Never include delta and core in the ridge count.
2. Ridge Tracing- number of intervening ridges between the tracing ridge at the right delta.
FINGERPRINT CLASSIFICATION PROCEDURE

Important Terms to Remember in Fingerprint Classification
 BLOCKING - is the process of writing below each pattern the corresponding symbol of the fingerprint pattern.
 CLASSIFICATION - is the method of obtaining a formula for a set of fingerprints whereby it may be located in
the filing cabinet.
 CLASSIFICATION FORMULA - is a numerical description of a set of fingerprints which is composed of figures
and letters written above the horizontal line.
 FILING - process of locating the proper place in a fingerprint file.
 FILLING OUT - entering on a fingerprint record card of all known essential data about a subject.
 SEQUENCING - means the placing of a group of classified sets into their correct filing order.
FORMATION IN THE CLASSIFICATION LINE
KEY MAJOR PRIMARY SECONDARY SUB-SECONDARY FINAL

_________________________________________________________________________________
MAJOR PRIMARY SECONDARY SUB-SECONDARY FINAL
DIVISION OF THE CLASSIFICATION FORMULA
STARS-NKL
1. PRIMARY CLASSIFICATION - summation of all numerical value designated only to Whorl Patterns appearing
in a fingerprint chart. Expressed in as numerators and denominators with a pre-established fraction of 1/1 to
complete the Primary Division.
ALL WHORLS APPEARING IN THE FOLLOWING FINGERS WILL HAVE ITS CORRESPONDING
NUMERICAL VALUES, TO WIT:
 (1ST PAIR) 1st and 2nd Finger (Right Thumb and Right Index) = numerical value of 16
 (2ND PAIR) 3rd and 4th Finger(Right Middle and Right Ring) = numerical value of 8
 (3RD PAIR) 5th and 6th finger (Right Little and Left Thumb )= numerical value of 4
 (4TH PAIR) 7th and 8th finger (Left Index and Left Middle) = numerical value of 2
 (5TH PAIR) 9th and 10th finger (Left Ring and Left Little) = numerical value of 1
 All values appearing on the EVEN numbers will be the NUMERATOR while those in the ODD number
will be the DENOMINATOR.
 Patterns without numerical value are the arches and loops.
Note: Fingers nos. 1-5 are from Right Hand while fingers No. 6-10 are from Left Hand.
PAIR OF FINGERS IN A CLASSIFICATION CARD
FIRST PAIR FIRST PAIR SECOND PAIR SECOND PAIR THIRD PAIR
THIRD PAIR FOURTH PAIR FOURTH PAIR FIFTH PAIR FIFTH PAIR
0 16 0 0 4
Tented Arch Double Loop Plain Arch Ulnar Loop Central Pocket
Loop
T D A / w
4 2 2 0 1
Accidental Whorl Central Poclet Double Loop Plain Arch Plain Whorl
Loop
W C W a w
All numerators (Even Numbers): 16 + 0 + 4 + 2 + 1 = 23

All denominators (Odd Numbers): 0+0+4+2+0= 6
23/6 + 1/1 (Pre-established Fraction) = 24/7
PRIMARY CLASSIFICATION = 24
________
7
2. SECONDARY CLASSIFICATION (BY CAPITAL LETTERED GROUP) - this is done by putting all the
CAPITAL LETTER symbol of the standard fingerprint pattern from two INDEX FINGERS. The pattern in the
Right hand will be the Numerator and Left Hand the Denominator.
Loop
STARS-NKL
T D a / w
Accidental Whorl Central Poclet Double Loop Plain Arch Plain Whorl
Loop
W C w a w
____24 _D___
7 C
3. SECONDARY CLASSIFICATION (BY SMALL LETTERED GROUP) - this involves only the three fingerprint
pattern namely, RADIAL LOOP, PLAIN ARCH, AND TENTED ARCH (RAT). Whenever these patterns appear
in the finger, the symbol must be r for Radial Loop, a for Plain Arch, t for Tented Arch. The Index Finger is
excluded in this classification. All this three patterns once appear on the fingerprint card, must be exhibited
before (Right and Left Thumb) or after the Primary or Secondary Classification.
Loop
T D A / w
Accidental Whorl Central Pocket Loop Double Loop Plain Arch Plain Whorl
W C W a w
24 tDa
7 Ca
4. SUB-SECONDARY CLASSIFICATION - derived from the index, middle, or little finger.

 it is derived by ridge counting the loop and Ridge tracing the Whorl.
a. Ridge Counting of Loop

Index = 1-9 Ridge Counts (INNER) 10 or more Ridge Counts (OUTER)
Middle = 1-10 Ridge Counts (INNER) 11 or more Ridge Counts (OUTER)
Ring = 1-13 Ridge Counts (INNER) 14 or more Ridge Counts (OUTER)
b. RIDGE TRACING OF WHORL

Rules on Ridge Tracing of Whorl
 If the tracing ridge from the left delta goes INSIDE or ABOVE the right delta and there 3 or more intervening
ridges, the tracing is INNER (I).
 If the tracing ridge from the left delta goes OUTSIDE or BELOW the right delta and there are 3 or more
intervening ridges, the tracing is OUTER (O).
 If the tracing ridge from the left delta goes either ABOVE or BELOW the right delta and there are 2 or less
intervening ridges, the tracing is MEETING (M).
 If the tracing ridge from the left delta meets squarely with the right delta, the tracing is MEETING (M).
m - o
Loop
T D A / w
STARS-NKL
m m -
W C W a w
24 tDa M-O___________________
7 Ca MM-
5. MAJOR DIVISION - derived from the thumb finger only.

- If whorl patterns appear, ridge trace.
- Ridge Count if the patterns appears on the thumb are loops and identify whether it is Small,
Medium, or Large depending on the number of ridge counts appearing therein. Refer to Tables 1 and 2.
TABLE 1 TABLE 2
Ridge Counts Symbols Ridge Counts Symbols
1-11 Small (S) 1-17 Small (S)
12-16 Medium (M) 18-22 Medium (M)
17 or more Large (L) 23 or more Large (L)
Note: Table 2 shall only be applied to the right thumb when the ridge count from the left thum reached 17 or more
(LARGE). This is known as “Exceptional.”
- m - O
Loop
T D A / w
M (12) m m -
W C W a w
- 24 tDa M-O___________________
M 7 Ca MM-
6. FINAL DIVISION- derived from the little fingers only.

- Both loop and whorl are subject to ridge counting.
 Radial and Ulnar are subject to the usual procedure.
 Rules in Ridge Counting of Whorl:
a. Plain or Central Pocket Loop Whorl- will be treated as Ulnar Loop.
b. Double Loop Whorl- get the ridge count of the top loop
c. Accidental Whorl- get the least ridge count from any of the whorl pattern appearing therein.
- m - o 10
Loop
T D a / w
STARS-NKL
M (12) m m - 12
W C w a w
- 24 tDa M-O____10________________
M 7 Ca MM- 12
7. KEY DIVISION- getting the ridge count of the 1st loop except the little fingers.
- if there is no loop, the first whorl shall be ridge counted and will be treated as Ulnar Loop.
- M 14 - o 10
Loop
T D a / w
M (12) m m - 12
W C w a w
14 - 24 tDa M-O____10________________
M 7 Ca MM- 12
CLASSIFICATION OF MISSING OR AMPUTATED FINGERS

1. When one or more fingers from the same hand are amputated or missing, it has the same classification with that of the
opposite finger (together with the ridge count and tracing) except with the primary classification.
2. Two or more opposite finer are amputated or missing, it is given the classification of PLAIN WHORL, with ridge trace of
MEETING.
3. If all fingers are missing, all shall be treated as PLAIN WHORL AND MEETING.
Finger Abnormalities and Congenitals

a. Macrodactyly - enlargement of fingerprint
b. Polydactyly - having more than the usual normal number of fingers.
c. Brachdactyly - the fingers are abnormally short.
d. Syndactyly - wherein two fingers are joined or fused together.
e. Ectodactyly (Lobster Claw Hand) - it is the absence of one or more fingers in a hand.
Latent Prints
 Latent Prints - are those prints that are hidden or concealed which are usually left accidently on the crime scene.
These are prints naked to the human eye but they actually exist.
 the word “latent” is a Latin word which means “something indistinct or hidden.”
 Latent Prints are classified into different categories.
 According to imprinted surface.

a.1 Soft Surface- (such as soap, wax, wet paint, fresh caulk, etc.) are likely to be three-dimensional plastic
prints.
a.2. Hard Surfaces- are either patent (visible) or latent (invisible) prints
STARS-NKL
 According to Degree of Visibility
a. Visible Prints - those prints that can be easily recognized such as blood, dirt, ink, paint, or any colored
surface is transferred from a finger or thumb to a surface.
b. Semi-visible Prints - prints found on clay, dust, muds and other sticky surface.
c. Invisible Prints- those prints created through sweat or perspiration found on the fingers. It is the common
types observed in the crime scene.
 Other types of latent prints

a. Smudge Prints - prints created due to the sliding motion of the finger.
b. Fragmentary Prints - prints that shows incomplete ridges.
Methods in Developing Latent Prints

a. Dusting Method- considered as the simplest and most common method of developing latent prints. By
using black powder, the powder will adhere on the moisture left on the surface. Fingerprint powder can be
categorized into four:
 Regular Powders
 Luminescent Powder
 Metallic Powder
 Thermoplastic
b. Chemical Fuming- it is used by applying iodine fume into the latent print surface.
c. Cyanoacrylate Fuming- used for the development of latent prints on surfaces made of plastic, adhesive
tapes aluminum foils, and rubber bands.
d. Iodine Dusting Method- same procedure as that of a dusting method but uses an iodine powder and
absorbs the fingerprint which gives yellowish brown prints as a result of development.
e. Ninhydrin Method- best method applied in developing latent prints in a paper surface.
f. Silver Nitrate Reagent- the application of silver nitrate to a latent print surface and reacts to the chloride
present in the latent print.
g. Iodine Silver Plate Transfer Method- a practical technique used in developing latent print on human skin.
It is done by spraying an iodine fume into the area of the skin. Once the latent print is developed, it will be
transferred to a silver plate then exposed to strong light for evaluation.
h. Laser Method - modern way of developing latent print.

FSC1 Personal Identification Techniques

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

You might also like

FSC1 Personal Identification Techniques

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

FSC1 Personal Identification Techniques

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

STARS-NKL

REVIEW SERVICES AND CONSULTANCY Co.

Dr. Hans Gross – He is known as the “Father of Modern Criminalistics.”

FIRST KNOWN METHOD OF IDENTIFICATION

EARLY STUDY OF FINGERPRINT

Fingerprints as a Method of Identification

Related Studies in Fingerprints

Basic Principles of Fingerprint

3. Infallibility – that fingerprint cannot be easily forged.

Finger Composition and Structure

THE FINGERPRINT PATTERNS

B. THE EIGHT STANDARD FINGERPRINT PATTERN

B.1. Arch (5%)

B.2. Loop (35%)

B.3. Whorl (60%)

THE RIDGE CHARACTERISTICS (GALTON DETAILS)

The two fingerprint terminus (Focal points)

FINGERPRINT CLASSIFICATION PROCEDURE

FORMATION IN THE CLASSIFICATION LINE

KEY MAJOR PRIMARY SECONDARY SUB-SECONDARY FINAL

DIVISION OF THE CLASSIFICATION FORMULA

PAIR OF FINGERS IN A CLASSIFICATION CARD

All numerators (Even Numbers): 16 + 0 + 4 + 2 + 1 = 23

4. SUB-SECONDARY CLASSIFICATION - derived from the index, middle, or little finger.

a. Ridge Counting of Loop

b. RIDGE TRACING OF WHORL

5. MAJOR DIVISION - derived from the thumb finger only.

6. FINAL DIVISION- derived from the little fingers only.

CLASSIFICATION OF MISSING OR AMPUTATED FINGERS

Finger Abnormalities and Congenitals

 According to imprinted surface.

 Other types of latent prints

Methods in Developing Latent Prints

You might also like