Review Personal Identification 1

PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION
GENARO P MANCIO JR, BS Crim, MPA, MSCJ, Ph. D.

FORENSIC SCIENCE
Refers to the application of principles of various sciences to

law. It is a course or a group of subjects which uses principles of
various studies that would give light to certain legal issues.
CRIMINALISTICS
 Is the application of the principles of various sciences in
solving problems in connection with the administration of
justice.
 Also referred to as Forensic Science or Police Science.
 a branch of forensic science that deals with physical
evidence that has to be collected, preserved, examined and
compared in order to serve the ends of justice.
 Dr. Hans Gross - An Australian magistrate to described
Search for Truth as the ultimate goal of all investigative and
detective works. He is known as the Father of Modern
Criminalistics.
“Law of Multiplicity of Evidence” The greater the number of similarities or
dissimilarities, the greater is the probability for the conclusion to be correct.(is true
in the case of identification.)
 The greater the number of similarities or dissimilarities, the greater is the
probability for the conclusion to be correct.
 The value of the different points of identification varies in the formulation of
conclusion.
 The longer the interval between the death and the examination of the remains
for purposes of identification, the greater is the need for experts in establishing
identity.
 It is necessary for the team to act in the shortest possible time specially in
cases of mass disaster.
 There is no rigid rule to be observed in the procedure of identification of
persons.
 Alphonse Bertillion = Father of Personal Identification. The first

to devised a scientific method of identification called
Anthropometry. He is also known to be the father of “Mug shot”
photography.
 Anthropometry = is the first scientific method of personal

identification which is done by measuring the various bony
structure of the human body.
IMPORTANCE OF IDENTIFICATION OF PERSONS
1. In Criminal case, the identity of the offender and that of

the victim must be established, otherwise it will be a ground for the
dismissal of the charge or acquittal of the accused.
2. Identification of missing person or presumed dead will

facilitate settlement of the estate, retirement, insurance and other
social benefits. It vests on the heirs the right over the properties of
the identified person.
IMPORTANCE OF IDENTIFICATION OF PERSONS
3. Identification resolves the anxiety of the next-of-kin,

other relatives and friends as to the whereabouts of a missing
person or victim of calamity or crime.
4. Identification may be needed in some transaction, like
cashing of check, entering a premise, delivery of parcels or
registered mail in post office, sale of property, release of dead
bodies to relatives, parties to a contract, etc.
METHODS OF IDENTIFICATION
1. By comparison – with the used of standard specimen, evidence

under question can be compared in order to effect identification.
Comparing identification criteria recovered during investigation
with records on file or post-mortem findings and compared with
ante-mortem records or findings. (latent prints recovered from
the crime scene are compared with fingerprints on file.)
2. By exclusion = if 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.
IDENTIFICATION OF PERSONS - MAY BE
CLASSIFIED AS:
1. Ordinary Method - Those which laymen used to prove identity
where training, or special skill or any instrument or procedure is
not required for the identifier. This includes general
photographic ID, rouges gallery, observation and description,
etc.
2. Scientific Method - Those based on scientific knowledge used
by trained men, well-seasoned by experiences and
observation, and primarily based on comparison and exclusion.
This usually applies dactyloscopy, DNA, blood typing, voice
identification, handwriting i.d., anthropometry, odontology, etc..
ORDINARY METHODS OF IDENTIFICATION
I. Points of Identification applicable to the living only:

a. Characteristic that may easily be changed:
• Growth of hair, beard or mustache
• Clothing
• Frequent place of Visit
• Grade or profession
• Body ornamentation
b. Characteristic that may not easily be changed:

Mental memory
Speech
Gait a manner of walking or moving on foot (Webster
dic.)
TYPES OF GAIT
 Ataxic Gait - a gait which the foot is raised high, thrown forward and
brought down suddenly.
 Cerebellar gait- a gait associated with staggering movement.
 Cow’s Gait- a swaying movement due to knock-knee.
 Paretic gait- a gait in which the steps are short, the feet dragged, the
legs held more or less widely apart.
 Spastic gait- a gait in which the legs are held together and moves in
stiff manner, and the toes to drag and catch.
 Waddling gait- a gait resembling a duck
 Frog gait- a hoping gait in infantile paralysis.
 Gait line = the straight line connecting the center of the succeeding
steps. It is more or less in zigzag fashion especially when the legs
are far apart while walking
 Foot line = the longitudinal line drawn on each foot mark.
 Mannerisms- These are the characteristic movement of the body
peculiar to a person.
DIFFERENT MANNERISMS
 Way of sitting
 Movement of the hands
 Movement of the body
 Movement of the facial muscles
 Expression of the mouth while articulating
 Manner of learning
 Hands and feet
 Faces
 Left or right handedness
 Degree of nutrition (thin, medium built or stout)
 Changes in the eye
II. Points of identification applicable to both living and dead before
onset of decomposition:
1. Occupational Marks
2. Race- In the living, race may be presumed on:
a. Color of the skin
Caucasians- fair
Malayans- brown
Negroes- Black
b. feature of face:
Caucasian- prominent sharp nose
Malayan- flat nose with round face
Mongolian- almond eyes such and prominent cheek
bones.
Negroes- thick spreading lips
c. Shape of Skull
Red Indians- Flat head
Malayan- Round head
3. Stature (height)
Methods of approximating the height of a person
a.) measure the distance between the height of a person fingers of both hands
with the arms extended laterally and it will be equal to the height of the person.
b.)Two time the length of one arm plus 12 inches for the clavicle and 1.5inches for
the sternum is the approximate height.
c.)Two times the length from the vertex of the skull to the pubic symphyses.
d.)The distance from the sternal notch and the pubic symphyses is about one-
hand of the height.
e.) The distance from the base of the skull to the coccyx is about 44% of the
height.
4. Teeth
- the most convenient way of identifying a person by means of the
teeth is the use of dental diagram or chart
THE FOLLOWING POINTS MUST BE CONSIDERED IN
THE STUDY OF THE TEETH FOR IDENTIFICATION
PROCESS
 Determine whether it is temporary or permanent set;
 Number of teeth present;
 Number of teeth lost, including evidence of length of time lost;
 Nature of the teeth present, whether reverse, crooked, mal-aligned or
straight;
 Condition of those present, whether carious, colored, presence of cavities,
erosion, filling and cleanliness;
 Presence of supernumenary teeth;
 Odontoid gum; and
 Extraction, dental filling, permanenet bridge work, fitting of crown and filling
cavities.
5. Tattoo marks
Importance of Tattoo marks
a. It may help in the identification of the person
b. It may indicate memorable events in his life
c. It may indicate the social stratum to which the person
belongs
d. It implies previous commitment in prison or membership
in a gang
METHODS OF TATTOO REMOVAL
1. Excision = involves an injection of a local anesthetic to numb the

area after which the tattoo is removed surgically. The edges are then
brought together and sutured.
2. Dermabrasion = a small portion of the tattoo is sprayed with a
solution that freezes the area. The tattoo is then “sanded” with rotary
abrasive instrument causing the skin to peel. Because some bleeding
is likely to occur, a dressing is immediately applied to the area.
3. Laser = Laser surgery is considered to be one of the best
methods of tattoo removal. The Q-switched Nd: Yag, Q-switched
Alexandrite and the Q-switched Ruby are among the most
frequently used lasers. If necessary, a cream to numb the skin
can be applied prior to the treatment. Pulse of light from the
laser are directed unto the tattoo breaking up the tattoo pigment.
Over the next several weeks the body’s scavenger cells remove
the treated pigmented areas. More than one treatment is usually
necessary to remove all of the tattoo.
4. Salabrasion = a centuries old procedure using local anesthetic
applied around the tattoo area after which a solution of ordinary tap
water dipped in table salt is applied and an abrading apparatus
such as the one used in dermabrasion or even a simpler device is
used such as a wooden block wrapped in gauze.
DERMARASION
EXCISION
SALABRASION
LASER
5. Deformities
6. Birth marks
7. Injuries leaving permanent result
8. Moles
9. Scars - They are composed of fibrous tissues which take the place of the
original tissues which have been injured or destroyed. They are devoid of
specialized tissue so they do not contain pigment layers, sweat or sebaceous
glands.
AGING OF THE SCARS
 Recent scars of two to three weeks old are vascular with red or pink
color.
 Contracted bloodless scars with white and glistering surfaces are
usually more than six months old;
 Scars resulting from superficial wounds and from wounds healing by
first intention develop earlier.
CONTRACTED BLOODLESS SCARS
SOME SCARS MAY SHOW CHARACTERISTICS
APPEARANCE SUCH AS:
 Surgical Operation = regular form and location with stitch marks.
 Burns and scalds = scars are large, irregular in shape and may be
keloid.
 Gunshot wounds = disc like with depressed center. They may be
adherent to the underlying tissues.
 Tuberculous sinus = irregular in shape, furrowed, with edges
hardened and uneven.
SURGICAL SCAR
TUBERCULOSIS SINUS
GUNSHOT WOUND BURNS
SCALD
SOME SCARS MAY SHOW
CHARACTERISTICS APPEARANCE SUCH
AS:
 Gumma = depressed scar following loss of tissue
 Venesection = located at bend of elbow, dorsum of feet, or at
the temporal region.
 Lupus = bluish –white scar
 Wetcupping = short parallel scars on the lower part of the
back and loin.
GUMMA
LUPUS
WET CUPPING
10. Tribal marks
A common practice of some tribes in Africa is to place some
marks on the exposed parts of the body.
11. Sexual organs
Circumcision may help in identification. The uterus and breast
may indicate previous pregnancy. The best evidence of sexuality is the
presence of Testes in Male and Ovaries in the Female.
12. Blood examination ( ABO grouping and MN typing)
EXTRINSIC FACTORS IN IDENTIFICATION:
a. Identification of ornamental wearing apparel
b. Personal Belongings
c. Clothing’s
d. Dust
e. Identification by close friend
f. Criminal Records
g. Photograph
1. Portrait Parle (Personal description) “speaking likeness” - is a

verbal, accurate and picturesque description of the person
identified.
2. Photography
3. Anthropometry (Bertillion System)
A system of identification based on the measurements of
the various bony structure of the human body came to be known
when it was introduced in the police department in Paris, France in
1882 by Alphonse Bertillon.
BASES OF THE BERTILLIONS METHOD OF
IDENTIFICATION
a. Human skeleton does not change after 20 years.
b. It is impossible for two human beings to have bones alike.
c. Measurement easily taken with the aid of simple instrument.
WEST CASE
In 1903, Will West arrived at the US Penitentiary at the

Leavenworth, Kansas. While West was being processed in through
identification, a staff member said that there was already a
photograph and Bertillon measurement for him on the file. But a
comparison on fingerprints showed that despite identical
appearances and nearly identical Bertillon measurements, the
identification card on file belonged to a William West, who had
been in Leavenworth since 1901.
4. Fingerprint Identification
5. Handwriting Identification
6. Blood Grouping and Blood Typing
7. DNA Testing (Deoxyribonucleic acid) (A-adenine, C- cytosine, T-
thymine, and G- guamine Sequence)
LIGHT AS A FACTOR IN IDENTIFICATION
1. Clearest moonlight or starlight

= experiments have shown that the best known person cannot
be recognized under the clearest moonlight at a distance greater than 16
to 17 yards and by Starlight any further than 10 to 13 yards.
2. Broad Daylight
= a person can hardly recognized another person at a distance
further than 100 yards if the person has never been seen before; but
person who are almost stranger may be recognized at a distance of 25
yards.
3. Flash of Firearm
= Although by experiment letters of two inches high can be read
with the aid of the flash of a caliber.22 firearm at a distance of two (2) feet
it is hardly possible for a witness to see the assailant in case of a holdup
or a murder because:
a. Usually the assailant is hidden
b. The assault is unexpected and the intention of the person or
witness is at its minimum.
4. The flash of Lightning
= produces sufficient light from the identification of individual
provided that the person’s eye is focused towards the individual he
wishes to identify during the flash.
5. In case of artificial light. The identification is relative to the kind and

intensity of the light.
FINGERPRINT IDENTIFICATION
 A fingerprint was first used in China before the birth of Christianity.

They called it Hua Chi. To the Japanese “TEGATA”.
 “KI” (loop) and the “LO” (Whorl and Arch) are the types of fingerprint
known to the Chinese. The “KI” is the sign of “Luck”
PERSONALITIES IN FINGERPRINTS
 Nehemiah Grew (1684) – describes the ridges and pores of the hands
and feet ( Philosophical Transaction) presented in Royal Society of
London, England.
 Govard . Bibloo – works on the sweat pores and ridges

 Marcelo Malpighi (1628-1694) – Professor at the University of

Bolognia, Italy, known for his discovery of the Epidermis and Dermis
layer. Written the book entitled “ De Externo Tactus Organo” Father of
Dactyloscopy.
 J.C.A. Mayer (1788) – the first to state that fingerprints are never
duplicated in two persons ( Anatomiche Kuphertafeln).
 Johannes Purkenjie (1823) – Professor at the University of Breslau,
Germany. Established a certain role for classification and be able to
identify nine (9) types of pattern although never associated to
identification
 Herman Welcker – took his own fingerprints twice with a lapse of forty-
one years and show the ridges formation remains the same.
 William Herschel – the first to advocate the use of fingerprints as
substitute for signature from among Indian native to avoid
impersonation.
o Rajyadhar Konai = the first person Herschel printed the palm.
 Henry Faulds – A surgeoon at Tsukuji Hospital, Tokyo, Japan, who

claimed that latent prints would provide positive identification of
offenders once apprehended ( A Manual of Practical Dactyloscopy).
 Francis Galton – Developed the Arch. Loop and Whorl Patterns as

general classification and identified nine (9) types of pattern. First to
established a Civil Bureau of Personal Identification. He said that the
possibility of two prints being alike was 1:65,000,000,000.
 Edward Richard Henry – Developed the Henry System of

Classification at Scotland Yard which was accepted by almost all
English-speaking country. Known as Father of Fingerprint.
o Khan Bahadur Azizul Haque and Rai Hem Chandra
Bose – the two Hindu police officers who have help
Henry in attaining his goal.
 Juan Vucetich – A Spanish counterpart of Henry who developed his
own system of classification in Argentina and was accepted in almost
all Spanish Speaking country.
IN AMERICA
 Gilbert Thompson = a geologist in New Mexico, adopted the first

individual use of fingerprint in august 8, 1882 as a protection to
prevent tampering with the pay order.
 Isaiah West Tabor = Photographer in San Francisco who advocated

the use of the system for the registration of the immigrant Chinese.
IN AMERICA
 Samuel Langhorne Clemens = An Englishman who informally

introduced Dactyloscopy in the United States in his book “ Life in the
Mississippi” and “ Pupp n Head Wilson”.
 Dr. Henry p De Forest = Utilized the first Municipal Civil use of

fingerprint for Criminal Registration on December 1902 (Mun. Civil
Service Comm., New York).
IN AMERICA
 Capt. James L. Parke = Advocate the first state and penal use of
fingerprint adopted in Sing Sing prison on June 5, 1903 later on
Auburn Napanoch and Clinton Penitentiaries.
 Sgt. John Kenneth Ferrier = First fingerprint instructor at St. Louis

Police Dept. Missouri.
IN AMERICA
 Maj. R. Mc Cloughry = warden of the Federal Penitentiaries of

Leaven Worth. Established the first official National Government
use of fingerprint.
 Mary K. Holand = first American instructress in dactyloscopy.
 FBI = identification unit herein was officially established by an act

of congress in 1924.
IN AMERICA
 Institute of Applied Science = First private school to install laboratories

for instruction purposes in dactyloscopy.
 People vs. Jenning, Dec. 21, 1911 = United States leading case
wherein the first conviction based on FP was recognized by the
judicial authorities (14 points).
IN THE PHILIPPINES
 Mr. Jones = one who first taught FP in the Phils. (1900)
 Bureau of Prison = (1968) fingerprint was used.
 Generoso Reyes – First Filipino Fingerprint Technician employed by

P.C.
 Isabela Bernales – first Filipina Fingerprint Technician

IN THE PHILIPPINES
 Capt. Thomas Dugan, New York Police Dept. and Flaviano

Guerrero, FBI Washington – gave the first examination in FP in
1927 and Agustin Patricio of the Phils. Top the Examination
 People of the Phils. Vs. Medina- First conviction base on

Fingerprint and leading case decision in the Phil. Jurisprudence
(10 points).
IN THE PHILIPPINES
 Plaridel Education Institute (PEI) now known as Phil.

College of Criminology, first government recognized school
to teach the Science of Fingerprint and other Police
Sciences.
 Lucila Lalu – the first Filipina Chop-chop lady who was

identified through fingerprint.
PERSONS WHO TRIED TO CHALLENGE
FINGERPINTS’ RELIABILTY
 John Dellinger – known U.S. public enemy number one who
attempt to destroy his own prints using corrosive acids.
 Robert James Pitts – works on Surgery to forged his own
fingerprints and was named “Man without fingerprint”
DEFINITION OF TERMS
 Dactyloscopy – (derived from the words Dactyl - finger and Skopien –

to study or examine) is the practical application of the science of
fingerprints.
 Dactylography – is the scientific study of fingerprint as a means of
identification.
 Dactylomancy – is the scientific study of fingerprint for purposes of
personality interpretation.
 Dermatoglyphics = is the science which deals with the study of skin
pattern. It is derived from two Greek words, Derma which means Skin
and Glype which means Carve.
VARIOUS CONDITIONS OF THE FINGER
 Polydactyl =born with more than 10 fingers.

 Macrodactyl = having enlarged finger.
 Microdactyl = having small finger.
 Ectodactyl = born with missing finger
 Syndactyl = side fusion of the fingers.
MACRODACTYL
POLYDACTYL
ECTODACTYL SYNDACTYL
MICRODACTYL
BASIC PRINCIPLES OF FINGERPRINT
 Individuality - No two persons have the same fingerprint (based

on Statistic Probability)
 Infallibility - That fingerprint is a positive and reliable means of
identification. It cannot easily be forged.
 Constancy or permanency- That the friction ridge once fully
developed its arrangement will remain the same throughout
man’s life.
FINGERPRINTS
 Is an impression design by the first joint of the fingers and thumb

on smooth surface through the media of ink, sweat or any substance
capable of producing visibility.
RELATED SCIENCES TO THE STUDY OF
FINGERPRINT
 Chiroscopy – ( Greek word “ Cheir” – a hand, “Skopien” –to

examine) is the science which deals with the study of the prints of
the palms of the hand.
 Podoscopy – ( Greek word “Podo” – the foot, and Skopien – to
examine)is the science which deals with the study of the
footprints.
 Poroscopy – (Greek word “poros” – a pore, and “Skopien” – to
examine) is the scientific study of the arrangement of the sweat
pores. (Edmond Locard- Father of Poroscopy)
RELATED SCIENCES TO THE STUDY OF
FINGERPRINT
 Edgeoscopy = study of the sides of the friction ridges.

 Ridgeoscopy = study of ridges.
“LOCARD’S PRINCIPLE”
In every crime scene there leave traces, traces that will lead to its
author.
 Phalange = is the skeletal finger covered with friction skin. It is made
up of three bones.
a. Basal or proximal phalange – it is located at the base of the finger
nearest the palm.
b. Middle phalange = the next and above the basal done.
c. Terminal phalange = the particular bone covered with friction skin,
having all the different types of fingerprint patterns and it is located
near the tip of the finger.
FRICTION SKIN (PAPILLARY STRUCTURE)
 an epidermal hairless skin found on the ventral or lower surface

of the hands and feet covered with ridges and furrows.(Also called
as Papillary skin).
COMPONENTS OF THE PAPILLARY STRUCTURE
1. Ridge surface
a. Ridge – the elevated or hill like structure/ the black lines with
tiny white dots.
b. Furrow – the depressed or canal like structure/ the white space
between ridges.
2. Sweat pores – the tiny opening/ the tiny white dots.
3. Sweat duct – the passage way.
4. Sweat glands – the producers of sweat.
FUNDAMENTAL LAYERS OF THE FRICTION SKIN
1. Epidermis – the outermost layer of the skin structure showing

the ridges and furrows
a. Stratum Corneum,
b. Stratum mucosum
2. Dermis – the inner layer containing the blood vessel, dermal
papillae, various glands and nerves.
• Ridge Formation – (Ridges starts to form in the fingers and

thumb during the 5th to 6th months of the fetus life.)
RIDGE DESTRUCTION
- destruction of the friction skin can either be temporary or

permanent.
1. Temporary destruction occur when only the epidermis layer of
the friction skin has been damage
2. Permanent damage can be injected to the friction skin due to
damage to the dermis layer.
GENERAL RULES ON RIDGE DESTRUCTION
 Destruction of the Epidermis:

temporary – dermis
permanent – damage.
FINGERPRINTS CANNOT BE CHANGED
 The pattern of a fingerprint never changes during the life of a human

being. The persistence or the life of a pattern on a finger is a very
important factor in the science of fingerprint identification.
THREE POINTS TO REMEMBER WHEN DAMAGE
OR INJURY TO A PAPILLARY SKIN CAUSES A
PERMANENT SCAR
1. A penetration of a depth of more than one millimeter is

necessary where the organs or processes responsible for the
growth of ridge elements are damaged or interrupted in their
activities.
2. Due to the destruction of these organs and deprivation of the
power to produce new ridge elements, the process of fission
(cell multiplication in growth is affected and so the flattened
cells can not reach the surface where they change to a horny
covering.
THREE POINTS TO REMEMBER WHEN DAMAGE
OR INJURY TO A PAPILLARY SKIN CAUSES A
PERMANENT SCAR
3. Because of the extensive dame, the ridges on the surface of

the skin are rendered incapable of fusing; though there is a
natural tendency for the broken ends of the ridges to close
together (fuse) but they fall, thus terminating just short of
complete closure. As growth ceases at the severed ends, the
ridge ends curl slightly and show the puckering of the
permanent scar.
THE FINGERPRINT PATTERNS
Galton & Henry System Galton-Henry System with FBI

Modification and Extension
Groups or Families - 3 Groups or Families - 3
1. Arch (3) (Plain, tented & 1. Arch (2) - Plain & Tented Arch
Exceptional Arch) 2. Loop (2) - Radial Loop & Ulnar
2. Loop (4) (plain, lateral, twin & Loop
Central Pocket loop) 3. Whorl (4) - Plain Whorl, Central
3. Whorl (2) (Plain Whorl & Pocket loop whorl, Double loop
Accidental Whorl) whorl & Accidental Whorl
1. The Arch (5%)

a. Plain Arch (A) – is a pattern in which the ridges flows from one side
to the other side with a slight raise at the center.
1. The Arch (5%)
b. Tented Arch (T) – is a type of pattern having either an angle, uptrust
or an incomplete loop form. A type of pattern where majority of the
ridges form an arch and one or more ridges at the center shape a tent
in outline giving an angle 90 degrees or less, or one with an upward
thrust having an angle of 45 degrees or more, or a pattern similar to
loop but lacking one or two (2) of its essential elements.
TENTED ARCH
2. The Loop (60%) – a pattern in which one or more of the ridges enter on
either side of the impression, then turn around (recurve), passing or
touching an imaginary line drawn between the delta and the core, then
flow toward the same side of the impression from whence the ridges
entered.
Elements of loop
a. A core
b. A delta
c. A sufficient Recurve
d. At least one Ridge count
TYPES OF LOOP
 Radial Loop (RH=/. LH=\) is a type of loop pattern in which the
slanting or looping ridge flows towards the thumb finger.
TYPES OF LOOP
 Ulnar Loop (RH=\, LH=/) is a type of loop pattern in which the slanting
or looping ridge flows towards the little finger.
3. The Whorl (35%)
Basic Elements of Whorl
a. Two or more Deltas
b. At least one complete circuiting ridge
TYPES OF WHORL
a. Plain Whorl (W) – this is a pattern consisting of two (2) deltas
and in which at least one ridge makes a turn through one complete
circuit. An imaginary line drawn between the two deltas must touch
or cross at least one of the recurving ridges within the pattern area.
The pattern could be a spiral, oval, circular, or any variant of a
circle.
PLAIN WHORL
ELEMENTS OF PLAIN WHORL
1. A complete Circuit
2. Two deltas
3. At least one circuiting ridge is touched or crossed by the
imaginary line traversing between the two deltas.
TYPES OF WHORL
b. Central Pocket Loop Whorl – this is a pattern which possesses
two deltas with one or more ridges forming a complete circuit which
maybe oval, spiral, circular, or any variant of a circle; or it is a
pattern consisting of two deltas, with one or more recurving ridges
with an obstruction at right angles to the inner line of flow, between
which an imaginary line would touch or cross no recurving ridge
within the inner pattern area.
ELEMENTS OF CENTRAL POCKET WHORL
a. At least one recurving ridge or obstruction ridge at right angle
b. Two deltas
c. No circuiting ridge within the pattern area is touched or cross by
an imaginary line drawn between the two deltas.
CENTRAL POCKET LOOP WHORL
TYPES OF WHORL
c. Double Loop Whorl – this is a pattern consisting of two separate
and distinct loop formations, two sets of shoulders and two deltas.
The loops necessarily do not have to be of the same length and
size. The loops of a double loop whorl do not have to possess the
requirements of the plain loop. It is enough that the elements
mentioned herein are found in such a pattern.
ELEMENTS OF DOUBLE LOOP WHORL
a. Two separate loop formations
b. Two separate and distinct shoulders
c. Two deltas
DOUBLE LOOP WHORL
TYPES OF CORE FORMATION WHICH ARE
NOT INCLUDED IN THE DOOUBLE LOOP
WHORL
1. The “S” type core.
2. The interlocking type core.
3. The formation of a loop inside another loop.
TYPES OF WHORL
d. Accidental Whorl – a pattern consisting of a combination of
two different types of patterns such as a loop and a whorl, a
loop and a central pocket-loop whorl or any combination of
two different loop and whorl-type patterns, but it can not be a
combination of a plain arch with any other pattern. Unlike the
other whorl type patterns, an accidental whorl can have two or
more deltas.
ELEMENTS OF ACCIDENTAL WHORL
a. Combination of two different patterns with the exception of
the plain arch.
b. Two or more deltas
ACCIDENTAL LOOP WHORL
RIDGE CHARACTERISTICS
1. Ridge Dot (island ridge) – refers to a ridge formation in a
form of a dot or period.
2. Bifurcation – a ridge formation in which a single ridge splits

or divides into two or more ridges. Resembling a fork shape.
3. Converging Ridge – two ridges that meets at a certain point
4. Diverging Ridge – two ridges that spread apart

5. Enclosure or Lake ridge – a single ridge that divides into two but
does not remain open and meet at a certain point to form the
original single ridge.
6. Ending ridge – it refers to an abrupt end of a ridge
7. Type lines – is a diverging ridge that tends to surround the

pattern area and serves as a basic boundary of fingerprint
impression.
8. Pattern Area – is a part of a loop of whorl pattern surrounded by
the type lines and consisting of the delta, the core and other ridges.
9. Recurving ridge – a single ridges that curves back to the

direction where it started.
10. Sufficient Recurve – a recurving ridge which is complete with its

should and free from any appendage
11. Appendage – is a short ridge found at the top or summit of a

recurve
12. Rod or Bar – is a short of long ridge found inside the recurve
and directed towards the core
13. Obstruction ridge – is a short ridge found inside the recurve

which blocks the inner line of flow towards the core.
THE TWO FINGERPRINT TERMINUS
(FOCAL POINTS)
1. The Delta (also called the outer terminus) is a point along a

ridge formation found at the center or near the center of the
diverging type lines.
2. The Core (also known as the heart or the inner terminus)

usually found at the center or innermost recurve.
DELTA FORMATION
 A delta is a point on the first ridge formation located directly at or
in front of an nearest the center of the divergence of the type
lines.
 The word delta is an old Greek word.
 It is an island that is formed due to the increased deposit of soil
which rises above the surface making an instruction or island.
SIX DELTA FORMATIONS
1. Delta as a bifurcating ridge.
2. Delta as an ending ridge.
3. Delta as a short ridge.
4. Delta as a dot.
5. Delta as a converging ridge.
6. Delta as a point on a long ridge.
RULES GOVERNING THE CHOICE BETWEEN TWO
OR MORE POSSIBLE DELTAS
1. The delta may not be located as a point of a bifurcation which

does not open towards the core. To be a delta as in this case, a
bifurcation must be the first ridge formation in front of the
divergence of the type lines and the bifurcation must open up
towards the pattern area.
2. A bifurcation is always selected as a delta if there is another

type of delta formation just equally close to the point of
divergence of the type lines.
RULES GOVERNING THE CHOICE BETWEEN TWO
OR MORE POSSIBLE DELTAS
3. When a pattern shows a series of bifurcations opening toward

the core at the point of divergence of the type lines, the
bifurcation nearest the core is chosen as delta.
4. When there are several bifurcating ridges opening towards the

core, the delta is located at the point of the first bifurcating ridge
just in front of the divergence of the type lines.
CORE FORMATION
 Called as inner terminus and the heart of the pattern

RULES IN CORE LOCATION
1. Cores in a loop pattern are formed in a variety of ways, but are

always found on or within the innermost looping or recurving
ridge.
2. When the innermost recurving ridge contains no ending ridge or

rod rising as high as the shoulders of the loop, the core is
placed on the shoulder of the loop farthest from the delta.
RULES IN CORE LOCATION
3. When the innermost recurving ridge contains an uneven number
of rods rising as high as the shoulders of said recurving ridge,
the core is placed upon the end of the center rod, whether it
touches the looping ridge or not.
4. When the innermost recurving ridge contains an even number of

rods rising as high as the shoulders of said recurving ridge, the
core is placed upon the end of the farthest one of the two center
rods, the two center rods being treated as though they were
connected by a recurving ridge.
TYPES OF FINGERPRINT IMPRESSION
1. Rolled Impression – are fingerprint impression taken

individually by rolling each finger from one side to the other
side and from the tip to the end of the first joint.
2. Plain Impression – are impression made by simultaneously

pressing the finger to the card, use as a reference to
classification.
ITEMS THAT MAY MAKE UP A FINGERPRINT KIT
1. Ink Slab – is a metallic or glass plate where the ink is

spread for purpose
2. Ink Roller – is a rubber made roller designed to spread the
fingerprint ink to the slab.
3. Fingerprint Ink – is a special form of ink designed for
taking fingerprint impression sometimes submitted with a
printer’s ink.
4. Fingerprint card – is an 8” x 8” card designed for recording

fingerprint impression
5. Magnifying Glass – used to examine developed latent prints; a
3-inch wide reading glass is useful
6. Card holder – usually a fixed card holder placed in a flat table
designed to prevent the movement of the card in the course of
the taking of the fingerprint.
7. Fingerprint Powders – there are normally two kinds: the black

and white or gray. These are applied on contrasting
background
8. Fingerprint Brushes – must be carried in pairs of three.
Fiberglass brushes are preferably used by technicians. If
magnetic powders are carried, use a magnetic device for
application
9. Fingerprint Lifting Tapes – there must be a sufficient supply of
lifting tapes to be carried at all times. (frosted, rubber and
transparent)
10. Latent Fingerprint Transfer Cards – used for preserving

developed, lifted latent fingerprints.
11. Fingerprint Cards – these record cards must be carried always
for recording inked fingerprints for comparison.
12. Flash Light – a very useful device for searching and for
focusing on developed latent prints.
13. Roller or Tape Measure – a roll type maybe carried for
measuring a crime scene sketch
14. Pair of forceps – for picking up objects
15. Graph paper – for sketching purposes
16. Evidence Identification Tapes or Tags – used to identify objects
or physical evidence
17. Scissors – required for purposes of cutting latent print tapes
18. Rubber Gloves – to protect the technician’s fingers from leaving
his own prints on the object
19. Post Mortem Fingerprinting Equipment – contains hypodermic
syringe, spoon, tissue builder solvent, tissue cleaner, etc.
20. Carrying Case – a box-like structure or an attache type may
suffice.
21. Inkless Inking Device – porelon pad, sensitized fingerprint
cards
BASIC RULE IN TAKING FINGERPRINTS
1. Subject should be instructed to stand straight but relax facing
the slab.
2. The subject hand should be completely dry
3. Thumb fingers are rolled towards the body while other fingers
are rolled away from the body.
In case of Split/Webbed thumb, it should be rolled together
and be classified based on: (1) get the bigger one; If of the same
size, get the inner one.
In case of Polydactyl or extra finger which is totally

separate: Print the extra finger on the other side of the card and
make a note.
SAMPLES OF POOR QUALITY INKED RECORDS
1. A print from an unclean apparatus.
2. A print lacking sufficient rolling
3. A print whose digits are not inked and printed below the first joint of the
finger
4. A print using a very poor grad of ink
5. A print in which finger end-joints were not inked high enough to records the
top of the patterns
6. A print with too much ink
7. A print with too little ink
8. A print due to lack of control of the subject’s hand during the printing
operation.
THE FINGERPRINT CARD
 8 x 8 inches card which is adequate for both rolled and plain
impressions and convenient for searching and filing
 Colored white and must be resistant to constant handling
 With ten individual blocks for recorded rolled impressions (1 st column:
for the right hand fingers; 2 nd column: for the left hand fingers)
 Below the rolled impression blocks are spaces for the right and left
thumb plain impressions and the space on the right just adjacent to
the right thumb plain impression is for the right four fingers plain
impressions while on the left side is for the left four fingers plain
impressions.
PLACING INFORMATION ON THE CARD
 Before a recorder attempts to record the fingerprints of a
person, he is required to write down all the information about the
subject such as the subject’s name, alias, sex, color, and his
signature. The inked fingerprints are recorded in their proper
spaced on the card.
 On the space beneath the classification line is the word
“Reference” which pertains to the classification, depending on
whether the reference classification is based on questionable
patterns or approximating ridge count or ridge trace.
PLACING INFORMATION ON THE CARD
 On the PNP Fingerprint card, the subject’s surname is written

first, followed by his given name and by his middle name.
 For civilian identification fingerprint card, there is space to list
the names and addresses of relatives who could be notified in
case of emergency
PROBLEMS IN RECORDING INKED
FINGERPRINTS
1. Temporary Disabilities
2. Permanent Disabilities
3. Deformities
FINGERPRINT CLASSIFICATION FORMULA
1. Checking - verifying the rolled impression using the plain
impression as guide or reference.
2. Blocking-out – is the process if placing under each pattern the
letter symbols representing their pattern interpretation prior to
the actual classification formula.
3. CLASSIFICATION FORMULA- is the result of the evaluation
and interpretation of the ten (10) fingerprints applying the
principle of ridge counting, ridge tracing.
HENRY, GALTON, FBI SYSTEM WITH NBI
MODIFICATION
 The main purpose of a classification system is to facilitate the

filing, searching and retrieval of fingerprint records.
 Classification means the sorting of things into divisions or
groups for easy and fast location.
 In fingerprint science, it refers to the arrangement of fingerprint
records into groups or sub-groups for filing purposes.
FINGERPRINT PATTERN (BLOCKING OUT)
ULNAR LOOP RADIAL LOOP PLAIN WHORL ULNAR LOOP PLAIN ARCH
CENTRAL
PLAIN WHORL ULNAR LOOP RADIAL LOOP POCKET LOOP PLAIN WHORL
WHORL
BLOCKING OUT
ULNAR RADIAL PLAIN ULNAR PLAIN ARCH

LOOP LOOP WHORL LOOP
\ / W \ A
CENTRAL
PLAIN ULNAR RADIAL POCKET PLAIN
WHORL LOOP LOOP LOOP WHORL
WHORL
W / \ W W
SYMBOLS OF THE FINGERPRINT PATTERNS IN
BLOCKS
FINGERPRINT PATTERN SYMBOL
Plain Arch A
Tented Arch T
Radial Loop / (RH)
\ (LH)
Ulnar Loop \ (RH)
/ (LH)
Plain Whorl W
Central Pocket Loop Whorl C
Double Loop Whorl .D
Accidental Whorl X
DIVISIONS OF THE CLASSIFICATION FORMULA
1. Primary Classification
2. Secondary Classification
a. Capital Letter Group
b. Small Letter Group
3. Subsecondary Classification
4. Major Division
5. Final Classification
6. Key
POSITIONS IN THE CLASSIFICATION LINE
Key Major Primary Secondary Subsecondary Final
10 S I U III 8
S I U III
PRIMARY CLASSIFICATION
 Is the result of the summation of all the numerical values
assigned to whorls (plain whorl, central pocket loop whorl, double
loop whorl and accidental whorl) appearing in a fingerprint chart
(ten fingerprints) which are expressed as numerators and
denominators plus the pre-established fraction of one over one
(1/1).
DIVISION OF PATTERNS AS TTO NUMERICAL
VALUE
1. Patterns with numerical values – all whorl type patterns
2. Patterns without numerical values – arches and loop type
patterns
FOUR STEPS TO ATTAIN THE PRIMARY
CLASSIFICATION
1. Pairing – the ten fingerprints from the corresponding fingers are
divided into pairs, totalling 5 pairs in all.
2. Assigning numerical values to whorl patterns only – these numerical
values assigned to the corresponding fingers are permanent. (Whorls
appearing in the first pair have a numerical value of 16 for each
whorl. Whorls appearing in the second pair have a numerical value of
8 for each whorl. Whorls appearing in the third pair have a numerical
value of 4 for each whorl. Whorls appearing in the fourth pair have a
numerical value of 2 for each whorl. Whorls appearing in the fifth pair
have a numerical value of 1 for each whorl)
FOUR STEPS TO ATTAIN THE PRIMARY
CLASSIFICATION
3. Knowing the numerators and denominators in the pairs – The first
pattern of every pair is the denominator while the second pattern of
the pair is the numerator.
4. Summing up the numerical values of whorls assigned to the fingers

plus the pre-established fraction of 1/1.
ILLUSTRATION
1 2 3 4 5
N-16 N-8
D -16 D-8 D-4
W W W W W
6 7 8 9 10
N-4 N-2 N-1
D-2 D-1
W W W W W
WHAT IS THE PRIMARY CLASSIFICATION FOR
THIS SET OF PATTERNS?
Plain Whorl Radial Loop Ulnar Loop Plain Whorl Ulnar Loop
W / \ W \
Plain Whorl Double Loop Plain Whorl Ulnar Loop Ulnar Loop
Whorl
W D W / /
ANSWER
Classification Line: 15
19
W / \ W \
Whorl
W D W / /
WHAT IS THE PRIMARY CLASSIFICATION FOR
THIS SET OF PATTERNS?
Plain Arch Central Pocket Tented Arch Plain Whorl Ulnar Loop
Loop Whorl
A C T W \
Tented Arch Double Loop Ulnar Loop Ulnar Loop Radial Loop
Whorl
T D / / \
ANSWER
25
3
Loop Whorl
A C T W \
Whorl
T D / / \
SECONDARY CLASSIFICATION
 Secondary – Represented by Capital and small letter combination

based on interpretation made during the blocking.
A. Capital Letter Group – The secondary classification is

symbolized by capital letters of the patterns represented by two
index fingers after the primary classification in the classification
line. The fingerprint pattern appearing on the right index finger is
the numerator while the fingerprint pattern from the left index
finger is the denominator.
(CAPITAL LETTER GROUP)
 A combination of the following symbols may come out:
Plain Arch – A
Tented Arch – T
Radial Loop – R
Ulnar Loop – U
Plain Whorl – W
Central Pocket Loop Whorl – C
Double Loop Whorl – D
Accidental Whorl – X
LOOK FOR THE SECONDARY CLASSIFICATION
(CAPITAL LETTER GROUP)
Classification Line: 15
19
W / \ W \
Whorl
W D W / /
ANSWER
Classification Line: 15 R
19 D
W / \ W \
Whorl
W D W / /
CLASSIFICATION LINE
 This refers to a line placed on the right upper corner of the fingerprint
chart where the classification formula is exhibited.
 Secondary – Represented by Capital and small letter combination
based on interpretation made during the blocking.
B. Small Letter Group – This classification refers to the three types

of fingerprint patterns only: the plain arch (a), tented arch (t) and
radial loop (r). Whenever any or all of these patterns appear in
any finger or fingers, excluding the two index fingers, its symbol
om small letter is exhibited in the classification line before and/or
after the Secondary Classification by Capital Letters depending on
the finger of the origin.
ILLUSTRATION
25 aCt
3 tDr
Loop Whorl
A C T W \
Whorl
T D / / \
SUBSECONDARY CLASSIFICATION
This is derived through the process of ridge-counting the loops or

ridge-tracing the whorl-type patterns appearing on the index, middle and
ring fingers of both right and left hands.
Whenever loop patterns are shown on the above-mentioned fingers,
each should be ridge counted and the result of such count in number be
displayed on the right upper corner of the block where found and later on
represented by a letter symbol (I or O) in the classification line based on
the inner and outer group division table for ridge counts of loops.
SUBSECONDARY CLASSIFICATION
Whorls are ridge-traced and the result of such tracing is represented by

the letter symbols I, M O (inner, meeting, or outer) on the table for
symbols of whorls for ridge-tracing. The letter symbols are then placed on
the right upper corner of the blocks where found and later on the same
symbols are exhibited on the classification line.
Plain Arch and Tented Arch are neither ridge-counted nor ridge-traced.
They are represented by dash (-) in the classification line.
RIDGE COUNTING
 This is the process of counting the ridges that touch or cross an

imaginary line drawn between the delta and core of a loop. A white
space must always intervenes between the delta and the first ridge to
be counted.
RULES IN RIDGE COUNTING
1. Locate the exact points of the core and delta
2. Count all ridges which touch or cross an imaginary line drawn between
the core and delta.
3. Never include the core and delta in the count. Count only those ridges
which intervene or pass between the core and delta.
4. Incipient ridges are never counted, no matter where they appear. The
general rule is that in order to be counted, the width of a ridge must be
equal to the width of the other ridges in the pattern under
consideration.
WHAT RIDGES ARE INCLUDED IN RIDGE
COUNTING?
 Ridges subjected to ridge counting with given numerical values are as
follows:
1. A ridge island or dot is given one ridge count.
2. A short ridge is given one ridge count.
3. A long ridge is given one ridge count.
4. An abrupt-ending ridge is given one ridge count.
WHAT RIDGES ARE INCLUDED IN RIDGE
COUNTING?
5. A bifurcating ridge – if a ridge bifurcates or branches into two across

the imaginary line, then the count is given two. Should the imaginary
line cross only the bifurcation directly at the point of forking, it is
counted as two. If the imaginary line does not cross the point of
forking or falls short of touching it, it crosses only one ridge and the
count given is one.
6. Ridge enclosures are counted as two ridges.
7. Cris-crossing or meeting of two ridges is counted as two ridges.
RULES FOR RIDGE-COUNT OF LOOPS AND
THEIR SYMBOLS
 Inner (I) and Outer (O)
1. A ridge count of 1 to 9 inclusive of each index finger is inner and is symbolized
by capital letter I, while a count of 10 or more ridges is outer symbolized by
capital letter O. letter symbol should be exhibited on the classification line only.
2. A ridge count of 1 to 10 inclusive of each middle finger is inner and is
symbolized by capital letter I, while a count of 11 or more ridges is outer and
symbolized by capital letter O. letter symbols should be exhibited on the
classification line.
3. A ridge count of 1 to 13 inclusive of each ring finger is inner and is symbolized
by capital letter I while count of 14 or more ridges is outer and is symbolized by
capital letter O. letter symbols should be exhibited on the classification line
only.
TABLES FOR RIDGE COUNTING OF LOOPS
Ridge Counting of Loop
Index Middle Ring
1 to 9 =I 1 to 10 = I 1 to 13 =I
10 or more =O 11 or more = O 14 or more = O
RIDGE TRACING FOR WHORLS (FOR ALL WHORL
PATTERNS)
 Ridge Tracing is the process of tracing the ridge that originates from
the left delta flowing towards the right delta or near that point and
determining the number of intervening ridges between the traced ridge
and right delta to constitute three subdivisions: inner, meeting and
outer which are represented by capital letters I, M O.
RULES IN RIDGE TRACING
1. Ridge tracing always starts from the left delta proceeding towards the
right delta or nearest to that point.
2. When the ridge being traced ends abruptly, drop to the next ridge
below to continue the tracing until the traced ridge runs into or comes
opposite the right delta.
3. When the left delta is a dot ridge, the next ridge just below is taken to
effect the tracing until it reaches opposite the right delta.
4. When the ridge being traced is bifurcation always follow the lower
branch until the tracing is completed.
SYMBOLS FOR WHORLS AS A RESULT OF RIDGE-
TRACING
1. When the ridge being traced from the left delta to the right delta
passes inside or in front of the right delta and there are 3 or more
intervening ridges between the traced ridge and the right delta, the
result of the tracing is known as INNER and represented by capital
letter I. the symbol is exhibited on the right upper corner of the block
where found and on the classification line.
2. When the ridge being traced passes on either inside or outside of the
right delta and there are two or less ridges intervening between the
traced ridge and the right delta or it actually meets the right delta, the
result of the tracing is known as MEETING and is represented by
capital letter M. the symbol is exhibited on the right upper corner of
the block where and also on the classification line.
SYMBOLS FOR WHORLS AS A RESULT OF RIDGE-
TRACING
3. When the ridge being traced passes outside or below the right delta
and there are three or more ridges intervening between the traced
ridge and the right delta, the result of the tracing is known as outer
and represented by capital letter O. The symbol is exhibited on the
right upper corner of the block where found and on the classification
line.
Inner Whorl (I) When the tracing goes above or inside the right delta
and there are three (3) or more intervening ridges.
Outer Whorl (O) when the tracing ridge goes below or outside the right
delta and there are three (3) or more intervening ridges.
Meeting Whorl (M) when there are only two or less intervening ridge/s
MAJOR DIVISION
 It is apply to thumbs.
 This is done by ridge-counting the loops and ridge tracing the whorls
appearing on the thumbs. The result of the ridge count of the loop is
exhibited on the right upper corner of the block where that loop is
exhibited on the right upper corner of the block where the loop is found
and later on is expressed by a letter symbol in the classification line.
 The whorls are ridge-traced, as is done in the sub secondary
classification and the letter symbol is represented on the right upper
corner of the block where found and is also exhibited on the
classification line.
 Arch represented by dash (-)
MAJOR DIVISION
 Table A. Ridge-Count and Letter Symbols for Loops
1. A ridge-count of 1 to 11, inclusive, is small. It is represented by capital
letter S. (1 to 11 = S)
2. A ridge-count of 12 to 16, inclusive, is medium. It is represented by
capital letter M. (12 to 16 = M)
3. A ridge-count of 17 or more, inclusive, is large. It is represented by
capital letter L. (17 or more = L)
MAJOR DIVISION
 Table B. To be applied only to the loop from the right thumb when the
ridge count of the loop from the left thumb is 17 or more, making it
large (L)
1. A ridge-count of 1 to 17, inclusive, is small. It is represented by
capital letter S. (1 – 17 = S)
2. A ridge-count of 18 to 22, inclusive, is medium. It is represented by
capital letter M. (18 – 22 = M)
3. A ridge-count of 23 or more, inclusive, is large. It is represented by
capital letter L. (23 or more = L)
FINAL CLASSIFICATION
 The final classification is the exhibition in a numerical figure of the
ridge count of loops and/or whorls from the two (2) little fingers. The
result of the ridge-count is exhibited on the right upper corner of the
block where found and placed at the extreme right of the classification
line.
 The ridge count of the right little finger is the numerator while that of
the left little finger is the denominator.
 Arches are represented by a dash (-) on the classification line.
RULES IN DERIVING THE RIDGE-COUNT OF
WHORLS
 For purposes of deriving the final classification, whorls are subjected
to ridge-counting as, in the loops.
1. A plain whorl or central pocket loop whorl is treated as an ulnar loop.
2. A double loop-whorl must be ridge-counted to an upright loop.
3. An accidental whorl must be ridge-counted from the extreme
corresponding delta to the nearest core (least number of ridge
count.)
KEY CLASSIFICATION
The key classification is derived by ridge-counting the first loop in

a set of prints.
The ridge count of the first loop may come from the right thumb or
any other finger except the little fingers.
The ridge count is always placed at the extreme left of the
classification line and is always represented as numerator, no matter
where it is taken.
KEY CLASSIFICATION
Where there is no loop, the first whorl is ridge-counted, being treated

as an ulnar loop and the result of the count is displayed on the left upper
corner of the block where found.
When arches appear in all the prints (there is no loop or whorls) the
symbol of the key classification is a dash (-).
REFERENCE CLASSIFICATION FORMULA
 is an additional formula serve as a reference in case of doubtful prints.

Place the bottom of the classification formula.
CLASSIFICATION OF SCARRED
PATTERNS AMPUTATIONS AND
MISSING FINGERS AT BIRTH
STANDARD PROCEDURES TO BE FOLLOWED
1. When a fingerprint is so marred by a scar that the general pattern type
is unrecognizable and the ridge-counting and ridge-tracing cannot be
determined, the impression should be given the same pattern
interpretation and sub classification with the corresponding finger of
the other hand.
2. When a fingerprint is partially scarred and the general pattern type
can be determined with reasonable accuracy but the ridges cannot be
counted or traced, the impression should be given the ridge-count or
tracing value of the corresponding finger of the other hand, if the
corresponding finger of of the same general pattern type. If the
corresponding is not of the same type, the scarred impression should
be given a probable value and referenced to all other possible
combinations.
STANDARD PROCEDURES TO BE FOLLOWED
3. When a fingerprint is scarred beyond its general pattern type
recognition and the ridge-counting and tracing can not be determined
with reasonable accuracy, and it so happens that the corresponding
finger of the other hand is also scarred, both patterns are arbitrarily
interpreted as meeting whorl.
LATENT PRINTS
 prints found at the scene of the crime.

TYPES OF LATENT PRINTS
1. Visible prints - are those prints which are readily visible to the naked
eye. It is divided into two: Molded Prints and fingerprints made by
fingers smeared with colored substances
2. Invisible Prints - prints that are generally made by sweat or
perspiration that requires developing for visibility.
 Chance prints = prints left on a place unconsciously or accidentally.

 Smudge prints = prints made by sliding motion of the finger.
 Fragmentary prints = partial prints (impression).
FACTORS AFFECTING STABILITY OR PRINTS AT THE CRIME SCENE
A. Subject Factor
B. Nature of the surface
C. Climatic Condition
REASONS FOR POWDERING LATENT
FINGERPRINTS
1. To make the images visible
2. To develop contrast for photographic purposes
3. To develop powdered images for lifting and preserving
POINTS TO REMEMBER IN DEVELOPING LATENT
IMPRESSIONS
1. The application of powder with brush

2. Lifting the impressions
INSTRUMENT USED FOR DEVELOPING LATENT
PRINTS:
 Fingerprint powder.
 Fingerprint brush
 Latent Print transfer card = used to preserve developed latent
prints.
 Fingerprint Strip Holder = used to hold card for post mortem
fingerprint.
METHODS OF DEVELOPING PRINTS
1. Dusting Method = considered as the simplest and

traditional methods used in developing prints at the scene
of the crime. (Use of Powder and Brush)
2. Rolling Method = basically used in developing prints in
paper done by simply rolling the paper with powder
spreading in its surface.
3. Fuming Methods = done by using chemical fumes such as
Iodine and Ammonium Fumes.
METHODS OF DEVELOPING PRINTS
4. Silver Nitrate method – done by spraying a 5 percent solution
of silver nitrate to the surface of the paper.
5. Ninhydrin Method = is considered as one of the best method
used in developing prints in paper.
6. Laser Method = is a modern method of tracing and developing
prints.
PALM PRINT PATTERN AREAS
1. Thenar Zone – a large cushion area at the base of the thumb.

Patterns of loop, whorl or a combination of them may appear. On
some palms there is no pattern in this area, just the appearance of
more or less straight ridges. For the crime-scene investigator, latent
impression of this area is usually found on objects such as beer
bottles, pipes used a weapons.
2. Hypothenar Zone – this zone contains the large cushion area just
below the base of the little finger. This zone may contain a loop or a
whorl type pattern or no pattern at all. There are ridges present. Latent
impression of this area is common on questioned documents or
papers involved in handwriting.
PALM PRINT PATTERN AREAS
3. Palmar Zone – this is the area at the base of the fingers. Usually a
broad delta is noticed at the base of each finger. Patterns may appear
between these deltas at the intervals between the interdigital spaces.
4. Carpal Delta Zone – this is the area about the center of the palm,
down near the wrist were a delta is frequently present.
DISTAL
ULNAR RADIAL
PALMAR ZONE
THENAR
ZONE
HYPOTHENAR
ZONE
CARPAL DELTA ZONE

PROXIMAL
OTHER TERMS IN CONNECTION WITH THE
STUDY OF THE PALM
 Distal – towards the fingerprints
 Proximar - it means, towards the wrist
 Radial – in the study of fingerprint pattern where a loop is shown
having ridges flowing toward the radius bone or thumb side
 Ulnar – toward the side of the ulnar bone where the little finger rests
FOOTPRINT PATTERN ZONES
1. Ball Zone – this area is found below the base of the big toe. It may
contain loops, whorls or combinations of these patterns. In some
footprints it is devoid of any pattern and will show a series of ridge
formation running across the area. This large cushion correspond to
the thenar zone of a palm print.
2. Plantar Zone – this is the space just below the base of the four little
toes just beside the ball zone. It correspond to the palmar zone of a
palm print. Patterns may appear in this area such as loops, whorls or
a combination of these patterns or just plain unpatterned ridge
formation.
3. Calcar Zone – this is the area located at the heel. Infrequent patterns
do show in this zone. What commonly appears are plain striation
ridges running from one side to the other.
4. Tibial Zone – this zone is an area on the tibial bone side of the foot
where the big toe is also located. It is very rare that patterns may
appear on this zone.
5. Fibiluar Zone – this zone is situated on the little toe side of the foot
just below the plantar zone. It derives its name from the fibula bone
which is a bone of the lower leg corresponding to the ulna bone of the
arm. Very infrequently are patterns found on this zone.
6. Tread Area – this is an area which includes that portion of the foot
lying between the ball-plantar zones and calcar zone. The fibular and
the tibial zones are found within the tread area.
DISTAL
PLANTAR ZONE BALL

PATTERN
ZONE
FIBULAR
THREAD TIBIAL
PALMAR
AREA ZONE
THENAR
ZONE
HYPOTHENAR
CALCAR
ZONE
PATTERN
ZONE
PROXIMAL
POST MORTEM FINGERPRINTS
 are prints taken from a diseased person.
THREE GENERAL CATEGORIES IN
FINGERPRINTING DEAD BODIES
1. Mummification (dried out)

2. Decomposition (advanced stage of decay)
3. Maceration (water-soaked)
WHO IS A FINGERPRINT EXPERT?
 Fingerprint Expert is a person who through experience, training
and education has a complete knowledge and skill in the
science of fingerprints, and if called upon by the courts to testify,
can externalize that knowledge and skill in a forceful, yet
convincing and intelligent manner.
END OF PRESENTATION!
THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS!!!

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PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION

GENARO P MANCIO JR, BS Crim, MPA, MSCJ, Ph. D.

Refers to the application of principles of various sciences to

 Alphonse Bertillion = Father of Personal Identification. The first

 Anthropometry = is the first scientific method of personal

1. In Criminal case, the identity of the offender and that of

2. Identification of missing person or presumed dead will

3. Identification resolves the anxiety of the next-of-kin,

1. By comparison – with the used of standard specimen, evidence

I. Points of Identification applicable to the living only:

b. Characteristic that may not easily be changed:

1. Excision = involves an injection of a local anesthetic to numb the

GUNSHOT WOUND BURNS

1. Portrait Parle (Personal description) “speaking likeness” - is a

In 1903, Will West arrived at the US Penitentiary at the

1. Clearest moonlight or starlight

5. In case of artificial light. The identification is relative to the kind and

 A fingerprint was first used in China before the birth of Christianity.

 Govard . Bibloo – works on the sweat pores and ridges

 Marcelo Malpighi (1628-1694) – Professor at the University of

 Henry Faulds – A surgeoon at Tsukuji Hospital, Tokyo, Japan, who

 Francis Galton – Developed the Arch. Loop and Whorl Patterns as

 Edward Richard Henry – Developed the Henry System of

 Gilbert Thompson = a geologist in New Mexico, adopted the first

 Isaiah West Tabor = Photographer in San Francisco who advocated

 Samuel Langhorne Clemens = An Englishman who informally

 Dr. Henry p De Forest = Utilized the first Municipal Civil use of

 Sgt. John Kenneth Ferrier = First fingerprint instructor at St. Louis

 Maj. R. Mc Cloughry = warden of the Federal Penitentiaries of

 Mary K. Holand = first American instructress in dactyloscopy.

 FBI = identification unit herein was officially established by an act

 Institute of Applied Science = First private school to install laboratories

 Mr. Jones = one who first taught FP in the Phils. (1900)

 Bureau of Prison = (1968) fingerprint was used.

 Generoso Reyes – First Filipino Fingerprint Technician employed by

 Isabela Bernales – first Filipina Fingerprint Technician

 Capt. Thomas Dugan, New York Police Dept. and Flaviano

 People of the Phils. Vs. Medina- First conviction base on

 Plaridel Education Institute (PEI) now known as Phil.

 Lucila Lalu – the first Filipina Chop-chop lady who was

 Dactyloscopy – (derived from the words Dactyl - finger and Skopien –

 Polydactyl =born with more than 10 fingers.

 Individuality - No two persons have the same fingerprint (based

 Is an impression design by the first joint of the fingers and thumb

 Chiroscopy – ( Greek word “ Cheir” – a hand, “Skopien” –to

 Edgeoscopy = study of the sides of the friction ridges.

 an epidermal hairless skin found on the ventral or lower surface

1. Epidermis – the outermost layer of the skin structure showing

• Ridge Formation – (Ridges starts to form in the fingers and

- destruction of the friction skin can either be temporary or

 Destruction of the Epidermis:

 The pattern of a fingerprint never changes during the life of a human

1. A penetration of a depth of more than one millimeter is

3. Because of the extensive dame, the ridges on the surface of

Galton & Henry System Galton-Henry System with FBI

1. The Arch (5%)

2. Bifurcation – a ridge formation in which a single ridge splits

3. Converging Ridge – two ridges that meets at a certain point

4. Diverging Ridge – two ridges that spread apart

6. Ending ridge – it refers to an abrupt end of a ridge

7. Type lines – is a diverging ridge that tends to surround the

9. Recurving ridge – a single ridges that curves back to the