Maharshi

Dayanand
University
Rohtak

Submitted to – Dr . Neelkamal
Submitted by – Palak
Roll no – 2327
Msc. Forensic science (Previous)
Fingerprint as
Forensic Evidence
Introduction:

Prints are something which is left over on anything touched and they cannot be covered up
because human fingerprints are unique , difficult to alter, and durable over the life of an
individual, making them suitable as lifelong markers of Human Identity.
Fingerprints can be readily used by police or other authorities to identify individual who wish
to conceal their identity, or to identify people who are incapacitated or deceased, as in the
aftermath of a natural disaster. Without prints there would be no evidence at a crime scene
that lasts long enough without disappearing.
 Nomenclature:

William Herschel Henry Faulds

The first European Alongwith
to recognise identification he
fingerprints as a also devised a
unique form of method of
identification. classification.
Importance of Fingerprint:

The judiciary and public took some time to believe in the importance of fingerprints as
scientific aid, but the same is now recognised throughout the world. The fingerprint as
evidence plays a major role because of the following features:
 Unique
 Permanent
 Universal
 Inimitable
 Classifiable
Chain of custody: Process of evidence
documentation.

 Collection:
It involves identification, labelling, recording and the acquisition of data from all the possible
relevant sources that preserve the integrity of the data and evidence collected.
 Evidence:
During this process, the chain of info is documented outlining the forensic process
undertaken. It is important to capture screenshot throughout the process to show the tasks that
are completed and the evidence uncovered.
 Analysis:
This stage is the result of the examination stage. In the analysis stage, legally justifiable method and
techniques are used to derive useful information to address question posed in the particular case.
 Reporting:
This is the documentation phase of the examination and analysis stage. It includes the following:
1. Statement regarding chain of custody.
2. Explanation of the various tools used
3. A description of the analysis of various data sources.
4. Issues identified.
5. Vulnerabilities identified.
6. Recommendation for additional forensic measures that can be taken.
Type of Prints:

 Latent Print: Made of the sweat and oil on the skin’s surface. These are invisible to
naked eye and requires additional processing in order to be seen.
 Patent Print: This type of print can be made by blood, grease, ink or dirt. It is easily
visible to human eye.
 Plastic Print: Plastic fingerprints are three- dimensional impression and can be made by
pressing your finger in fresh paint, wax, soap or tar. Just like patent fingerprints, plastic
fingerprints are easily seen by the human eye and don’t require any additional processing
for visibility purpose.
Print Pattern :

 Arch : It creates a wave like pattern.

1. Tented Arch : When two independent ridges come together and form an angle.
2. Plain Arch: When ridges come from one side and flows out other side with a rise or wave
in the centre.
 Loop : Prints that recurve back on themselves to form a loop shape.
1. Radial loop : Pointing towards thumb or radius bone.
2. Ulnar loop : Pointing towards pinkie finger or the ulna bone.
 Whorl: These form circular or spiral patterns like tiny whirlpool. They make up about 35
percent of pattern types.
1. Plain whorl
2. Central pocket
3. Accidental whorl
 Individual Characteristics:
Individual characteristics are those characteristics that are unique to an individual. They are
tiny irregularities that appear within the friction ridges and are referred to as Galton‘s details.
The most common type of Galton’s details are bifurcation, ridge ending and dots or islands.
 Class Characteristics:
Characteristics that narrow the print down to a group but not an individual . The three class
types are : Archs , Loops and Whorls
Collection methods:

 For porous surfaces, scientists sprinkle chemical such as ninhydrin over the prints and
then take photographs of the developing fingerprints.
 For non porous smooth surfaces, experts use powder and brush techniques, followed by
lifting tape.
 For rough surfaces, the same powdering process is used, but instead of using regular
lifting tape for these prints scientists use something that will get into the grooves of the
surface such a gel lifter or Mikrosil (a silicon casting material).
 For hard surface
1. Black and grey powder.
2. Magnetic method
3. Fluoroscence
4. UV light method
 For soft surface
1. Ninhydrin
2. AgNo3
3. Iodine fuming
4. Super glue
Conclusion:

The science of fingerprinting is century old discovery. One of the basic

importances of fingerprints is that it helps in establishing identity of a person with
minimum time and efforts; and then enabling speedy investigation. The
fingerprint evidence has been referred to as reliable piece of evidence. They are
also permanent and do not undergo any change. It is necessary for the courts to
form an opinion only after discussion or after concerning with an expert.

While admitting fingerprints the court should be careful enough to study the
reasons which are given by the expert. These opinions made by experts help the
court in drawing the final conclusion regarding the facts. These opinion guide the
courts and to decide the issues; ultimately the court has to use his own legal mind
in relation to the issues involved. Over the year's fingerprints has played a crucial
role in identifying the accused and awarding them with punishments.