Fingerprinting
Forensic Serology
Chapter 15
Fingerprinting
Courtesy of C.
Fanning
Crystal Violet
Courtesy of C.
Fanning
Courtesy of C.
Fanning
Red Fluorescent
Inked
FORENSIC SCIENCE
An Introduction
FORENSIC
SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2nd ed.
By Richard Saferstein
PRENTICE HALL
2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
2011, 2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
Upper River,
SaddleNJ
River,
NJ 07458
Upper Saddle
07458
8-*
Fingerprinting
Forensic Serology
History
The first systematic attempt at personal identification was
devised by a French police expert, Alphonse Bertillion.
The Bertillion system relied on a detailed description of the
subject, combined with full length and profile photographs
and a system of precise body measurements called
anthropometry.
In 1892 Francis Galton published his classic textbook
Finger Prints.
Cont.
FORENSIC SCIENCE
An Introduction
FORENSIC
SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2nd ed.
By Richard Saferstein
PRENTICE HALL
2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
2011, 2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
Upper River,
SaddleNJ
River,
NJ 07458
Upper Saddle
07458
8-*
Fingerprinting
Forensic Serology
Chapter 15
Fingerprinting
At Galtons insistence, the British government adopted
fingerprinting as a supplement to the Bertillion system.
The next step was the creation of classification systems
capable of filing many thousands of prints in a logical and
searchable sequence.
Dr Juan Vucetich devised a classification system still used
in most Spanish-speaking countries, while Sir Edward
Henry devised another classification system used in most
English-speaking countries.
Cont.
FORENSIC SCIENCE
An Introduction
FORENSIC
SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2nd ed.
By Richard Saferstein
PRENTICE HALL
2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
2011, 2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
Upper River,
SaddleNJ
River,
NJ 07458
Upper Saddle
07458
8-*
Fingerprinting
Forensic Serology
Chapter 15
Fingerprinting
In 1903, when the Bertillion system could not distinguish
between two men (one Will West and the other William
West), it was fingerprinting that clearly distinguished
them.
After the Will West incident, the use of fingerprinting by
the New York City Civil Service Commission in 1901, and
the training of American police by Scotland Yard
representatives at the 1904 Worlds Fair, fingerprinting
began to be used in earnest in all major U.S. cities.
FORENSIC SCIENCE
An Introduction
FORENSIC
SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2nd ed.
By Richard Saferstein
PRENTICE HALL
2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
2011, 2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
Upper River,
SaddleNJ
River,
NJ 07458
Upper Saddle
07458
8-*
Fingerprinting
Forensic Serology
Fingerprint Principles
Fingerprints are a reproduction of friction skin ridges
found on the palm side of the fingers and thumbs.
The basic principles underlying the use of fingerprints in
criminal investigations are that:
1. A fingerprint is an individual characteristic
because no two fingers have yet been found to
possess identical ridge characteristics
Cont.
FORENSIC SCIENCE
An Introduction
FORENSIC
SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2nd ed.
By Richard Saferstein
PRENTICE HALL
2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
2011, 2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
Upper River,
SaddleNJ
River,
NJ 07458
Upper Saddle
07458
8-*
Fingerprinting
Forensic Serology
Fingerprint Principles
2. A fingerprint will remain unchanged during an
individuals lifetime; and
3. Fingerprints have general ridge patterns that permit
them to be systematically classified.
FORENSIC SCIENCE
An Introduction
FORENSIC
SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2nd ed.
By Richard Saferstein
PRENTICE HALL
2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
2011, 2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
Upper River,
SaddleNJ
River,
NJ 07458
Upper Saddle
07458
8-*
Fingerprinting
Forensic Serology
Principle One
Mathematically, the probability for the existence of two
identical fingerprint patterns in the worlds population is
extremely small.
Besides theoretical calculations, of the millions upon
millions of individuals who have had their prints classified,
no two fingerprints have been found to be identical.
Cont.
FORENSIC SCIENCE
An Introduction
FORENSIC
SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2nd ed.
By Richard Saferstein
PRENTICE HALL
2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
2011, 2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
Upper River,
SaddleNJ
River,
NJ 07458
Upper Saddle
07458
8-*
Fingerprinting
Forensic Serology
Principle One
The individuality of a fingerprint is not determined by its
general shape or pattern, but by the careful study of its
ridge characteristics, known as minutiae.
It is the identity, number, and relative location of these
minutiae that imparts individuality to a fingerprint.
There are as many as 150 minutiae on the average finger.
Cont.
FORENSIC SCIENCE
An Introduction
FORENSIC
SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2nd ed.
By Richard Saferstein
PRENTICE HALL
2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
2011, 2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
Upper River,
SaddleNJ
River,
NJ 07458
Upper Saddle
07458
8-*
Fingerprinting
Forensic Serology
Principle One
After a three year study, it was determined that no valid
basis exists for requiring a predetermined minimum number
of friction ridge characters which must be present in two
impressions in order to establish positive identification.
In a judicial proceeding, an expert must demonstrate a
point-by-point comparison in order to prove the identity of
an individual.
FORENSIC SCIENCE
An Introduction
FORENSIC
SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2nd ed.
By Richard Saferstein
PRENTICE HALL
2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
2011, 2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
Upper River,
SaddleNJ
River,
NJ 07458
Upper Saddle
07458
8-*
Fingerprinting
Forensic Serology
Principle Two
The epidermis is the outer layer of the skin, while the
dermis is the inner layer of the skin.
FORENSIC SCIENCE
An Introduction
FORENSIC
SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2nd ed.
By Richard Saferstein
PRENTICE HALL
2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
2011, 2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
Upper River,
SaddleNJ
River,
NJ 07458
Upper Saddle
07458
8-*
Fingerprinting
Forensic Serology
Principle Two
The dermal papillae is the layer of cells between the
epidermis and dermis, that is responsible for determining
the form and pattern of the ridges on the surface of the
skin.
Once the dermal papillae develop in the human fetus, the
ridge patterns will remain unchanged throughout life
except to enlarge during growth.
FORENSIC SCIENCE
An Introduction
FORENSIC
SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2nd ed.
By Richard Saferstein
PRENTICE HALL
2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
2011, 2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
Upper River,
SaddleNJ
River,
NJ 07458
Upper Saddle
07458
8-*
Fingerprinting
Forensic Serology
Principle Two
Each skin ridge is populated with pores leading to sweat
glands from which perspiration is deposited on the skin.
Once the finger touches a surface, perspiration, along
with oils that may have been picked up by touching the
hairy portions of the body, is transferred onto that surface,
leaving the fingers ridge pattern (a fingerprint).
FORENSIC SCIENCE
An Introduction
FORENSIC
SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2nd ed.
By Richard Saferstein
PRENTICE HALL
2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
2011, 2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
Upper River,
SaddleNJ
River,
NJ 07458
Upper Saddle
07458
8-*
Fingerprinting
Forensic Serology
Principle Three
All fingerprints are divided into three classes on the basis
of their general pattern: loops, arches, and whorls (L.A.W.).
A loop must have one or more ridges entering from one
side of the print, recurving, and exiting from the same side.
If the loop opens toward the little finger, it is called an
ulnar loop.
If the loop opens toward the thumb, it is called a radial
loop.
FORENSIC SCIENCE
An Introduction
FORENSIC
SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2nd ed.
By Richard Saferstein
PRENTICE HALL
2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
2011, 2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
Upper River,
SaddleNJ
River,
NJ 07458
Upper Saddle
07458
8-*
Fingerprinting
Forensic Serology
Principle Three
All loops must have one delta, which is the ridge point
at or directly in front of the point where two ridge lines
(type lines) diverge.
FORENSIC SCIENCE
An Introduction
FORENSIC
SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2nd ed.
By Richard Saferstein
PRENTICE HALL
2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
2011, 2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
Upper River,
SaddleNJ
River,
NJ 07458
Upper Saddle
07458
8-*
Fingerprinting
Forensic Serology
Principle Three
Whorls are divided into four groups: plain, central pocket
loop, double loop, and accidental.
All whorl patterns have type lines and a minimum of two
deltas.
FORENSIC SCIENCE
An Introduction
FORENSIC
SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2nd ed.
By Richard Saferstein
PRENTICE HALL
2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
2011, 2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
Upper River,
SaddleNJ
River,
NJ 07458
Upper Saddle
07458
8-*
Fingerprinting
Forensic Serology
Principle Three
A plain whorl and a central pocket loop have at least one
ridge that makes a complete circuit.
The double loop is made up of two loops combined into
one fingerprint.
An accidental either contains two or more patterns, or is
a pattern not covered by the other categories.
FORENSIC SCIENCE
An Introduction
FORENSIC
SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2nd ed.
By Richard Saferstein
PRENTICE HALL
2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
2011, 2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
Upper River,
SaddleNJ
River,
NJ 07458
Upper Saddle
07458
8-*
Fingerprinting
Forensic Serology
Principle Three
Arches, the least common of the three general patterns,
are divided into two distinct groups: plain arches and
tented arches.
The plain arch is formed by ridges entering from one side
of the print, rising and falling, and exiting on the opposite
side (like a wave).
The tented arch is similar to the plain arch except that
instead of rising smoothly at the center, there is a sharp
upthrust or spike, or the ridges meet at an angle that is less
than 90 degrees.
PRENTICE HALL Cont.
FORENSIC SCIENCE
An Introduction
FORENSIC
SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2nd ed.
By Richard Saferstein
2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
2011, 2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
Upper River,
SaddleNJ
River,
NJ 07458
Upper Saddle
07458
8-*
Fingerprinting
Forensic Serology
Principle Three
Arches do not have type lines, deltas, or cores.
FORENSIC SCIENCE
An Introduction
FORENSIC
SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2nd ed.
By Richard Saferstein
PRENTICE HALL
2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
2011, 2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
Upper River,
SaddleNJ
River,
NJ 07458
Upper Saddle
07458
8-*
Fingerprinting
Forensic Serology
Primary Classification
Fingerprint classification systems are based on
knowledge of fingerprint pattern classes.
First, fingers are paired up, placing one finger in the
numerator of a fraction and the other in the denominator.
The presence or absence of the whorl pattern is the
basis for the determination of the primary classification.
FORENSIC SCIENCE
An Introduction
FORENSIC
SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2nd ed.
By Richard Saferstein
PRENTICE HALL
2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
2011, 2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
Upper River,
SaddleNJ
River,
NJ 07458
Upper Saddle
07458
8-*
Fingerprinting
Forensic Serology
Primary Classification
If a whorl pattern is found on any finger of the first pair,
it is assigned a value of 16; on the second pair, an 8; on
the third pair, a 4; on the second pair, a 2; and on the last
pair, a 1.
Any finger having a loop or arch is assigned a 0.
FORENSIC SCIENCE
An Introduction
FORENSIC
SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2nd ed.
By Richard Saferstein
PRENTICE HALL
2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
2011, 2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
Upper River,
SaddleNJ
River,
NJ 07458
Upper Saddle
07458
8-*
Fingerprinting
Forensic Serology
Primary Classification
After values for all 10 fingers are obtained, they are totaled,
and a 1 is added to both the numerator and denominator.
The fraction thus obtained is the primary classification.
Approximately 25 percent of the population falls into the
1/1 category; that is, all their fingers have either loops or
arches.
FORENSIC SCIENCE
An Introduction
FORENSIC
SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2nd ed.
By Richard Saferstein
PRENTICE HALL
2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
2011, 2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
Upper River,
SaddleNJ
River,
NJ 07458
Upper Saddle
07458
8-*
Fingerprinting
Forensic Serology
Primary Classification
A fingerprint classification system cannot in itself
unequivocally identify an individual; it will merely provide
the fingerprint examiner with a number of candidates, all
of whom have an indistinguishable set of prints in the
systems file.
FORENSIC SCIENCE
An Introduction
FORENSIC
SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2nd ed.
By Richard Saferstein
PRENTICE HALL
2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
2011, 2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
Upper River,
SaddleNJ
River,
NJ 07458
Upper Saddle
07458
8-*
Fingerprinting
Forensic Serology
AFIS
The heart of AFIS technology is the ability of a computer to
scan and digitally encode fingerprints so that they can be
subject to high-speed computer processing.
AFIS aids in classifying and retrieving fingerprints by
converting the image of a fingerprint into digital minutiae
that contain data showing ridges at their points of
termination (ridge endings) and their branching into two
ridges (bifurcations).
FORENSIC SCIENCE
An Introduction
FORENSIC
SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2nd ed.
By Richard Saferstein
PRENTICE HALL
2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
2011, 2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
Upper River,
SaddleNJ
River,
NJ 07458
Upper Saddle
07458
8-*
Fingerprinting
Forensic Serology
AFIS
When the search is complete (a computer can make
thousands of comparisons per second), the computer
produces a list of file prints that must be examined by a
trained fingerprint expert.
FORENSIC SCIENCE
An Introduction
FORENSIC
SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2nd ed.
By Richard Saferstein
PRENTICE HALL
2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
2011, 2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
Upper River,
SaddleNJ
River,
NJ 07458
Upper Saddle
07458
8-*
Fingerprinting
Forensic Serology
Latent Prints
Once the finger touches a surface, body perspiration
and/or oils present on the finger ridges are transferred to
that surface, leaving an impression.
Prints deposited in this manner are invisible to the eye
and are commonly referred to as latent or invisible
fingerprints.
FORENSIC SCIENCE
An Introduction
FORENSIC
SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2nd ed.
By Richard Saferstein
PRENTICE HALL
2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
2011, 2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
Upper River,
SaddleNJ
River,
NJ 07458
Upper Saddle
07458
8-*
Fingerprinting
Forensic Serology
Visible Prints
Visible prints are made when fingers touch a surface after
the ridges have been in contact with a colored material such
as blood, paint, grease, or ink.
Inked
Courtesy of C.
Fanning
Crystal Violet
Courtesy of C. Fanning
FORENSIC SCIENCE
An Introduction
FORENSIC
SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2nd ed.
By Richard Saferstein
PRENTICE HALL
2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
2011, 2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
Upper River,
SaddleNJ
River,
NJ 07458
Upper Saddle
07458
8-*
Fingerprinting
Forensic Serology
Visible Prints
Plastic prints are ridge impressions left on a soft
material, such as putty, wax, soap, or dust.
Locating visible or plastic prints at the crime scene
normally presents little problem to the investigator,
because these prints are usually distinct and visible to
the eye.
FORENSIC SCIENCE
An Introduction
FORENSIC
SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2nd ed.
By Richard Saferstein
PRENTICE HALL
2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
2011, 2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
Upper River,
SaddleNJ
River,
NJ 07458
Upper Saddle
07458
8-*
Fingerprinting
Forensic Serology
Latent Prints
Latent prints deposited on hard and nonabsorbent surfaces
(e.g., glass, mirror, tile, and painted wood) are preferably
developed by the application of a powder; whereas prints on
porous surfaces (e.g., papers, cardboard, and cloth)
generally require treatment with a chemical.
Examiners use various chemical methods to visualize latent
prints on porous surfaces, such as iodine fuming, ninhydrin,
and Physical Developer.
FORENSIC SCIENCE
An Introduction
FORENSIC
SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2nd ed.
By Richard Saferstein
PRENTICE HALL
2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
2011, 2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
Upper River,
SaddleNJ
River,
NJ 07458
Upper Saddle
07458
8-*
Fingerprinting
Forensic Serology
Latent Prints
Super Glue fuming develops latent prints on nonporous
surfaces, such as metals, electrical tape, leather, and plastic
bags.
Development occurs when fumes from the glue adhere
to the print, usually producing a white latent print.
FORENSIC SCIENCE
An Introduction
FORENSIC
SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2nd ed.
By Richard Saferstein
PRENTICE HALL
2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
2011, 2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
Upper River,
SaddleNJ
River,
NJ 07458
Upper Saddle
07458
8-*
Fingerprinting
Forensic Serology
Detecting Prints
A devise called the Reflected Ultraviolet Imaging System
(RUVIS) can aid in the detecting of latent fingerprints,
without chemicals or powder.
Once located, the crime scene investigator can develop the
print in the most appropriate fashion.
Powders, available in a variety of colors, can be applied
with a brush or magnetic wand, and adhere to perspiration
and/or body oils of the print.
FORENSIC SCIENCE
An Introduction
FORENSIC
SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2nd ed.
By Richard Saferstein
PRENTICE HALL
2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
2011, 2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
Upper River,
SaddleNJ
River,
NJ 07458
Upper Saddle
07458
8-*
Fingerprinting
Forensic Serology
Detecting Prints
Iodine fuming involves heating iodine crystals that cause
vapors which combine with latent prints to make them
visible.
Iodine prints are not permanent and will fade, making
it necessary to photograph the prints immediately.
FORENSIC SCIENCE
An Introduction
FORENSIC
SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2nd ed.
By Richard Saferstein
PRENTICE HALL
2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
2011, 2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
Upper River,
SaddleNJ
River,
NJ 07458
Upper Saddle
07458
8-*
Fingerprinting
Forensic Serology
Detecting Prints
Ninhydrin reacts chemically with trace amounts of amino
acids present in latent prints to produce a purple-blue
color.
Physical Developer is a silver nitrate-based reagent used
to develop prints when other chemical methods are
ineffective.
Super Glue is approximately 98 to 99 percent
cyanoacrylate ester, a chemical that actually interacts with
and visualizes a latent fingerprint.
FORENSIC SCIENCE
An Introduction
FORENSIC
SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2nd ed.
By Richard Saferstein
PRENTICE HALL
2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
2011, 2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
Upper River,
SaddleNJ
River,
NJ 07458
Upper Saddle
07458
8-*
Fingerprinting
Forensic Serology
Detecting Prints
Super Glue fuming can be accomplished by using either a
fuming chamber (for up to six hours) or a handheld wand
that heats a small cartridge containing cyanoacrylate.
The high sensitivity of fluorescence serves as the
underlying principle of many of the new chemical
techniques used to visualize latent fingerprints.
FORENSIC SCIENCE
An Introduction
FORENSIC
SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2nd ed.
By Richard Saferstein
PRENTICE HALL
2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
2011, 2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
Upper River,
SaddleNJ
River,
NJ 07458
Upper Saddle
07458
8-*
Fingerprinting
Forensic Serology
Detecting Prints
Fingerprints are treated with chemicals that would induce
fluorescence when exposed to lasers, or high-intensity light
sources (alternate light sources) such as quartz halogen,
xenon arc, or indium arc light sources.
Once the latent print has been visualized, it must be
permanently preserved for future comparison and for
possible use as court evidence.
A photograph must be taken before any further attempts at
preservation are made.
FORENSIC SCIENCE
An Introduction
FORENSIC
SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2nd ed.
By Richard Saferstein
PRENTICE HALL
2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
2011, 2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
Upper River,
SaddleNJ
River,
NJ 07458
Upper Saddle
07458
8-*
Fingerprinting
Forensic Serology
Transporting Prints
If the object is small enough to be transported without
destroying the print, it should be preserved in its entirety.
Prints on large immovable objects that have been
developed with a powder can best be preserved by lifting
with a broad adhesive tape.
Then, the tape is placed on a properly labeled card that
provides a good background contrast with the powder.
FORENSIC SCIENCE
An Introduction
FORENSIC
SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2nd ed.
By Richard Saferstein
PRENTICE HALL
2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
2011, 2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
Upper River,
SaddleNJ
River,
NJ 07458
Upper Saddle
07458
8-*
Fingerprinting
Forensic Serology
Digital Imaging
Digital imaging is the process by which a picture is
converted into a digital computer file.
With the help of digital imaging software, fingerprints,
which are often not in perfect condition, can now be
enhanced for the most accurate and comprehensive
analysis.
An important and useful tool, especially for fingerprint
identification, is the compare function that places two
images side by side and allows the examiner to chart the
common features on both images simultaneously.
FORENSIC SCIENCE
An Introduction
FORENSIC
SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2nd ed.
By Richard Saferstein
PRENTICE HALL
2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
2011, 2008
Pearson
Education,
Inc.
Upper River,
SaddleNJ
River,
NJ 07458
Upper Saddle
07458
8-*
