1. FINGERPRINTING ANALYSIS

2. Please Consider in 5 sentences
Should everyone in the United States be fingerprinted? Explain your reasoning.

3. Prehistoric Fingerprinting
Ancient Babylonians
Fingerprints were used on clay tablets for business transactions
Ancient China
Thumbprints found in clay seals

4. A Chinese deed of sale, 1839, signed with a fingerprint

5. History of Fingerprinting
1858 – Sir William Herschel
An English Chief Magistrate in India
Had people record their fingerprints when signing business documents

6. History of Fingerprinting
Henry Faulds
Noticed fingerprints on
prehistoric pottery
Published an article in
“Nature” (world renouned science
journal saying fingerprints
could be used for identification
Wrote to his cousin, Charles
Darwin, asking for help with
developing a classification
system
Darwin forwarded the letter
to his cousin, Sir Francis Galton

7. History of Fingerprints
1880 Henry Faulds
Suggested possibility of using fingerprints left at crime scene
1882 Gilbert Thompson
First use of fingerprints in U.S
Henry Faulds
( )
Click on receipt to see larger image

8. History of Fingerprinting
1883 – Alphonse Bertillon
1st systematic attempt at personal identification
Anthropometry
Body height
Length of middle finger
Length of left foot
Length of outstretched reach of both arms
Width of head
Length of head

11. History of Fingerprinting
1892 – Sir Francis Galton
Published textbook Finger Prints
Outlined a fingerprint identification system
Suggested methods for recording fingerprints
Assigned three pattern types
Loops, Whorls, Arches
Demonstrated two fundamental principles underlying fingerprint identification system
Uniqueness
Permanence

12. History of Fingerprints
Uniqueness
Galton calculated that there was a possible existence of 64 billion different fingerprints
No two fingerprints have yet been found that are identical
Even identical twins have different fingerprints
Permanence
A fingerprint remains unchanged during an individual’s lifetime

13. History of Fingerprinting
1891 – Juan Vucetich
Developed a searchable filing system for fingerprints
Used in most Spanish-speaking countries
Made one of 1st criminal fingerprint identifications
1897 – Sir Edward Richard Henry
Developed another searchable filing system
Adopted by Scotland Yard, in England.

14. History of Fingerprinting
In 1903, Will West thought he was fooling the system at Leavenworth Penitentiary by stating that he was not already in the system at the Penitentiary for a previous crime.
The clerk decided to look up his Bertillon number anyway.
What was found was another man serving a life sentence for murder, already imprisoned in the Penitentiary, named William West
This flaw in the system would have never been noticed, had Will West not lied when entering the Penitentiary for a second time in 1903
Will West
William West

16. History of Fingerprinting
1904 – World’s Fair
US police officers received training from Scotland Yard representatives
1924 – FBI identification records
Federal Bureau of Investigations and Leavenworth Penitentiary merged and moved to Washington D.C.

17. What are Fingerprints?
Friction skin ridges found on the palm side of the fingers and thumbs
Also found on palms, toes, and soles of feet
Designed for firmer grasp and to prevent slippage

18. SOME PICTURES

19. What are Fingerprints? Human skin is composed of layers
Epidermis = outer skin
Dermis = inner skin
Dermal papillae = separates two layers
Determines pattern of ridges on skin’s surface
Develop in fetus and enlarge during growth

20. Dermal papillae separating the two layers of dermis

21. Ridge Characteristics
Minutiae
Details in a fingerprint
Identity, number, and location imparts individuality to a fingerprint
Used to make a point by point comparison by expert fingerprint examiners

22. Chapter 4
Fingerprint Minutiae
Kendall/Hunt

23. Ridgeology: The study of the uniqueness of friction ridge structures and their use for personal identification.
A fingerprint is made of a series of ridges and valleys on the surface of the finger. The uniqueness of a fingerprint can be determined by the pattern of ridges and valleys as well as the minutiae points ( ), which are points where the ridge structure changes.
The koala is one of the few mammals (other than primates) that has fingerprints. In fact, koala fingerprints are remarkably similar to human fingerprints; even with an electron microscope, it can be quite difficult to distinguish between the two.
Did you know?
1Introduction to Basic Ridgeology by David Ashbaugh, May Image from

24. Three Fundamental Principles of Fingerprinting
A fingerprint is an individual characteristic because no two fingers have yet been found to possess identical ridge characteristics (minutiae);
A fingerprint will remain unchanged during an individual’s lifetime; and
3. Fingerprints have general ridge characteristics that permit them to be systematically classified.

25. Ridge Characteristics
Chapter 4
Ridge Characteristics
Minutiae—characteristics of ridge patterns
Ridge ending
Island or
short ridge
Bridge
Eye or enclosure
Delta
Bifurcation or fork
Dot
Spur
Double bifurcation
Trifurcation
Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company
Kendall/Hunt

26. Ridge Characteristics
Categories of minutiae
Ridge ending: a ridge that ends abruptly
Bifurcation: a single ridge that divides into two
Lake/enclosure: a bifurcation that reunites
Short ridge/Island: a ridge that commences, travels a short distance, then ends
Dot: a ridge with equal length and width
Spur: a bifurcation with a short ridge branching off a longer ridge
Crossover/Bridge: a short ridge that runs between two parallel ridges

27. Ridge Characteristics

28. Ridge Characteristics

29. Ridge Characteristics
A fingerprint may contain up to 150 individual ridge characteristics
Crime scene prints usually have only a small number of ridges that are actually recoverable
To make a match an examiner has to determine that two prints have the same ridge characteristics in the same location to one another
Around 8-16 points of similarity are needed to determine a match

30. Chapter 4
Comparison
There are no legal requirements in the United States on the number of points required for a match. Generally, criminal courts will accept 8 to 12 points of similarity.
Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company
Kendall/Hunt

31. Fingerprint Identification Points
A single fingerprint may contain as many as 100 or more minutiae that can be used for identification purposes.
Debate continues over how many details must be the same to declare two fingerprints a match.

32. Examples of Ridge Characteristics
Crossover
Core
What’s
this?
Bifurcation (fork)
Ridge ending
Scar
Island
Delta
Pore

33. How many ridge characteristics can you identify in this fingerprint?
Note: Usually fingerprints from a crime scene are partials and only a small # of ridges are actually recovered from the scene. 2
Bifurcation
(Fork )
island 1 3
core 4
island
Short ridge 5
There are as many as 150 minutiae (ridge characteristics) on the average finger.
Bifurcation
(Fork ) 6

34. Do these print match?

35. Ridge Characteristics
When comparing prints, 8 to 16 identical ridge characteristics are usually needed to say that a match has occurred
The fingerprint expert uses his judgment to determine whether or not two ridges match.
In a judicial proceeding, an expert must demonstrate a point-by-point comparison in order to prove the identity of an individual.
No statistical studies have been done to determine how many ridge comparisons are necessary

36. 2nd Principle: A fingerprint will remain unchanged during an individual’s lifetime
Epidermis: outer layer
Dermis: inner layer
Dermal papillae:
layer between epidermis and dermis
Responsible for fingerprints (the form + pattern of ridges)
Each ridge has pores leading to sweat glands from which perspiration is deposited on the skin
Perspiration along with oils is transferred leaving a latent fingerprint
Develop in fetus
Remain unchanged except to enlarge during growth

37. 2nd Principle: A fingerprint will remain unchanged during an individual’s lifetime
A positive identification of John Dillinger from his fingerprints, even though he had mutilated them
Dillinger tried to remove his fingerprints by using a corrosive acid. He had the outer layer of skin (epidermis) removed by acid and had plastic surgery performed on his face to conceal his identity.

38. Ridge Patterns Three classes Loops 60-65% of all fingerprints Whorls
Arches
5% of all fingerprints

39. 3rd Principle:Fingerprints have general ridge patterns that permit them to be systematically classified.
All fingerprints are divided into three classes on the basis of their general pattern:
loops, arches and whorls (LAW).

40. Loops
One or more ridges enters from one side of the print, re-curves, and exits from the same side
Ulnar loop: opens toward the little finger
Radial loop: opens toward the thumb
Right Hand Ulnar Loop
Right Hand Radial Loop

41. Loops
All loops must have ONE delta/triradius surrounded by type lines and a core
Core
Type lines
Delta

42. Ulnar vs. Radial Loop

43. Radial Loop (points to thumb side) (assumes right hand)
One Delta and One Core

44. Ulnar Loop (points to little finger) (assumes right hand)
One Delta and One Core

45. Whorls Ridges are generally circular
All whorl patterns have type lines and AT LEAST TWO deltas

46. Whorls 4 distinct groups Plain whorl
At least 1 ridge makes a complete circuit
Imaginary line between deltas touches spiral ridge
Central pocket loop whorl
Imaginary line between deltas does not touch spiral ridge
Double loop whorl
Made of 2 loops combined together
Accidental whorl
Contains 2 or more patterns or doesn’t fit anywhere else

47. Whorls (30-35 % of fingerprints)
At least Two Deltas and One Core
Whorls have at least one ridge that makes (or tends to make) a complete circuit. If a print has more than two deltas, it is most likely an accidental.

48. Plain Whorl
At least Two Deltas and One Core

49. Central Pocket Loop Whorl
At least Two Deltas and One Core

50. Plain Whorl vs. Central Pocket Loop Whorl
Central Pocket Whorl
Draw a line between the two deltas in the plain and central pocket whorls. If some of the curved ridges touch the line, it is a plain whorl. If none of the center core touches the line, it is a central pocket loop whorl.

51. Double Loop Whorl
At least Two Deltas and One Core

52. Accidental Whorl
Accidental whorl either contains 2 or more patterns (not including the plain arch) or is a pattern not covered by other categories.
An accidental may consist of a combination loop and plain whorl or loop and tented arch. Which is this?
loop and tented arch

53. Arches
Ridge enters from one side of the print, rises in the center and exits on the other side
DO NOT have
Type lines
Deltas
Cores

54. Arches 2 Distinct groups Plain arch
Ridges rise in the center in a wave-like pattern
Tented arch
Ridges rise in the center with a sharp spike

55. Arches (5 % of fingerprints)
No Delta
An Arch fingerprint has ridges that enter from one side, rise to a slight bump and exit out the opposite side from which they entered.

56. Plain Arch
No Delta

57. Tented Arch
No Delta
The tented arch is similar to the plain arch EXCEPT that instead of rising smoothly at the center, there is a sharp spike, or the ridges meet at an angle that is less than 90 degrees.

58. Primary Classification
Chapter 4
Primary Classification
The Henry-FBI Classification System
Each finger is given a point value.
right
left
Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company
Kendall/Hunt

59. Primary Classification, continued
Chapter 4
Primary Classification, continued
Assign the number of points for each finger that has a whorl and substitute into the equation:
right right left left left
index ring thumb middle little + 1 =
right right right left left
thumb middle little index ring + 1
That number is your primary classification number.
Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company
Kendall/Hunt

60. FBI System of Classification
Modification of the Henry system
Pair up fingers
R. Index R. Ring L. Thumb L. Middle L. Little
R. Thumb R. Middle R. Little L. Index L. Ring
Based on presence or absence or whorl pattern
1st pair: 16 points
2nd pair: 8 points
3rd pair: 4 points
4th pair: 2 points
5th pair: 1 point

61. FBI System of Classification
Total the values
Add 1 to the numerator and denominator
Fraction is what you use to classify the prints
Provides examiner with list of candidates in system to look at more closely
Can help narrow down suspect list
Final identification of an individual is based on comparison of minutia by examiner
Only useful when a full set of prints are available

62. Quick Tips on “LAW” Loops have 1 DELTA Whorls have 2 or more DELTAS
Arches have NO DELTAS
Loops have 1 DELTA
Whorls have 2 or more DELTAS

63. Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS)
Prints are scanned and encoded by computers
Digitally stores position and orientation of minutia for each print
Produces a list of file prints with the closest correlation to a question print for the examiner to compare
Still manually search known suspects in each case

64. Methods of Detecting Fingerprints
3 kinds of crime scene prints
Latent
Visible
Plastic

65. Latent Prints
Each skin ridge contains a single row of pores – openings for ducts of sweat glands
Tops of fingerprint ridges get covered with sweat and oil
When a finger touches an item, sweat and oil are deposited onto the surface
This leaves an impression of the finger’s ridge pattern (fingerprint)
Invisible to the eye

66. Visible and Plastic Prints
Visible prints
Made by fingers coated in a colored material such s blood, paint, grease, or ink touching a surface
Plastic prints
Made when a finger leaves an impression in a soft material such as putty, wax, or dust

67. Methods of Detecting Fingerprints
Method used depends on surface type print is located on
Hard nonabsorbent surfaces
Examples: glass, mirror, tile
Powder or Super Glue treatment
Soft and porous surfaces
Examples: Paper, cardboard, cloth
Chemical treatment
Iodine Fuming
Ninhydrin
Physical Developer
Super Glue treatment

68. Methods of Detecting Fingerprints
Powders
Adheres to perspiration residues and body oil deposits
Applied with camel hair or fiberglass brush
Select color powder with best contrast
Magnetic Sensitive Powders
No bristles means less chance of destroying print
Useful on leather and rough plastics
Fluorescent Powders
Fluoresce under UV light
Useful on confusing or multi-colored backgrounds

69. Methods of Detecting Fingerprints
Iodine Fuming
Solid crystal of iodine is sublimated with heat
Sublimation = physical change from the solid directly to the gaseous state
Suspect material is placed in an enclosed chamber filled with iodine vapors
Iodine vapors react with fatty oils in print to form a brown deposit
Not permanent
Photograph developed print
Fix developed print with 1% starch solution

70. Methods of Detecting Fingerprints
Ninhydrin
Ninhydrin powder is mixed with acetone or ethanol to form a spray
Reacts with amino acids present in perspiration to form a purple deposit known as Ruhemann’s purple
Prints can develop within 1-2 hours but can take up to 10 days
Development of prints is sped up if heated
Very sensitive
Used to get prints off paper as old as 15 years b

71. Methods of Detecting Fingerprints
Physical Developer
Silver-nitrate based liquid reagent
ONLY method that is useful in developing prints on items that were once wet
Reacts with sodium chloride in fingerprint residue to produces a dark grey deposit
Destroys proteins so used last after all other chemical tests

72. Methods of Detecting Fingerprints
Super Glue Fuming
Heating superglue forms cyanoacrylate ester fumes
Suspect material is placed in an enclosed chamber filled with cyanoacrylate fumes
Fumes react with fats in fingerprint residue producing a hard, white deposit
Developed prints may be dusted with powders

73. Methods of Detection Review
Powders
Iodine
Ninhydrine
Physical Developer
Super Glue
What Reacts With
Perspiration and oil
Fats
Amino Acids
Sodium Chloride
Surface
Nonporous
Porous
Porous and Nonporous
Notes
Not permanent
Very sensitive
Use Last OR Use if item was wet

74. Preservation of Developed Prints
Prints must be permanently preserved for:
future comparison
possible use in court as evidence
Steps to preservation
Photograph prints
Small objects: cover with cellophane
Large objects: lift prints with tape and secure to cardboard backing