Fingerprint Identification
- 7. FORMS OF IDENTIFICATIONFacial CharacteristicsVoice RecognitionDNA / Genetic ProfileOsteology (bones) Odontology (teeth)
- 9. WHY FINGERPRINTS?Fingerprint evidence is the most positive investigative means for identifying people.Fingerprints form on a person before birth and remain unchanged until the body decomposes after death.Every fingerprint is unique!
- 10. WHAT IS A FINGERPRINT?A fingerprint is a pattern of friction ridge details, that are comprised of ridges and valleys.A Ridge – is a high.A Valley – is a depression or low.Friction ridges are also found on our palms, feet and toes.
- 11. ValleyRidge
- 12. THE PATTERNThe pattern is the unique characteristics of the ridges and valleys that make up the print. It is defined by the spatial relationship of lines with each other, their beginning and terminating points, and the unique pattern they make. The genes from our parents determine the general characteristics of the patterns.
- 13. FINGERPRINT IDENTIFICATION1. What are fingerprints?Recorded impressions of the friction ridges located on the surface of the finger.2. What is the purpose of fingerprint identification?To establish the identity or non-identity of two sets of fingerprints.
- 14. FINGERPRINT IDENTIFICATION3. What are fingerprint characteristics? These are also known as ridge detail, points of identification, or identifying characteristics.Ending RidgesBifurcationsDotsEnclosuresShort Ridges
- 15. FINGERPRINT IDENTIFICATION4. How are fingerprints compared?Fingerprints are compared by noting the ridge characteristics on two prints to determine whether or not they match.An identification is established when a number of these characteristics occupy the same relative position on the two prints.
- 16. FINGERPRINT IDENTIFICATION How many points of identification (characteristics) are sufficient to establish an identification?A. No set standard number required.B. Left to each individual fingerprint examiner.C. Deciding factors:1. Clarity of impressions2. Uniqueness of formationsFingerprint examiners experience and ability
- 17. POINTS OF IDENTIFICATIONUnited States No Set NumbeEngland 16France 17 Germany 12
- 18. FINGERPRINT IDENTIFICATION Be extremely cautious!The integrity of the identification process depends on the fingerprint examiner devoting his or her attention to comparison work at all times.Always be certain that the fingerprints have been printed in the proper finger blocks.Be absolutely certain of your decisionNOTE: As many as 150 ridge characteristic can be noted in the average fingerprint.
- 19. Ending RidgeEnclosureTrifurcation“T” JunctionRidge CrossingBifurcationShort RidgeRow of DotsDotRIDGE CHARACTERISTICS COMMONOCCASIONALRARE
- 21. 1111029384576RIDGE CHARACTERISTICS MAGNIFIEDPoints 1, 2, 4, 5 are Ending RidgesPoints 3 and 9 are DotsPoints 8, 10, 11 are BifurcationsPoint 6 is an Enclosure (ISLAND)Point 7 Short Ridge
- 23. HOW TO COMPARE FINGERPRINTSBy noting the ridge characteristics in two fingerprint impressions to determine whether or not they match.
- 24. An identification is established when a number of characteristics occupy the same relative position in the two fingerprint impressions.
- 25. First observation should be the pattern type.Loops - 65%Whorls - 30%Arches – 5%
- 26. HOW TO COMPARE FINGERPRINTSSecond observation should be to examine the line of flow.Right LeftThird observation should be fingerprint characteristics. Looking for the most obvious point(s) of identification (i.e., what captures your eye first).HOW TO COMPARE FINGERPRINTSFourthobservation is to ensure the characteristics are in the same relative position. Count from one characteristic to another. Look for characteristics that are alike. Remember that inking, pressure,occupation,failure to roll fingerprints nail to nail and scars can change the appearance of characteristics.
- 27. HOW TO COMPARE FINGERPRINTSFifth observation is to ensure that the fingerprints are in sequential order by checking the plain impressions with the rolled impressions.
- 28. Never non-identfingerprints using onlyone finger. This will help eliminate errors.
- 29. Flat or Plain impressions taken simultaneously give a true or better reading of how the ridges actually appear.Not Fully Inked or Rolled
- 33. FINGERPRINT COMPARISONPlain or Flat Impressions
- 38. “THINGS TO REMEMBER”Look for theobviouscharacteristicsUtilize theentirefingerprintNever base your decision on ascarNever non-ident byonefinger onlyEnsuresequenceis correctUnablewhen not 100% positive of decisionUtilize existingenhancementtoolsTakesufficient time to processAvoiddistractions& beware ofcomplacencyMaintaingoodwork habits
- 39. QUESTIONS?