SPO2 BRINGINO, RC BICOL COLLEGE

BICOL COLLEGE
College of Criminology
SUBJECT – CRIMINALISTICS

PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION

Ancient and modern methods of personal identification;

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF FINGERPRINTS

A. Ancient Records Concerning the Use of Finger and Palm Prints:

On the face of a cliff in NOVA SCOTIA, there has been found prehistoric Indian picture
writing of a hand with crudely marked ridge patterns.
Scholars refer to the impression of fingerprints on clay tablets recoding business
transactions in ancient Babylon and day seals of ancient Chinese origin bearing thumbprints.
Some of these seals can be seen in the SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, WASHINGTON, D.C.
Chinese documents identified with the Tang Dynasty (618-907) refer to fingerprint being
impressed upon business contracts. It is conjectural as to what extent these earlier Instances
of fingerprinting were intended for actual identification of the persons Impressing the prints.
History shows that Emperor Te In SM was the first on to use fingerprint in China.
In the Bible, Apostle Paul concludes in one of his epistles with the words, “The
Salvation of Paul with my own hand, which is the token in every epistle, so 1 write
“Some have inferred from these words that Paul used his finger impressions as a distinctive
signature.
In Judea, Paul, the Apostle, used his own fingerprints to sign his letters (II
Thessalonians 3:17 “I, Paul, greet you with my own hand. This is the mark in every letter.
Thus I write.”). Other significant quotations are found in Job 37:7 — “He sealed up the hand of
all men, that every one may know his works.” Revelations 13:16 — “It will cause all, the small
arid the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free and the bond, to have mark on their
right hand or on foreheads.”
In Jerusalem, fingerprint relics were found in clay lumps during the 4th and 5th
centuries of the Christian Era. The excavation of Palestine by the late Dr. Bade yielded
fragments of such specimens (fingerprints).
In Persia, 14th century, various government papers were reportedly impressed with
fingerprints, and a government official who was also a physician made the observation that no
fingerprints of two persons were exactly alike.
In Holland and China, identification of individuals was by means of branding,
tattooing, mutilation, and also manifested by wearing clothes of different designs.
In Old Mexico, the Aztecs impressed their hands accidentally or intentionally on the
molded and still soft clays of their hand-made idols to serve as their trade marks. The
authorities stamped their hands on the death warrants for the men and women who offered
their lives to sacrifice for their idol- gods.
In France, numerous rock carvings and paintings featuring hand designs and
fingerprints have been found on the granite wall slabs in the Neolithic burial passage of the
L’lle de Gavr’nis. Other specimens were also found in the Spanish Pyrunees caverns, the
numerous digital relics left by Indiana at Keuimkooji Lake In cliff dwellings in Nova Scotia, in
the Balearic Islands, Australls, New England coasts and in Africa.

In Babylonia, the first use of fingerprints for personal identification originated when
Babylonian gistrates ordered their officers in making arrests and property confiscation to
secure the defendants’ fingerprints.
Kom Ombo Plain, on the east bank of river Nile, Egypt, lump of hundred much found in
Sebekian deposit which shows a portion of an adult palm during 12,000 B.C.
In China, fingerprint i called “Hua Chi”. The value of fingerprints for purposes of
identification was found on a Chinese clay seal made not later than the 3d century B.C.
During the Tang Dynasty, fingerprints were used in connection with the preparation of
legal documents. Kia Yung-yen, an author during this time stated that, “Wooden tablets were
engraved with the full terms of the contract, and notches were cut in the sides where they were
identical so that the tablets could later be matched or tallied, thus proving them genuine.”
The code of domestic relations as described in the Chinese Law Book of Yang Hwui states:
“To divorce a wife, the husband must write a bill of divorcement and state the reasons or
grounds that are due for action, and then impress his palmprint thereon.” For contracts,
SPO2 BRINGINO, RC BICOL COLLEGE
ñngerprints were also used as signatures of those who were illiterates, who could neither read
nor write. This was under the subject of “Land Tenure.”
Early in the 12th Century, in the novel, “The Story of the River Bank,” fingerprinting
found self already in the criminal procedure of China; and In the 16th century, a custom
prevailed in connection with the sale of children.
In Japan, deeds, dotes, and certificates to be used as proofs were sealed by the mark of
the hand (Palm-print) called “Tegata.” In the treatment of criminals, the imprint of the thumb
(bo-in or boan) was taken. The criminal signed only by thumb-print with regard to his sentence
and it was considered as an inferior sort .of signature.
In Constantinople, in a treaty of ratification, the sultan soaked his hand in a sheep’s
blood and impressed it on the document as his seal.
In England, Thomas Bewick, an English engraver, author, and naturalist engraved the
patterns D his own fingers on every wood-work he had finished to serve as his mark so as to
establish its genuineness.

B. Early Publication Concerning Fingerprints

1684-Nehemiah Grew published a report which was read before the royal society of
London, England. He described the ridges and pores of the hands and feet.
1685-G. Bidloo published a treaty describing sweat pores and ridges.
1685-Midle wrote a book, “Human Anatomy,”. in which he included a drawing of the
thumb print showing the ridge configuration of the whorl pattern.
1686-Professor Marcelo Malpighi, an Italian anatomist (GRANDFATHER OF
DACTYLOSCOPY according to Dr. Edmond Locard — “Father of Poroscopy”), commented in
his writings on elevated ridges on the fingertips and alluded to diverse figures on pal mar
surfaces.
1751-Hintzo wrote on the ridge formation, but dealt with the subject from the viewpoint of
anatomy rather than identification.
1764-Albinus followed along the same lines as Hinizo had written.
1788-3.J,C.A. Mayer stated in his book (Anatomische Kupfertafein Nebst Dazu
Geharigen) that although the arrangement of the skin ridges Is never duplicated in two
persons, nevertheless, the similarities are closer among some Individuals..
1823-JohannesEvangelist Purkinje, (FATHER OF DACTYLOCOSPY) a Czechoslovakian
professor of anatomy at the University of Breslau, published a thesis in Latin (Commentlo de
Examine Physiogico Organi Visus Et systematis Cutansi — A Commentary of the Physiological
Examination System: Dec. 22, 1823, Breslau, Germany) describing the ridges, giving them
names and established certain rules for classification (nine groups). He involves vague
differentiation of fingerprints or use them for identification.
1856-Herman Welcker took the prints of his own palm. In 1897, (forty one years later)
he printed the same palm to prove that the prints do not change. (Principle of Permanency).
1883-Kollman, an anthropologist..who wrote his book on ridges and pores. He did not
associate fingerprints with identification.

C. Fingerprints as Method of Identification

1858-Sir William J Herschel (FATHER OF CHIROSCOPY), in1oogly, district of Bengal,
India, he used fingerprints in India to prevent fraudulent collection of army pay account and
for identification of other documents.
He printed the palms of natives in order to avoid impersonation among laborers. Prints of
the entire palms were used instead of signatures. The first person Herschel printed appears to
have been one RAJYADHAR KONAI.
1880-Dr. Henry Faulds, an English (Scottish) doctor stationed in Tokyo, Japan, wrote a
letter to the English publication, “NATURE” — “On the Skin Furrows of the Hand”, (dtd Oct. 28,
1880) on the practical use of fingerprints for the identification of criminals. He recommended
the use of a thin film of printers ink as a transfer medium and is generally used today.

1880-Sir Francis Galton, a noted British anthropologist and a cousin of scientist

Charles Darwin began observation which led to the publication in 1882 of his book
“Fingerprints.” Galton’s studies established the individuality of classifying fingerprint patterns.
1882-Gilbert Thompson, a U.S. geological surveyor in charge of a field project in New
Mexico used his own fingerprints in commissary orders to prevent forgery.
SPO2 BRINGINO, RC BICOL COLLEGE
Isaiah West Taber — A photographer In San Francisco advocated the use of the system for the
registration of the Immigrant Chinese.
1883-An episode In Mark Twain’s life on the Mississippi relates to the identification of a
murderer by his thumbprint.
Twain (Samuel L Clemens) further developed his theme. Eleven (11) years later, he
causes the publication of “Puddin Head Wilson”, a novel based on dramatic fingerprint
identification demonstrated during a court trial. His story pointed out the infallibility of
fingerprint identification.
-Sir 1888Edward Richard Henry, succeeded Sir William). Herschel at his post in India.
He became interested in fingerprints and devised a classification of his own and published his
work in book form and titled it “Classification and Uses of Fingerprints.”

1889-Sir Richard Henry at Dove, England read a paper detailing his system before the
British association for Advancement of Science.
1891-Juan Vucetich, an Argentinean police official, installed fingerprints files as an
official means of criminal identification; based his system of the pattern typed by Sir Francis
Galton; and he also claimed the first official criminal identification by means of fingerprints left
at the scene of crime.
In 1892, at La Piata, Argentina, a woman named Rojas who had murdered her two Sons
and had cut her own throat, though not fatal, blamed the attack on a neighbor. Bloody
fingerprints on a door post were identified by Vucetich as those of the woman herself which led
to her confession.
1892-Sir Francis Galton, an English Biologist, wrote his first textbook. He devised a
practical system of classification and filing.
1894-Sir Francis Galton’s report on fingerprint as a method of identification, along with
his system, was read at Asquith Committee of London, England. His system was officially
adopted on February 12, 1894.
1900-Alphonse Bertillon’s system of body measurement had by this time spread
throughout the world.
1901-Sir Edward Richard Henry was appointed assistant commissioner at Scotland
Yard.
His system was so applicable that Henry emerged as the “Father of Fingerprints,” at least as
the first man to successfully apply fingerprints for identification.
1901- marked the official introduction of fingerprinting for criminal identification in
England and Wales.
The system employed was developed from Galton’s observation arid devised by Edward
Richard Henry, the Inspector-General of Police in Bengal, India. He later became commissioner
of London’s Metropolitan Police.
1914-Fingerprints were officially adopted in France, replacing Bertillonage

D. Official Use of fingerprint in the United States of America

1882-Gilbert Thompson of the Us Geodetic survey used thumb print for camp orders on
an expedition to New Mexico. This was not official but it was proven useful (the record was
dated Aug. 8,1882).
1902-Sir Henry P. Forest, chief Medical examiner of New York Civil Service Commission
and an American preacher in fingerprint science in the US for the New York CMI Service
commission to prevent applicants from having better-qualified persons to take the test for
them.
The New York Civil Service Commission, on Dec. 19, 1902 required all civil service applicants
to be fingerprinted. Dr. Henry P. Forest, put the system into practice.
1903-New York State Prison in Albany claims the first practical, systematic use of
fingerprints in the US to identify criminals. Captain James Parke of the institution installed the
identification system where the fingerprints of prisoners were taken and classified and the
fingerprint system was officially adopted in June of the year.
Today, New York State uses the American system that is similar to the Henry System and
represents the system initiated by Capt. Parke in 1903.
1904-Maj. R. Mccloughry, the warden of the Federal Penitentiary of Leavenworth when
the office of the Atty. General of the U.S. granted permission to establish a fingerprint bureau
therein. It was the first national government use of fingerprints.
Mary K. Holland — the first American Instructress in Dactyloscopy.
SPO2 BRINGINO, RC BICOL COLLEGE
1924-The Identification Division of the FBI was established after Edgar Hoover was
appointed Director.

E. Evolution of Fingerprint
1903-Fingerprints identification was adopted in the following penitentiaries:
A. Singing Sing
B. Napanoch
C. Auborn
D. Clinton

1904-John Kenneth Ferrer (Perrier) of the Fingerprint Branch of the New Scotland Yard,
attended the St. Louis Missouri Worlds Fair. He had been assigned to guard the British Crown
Jewels. American police officials became interested in fingerprint through him and he became
their instructor.
1904-The City of St. Louis Missouri, became the first city to adopt fingerprint. The police
department officials adopted the system on October 29, 1904.
1905-Fingerpritning was officially adopted by the U.S. Army. It was known as the first
military use of fingerprint.
1907-Fingerprinting was officially adopted by the U.S. Navy (January 11, 1907).
1908-Fingerprinting was officially adopted by the U.S. Marine Corps.
1910-Frederick A. Braytey published what appears to be the first American book in
fingerprints.
1911-The State of Illinois, made the first criminal conviction based solely upon fingerprint
evidence. It was known as the first judicial ruling on such evidence, (People vs Jennings, 252
Illinois 543-96 NE 1007, 43 LRA (NS) 1206 for 1991).
1915-The International Association for Criminal Identification was founded. The word
“criminal” was later dropped from the Association’s name. It is the first organized body of
professional identification experts.
1916-The Institution of Applied Science established at Chicago, Illinois was the first
school to teach fingerprint identification (June 16, 1916).
1916-Frederick Kuhne published a book entitled “The Fingerprint Instructor,” which
probably the first authoritative book in fingerprint to be circulated in the U.S. Munn and Co.,
served as the publisher.
1919-Marked the publication of “Fingerprint and Identification Magazine” (Chicago).
The first monthly journal devoted exclusively to fingerprint science, (July 1919).
1920-The Exceptional Arch, a new pattern, was adapted to Henry’s system by American
experts. The pattern was added after the study made by the assembly members at annual
convention of the International Association for Identification in 1920.
1922-Haken Jersengen, the sub-director of police in Copenhagen, Denmark introduced first
a long distance identification to U.S. at a police conference here. The method was adopted and
published in a magazine entitled “Publications” of the International Police Conference, (New
York City Police Department, 1932).
1924-The book entitled “Single Fingerprint System” by T.K. Larson, was first published
in U.S., (Berkley, Police Monograph Series) D. Application and Co., New York City.
1924-The First National Bureau of Identification was created by the act of Congress. The
bureau was established within the U.S. DOJ (Washington DC).
1925-Harry J. Myers II installed the first official fact fingerprint system for infants in
Jewish Maternity Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
1925-The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania used compulsory foot and fingerprinting of
new born infants and mothers which was enacted into law by Act of General Assembly as
approved on April 20, 1925.
1932-The International Exchange of Fingerprint date was initiated with a number of
other nations on February 15, 1932.
1933-The Bureau of Identification, U.S. Department of Justice, adopted the single
fingerprint identification system. The first national use of single print for identification
purposes for certain crimes only, (Feb. 1933).

1933-Latent fingerprints section, for making technical examination of latent prints or have
inked prints on an individual basis was instituted on November 10, 1933. The Civil
Identification on Section was established
SPO2 BRINGINO, RC BICOL COLLEGE
1937-The Institute of Applied Science installed Photographic and Firearms Identification
(Forensic Ballistics) laboratories. The institute was the first private school in U.S. which
installed laboratories for instructional purposes only.

1938-A book by Harry J. Myers II, “History of Identification of fingerprints in U.S.”

was published in Fingerprint and Identification Magazine (Chicago, Illinois, Vol. 20, no. 4, Oct.
1938).

1946-the 100TH millionth fingerprint card was received in the identification division of
the FBL The total grew to 152 million in May 11, 1959.

1967-”Minutiae” was initiated by the FBI, a computerized scanning equipment to read

and record fingerprint identifying characteristics.

1972-the prototype automatic fingerprint reader was delivered.

1973-implementation of the first phase of the automated Identification System (MS-i),

which was to establish the database consisting of the name, description, and criminal record of
alt first offenders with birthdates of 1956.

1978-Journal of Forensic Science — reported that certain properties of perspiration and

body oils contained in latent print residue will luminesce without pre-treatment and to a degree
that photographs could be taken when activated by continuous Argon-ION Laser. Hence, the
FBI’s Latent Print Detection System was put into use.

1979-AIS-2 replaced AIS-1. This phase involved the automated searching by name and
other descriptor information of incoming fingerprint cards against the database.

1979 (Oct. 17, 1979)-A latent fingerprint was developed and lifted from the hand of a
victim in Miami, florida murder resulting in identifying the suspect. This was the first known
case where a fingerprint from a human skin was used in the identification, prosecution and
conviction of a perpetrator of a crime.

1982-Missing Children Act was signed into law which requires the Attorney General to
acquire, collect, classify, and preserve any information which would assist In the location of
any missing person (including an unemancipated person as defined by the laws of the place of
residence of such person) or assist in the identification of any deceased individual who have
not been identified.

1983- Completion of the conversion of the FBI criminal fingerprint searching from
manual to automated searching. Also, AIS records became available by mail upon request of
the National Crime Information Center’s (NCIC’s) interstate identification index (III) — an
interstate record exchange.

1984-AIS records became available “ON-LINE’ through the NCIC program. Records from
the NCIC and AIS, and participating state and local telecommunication networks became
available w/in seconds to authorized criminal justice agencies.

1985 (Jan. 2) — a contract was awarded for building the final phase of the Identification
Division Automated System (IDAS).

1989-IDAS was implemented. Its features are: integrated document transport

equipment; on-line automated technical fingerprint search; and simplified processing flow. All,
for expeditious response time of fingerprint cards.

E. Fingerprints in the Philippines

1900-Mr. Jones was the first to teach fingerprints in the Philippines in the Phil.
Constabulary.

1918-The Bureau of Prisons records show that carpetas (commitment and conviction
records) already bear fingerprints.
SPO2 BRINGINO, RC BICOL COLLEGE
Under the management of Lt. Asa N. Darby during the American occupation in the
Philippines, a modern and complete fingerprint file has been established for the Philippine
commonwealth.

1937-The first Filipino fingerprint technician employed by the Phil. Constabulary

was Mr. Generoso Reyes. Capt. Thomas Dugan of New York City Police Department and Mr.
Flaviano C. Gurrero of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) gave the first examinations in
fingerprints.

1933-The first conviction based on fingerprints was handed by the Supreme Court of
the Phil. in the case People vs. Medina and this case is considered the leading judicial
decision in the Philippine jurisprudence concerning fingerprinting (December 23).

The science of fingerprinting was first offered as a subject in the Philippines through the
effort of the Plaridel Educational Institution.

Dactyloscopy- is the art of identification by comparison of fingerprints. It is the study and

utilization of fingerprints.

A. Purpose of the Study of Fingerprint - To give basic knowledge of fingerprint, its use and
application.

B. Basic Principles of Fingerprint Science (3 dogmatic Principles)

1. Principle of Individuality (Variation) — there are no two fingerprints that are exactly alike
unless taken from the same finger.
2. Principle of Permanency (Constancy/ Perennial/immutable) — The configuration and
details of individual ridges remain constant and unchanging till after the final decomposition of
the body.
3. Principle of Infallibility — That fingerprint is a reliable means of personal identification and
all courts accept and adopt fingerprint as a means of personal identification.

C. Two Main Layers of the Skin:

1. Outer scarf or Epidermis
2. Inner Scarf or Dermis
Note:
• Stratum Malpighi or the layer of the Malpighi — Stated differently, the ridges are formed into
patterns by virtue of the fact that the epidermis is penetrated and molded by the dermal
papillae.
• Damage to the epidermis alone does not result to permanent ridge c1estruction, whereas
damage to the dermis will result to permanent ridge destruction.
• We can identify many fingerprints which we cannot classify.

D. Uses of Fingerprints:
Some of the uses of fingerprinting include:
1. Identification of criminals whose fingerprints are found at the scene of the crime;
2. Identification of fugitive through a comparison of fingerprints;
3. Assistance to prosecutors in presenting their cases in the light of defendants’ previous
records;
4. Imposition of more equitable sentence by the courts;
5. Furnishing identification data to probation and parole officers and to parole boards for their
enlightenment in decision making;
6. Exchanging of criminal-identifying information with identification bureaus of foreign
countries in cases of mutual interest;
7. Means of personal identification;
8. Recognition by the government of honored dead;
9. Identification of unknown deceased;
10. Prevention of hospital mistakes in the Identification of infants;
11. Identification of persons suffering from amnesia where fingerprints are on file;
12. Identification of missing person;
13. Personal identification of victims of disaster works;
14. Identification of unconscious persons; and
SPO2 BRINGINO, RC BICOL COLLEGE
15. Licensing procedures for automobile, firearms, aircraft and other equipment.

IV. LEGAL ASPECTS OF FINGERPRINTING

A. Legality of Fingerprinting:
In 1911, an Illinois court, in the case of the People v. Jennings (252 III. 534, 96NE 1077
(1911)) pass upon the admissibility of fingerprint evidence.
In that case, fingerprint evidence was admitted as a means of identification may give their
opinions as to whether the fingerprints found at the scene of the crime correspond with those
of the accused. The court’s conclusion were based on a comparison of the photographs of such
prints with the impressions made by the accused, there being no question as to the accuracy
or authenticity of the photographs. It was stated that the weight to be given to the testimony of
experts in the fingerprint identification is a question for the jury.

In the Philippines, several decided cases could be cited where fingerprint evidence was
admitted, considered and appreciated by the appellate courts with even lesser number of ridge
similarities. In the BILANGAWA Vs. AMADOR case, (Court of Appeals No. 37320-b), a
fingerprint expert and constabulary sergeant testified and successfully defended fingerprint
evidence based on eight identical ride points.

People v. Medina (59 Phil. 330) - N.B. The first leading judicial decision in the Philippine
jurisprudence on the science of fingerprinting.

B. Admissibility of Fingerprint Testimony

Expert’s testimony as to the identity of thumb marks or fingerprints is admissible. The
method of identifying fingerprints is a science requiring close study. Where thumb Impressions
are blurred and many of the characteristic marks far from clear, thus rendering it difficult to
trace the features enumerated by experts as showing the identity of the impressions, the court
is justified In refusing to accept the opinion that a distinct similarity in some respects between
the admittedly genuine thumb mark and the questioned thumb mark is evident.
This method of identification of persons has become a fixed part of our “SYSTEM OF
JURISPRUDENCE”. Proof of the accused found in the place where the crime was committed
under such circumstances that they could only have been impressed at the time when the
crime was committed may be sufficient proof of identity to sustain conviction.

C. The Number of Ridge Characteristics as Basis for Absolute Identity

There are no national or international rules or laws that fix the number of ridge
characteristics at must be present in both the questioned and standard prints that should be
used as a basis for establishing absolute identity. Experts of different countries differ in the
requirements of the minimum number.. In England, the minimum is 16 and in USA, the
minimum requirement is 12.
However, fingerprint experts in these countries believe that identity can be established in
lower number of guidelines laid down by the famous French Criminalist Dr. Edmond Locard:
a. Clearness of the pattern.
b. Rarity of the type
c. Presence of core or delta in the decipherable part
d. Presence of pores
e. The perfect and clear identity of the width of ridges and furrows, of the direction of the lines,
and the angular value of the furrows.

D. Weight of Fingerprint
The weight to be given to evidence of correspondence of fingerprint when offered to prove
identity of the accused as the person committing a crime is for the determination of the court
in the light of all the surrounding facts and circumstances.
To warrant a conviction the fingerprints corresponding to those of the accused must
have been found in the place where the crime was committed under such circumstances that
they could only have been impressed at the time when the crime was committed.

E. Can Fingerprint be Effaced?

John Dellinger, a notorious gangster and a police character, attempted to erase his
fingerprints by burning them with acid but as time went by the ridges were again restored to
SPO2 BRINGINO, RC BICOL COLLEGE
their “natural” feature. The acid he applied temporarily destroyed the epidermis of the bulbs of
his fingers.
Locard and Witkowsji of Lyons, who performed rather painful experiments on
themselves by burning their finger-tips with boiling water, hot oil and hot metal had shown
that after the healing of the epidermis (outer skin), the original patterns of fingerprints
reappeared.

F. Can Fingerprints be forged?

The authorities conducted various experiments and although they could almost make an
accurate reproduction’s till there is no case on record known or have been written that forgery
of fingerprints has a complete success.

G. Reasons why Fingerprints is one of the Most Infallible Means of Personal

Identification.
1. Fingerprints are already formed about 3 to 4 months of intra-uterine life and will remain
unchanged throughout life until the final decomposition of the body.
2. The pattern formation formed by the papillary ridges contains peculiar characteristics upon
which a person can always be identified by fingerprint examiners.
3. Almost every police and law enforcement agencies throughout the world accept, adopt and
utilize the fingerprint system as a means of absolute Identification of a person.
4. The court and other authorities had taken cognizance of its importance and reliability as a
means of identification.
5. That fingerprint will speak for itself as it shows the owner thereof/n accordance with the
principle of re Ipso llquitor (a thing will speak for itself).

DENTAL IDENTIFICATION
The role of the teeth in human identification is important for the following reasons:
I. The possibility of two persons to have the same dentition is quite remote. An adult has 32
teeth and each tooth has five surfaces. Some of the teeth may be missing, carious, with filling
materials, and with abnormality in shape and other peculiarities. This will lead to several
combinations with almost infinite in number of dental characteristics.
2. The enamel of the teeth is the hardest substance of the human body. It may outlast all other
tissues during putrefaction or physical destruction.
3. After death, the greater the degree of tissue destruction, the greater is the importance of
dental characteristics as a means of identification.
4. The more recent the ante-mortem records of the person to be identified, the more reliable is
the comparative or exclusionary mode of identification that can be done.
In order to make an accurate dental record available for purposes 3f comparison with that of
the person to be identified, Presidential Decree No. 1575 was promulgated, requiring
practitioners of dentistry to keep records of their patients. It provides the following:

Causes of Unreliability of the Dental Records:

An ante-mortem dental record may be available but may be insufficient, and in some instances
unreliable for purposes of comparison with the post-mortem findings because:

1. The dentist, in the course of diagnosis and treatment of the patient, may only concern
himself with the affected teeth and may not care to have a detailed examination of the other
teeth.
2. There may be no uniformity in nomenclature of the location and condition in the charting of
the teeth.
3. Although there may be a law obliging dentists to have a record of their patient, the law does
not mention the agency which will enforce it.
4. The dentist may have a record but may no longer be reliable on account of the lapse of time.
There may be changes in the teeth which are not seen by the dentist.

For purpose of uniformity, the following are the description of location for dental
identification:
1. Teeth position:
a. Anterior — From cuspid to cuspid inclusive (it includes cuspid, lateral and central incissor).
b. Posterior — All bicuspid and molar teeth.
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2. Surface:
Occiosal — 0 — Surface which is in contact with the opposing teeth when jaws are in
occlusion (closed).
Mesial — M — Surface in direct contact with the adjacent tooth towards the midline.
Distal — D — Surface in direct contact with the adjacent teeth away from the midline.
Buccal — B —‘Surface facing the lip or cheek.
Lingual — L — Inward directed surface of the teeth.

[Link]:
Amalgam (silver filling), gold inlay, gold foil, silicate, acrylic, temporary cement, crown.

[Link]:
a. Fixed prosthesis — bridge
b. Removable prosthesis:
(1) Complete denture
(2) Partial denture
5. Root canal treatment (endodentia).
Dental Features Which May Be Included in the Description for Identification;
1. Malposition, overlapping, crowding and spacing teeth.
2. Number and location of deciduous or permanent teeth.
3. Missing (unerupted or extracted) or supernumerary teeth.
4. Peculiar shape, size, direction Of growth of individual teeth. Missing piece or fragment
due to decay or trauma.
5. Restoration, prosthesis (surface, morphology, configuration and material).
6. Root canal therapy on x-ray examination.
7. Bone pattern on x-ray examination.
8. Complete denture (type, shade and material).
9. Relationship of bite.
10. Oral pathology (tore, gingival hyperplasia, etc.).

Other Aspects of Identification Which May Be Reflected in Dentition:

1. Personal, occupational and cultural traits:
a. Cigarette smokers may have smoke marks mainly on the lingual surface of the anterior
upper teeth.
b. Seamstress, carpenter, cobblers may hold pins or nails between incissors and may cause
formulation of groove.
c. Wind instrument musicians may have altered position of their teeth due to mouth formation
necessary for playing the instrument.
d. Pipe smokers may develop an oval-shape notch at the occiusal surface or irregular gaps
located at the angle of the mouth.
e. Sandblasters and stone mason may cause abrasions on the labial or occiusal surface of their
teeth.
f. Poor oral hygiene, with many decayed teeth and no restorations infers individual of low
economic status. Extracted teeth are also not replaced by bridgework.
g. Excessive fruit juice drinker or carbonated drinks may cause dissolution of the enamel
structure of the front teeth.
h. Mutilation of teeth by filing or inlaying with precious metals or stone, not done
professionally, may indicate tribal customs and cultural peculiarities.

1. Age
9 yrs……………………….12 permanent teeth (8 incisors and 4 molars).
11 yrs …………………….20 permanent teeth (8 incisors, 8 premolar and 4 molar).
13 yrs…………………….28 permanent teeth and no deciduous teeth.
8 to 10 yrs………………..Calcification begin at the 3rd molar.
25 yrs…………………….Root-ends of 3rd molar completely calcified.
Beyond 25 yrs…………..Ends of the root of the 3rd molar have been completely calcified.
After 30 yrs ……………..Carries frequently develop at the cementum.
There may be gingival recession, decay attack of the root
surface.
2. Sex
SPO2 BRINGINO, RC BICOL COLLEGE
Examination for the presence of Barr bodies from palatal scrapings.

Identification, illustration, and comparison of fingerprint patterns and ridge

characteristics;

FINGERPRINT CHARACTERISTICS AND FORMATIONS

A. Allied Sciences of Fingerprints
Dactyloscopy — identification of persons through examination and comparison of fingerprint.
Taken from Greek words:

Dactylos — a finger
Skopien — to examine

1. Poroscopy — Science of palm print identification.

2. Chiroscopy — Science of palm print identification.
3. Podoscopy — Science of foot print identification.

B. Pattern Interpretation
1. Arches—5%
2 Loops — 60%
3. Whorls — 35%
N.B. - According to studies, the appearance of arches is less followed by whorls and the loops.

C. Types of Ridge Formation

1. Recurving ridge — is a ridge that curves back in the direction in which it started.
2. Converging Ridges — Two or more lines forming an angle, a ridge whose closed end is
angular and serves as a point of convergence.
3. Diverging ridges — Two ridges running side by side and suddenly separating, one ridge
going one way and the other ridge, another way.
4. Bifurcating ridges — A single ridge which splits into two ridges forming a “Y” shape
formation or structure.
5. Island, Eyelet, lake or Eye — it is a single ridge which bifurcates where the bifurcating
ridges converge at a certain point to form again into a single ridge.
6. Dot or Series of Dots — They are fragmentary ridges formed like a dot or dots.
7. Short or Series of Short Ridges — they are fragmentary ridges formed by short or series of
short ridges.
8. Ridge Ending - It is a termination or ending of ridge or ridges.
9. Fragmentary Ridges — They consist of disconnected sequences of short ridges embodied
intensely. These ridges are considered in the classification of fingerprints if they appear as dark
and as thick as the surrounded ridges within the pattern area.
10. Ridge Hook — It is a ridge that divides to form two ridges which ar shorter in length than
the main ridge.
11. Ridge Bridge — This is a connecting ridge between two ridges.
12. Incipient or Nascent Ridge — This is a kind of ridge which is madly formed, thin, short or
broken which appears in the depressions between two well formed ridges.
13. Sufficient Recurve — The space between shoulders of a loop, free of any appendage, and a
butting at right angle.
14. Appendage — A short ridge at the top or summit of a recurve usually at right angle.
15. Core — It is a point on a ridge formation usually located at the center or heart of a pattern.
16. Delta or Triradial Point — It a point on the first ridge formation at or directly in front or
near the center of the divergence of the type lines.
17. Envelop — Is a single recurving ridge enclosing one or more rods or bars.
18. Friction ridges — Are strips of skin on the inside of the end joints of our fingers and
thumbs by which fingerprints are made. They are also called papillary ridges or epidermal
ridges.
19. Furrows — Are depressions or canals between the ridges which maybe compared with the
low area in a tire tread.
20. Rod or Bar — is a single ending ridge at the center of a recurving ridge of a loop pattern.
21. Up thrust - Is an ending ridge of any length rising at a sufficient degree from a horizontal
place.
SPO2 BRINGINO, RC BICOL COLLEGE
22. Dissociated ridges — are unusual ridge structures having no well defined patterns; the
ridges are extremely short, appear like a series of “patches” caused by a disturbance of
developmental process at early fetal life of the individuals.
23. Shoulder of a loop — It is that point at which the recurving ridge definitely turns or
curves.
24. Puckering — As growth ceases at several ends, the ends curl slightly.
25. Creases — Are thin, usually straight narrow white lines running transversely or formed
side to side, across the print, causing the puckering of the ridges.
26. Staple — Single recurving ridge at the center of the pattern area.
27. Spike — an ending ridge at the center of a pattern which forms the up thrust.

D. Type Lines and Pattern Area

1. Type line — basic boundaries of most fingerprints.
2. Pattern area — The part of the fingerprint which lies within the area surrounded by the
type lines.

E. Core and Delta Location Rules in Core Location:

1. The core is placed upon or within the innermost sufficient recurve.
2. When the innermost sufficient recurve contains ending ridges or rod rising as high as the
shoulder of the loop further from the delta. The exemption to this rule Is when both shoulders
are equidistant to the center of the sufficient recurve.
3. When the innermost sufficient recurve contains an uneven number of rods rising as high as
the shoulders, the core is placed upon the end of the center rod whether it touches the looping
ridge or not.
4. When the innermost sufficient recurve contains an even number of rods rising as high as the
shoulders, the core is placed upon the end of the further one of the two center rods, the two
rods being treated as though they were connected by a recurving ridge.

N.B. - Always base on the entrance of the pattern in the fingerprint.

F. Rules on Delta Location

General Rule - A dot can be a delta when there is no other alternative.

G. Rules in Delta Location when there is a Choice Between Two or More Delta
1. The delta may be located at a bifurcation which does open towards the core.
2. When there is a choice between a bifurcation and another type of delta, equally close to the
point of divergence, the bifurcation is selected.
3. When there iS a series of bifurcation opening towards the core at the point of divergence of
two type lines, the bifurcation nearest to the core Is chosen as the delta.
4. The delta may not be located in the middle of the ridge running between the type lines
toward the cores but at the nearer end only. The location of the delta depends entirely upon the
point of origin of the ridge between the type lines toward the core.
5. If the ridge enters the pattern area from the point below the divergent type lines. The delta
must be located at the end nearer (inner terminus) to the core.

H. Ridge counting and’ Ridge tracing

1. Ridge Counting — It refers to the process of counting the intervening ridges that touch or
cross an imaginary lien drawn between the core and the delta.

N.B. - It applies only to loops.

2. Ridge tracing — Is the process of tracing the ridges that emanate from the lower side of the
left delta towards the righ delta to see where it flows in relation to the right delta.
3. Divisions of Fingerprint Patterns

I-Loops
1. ulnar
2. radial
SPO2 BRINGINO, RC BICOL COLLEGE
II- Arches
1. Tented
2. Plain —

Ill-Whorl
1. Plain whorl
2. Central pocket loop whorl
3. Double loop whorl
4. Accidental whorl

Rules to be Memorized
1. Radial loop (R) derived its name from the radius bone of the forearm; it is one type of
fingerprint patterns in which the ridges run its direction to the radius bone or to the thumb.
2. Ulnar loop is one type of fingerprint pattern in which the ridges flow toward the ulnar bone
or little finger. Ulnar loop, therefore derived its name from the ulna bone of the forearm, or little
finger. Its symbol is letter “U” in classification purposes.

N.B. - A pattern to be a loop must have the following four (4) essential requisites:

1. It must have a core

2. It must have a delta
3. An imaginary line must pass between the core and the delta
4. It must have a ridge count of a minimum of at feast one (1)

3. Plain whorl, defined:

Symbolized by letter W in the classification. It Is a fingerprint pattern which there are two (2)
deltas and in which at least one (1) ridge makes e turn through one complete circuit, an
imaginary line drawn between the two (2) deltas must touch or cross at least one (1) of the
circuiting whorl ridges within the pattern area.

4. Central Pocket Loop Whorl, defined:

Symbolized by letter C in the classification. It is a fingerprint pattern which for the most part of
a loop, but which has a small whorl inside the loop ridges, sometimes called a composite
pattern, which means that It is made up of two (2) patterns in one, a whorl inside a loop.

It has two (2) deltas, one of which appears as the edge of the pattern area, as in plain loop. And
one shows inside the pattern area just below the counterpart ridges.

5. Double Loop Whorl, defined:

Symbolized by letter D in the classification. A double loop whorl is a pattern consisting of two
(2) separate and distinct loop formations. One of the loops surrounds or overlaps the other,
also called COMPOSITE PATTERN, like the central pocket loop whorl. It arises from the fact
that these patterns are a composite or combination of two 92) patterns in one, with two cores
and two deltas.

6. Accidental Whorl, defined:

Symbolized by letter X in the classification. It is a pattern which is a combination of two or

more different types of pattern except In the PLAIN ARCH. It is a pattern which is a
combination of two or more different types of pattern except in the PLAIN ARCH. It can be a
combination of a loop and a whorl, a loop and a central pocket loop whorl, or any combination
of two or more different loops and whorl type patterns.

7. Plain Arch, defined:

Symbolized by letter A In the classification. It Is a fingerprint pattern in which the ridges enter
on one side of the pattern and flow towards the other side with a rise at the center with not
more than one of the four (4) essentIal requisites for loop pattern and with no recurving ridge,
no angular formation and no upward thrust.

N. B. - It enters to the left and flows towards the right.

SPO2 BRINGINO, RC BICOL COLLEGE
8. Tented Arches, defined:

Symbolized by letter T in the classification. It is a variety of arch family, but their ridge
formations are not so simple as those of the plain arch, also considered TRANSITIONAL
PATTERN between a plain arch and a loop.

Generally speaking, TENTED ARCHES are formed in any of these three (3) way formations, to
wit:

1. One or several ridges in the center of the form an up thrust.

2. The ridge or ridges in the center formed a well defined angle.
3. The pattern may have two or three or four essential requisites of a loop pattern.

N. B. - An up thrust must have an ending ridge.

Scientific method of recognition, development, preservation of latent prints;

REAL FINGERPRINT IMPRESSIONS

Real Impressions - Impressions of the finger bulbs with the use of the printing ink on the
surface of the paper. Any other coloring materials may be used but less visible and indelible.

METHOD OF PRODUCING REAL IMPRESSIONS

1. Plain Method.
2. RoIled Method

METHODS OF RECORDING REAL FINGERPRINTS

Step 1- Ink the roller. Apply a small amount (about 1/4 inch long stream) of fingerprint ink on
the right side of the slab, toward the back. Roll out a two to three inch wide layer of ink on the
back portion of the slab-lifting the roller off the slab after each stroke and return to the starting
point (do not use a back-and-forth motion with the roller). Repeat several times until a thin film
of ink forms on the roller

Step 2 - Next, using the same roller motion (without rolling back and forth), spread the layer
toward the front edge of the slab, until a smooth, uniform coating of ink forms. The front edge
is where the fingerprints are rolled. When the ink on the front edge becomes too thin, replenish
the ink roller on the back edge of the slab and repeat step two.

Porelon Pad Method - No advance preparation is needed to use the Porelon pad. However, the
pad surface should be cleaned occasionally to remove oil and dirt deposits by wiping the
surface lightly with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth.

Print Matic Method - like the slab and roller method, the Print matic method requires that the
ink is embedded within the Print Matic roller, and coating the slab requires only a few passes
of the roller in the same direction to apply a thin, even layer of ink.

EQUIPMENTS USED IN PREPARATION FOR TAKING FINGERPRINT USING SLAB AND

ROLLER METHOD

1. INKING PLATE -A 12 inches plate is long enough for most set of 0 fingers. The width of the
plate should not be less than 8 inches, ten (10) is a better width. A 10 inch plate is also wide
enough to ink a complete palm in one operation whenever it becomes necessary.

2. CARD HOLDER — The simplest is a U-shaped spring clamp. Made of spring steel, stainless
steel or brass of gauge sufficient to hold its shape in heavy usage.

3. ROLLER — 6 inches long, and 2 inches In diameter. The handle should have supporting
posts or legs to suspend the rubber roller from developing flat sides and to keep unused
portions of the plate and table top from being smeared with ink.

4. INK - black printers ink is the most commonly used for taking fingerprint impression. It is a
consistency suitable for rolling into a thin film and it is quick drying when transferred to a card
SPO2 BRINGINO, RC BICOL COLLEGE
as an inked impression. Yet it does not dry too fast. Usable for several hours after a film has
been rolled.

FOUNTAIN PEN INK, COLORED INK AND STAMP PAD INK ARE OBJECTIONABLE FOR
SEVERAL REASONS, TO WIT:

1. They are too thin

2. Dry too quickly
3. Stamp pad smears easily
4. Impressions using stamp pad reproduce ‘weave” of the pad stamp covering the inked
impression.
5. Unsatisfactory for comparison purposes.

5. FINGERPRINT STAND — 32 Inches high, the inking surface of a fingerprint stand should be
approximately 12 inches above the top of an ordinary desk making the printing surface
approximately 44 inches from the floor for the average person.

6. STANDARD EIGHT BY EIGHT INCHES FINGERPRINT CARD - It is found to be adequate

for receiving five rolled impressions across the card the size convenient for handling and filing.

IMPORTANT POINTS TO BE CONSIDERED IN TAKING LEGIBLE FINGERPRINTS:

1. Cleanliness of equipment
2. The right kind and correct amount of ink.
3. Proper distribution of ink on the glass slab or inking plate.
4. The distance of the subject from the inking on the fingerprint card.
5. The advice of the operator to the subject to relax and never to aid in the operation.
6. The pressure exerted must be slight and even the roiling be continuous movement including
lifting.

7. The nail of the fingers should be at rights angle to the slab or to the card before starting the
rolling and always roll the fingers until the other side of the nail is reached (180 degrees).
8. The inking and printing must always reach below the first of the fingers.
9. The thumbs should be rolled towards the subject’s body and all other fingers away from the
subject’s body.

STEPS IN TAKING FINGERPRINTS

1. The first and most important step is clear the plate thoroughly.
2. A daub of printer’s ink is deposited near the edge of the plate away from the operator.
3. The subject’s hand and fingers must be relaxed.

STANCE FOR TAKING PRINTS - Most operators stand on the left side of the person whose
prints are being taken for the simple reason that more people are right handed and then
normally work more efficiently and do better advantage toward the right. Therefore, most
fingerprint stands are made so that the printing is done on the left front corner.

N.B. Rolled Impression — the subject must be relaxed

Plain Impression — the subject may not be relaxed

FINGER DISABILITIES THAT NEED EXTRA-ATTENTION IN TAKING PRINTS:

1. Temporary Disabilities

a. fresh cuts or wounds or bandaged fingers

b. Occupational marks (dry skin) — carpenters, bricklayers, etc.
c. Excessive perspiration

2. Permanent Disabilities

a. lack of fingers — in-born or amputated

b. crippled fingers — bent or broken
c. deformities — webbed, extra fingers (poly dactyl)
d. old age
e. split fingers/thumbs
SPO2 BRINGINO, RC BICOL COLLEGE
EXTRAORDINARY TAKING OF REAL FINGERPRINT IMPRESSIONS

1. Excessively sweating fingers - Impressing shall be made after temporarily suppressing

sweating by wiping fingers with a lightly squeezed piece of gauze to which formalin alcohol
liquid (100 ml. of ethyl alcohol liquid containing 1-3 ml. of formalin pharmacopoeia) is applied.

2. Fingers with stiff joints - Impressing shall be made after shaking a subject’s hand grasped
by the wrist up and down several times to smoothen the joint movement. In this case, if the
impressing plate and the glass plate are placed somewhat higher while having the subject
stand somewhat away from the table, handling would be easier.

3. Fingers with stiff surface skin, coarse fingers and fingers suffering from
dermatophytosis

- Wrap fingers in a steamed towel for several minutes, then impress. In this case, somewhat
denser ink and somewhat weaker impressing will be better.

FINGERPRINT IMPRESSING TECHNIQUE FOR A DEAD BODY

1. Fingers soon after death - Wipe out fingers with a piece of gauze containing alcohol if they
are stained. In case where satisfactory roll impressions are not obtainable by the ordinary
impressing technique, the impression paper shall be cut to a proper size, and impressing shall
be made onto it using such aids as a fingerprint taking pallet from a dead body.

2. Stiff fingers of a clenched fist - Impressing shall be made using an aid such as a spatula
for taking fingerprints from a dead body.

3. Blanched and wrinkled fingers

A. Finger without percolate - Wipe them with a piece of alcohol — containing gauze, soften
them thoroughly with your finger tips, stretch wrinkles, and then impress.

B. Fingers with percolate - Take their mold with silicon after drying with lycopodium powder.
In order to obtain fingerprint impressions from silicon molds, strippable paint or cortex shall be
used this technique is as follows:

FINGERS WITH PEELED-OFF SURFACE SKIN. Wind that surface skin around the operator’s
finger. Apply ink to it and impress. When the true skin is exposed, take photo after applying
ink to the true skin or drying it with an aqueous marker in water or alcohol.

FINGER OF CHARRED BODY. In case where it is feared that they will disintegrate by even the
slightest, their photo shall be taken as they are.

MUMMIFIED OR ADIPOCERED FINGERS. Take their mould with silicon, make films with
strippable paint or cortex, and impress.

CHANCE FINGERPRINT IMPRESSIONS

Chance Impressions, defined:

These are fingerprints which are imprinted by mere chance or without any intention to produce
the print. Chance print may be:

A. Plastic impression — impressions made by chance on cellophane tapes or any plastic

materials.

B. Visible prints — impressions made by chance and visible without chemical treatment.

C. Latent prints — Impressions which are visible grossly but made visible by the addition of
some substances. These are fingerprints found at the scene of a crime.

SEARCH FOR SCENE FINGERPRINT IMPRESSIONS -

In order to collect scene fingerprints, it is necessary to clarify where they were

impressed.
SPO2 BRINGINO, RC BICOL COLLEGE
Most scene fingerprints are usually found at the points of entry, and departure, places
ransacked, etc. Therefore, searching for scene fingerprints should be made with emphasis on
such places but be thoroughly made on their surroundings. Further, there may be cases where
a suspect uses gloves, wipes out his fingerprint after committing a crime, or makes other
actions in connection with fingerprints.

Thus, even when glove impressions or other traces of actions have been found as result of a
fingerprint search, it is necessary not to give up but to make a thorough search all over the
scene of the crime.

HOW TO COLLECT CHANCE FINGERPRINTS

The methods of collecting fingerprints are roughly classified into eight, i.e., solid method
(powder method), liquid method, gas method, lifting method, flame method, molding method,
photographing method and development with lasers.

SOLID METHOD (POWDER METHOD)

This solid method is also called the powder method since powder is used, and is the most basic
method.

POWDERING METHODS - Powdering methods include the brushing method, rolling method,
spraying method and light hitting method.

>The brushing method is a method where, after affixing powder to an object to be examined
with a brush (developing brush) to whose tip a small quantity of powder has been affixed a
fingerprint is developed by lightly sweeping it with another, powder less brush (finishing brush)
to remove excessive powder.

>The rolling method is method where, after placing a proper quantity of powder on an object to
be examined, lightly moving it by bending and tilting, spreading out powder all over the object
to have powder adhere to the fingerprint, the fingerprint is developed by flipping the back side
of the object to remove excess powder.

>Also, there is another method called the sprinkling or tapping method where, after having
powder adhere to a fingerprint by lightly tapping the object to be examined, the fingerprint is
developed by lightly tapping a part of the object with One’s fist, etc. to remove excess powder.

LIFTING METHOD - Collecting method by lifting fingerprint developed with powder include
methods employing cellophane tape, vinyl tape or other adhesive tape, and methods employing
silicon rubber.

1. The lifting technique with gelatin paper or lifter is as follows:

2. Cut gelatin paper or lifter to proper size.
3. Pull off the backing.
4. Direct the adhesive face toward the fingerprint.
5. Press on corner to the paper firmly to the object.
6. Press the rest of the paper to the object in stages, from the point already affixed towards the
fingerprint.
7. Press it lightly and evenly with your palm, etc. Less air should be trapped.
8. Peel it off after lifting.
9. Stick it to the backing in the same manner of lifting.

The lifting method using silicon rubber is as follows:

1. Stretch the above thinly and evenly onto a proper-sized piece of paper or cloth.
2. Add 5-10% by volume of hardener to silicon base.
3. Mix them thoroughly.
4. Stretch the above thinly and evenly onto a proper-sized piece of paper or cloth.
5. Apply above to a fingerprint to be lifted.
6. Press lightly and evenly with a palm, etc. to prevent bubbles from being trapped.
7. Pull off after silicon has hardened.

Method of Restoration - When the fingerprint collection by solid method is over, the object
should be restored to its original state by removing powder which has been affixed to it. This is
called “restoration.” The method of restoration is as follows:
SPO2 BRINGINO, RC BICOL COLLEGE
Wipe the object lightly with a piece of cloth or a brush which contains 0.5-1% synthetic
cleanser liquid or 2-5% soap liquid.

LIQUID METHOD - This method is as follows:

1. Affix some chemicals to latent or visible fingerprint to cause a chemical change in the
excreta elements.
2. Develop or clarify it.
3. Record the print by photographing it.

This method is effective for developing a latent print from an object such as paper, wood or
metal and to collect a visible fingerprint-such as a blood fingerprint. This is a chemical
collecting method whose principle is that the element of the chemical liquid reacts to the
element in excreta or blood by changing color.

1. Reagent (chemical liquid) - Reagents commonly used are ninhydrin, silver nitrate, etc.

2. Method to affix reagent - Method to affix reagent include the painting method, soaking
method and spraying method.
>The painting method Is a method where an object is painted evenly with a brush 9flat brush
for liquid) with ample reagent to affix the reagent to the fingerprints. This method is suitable for
a large or solid object to be examined.
>The soaking method is a method to affix reagent to fingerprints by soaking an object to be
examined into regent in a tiny or other vessel. This method is suitable for cases where a small
object is to be examined for development.

GAS METHOD - This is a method where a latent fingerprint is developed by means of coloring
by affixing gasified reagent or by causing chemical change in elements of excreta, and then
collected by photographing or by lifting onto lifting material. This method is suitable for
developing fingerprints from papers, unpainted wood and textiles.

Iodine Is exclusively used as a reagent. The developed pattern disappears with in a few
minutes. Therefore, reduction is unnecessary.

>The methods of affixing the reagent include a method where gas is blown on to an object to be
examined using an iodine gas generator or a method where gas is filled up into a box in which
an object has been placed. Also, there is another method where gas is blown into a vinyl bag in
which an object has been placed.
>Since the fingerprint developed disappears within a few minutes, it i collected by being
photographed.
> One of the recently developed method is to develop a fingerprint in white by affixing gas
generated from cyan acrylic instant adhesive. It proves effective for developing fingerprints from
a blackish object, especially the adhesive ice of adhesive tape.

The developing method is as follows:

1. Apply cyanoacrylate to a plastic or similar plate.
2. The place on which a fingerprint Is supposedly impressed shall be placed and fixed
face to face about 3 mm above the plate.
3. Leave it under a cover.
4. The fingerprint Is developed about 3 minutes later at the earliest.
5. The developed fingerprint shall be collected by being photographed.

LIFTING METHOD - This method includes a method where a visible fingerprint is directly lifted
to lifting material, a method where a fingerprint which has been directly lifted is processed with
powder, chemical quid, etc., and a method where a fingerprint is lifted using lifting material
processed in advance with chemical liquid, etc., and then preserved as it is or photographed.
These are effective for collecting dust fingerprints, oil/grease fingerprints, and blood
fingerprints.

Major collecting methods- Major collecting methods by tape of visible fingerprint as

follows;
a. Dust fingerprint - In cases where dust quantity is small, a fingerprint shall be lifted directly
to gelatin paper (black). Whenever the fingerprint has become unclear after lifting, the
SPO2 BRINGINO, RC BICOL COLLEGE
transparent plate shall be peeled off and photograph shall be taken by lighting from the rear
side, or the fingerprint shall be developed by having lycopodium stick to the peeled backing by
rolling method 7-9 days after lifting. Also if the transparent plate is peeled off after lifting, its
impressed face is turned upwards, and the plate is soaked in ethyl alcohol for 1-3 minutes, its
gelatin film hardens and further change Is prevented.

b. Blood fingerprint - In cases where a blood fingerprint has just been impressed on an
unabsorptive object, it shall be directly lifted on gelatin paper. In cases whir lifting Is difficult
as it has become slightly dryer, it is better to apply gelatin paper to and lightly press the blood
fingerprint following the technique of lifting, to peel off the paper after moistening the blood, to
stick aluminum powder or gray to the blood fingerprint by brushing, and to lift it onto other
gelatin paper.

c. Oil/grease fingerprint - When the surface is dry, t shall be collected by lifting it onto Binio
roll lifter as it is. If not dry, it shall be lifted after drying in the shade. Meanwhile, in cases of
fluid oil/grease, a fingerprint cannot be collected by this method.

FLAME METHOD - This is a method of developing or clarifying by affixing soot to a latent or

unclear fingerprint. The developed fingerprint shall be collected by lifting in onto lifting material
or by photographing. This method is suitable for collection from metal or other object with a
porous surface. Soot-generating materials (burning material) include magnesium (photo
flash powder), camphor, pine resin, benzene, kerosene, edible oil, paraffin and candles.

MOLDING METHOD - This is a method of collecting visible fingerprints with a molding

material, and is suitable for collecting from an object with so complicated and uneven a surface
that lifting with lifting material is unfeasible. This is also suitable for collecting a latent
fingerprint developed from a heated object.

The molding materials include silicon rubber, plaster, “Aljix”, strippable paint, paraffin was,
and plastic liquid. Collection shall be made by taking a photograph or just preserving the mold.

PROTOGRAPHING METHOD - Space age technology is being used to enhance latent prints
that heretofore were of insufficient quality to be used. While image processing has been used
for some time, the high cost of computers precluded the use of such technology in most crime
laboratories. Major advances in the “microchip” industry and the resulting proliferation of
relatively inexpensive microcomputers have placed this technology within the budgets of many
laboratories.

DEVELOPMENT WITH LASERS - light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. The

use of lasers for detection of latent fingerprint is relatively new and dates from 1976. By 1985,
approximately 50 forensic science laboratories or approximately 15 percent of the crime
laboratories in North America, used lasers. With nonporous items (e.g., plastic bags, glass, and
so forth), the evidence is first fumed with cyanoacrylate. If prints are not visible by means of
normal techniques employed, the material is washed with a methanol solution of rhodamine
6G. Excess rhodamine is washed off with methanol, using a laboratory plastic wash bottle. If
prints are present, the small amount of excess rhodamine will adhere to them and show up
under laser illumination can be used. A zinc chloride solution is used to change the Ruheman’s
purple coloration, caused by the reaction of ninhydrin with the amino acids present in the
prints, to a yellow-orange color. The color change is luminescent in laser light, and visible
prints may be photographed.

On porous items of evidence (e.g., paper, cardboard, and the like), evidence Is treated in the
usual way with ninhydrin. If prints are visible but have insufficient ridge detail, laser
illumination can be used. A zinc chloride solution is used to change the Ruhemann’s purple
coloration, caused by the reaction of ninhydrin with the amino acids present in the prints, to a
yellow-orange color. The color change is luminescent in laser light, and visible prints may be
photographed.

LATENT FINGERPRINTS ON HUMAN SKIN - Techniques for developing latent fingerprints on

human skin have been devised, but have been successful only in rare instances. They may be
attempted in certain cases. The procedures are simple to use, inexpensive, and can be
SPO2 BRINGINO, RC BICOL COLLEGE
accomplished by evidence technicians. The procedures work on both living and deceased
subjects.

The Kromekote card is used to lift the print from the skin surface by placing the card over the
skin in the suspected area and applying pressure for about 3 seconds. The card is carefully
removed and then dusted with black fingerprint powder to develop the print transferred onto
the card. The fingerprint obtained is the mirror image of a normal print, which can be reversed
through photography.

After the Kromekote technique is used, fingerprint powder can be applied directly to the skin to
develop prints. The literature reports that the Magna-Brush gives results superior to a
fiberglass filament brush. If a print is developed by this method, it must be photographed and
then may be lifted using cellophane lifting tape.

Fingerprints on skin surfaces appear to last about 1-1/2 hours on living victims. Deceased
victims should be examined for latent prints on the skin as soon as possible. The technique is
still somewhat experimental, but the simplicity and ease of use of the methods will result in
greater use through experience on the part of investigators,

COLLECTION, PRESERVATION, DOCUMENTATION, IDENTIFICATION AND COURT

PRESENTATION OF FINGERPRINT EVIDENCE

EVIDENCE PRESERVATION OF CHANCE FINGERPRINTS

1. Whenever scene fingerprints have been found, confirmation by a witness shall be made prior
to collection.
2. Whenever scene fingerprints have been found, they shall be developed and photographed
prior to collection in order to clarify the position of an object and positions of fingerprint
impressions. Picture taking shall if,e made by providing the fingerprinted object with a label
containing the name of incident, date and hour taken, place, witnesses, signatures, collector’s
affiliation and name, etc.
3. Whenever fingerprints are collected by lifting (printingO then the grain of wood, pattern, or
other characteristics original to the object near the fingerprints shall be lifted at the same time
with lifting tape, etc. to clarify the place where the fingerprints are impressed. In addition, the
name of incident, date and hour collected, object of collection, p/ace of collection, signature of
witness, and collector’s afflilation and name shall also be entered on the back of the lifting
paper.

PRESERVATION BY PHOTOGRAPHY - Prints found at the scene of a crime preferably should

be preserved by photography. This procedure has many advantages, including its leaving the
object intact so that further photographs can be taken if the first are unsuccessful. It also
makes it easier to produce the evidence before a court of law if the print has been recorded
since parts of the object that carry the print will be seen in the picture.

PRESERVATION OF PLASTIC FINGERPINTS - When a fingerprint has been left in material

that has hardened or is able to withstand transport, and when it is on an object that is small
and easily transportable, it may be sent directly to the crime laboratory. If removing the plastic
print poses some special problem, it should be photographed using oblique light to bring out as
much detail as possible. The fingerprint impression may then be preserved by an appropriate
casting material.

PRESERVATION WITH FINGERPINT LIFTERS - Frequently, curved surfaces, such as

doorknobs, with latent fingerprints present are difficult to photograph or do not lend
themselves to the se of cellophane lifting tape. For such surfaces, elastic or rubber lifter
material works well. Rubber lifters are commercially available items made of thin, rubbery
material coated with an adhesive. The adhesive is protected by a transparent celluloid material
removed prior to use and replace onto with different fingerprint powders.

PRESERVATION WITH FINGERPINT LIFTING TAPE - The most common method of collecting
latent Fingerprint evidence today is by special transparent cellophane tape. The material Is
supplied in rolls and s usually 1 or 2 inches wide. After the surface is dusted with fingerprint
powder, the tape is placed over the print. Care must be taken to prevent any air pockets. The
tape is smoothed down over the print with the aid of a signer and then drawn off. Particles of
SPO2 BRINGINO, RC BICOL COLLEGE
fingerprint powder adhere to the sticky surface of the tape and thereby transfer the fingerprint
pattern. The tape is finally placed onto a card of suitable color, contrasting with the powder
used.

HOW LONG DOES A FINGERPRINT REMAIN ON AN OBJECT? - Plastic prints remain for any
length f time provided that the object on which they are left or the substance in which they are
formed is itself stable. In investigations, it sometimes happens that police officers find
fingerprints that give the impression of having been made in dust, but on closer examination
are found to be dust-filled plastic prints in oil paint made years earlier.

THE EFFECT OF TEMEPRATURE ON THE POSSIBILITY OF DEVELOPING FINGERPRINTS

When objects on which there may be fingerprints are found outdoors in ice or snow,
they must be thawed slowly and placed so that the thawed water does not run over and destroy
the prints. A suitable method of treating is to scrape away as much snow and Ice as possible,
with the greatest care, before the object is brought to a warm place. Only when the object is dry
should the print be developed.

When plastic fingerprints are present in oil or grease, the thawing must be allowed to
proceed slowly and under close scrutiny since the print may easily be destroyed by heat. Such
prints should be photographed when they appear.

Damp objects should be dried in a room at ordinary room temperature. As a general

rule, never examine cold objects, especially metal, until they have been kept for at least some
hours at room temperature. In indoor investigations in a cold house, the rooms should first be
heated. The heating should be done slowly so that water from thawing does not run off frosted
objects of places.

IDENTIFICATION OF FINGERPRINT - The identification of a fingerprint is to compare two

fingerprints with each other, to indicate their characteristics, and to determine whether they
match or do not.

Since latent fingerprints are often partial and unclear, their identification often
encounters difficulties. Therefore, those who are engaged in Identification should make a
correct identification. This also applies to the identification of palm prints, middle phalange
prints, basic phalange prints and footprints.

METHOD OF IDENTIFICATION - Method of identification include those for comparing

characteristics (type and position) of friction ridges, of sweat pores (sweat gland outlets
appearing on friction ridges like eyes of needles) and of friction ridge edges (straight, projecting,
arch, pocket, table, etc.). In general, however, a method by characteristics of friction ridge
which are understandable easily and objectively is used.

EXAMINATION OF MATERIALS - In identification, the following matters should b examined

with the identification material:

1. Conditions of collection (method of collection, situation of both the object impressed and the
fingerprint left on the scene, time elapsed, etc.).
2. Kind of pattern, position impressed.
3. Kind of finger.
4. Situation of impression (whether slipped, twisted, duplicated or not; either surface or true
skin; and reversal fingerprint).

COMPARISON AND POINTING-OUT OF CHARACTERISTICS - Characteristics of a latent

fingerprint and of the formally impressed fingerprint shall be compared, and matching points of
characteristics shall both be noted by indication lines with numbers for referencing. The
indication lines and numbers shall be entered in red.

LETTER OF IDENTIFICATION - A letter of identification shall be prepared bye entering therein

such necessary matters as the kind (latent fingerprints, finger seal, formally impressed
fingerprints, or so) and number of pieces of identification material, identification item,
identification process, identification result, identification date and identifier.
SPO2 BRINGINO, RC BICOL COLLEGE
Meanwhile, in general, a photograph showing the identification material enlarged three
times is attached indicating on the photograph matching characteristics by indication lines and
numbers for easy comprehension.

ELECTRONIC IDENTIFICATION OF FINGERPIRNTS - The computer has greatly affected how

fingerprints can be taken. An automated fingerprint identification system (AFIS) can digitize
fingerprint information to produce inkless fingerprints. Latent fingerprints are scanned and
converted into an electronic image that is stored in a data base for rapid retrieval.

The live-scan method of fingerprinting, stores and transmits fingerprints digitally. The
new method allows police to place a suspect’s finger on a glass plate, which is then read by a
special device to produce a digital image of the prints. The image can then be transmitted over
telephone lines to computerized criminal records centers.

Laser fingerprinting eliminates the mess of inked fingerprints and also many of the
problems associated with them.

Fingerprint evidence is maintained by;

1. For laboratory examination;

Recording made upon receipt of:
a. Name of agency for scientific assistance or submitting latent prints.
b. Date of receipt.
c. Inventory of latent fingerprint evidence.
2. For field laboratory work:
It is maintained by following the procedures below:
A. Crime scene search for latent.
B. Develop the print by developing materials.
C. Photograph developed prints by powder on original.
D. Lifting latent prints.

CLASSIFICATION OF FINGERPRINTS

STEPS IN CLASSIFICATION
A. STEPS
1. Recording — simply means the taking of fingerprint impressions, either rolled or plain
impression.
2. Interpretation — simply means the naming or interpreting of a fingerprint pattern. Loop
(either radial or ulnar), Arch (plain or tented) or whorl (plain, central pocket loop) whorl, double
loop whorl or accidental whorl).
3. Blocking — this applies only to loop pattern either as ulnar or radial loop. It means
designating by symbol the type of patterns which each finger and thumb bears and recording
for each respective finger and thumb.
4. Classification — this refers to the classification proper this time you need a complete set of
ten (10) fingerprint patterns to obtain the necessary classification.

CLASSIFICATION IN GENERAL — It refers to the sorting things into division or group so that
they can at later time be quickly located.

B. PATTERNS WHICH REQUIRE SPECIAL ATTENTION

1. Doubtful — interpretation is very difficult.
2. Questionable — a doubtful pattern
3. Borderline — whereby in either case, it can be the combination of different kinds of
fingerprint pattern. And the classification of such is confused as to its proper interpretation.
4. Approximating — sometimes the same as to that of doubtful.

C. SOME IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER IN CLASSIFYING FINGERRPITNS

1. Division — for purposes of classification and filing, all the type patterns are divided into two
groups; the numeral and the non-numeral.
2. Numerical — the numerical group is composed of set of prints containing whorl pattern.
SPO2 BRINGINO, RC BICOL COLLEGE
3. Non-numerical — the non-numerical group is composed of sets of prints in which no whorls
are present.
4. Fingerprint analysis — the analysis of fingerprint is the identifying and distinguishing of
fingerprint pattern according to their design and formation.
5. Classification formula — is the result of combining all the patterns of the fingerprints and
recording them in a specific order or manner at the top right of the fingerprint card. It
represents the patterns of all ten fingers of both hands combined.
6. Filing — is an orderly manner of starting the card and grouping each card and filing in a
specific sequence according to the final classification formula.
7. Pockets — the fingerprint cards are grouped according to the classification formula and the
classification of the extension used in the bureau.
8. Searching — means an attempt to locate in the file a print identical to the current print and
thus established identification.
9. Denominator’s meaning in primary classification — the denominator written below the
line constitute the total numerical value of the finger in which the whorls appear, is the natural
sequence of numbers from one to thirty two (1 to 32).

BASIC RULES FOR TRACING IN WHORLS:

1. Tracing always begins at the left delta and goes toward the right delta.
2. An uninterrupted ridge can be traced from the left delta to the right delta.
3. When the tracing ridge suddenly ends, the tracing is continued on the ridge below it, A ridge
must definitely end before the tracing may be continued on the ridge below.
4. When a ridge bifurcates, the tracing is continued on the lower branch or the bifurcation.
5. When the delta is dot, the tracing begins on the type line, which is the ridge immediately
below the delta.

RULES FOR BEGINNING AND ENDING RIDGE COUNT:

1. Ridge tracing begins at the extreme left delta and stops at the point directly in front of the
right delta.
2. In a double loop whorl, the tracing begins at the extreme left delta. When the tracing passes
inside the right delta, one stops at the nearest point to the right delta on an up thrust.
3. In an accidental whorl having three deltas, the tracing begins at the extreme left delta and
goes towards the extreme delta. Any other delta encountered is ignored.
4. If no up thrust is represented, one continues the tracing until a point opposite the right
delta, or the left delta itself, is reached.

D. SYMBOLS IN BLOCKING
FINGERPRINT PATTERN INDEX FINGER OTHER FINGERS
Arches (Plain) A a
Arches (tented) T t
Radial loops R or / r or /
Ulnar loops U or \ u or \
Plain Whorls W w
Central Pocket Loop Whorl C c
Double Loop Whorl D d
Accidental Whorl X x

E. DIVISIONS OF THE PURE HENRY SYSTEM OF CLASSIFICATION

1. Primary
2. Secondary and small letter groups
3. Sub-secondary
4. Final
5. Major
6. Key

THE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY CLASSIFICATION

PRIMARY CLASSIFICATION
A. Procedure to be followed in obtaining primary classification
SPO2 BRINGINO, RC BICOL COLLEGE
Numbering in natural sequence. The first step in classifying fingerprints is the numbering of
the finger and thumbs. The natural sequence, starting with the right thumb as one and ending
at the left little finger as ten is followed:
Right hand 1 2 3 4 5
Left-hand 6 7 8 9 10

ODD FINGERS: The odd fingers are 1 (right thumb) 3 (right middle finger) 5 (right little finger)
7 (left index finger) 9 (left ring finger).
EVEN FINGERS: The even fingers are 2 (right index finger) 4 (right ring finger) 6 (left thumb) 8
(left middle finger) 10 (left little finger).

NUMERICAL VALUE OF WHORLS - Designated Value of Each Finger with Whorls

The Henry system designated the value of whorl according to the finger or thumb on which
they appear, and in the following sequences.
Right hand 16 16 8 8 4
Left hand 4 2 2 1 1

TOTAL WHORL FOR PRIMARY - In a set of prints, the numerical value is represented by two
(2) distinct totals. First: all whorls appearing on the odd fingers; and second, all whorls
appearing on the even fingers. The two totals obtained constitute the primary classification.
ODD and EVEN finger must never total together. The ODD numbered fingers shall constitute
as the denominator and the EVEN numbered fingers as the numerator.

ARBITRARY COUNT OF ONE (1) ADDED - To each total, an arbitrary count of one is added.
PURPOSE OF ARBITRARY COUNT OF ONE (1) - The purpose of the arbitrary count of one is
to avoid a classification of zero over zero in a set of print in which no whorls appear; this might
be mistaken for the letter “0” which has another specific meaning In the classification.
NUMBER OF POSIBLE COMBINATIONS IN THE PRIMARY - There are one thousand and
twenty four (1,024) possible combinations of primaries, beginning with “one over one” and
ending with “thirty-two over thirty-two”

AFTER GETTING THE PRIMARY CLASSIFICATION YOU MUST FILE THE FINGERPRINT IN
THE
FOLLOWING MANNER 1/1 - Lowest Classification
32/32 - Highest Classification

RULES ON AMPUTATIONS AND FINGERPRINT MISSING AT BIRTH

1. If one finger is amputated (AMP) or missing at birth (FMB) the classification is based on the
opposite finger with the numerical value.

NOTE: The numerical value of the (AMP) FMB) must not be changed.

2. If both fingers are amputated or missing at birth they are treated as whorl with the
respective numerical value and with meeting (M) tracing.

SECONDARY CLASSIFICTION
RANK — The secondary classification follows the primary classification.
POSITION OF SECONDARY — The secondary classification appears just to the right of the
fraction which represents the primary.
MEANING OF SECONDARY — The numerator (WRITTEN ABOVE) indicates the type of pattern
appearing on the index finger of the right hand.
DENOMINATOR MEANING — The denominator (WSR1TTEN BELOW) Indicate the type pattern
appearing on the index finger of the left hand.

PATTERNS WHICH APPEAR

1. Arch (A)
2. Tented Arch (T)
3. Radial loop (R)
4. Ulnar loop (U)
5. Whorl (W).
SPO2 BRINGINO, RC BICOL COLLEGE
6. Central Pocket Loop Whorl (C)
7. Double Loop Whorl (D)
8. Accidental Whorl (X)

THE SUB-SECONDARY AND FINAL CLASSIFICATION

SUB-SECONDARY — The sub-secondary classification is the grouping of prints according to

the ridge count of loops and ridge tracing on whorls.
REASONS FOR SUBDIVISION — The sub-secondary classification is the group of print within
the secondary classification, thus facilitating searches since it limits the search to smaller
groups of the fingerprint cards.
POSITION OF FORMULA — The sub-secondary classification is placed on the classification
line immediately to the right of the secondary classification

RECORDING RIDGE COUNT — The ridge count of the loops are recorded as “I” (inner) and “0”
(outer).

RECORDING WHORL TRACING — The whorl tracing are recorded as follows:

INNER (I)
MEETING (M)
OUTER (0)
FINGERS CONSIDERED - In the sub-secondary classification, six fingers are considered they
are:
1. Right index finger
2. Right middle finger
3. Right ring finger
4. Left index finger
5. Left middle finger
6. Left ring finger

ESTABLISHED NUMBER OF RIDGE COUNTS

INDEX FINGERS:
One (1) to Nine (9) ridges …………………………I (Inner)
Ten (10) or more ridges…………………………. 0 (Outer)
MIDDLE FINGERS:
One (1) to Ten (10) ridges ………………………..I (Inner)
Eleven (11) or more ridges ……………………….0 (Outer)
RING FINGERS:
One (1) to thirteen (13) ridges…………………… I (Inner)
Fourteen (14) or more ridges……………………. 0 (Outer)

LOOPS AND WHORLS IN SUB-SECONDARY - In a set of prints having loops and whorl only
the sub- secondary classification may include two (2), but not more than three (3) fingers of
each hand.
“M SYMBOL” - The symbol (M) meeting appearing in a sub-secondary classification, indicates
a whorl in the figures being considered, since only a whorl can have a meeting tracing.
“I” and “0” SYMBOL - The symbols “I” and “0” in a sub-secondary classification may relate to
a set of prints having loops and whorls or all loops or whorls. Whether the prints are loops,
whorls or loops and whorls may be ascertained from the primary classification since “one” over
“one” indicates no whorls, thirty-two indicates all whets and other primaries indicates both
loops and whorls.

FILING: The filing of prints within the sub-secondary classification is done according to the
following sequences:
First — I (inner) in loops
Second — 0 (outer) in loops
First: I (Inner) in whorls
Second: M (meeting) in whorls
Third: 0 (outer) in whorls
SPO2 BRINGINO, RC BICOL COLLEGE
For loops (Ridge Counting)
Index Finger
1-9 ridge count……………………………. I (Inner)
10 or more………………………………… 0 (outer)

Middle Finger
1-10 ridge count …………………………….I (Inner)
11 or more …………………………………..0 (outer)

Ring Finger
1-13 ridge count ……………………………1(Inner)
14 or more ridge count ……………………………..0 (outer)

3. For Arches

Use small letter (t) for tented arch.

Use small letter (a) for plain arch

4. For Whorl Tracing

A. Meeting (M) = 0, 1, 2, ridges either from the left delta or the right delta.
B. Outer (0) = 3 or more ridges below the right delta.
C. Inner (I) = 3 or more ridges above the right delta.
Clues:
1. If the ridges in the whorl pattern is ulnar it is OUTER.
2. If the ridges in the whorl pattern is radial it is INN ER.
A. Take only the loop excluding the whorl inside it.
B. Left Delta will always be the one to drop. And in counting its ridges include ending
ridges and bifurcation.

FINAL CLASSIFICATION DEFINED: The final classification is the ridge count on the loop
(ulnar and radial) appearing in the right little finger.
Position - The final classification is indicated at the extreme right of the numerator.

NO LOOP IN THE RIGHT LITTLE FINGER - If a loop does not appear in the right little finger,
a loop in the left little finger may be used. The little finger position in the formula remains
unchanged, except that the ridge count is noted as a denominator rather than as a numerator.
ARCH OR TENTED ARCH - If an arch or tented arch appears in the little finger, it is indicated
in the classification formula by a small dash (-). If such a formation appears in both little
fingers, final classification is not obtainable.

BOTH LITTLE FINGERS ARE USED - Both little fingers are considered by some bureaus and
the ridge counts of both are recorded. However, the count of the right little finger governs the
sequence for filing within the final classification.

WHORL - If no loops appear in the little fingers but a whorl appears instead. A final
classification may be obtained by a ridge count of the whorl. Making a ridge count of whorls (in
either or both little fingers) is required in connection with a large collection or group of prints,
such as prints having a primary classification of thirty two over thirty two.

SEARCH - When a search is made within a group of cards, and when the final is designated,
only prints having the same final count or count are examined. Some bureaus allow a count of
three on either side of the final classification.

LITTLE FINGERS USED ONLY FOR FINAL CLASSIFICATION - The ridge of tne little finger is
used exclusively for the final classifications

LITTLE FINGERS NOT USED FOR KEY CLASSIFICATION - At no time can the ridge count of
either of the little fingers be used for the key classification.

IMPORTANCE OF FINAL - The final and the key classifications may be considered the
CONTROL FINGERS for filing and searching. They limit the number of the prints to be
examined each group.
SPO2 BRINGINO, RC BICOL COLLEGE

FINAL NOT POSSIBLE - If the type pattern of either little finger is an arch, as a tented arch, no
final classification is obtained. This is indicated by a small dash (-)

THE MAJOR AND KEY CLASSIFICATION

Major Classification, Defined - The major classification represents only the thumb of each
hand. It is the ridge count of the loop and/or the tracing of the whorl appearing in the thumb
of each hand (if such whorls appear).
POSITION - The major classification is placed immediately to the left of the primary in the
classification formula,
RIGHT AND LEFT THUMBS: NUMERATOR AND DENOMINATOR - The thumb of the right
hand appears in the classification formula as the numerator, and the thumb of the left hand as
the denominator.
SYMBOL FOR MAJOR CLASSIFICATION - The major classification is written with specific
symbols, which indicates the respective patterns of the thumb as being either whorls or loops.
RIDGE TRACING OR RIDGE COUNTING - These symbols are governed by the ridge tracing for
whorls or the ridge counts for the loops.
SYMBOLS FOR LOOPS: S (small) in loops (ridge count); M (medium) in loops (ridge count); L
(large) in loops (ridge count).
LOOPS PATTERN IN BOTH THUMBS - In a set of prints having loop patterns in both hands,
the ridge count of the left thumb governs the symbol for the right thumb.

Left thumb ridge count Right thumb ridge count

1 to 11 SMALL (S) 1 to 11 SMALL (S)
12T0 16 MEDIUM (M)
17 or more LARGE CL)

12 TO 16 MEDIUM (M) 1 to 11 SMALL (S)

12T0 16 MEDIUM CM)
17 or more LARGE (L)

17 or more LARGE (L) 1 to 17 SMALL (S)

18T0 22 MEDIUM (M)
23 or more LARGE CL)
EITHER THUMB MISSING - When the thumb is missing, the missing one acquires the same
pattern, ridge count, or ridge tracing as the thumb of the opposite hand. On this assumption,
the classification proceeds as usual. Since the left thumb, real or assumed, is the denominator,
it governs the classification, filing and searching.
GROUPING THE PRINTS - Because specific symbols have been given for loops and others for
whorls appearing on the thumb, the prints are grouped according to their respective patterns.
SEQUENCE FOR MAJOR - The filing for prints follows definite within each group.
DENOMINATOR GOVERNS THE SEQUENCE - As in all other groups, the denominator governs
the sequence and remains unchanged until the numerator has exhausted the entire sequence.
SEQUENCE FOR LOOPS - Since the loops in the thumbs are indicated as small (5), medium
(M), and large (L), the sequence is as follows:

NUMERATOR SML SML SML

DENOMINATOR SSS SSS SSS

SEQUENCE FOR WHORLS - For the whorls in the thumbs indicated as Inner (I), meeting (M),
and outer (0), the sequence is as follows:

NUMERATOR IMQ IMQ IMQ

DENOMINATOR III Ill III

LOOP AND WHORL IN MAJOR - When the whorl appears in one thumb and a loop in the
other, a specific sequence is used.
SPO2 BRINGINO, RC BICOL COLLEGE
REFERENCE: ONE THUMB MISSING - Although a classification was obtained for one missing
thumb, (as described above), it is necessary to continue the search in all possible references.
The original pattern of the missing thumb might be different from the thumb of the opposite
hand.
BOTH THUMBS MISSING - If both thumbs are missing, they arbitrarily acquire the
classification of meeting whorls, and no other reference searches are necessary. No major
dassification is obtainable if one thumb pattern is plain arch or tented arch. Such print will
pertain to the small letter group (referring to the secondary classification).
RADIAL LOOP ON EITHER OR BOTH THUMBS - The major classification is obtained if a
radial loop is present on either or both thumbs because a ridge count is possible. However, the
print will be flied with the small letter group.

Key Classification, Defined - The key classification represents the ridge count of the right
first loop appearing in a set of prints, beginning with the thumb of the right hand but excluding
the little finger.
Little Fingers Disregarded - The little fingers are totally disregarded in obtaining a key
classification, for they are exclusively used in the final classification.
POSITION OF KEY - The key, no matter where it is found is always written at the extreme left
of the numerator.
IMPORTANCE OF THE KEY AND FINAL - The key and final maybe considered the control
figures for filing and searching. To limit the number of print, it Is necessary to examine within
a group.

K. WRITE THE KEY AT THE LEFT OF THE ENTIRE FORMULA, PRECEDING ALL OTHER
COMPONENTS OF THE CLASSIFICATION FORMULA

LITTLE FINGERS NOT USED - If not used, the little fingers (regardless of their type patterns
or ridge count) as shown by the key for which they represent, are reserved for the final.
KEY NO LOOPS - Make ridge count of whorl appearing in the thumb of the right at the
extreme left delta. This may b used as a key.
KEY NOT POSSIBLE - If the entire set of prints is composed of plain arches and tented arches,
the key cannot be obtained.

CLASIFICATION OF SCARRED PATTERNS, AMPUTATIONS AND FINGERS MISSING AT

BIRTH AND BANDAGED OR UNPRINTED FINGERS

CLASSIFICATION OF SCARRED PATTERNS

When an impression is so scarred that neither the general type of pattern nor the ridge
tracing or count can be determined with reasonable accuracy, the impression should be given
both the general type value and the sub classification value of the corresponding finger of the
other hand.
When an impression is partially scarred, i.e. large scars about the core so that the
general type cannot be determined with reasonable accuracy, but the ridges allow reasonably
accurate sub classification by ridge tracings or counting, the impression should be given the
primary value of the pattern of the corresponding finger and the sub classification value as
indicated by ridges of partially scarred impressions.

CLASSIFICATION OF AMPUTATIONS AND FINGERS MISSING AT BIRTH

When one or more amputations appear upon a fingerprint card, it may be filed separately from
those having no amputations in order to facilitate searching. It is to be noted that before it may
be filed in the amputating group, the card must contain a definite and unequivocal statement
or marking by the contributor to the effect that a certain finger or fingers have been amputated
but which in reality were merely injured and bandaged when previous prints were submitted.
1. If one finger is amputated, it is given a classification identical with that of the
opposite finger, including pattern and ridge count, or tracing, and referenced to
every other possible classification.
2. If two or more fingers are amputated, they are given classifications identical
with the fingers opposite, with no additional references.
3. If two amputated fingers are opposite each other, both are given the
classification of whorls with meeting tracings.
SPO2 BRINGINO, RC BICOL COLLEGE
If all 10 fingers are amputated or missing at birth, the classification will be:

M32W MMM.
M32WMMM

If both hands are amputated or missing at birth, the footprints should be taken as they, too,
bear friction ridges with definite patterns

CLASSIFICATION OF UNPRINTED FINGERS - If fingers are injured to the extent that it is

impossible to secure inked impressions by special inking devices, the unprinted fingers are
given classification identical with the classifications of the finger opposite. If only one finger is
lacking, reference searches should be conducted in every possible classification. If more than
one finger is lacking, they should be given the classification of the opposite fingers, but no be
given the classification of the opposite fingers, but no reference searches should be conducted.
If there are two lacking, opposite each other, they should be classified as whorls with meeting
racings.

D.N.A fingerprinting.
1 DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID
2 Fundamental building block of an individual’s entire genetic makeup.
3 It codes for things like eye color, hair color, stature, predisposition to some diseases and
many other human traits
4 DNA in Criminal Investigations
5 The same DNA is found in all cells of the body.
6 For example, the DNA in a man’s blood is the same as the DNA in his skin cells, semen,
and saliva. Hence, DNA is a powerful tool because each person’s DNA is different from
every other individual’s, except for identical twins.
7 Your DNA does not change through your life.
8 Any cellular material left at a crime scene may be a useful source of DNA.
9 DNA APPLICATIONS/CAPABILITIES
10 Provides forensic DNA fingerprinting/analysis to match the suspect of the crime of the
cases of:
a. Allege rape and other sexual crimes wherein biological sample(s) are recovered.
b. Alleged murder/homicide to establish identity of perpetrator
c. Found dead body where standard manner of identification could not establish identity.
2. Identifies victims of mass disasters such as plane crash, ship wreckage, fire disasters and
other disaster wherein accurate identification of the cadavers is needed.
3. Establishes paternity/maternity in child custody conflict and inheritance lawsuits to
link consanguinity.
4. Provides proper training and lectures to PNP personnel in obtaining and handling
evidence at the crime scene and the correct procedures in the chain custody.
5. Creates criminal database for convicted persons.
6. Assists Crime Laboratory technical divisions and other investigate agencies in the
establishment of identification of a person(s).
7. Conducts forensic studies and researches.