Fingerprint Identification and Classification Principles

Fingerprinting

Method of identifying individuals using unique patterns.

Alphonse Bertillon

Introduced systematic personal identification in 1883.

Anthropometry

Measurement system for identifying individuals based on body dimensions.

Portrait Parle

Combination of photographs and measurements for identification.

Bertillon System

Identification method using detailed physical descriptions and measurements.

Identification Probability

4,191,304 to 1 chance of identical measurements.

First Criminal Identification

Bertillon's first identification occurred in 1883.

Chinese Fingerprints

Used for signing legal documents 3000 years ago.

William Herschel

Required fingerprints for contracts in India.

Henry Fauld

Proposed fingerprints as infallible identification proof.

Fingerprint Bureau

Fauld's proposal to Scotland Yard for fingerprint testing.

Francis Galton

Classified fingerprints into loops, arches, and whorls.

Fingerprint Anatomy

Study of fingerprint structure and recording methods.

Unique Fingerprints

No two fingerprints are identical; remain unchanged over time.

Vucetich System

First workable fingerprint classification system created in 1891.

Henry Classification System

Adopted by Scotland Yard for fingerprint classification in 1897.

Visible Fingerprints

Prints that are easily seen with the naked eye.

Plastic Fingerprints

Impressions left in soft materials like wax or clay.

Latent Fingerprints

Invisible prints left by perspiration and oils requiring development techniques to be seen.

Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS)

Computerized system for storing and comparing fingerprints.

Fingerprint Preservation

Proper methods to maintain developed latent fingerprints.

Fingerprint Analysis Tools

Instruments used to enhance and analyze fingerprint details.

Will West Incident

fingerprinting began to be used in earnest in all major cities of the U.S.

Fingerprinting Adoption

Systematic use of fingerprints began in 1901.

Friction Ridges

Unique skin patterns on fingers for identification. Tiny raised lines on digits, palms, and soles.

Galton's Statistic

Probability of identical fingerprints is 1 in 64 billion.

Ridge Characteristics

Minutiae that define fingerprint individuality.

FBI Database

Largest fingerprint collection globally, nearly 50 million.

U.S. v. Byron C. Mitchell

1999 case challenging fingerprint evidence admissibility.

Unique and Permanent

Human friction ridges are distinct throughout life.

Partial Impressions

Most crime scene prints are incomplete samples.

Ridge Comparison Criteria

8-16 minutiae suggested for fingerprint matching.

Identification Records

Merged fingerprint records formed the FBI's nucleus.

Fingerprint Evidence

Judge upheld fingerprints as valid scientific evidence.

Individual Characteristic

No two fingerprints possess identical ridge characteristics.

Fingerprint Patterns

General shapes do not determine fingerprint individuality.

Relative Location

Matching prints must have identical minutiae positions.

Minutiae

Specific ridge characteristics that establish fingerprint identity.

Friction Ridge Skin

Skin patterns on fingers used for identification.

Major Cities Usage

Fingerprinting became common in U.S. cities post-1904.

Admissibility Ruling

Court confirmed fingerprints as reliable forensic evidence.

Identification Training

Police trained in fingerprinting at 1904 World's Fair.

FBI Fingerprint Collection

Largest collection, crucial for criminal identification.

Lifetime Changes

Fingerprints remain unchanged throughout a person's life.

Friction Skin

Skin type providing grip and slippage resistance.

Epidermis

Outer layer of skin composed of cells.

Dermis

Inner layer of skin beneath the epidermis.

Dermal Papillae

Boundary cells between epidermis and dermis.

Skin Ridge

Raised lines forming unique fingerprint patterns.

Pores

Openings for sweat gland ducts on skin.

Fingerprint

Impression of friction ridges on fingers or thumbs.

Imprint

2-dimensional representation of a fingerprint.

Indentation

3-dimensional representation of a fingerprint.

Permanent Scar

Scar formed from deep skin injury affecting identification.

Core

Approximate center of a fingerprint pattern.

Delta

Point of divergence in fingerprint ridge patterns.

Loop

Pattern where ridges enter and exit same side.

Ulnar Loop

Loop pattern opening towards the little finger.

Arch

Fingerprint pattern with ridges that rise in the center.

Whorl

Fingerprint pattern with circular ridges around a core.

General Ridge Patterns

Classification system for identifying fingerprint types.

Cancer Drug Effects

Capecitabine causes fingerprint eradication in patients.

John Dillinger

Criminal who attempted to destroy his fingerprints.

Fingerprint Classification

Systematic categorization based on ridge patterns.

Radial Loop

Loop pattern opening toward the thumb.

Arch Pattern

Ridges flow in one side, exit opposite.

Plain Arch

Ridges enter one side, rise, exit opposite.

Tented Arch

Arch with angle or upthrust characteristics.

Whorl Patterns

Fingerprint patterns with two deltas and a recurve.

Plain Whorl

Complete circuit with two deltas and a recurve.

Central Pocket Whorl

One recurve, two deltas, no recurve cut.

Double Loop Whorl

Two separate loops, distinct sets of shoulders.

Accidental Whorl

Combination of different patterns with multiple deltas.

Patent Prints

Visible prints from substances like blood or ink.

Plastic Prints

3D impressions in soft materials like putty.

Latent Prints

Invisible prints from perspiration or oils.

Physical Methods

Fingerprint detection without chemicals or reactions.

Powder Dusting

Main method for detecting latent fingerprints. Powder particles adhere to latent residue.

Standard Fingerprint Powder

Common black or gray powder for prints.

Metallic Powder

Also known as magnetic or magna powder.

Fluorescent Powder

Special powders like red-** or green-**.

Fingerprint Brushes

Tools used for applying fingerprint powders.

Black Powder Brush

Brush for applying standard fingerprint powder.

Magna Brush

Brush used for applying magnetic fingerprint powder.

Fingerprint Detection

Process of identifying fingerprints at crime scenes.

Evidentiary Prints

Prints collected for legal evidence in investigations.

Fingerprint Powder

Two main types: black and gray.

Black Powder

Used on dark surfaces for fingerprinting.

Gray Powder

Used on light surfaces for fingerprinting.

Magna-Powder

Magnetic powder for vertical surface applications.

Metal Filings

Combined with standard powder for gentler application.

Forensic Light Source

Required for viewing fluorescent powder results.

Cyanoacrylate

Superglue method for developing latent fingerprints.

Superglue Fumes

Requires heat, humidity, and enclosed space.

Superglue Print Appearance

Produces white-gray outline on processed objects.

Chemical Methods

Use chemicals for residue reactions on surfaces.

Iodine Fuming

Physical technique for porous surfaces using iodine.

Ninhydrin

Reacts with amino acids, stains prints purple.

Application of Ninhydrin

Spray mist, incubate for optimal results.

Health and Safety

Use gloves, ventilation, and clean equipment.