DACTYLOSCOPY

CHAPTER 1

VALUE OF FINGERPRINTS

I. INTRODUCTION

Fingerprint Science is a positive means of identification and in the hands of

knowledgeable technician and expert; it is a potent weapon in the continuing fight
against crime. Its formation started during the embryo growth stage and perfected
within around four (4) months. Friction ridges can be distinctively observed on how
these friction ridges:

a. Design ends
b. Joint
c. Separate and
d. Cross each other

The individualized characteristics are never affected by:

a. Physical growth
b. Aging of the human body

It has been established that in criminal investigation fingerprints is absolutely

impermissible to misidentify a person or to classify a non-criminal as a criminal. In
contrast, personal identification by means of fingerprints has an absolute certainty.
The system is based on the undisputed fact after so many studies, that “NO TWO
PERSONS HAVE EXACTLY THE SAME FINGERPRINT INDIVIDUAL
CHARACTERISTICS.”

The ridges do not tell everything about a person neither his race nor sex, yet
it surely a perfect means of identifying him. This contention verily adds to facilitate
and mobilize the granting of justice and the punishment of the guilty in the light and
shadow of a criminal act.

Surprisingly, fingerprint ridges start their development and differentiation on

the third embryonic life and continue to grow until the complete development and
growth factors governing the life span of man.

II. NATURE OF FINGERPRINTS

A. Concept

 Fingerprints are composite of the ridge outlines formed/reproduced when

perspiring. On non-hairy skin the ridges are formed by the different patterns
determined to distinguish identity whereas on hairy skin, the ridges are
irregular, slender and intermittent and do not form any pattern.

 Fingerprints are found at the terminal phalanges

 Known as papillary or frictional ridges (terminal/middle/basal phalanges)

 Ridge characteristics are formed prior to birth and remain constant throughout
life
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 There are two layers of the skin (epidermis and dermis)

 Ridges are produced through the sweat gland excreta due to such physiological
functions of the body.

 Fingerprints are reproduced under the ten fingerprints card system

B. Historical Background

 Fingerprints predates the Christian era

 Evidenced by a prehistoric Indian picture writing of hand with crudely marked
ridge patterns on a cliff in Nova Scotia
 Ancient Chinese having business in Ancient Babylon used fingerprints through
clay tablets
 “The salvation of Paul with my own hand, which is the token in every epistle, so
I write”– Saint Paul.
 Emperor Te In Shi first to used fingerprint in China. In ancient China, thumb
prints were found on clay seals.

C. Early Publications of Fingerprint Study

1684 – 1712 Nehemiah Grew – published his study describing ridges and
pores of the hands and feet before the Royal Society of London, England.

1686 -1694 Marcelo Malpighi – An Italian Anatomist, professor of Anatomy

at the University of Bologna known as the Grandfather of Fingerprint, discovered
the two layers/friction of the skin known as Dermis (Stratum Corneum) and
Epidermis (Stratum Mucosum).

1788 J.C.A. Mayer - studied the arrangement of skin and concluded that
skin ridges is never duplicated in two persons.(PRINCIPLE OF INVIVIDUALITY)

1823 Johannes Evangelista Purkinje – a Czech Anatomist at the

University of Breslau who described the ridges and giving them names;
differentiating the fingerprint patterns (plain arch, tented arch, loops, oblique loop,
whorl (almond), spiral, ellipse (elliptical whorl), circle (circular whorl) and double
whorl (composite)). Known as the Father of Fingerprint.

1856 Herman Welcker – he established the PRINCIPLE OF

PERMANENCY by printing his own palm and after forty-one years he printed
again his palm and discovered that his prints did not change.

D. Fingerprint as a Method of Identification

1858 Sir William James Herschel – a British Chief Administrative Officer in

Hoogly District of Bengal, India; introduced the use of fingerprint to prevent
impersonation among laborers. The first person Herschel subjected to
fingerprinting was Rajyadhar Konai – a local businessman, to frighten him out
all thought of repudiating his signature to a contract. In 177, he requested
permission to take fingerprints of prisoners in jail, but was denied.

1880 Dr. Henry Faulds – English doctor stationed in Tokyo, Japan. He

published the practical use of fingerprints to identify criminals. He introduced the
practical theory of reproducing fingerprints through the use of greasy materials.
Discovered too the presence of skin furrows. He propagated the PRINCIPLE OF
INFALLIBILITY.
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1883 Mark Twain (Samuel L. Clemens) – wrote an episode entitled “Mark

Twain’s Life” in Mississippi, the episode relates how a murderer perpetrated the
crime. Eleven years later, he caused the publication of Puddin Head Wilson, a
noble based on dramatic fingerprint identification during a court trial. His story
pointed on the infallibility of fingerprint identification.

1888 Sir Francis Galton – a British Anthropologist and Biologist who

published his study on classification and filing system using all the ten (10)
fingers. He assigned the patterns in to three (3) general types: ARCHES, LOOPS
and WHORLS. He concluded that “no two prints are identical and an individual’s
prints remain unchanged from year to year.”

1888 - 1901 Sir Edward Richard Henry succeeded Sir Herschel and
published his study on the four divisions of fingerprint classification known as
Henry Fingerprint Classification System. The first man to successfully apply
fingerprints for identification. He was known as the Father of Modern
Fingerprints.

1901 – Marked the official introduction of fingerprinting for criminal

identification in England and Wales. Sir Henry simplified fingerprint classification
and made it applicable to police identification. The basic Henry system with the
modifications and extensions is used by the FBI and Law Enforcement agencies
throughout US today.

Alphonse Bertillon – a French Criminologist who devised specific method

of identifying criminals through anthropometric measurements and personal
characteristics such as the color of eyes, scars and body measurements. His
introduction was known as the Bertillon System

1891 - 1896 Juan Vucetich – an Argentinean Police Officer who installed

fingerprint the first files as an official means of Criminal Identification in
Argentina. He was known as the father of fingerprints in all Spanish-speaking
countries.

In 1892, he made the first criminal fingerprint identification. He was able to

identify a woman by the name of Rojas who murdered her two sons, and cut her
throat in an attempt to place the blame on another. Her bloody print was left on a
door post, proving her identity as the murderer.

E. Official Use of the Fingerprints in the United States

1882 Gilbert Thompson – a U.S. Geodetic Surveyor who used thumbprint

for camp order on an expedition to New Mexico. He used his own fingerprints on
a document to prevent forgery. This is the first known use of fingerprints in the
United States.

1902 Dec. 19 Sir Henry P. Forrest - Chief Medical Examiner of New York
Civil Service Commission and an American Preacher used fingerprints to identify
applicants to take the qualifying Civil Service Exam. Installed the first known
systematic use of fingerprints.

1903 – New York State of Prison in Albany claims the first practical
systematic use of fingerprints in the US to identify criminals.
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 Captain James Parke of the New York State of Prison – officially

installed/adapted the Henry Fingerprint System as a means of personal
identification of prisoners.

 1924 the FBI Identification Divisions was established after J. Edgar Hoover was
appointed Director.

F. Evolution of Fingerprint

1903 – Fingerprints were adopted in the following penitentiaries:

a. Singing Sing
b. Napanoch
c. Auborn
d. Clinton

1904 – John Kenneth Ferrer – Instructor of the American Police Officials

assigned with the British Crown Jewels in New Scotland Yard.

1904 – The City of St. Louis Missouri became the first City to adopt
Fingerprints.

1905 – Fingerprinting was officially adopted by the US Army.

1907 – Fingerprinting was officially adopted by the US Navy. (January 11,

1907)

1908 – Fingerprinting was officially adopted by the US Marine Corps.

1910 – Frederick A. Brayley published the First American book on

Fingerprints in Boston by Worcester Press.

1911 – The State of Illinois, USA, made the first criminal conviction based
solely upon fingerprint evidence. It was known as the first judicial ruling on such
evidence. (People vs. Jeanings, 252 Illinois 543 -96 NE 1077, 43 LRA (NS) 1206 for
1911).

1915 – The International Association for Criminal Identification was founded

and it was the first organized body of professional identification experts.

1916 – Frederick Kuhne published a book entitled, “The Fingerprint

Instructor”, which probably was the first authoritative book in fingerprint circulated in
the USA by Munn and Company.

1916 – The Institution of Applied Science, Chicago, Illinois, USA was the first
school to teach fingerprint identification (June 16, 1916).

1919 – Marked the publication of Fingerprint and Identification Magazine

(Chicago). The first monthly journal devoted exclusively to Fingerprint Science.

1922 – Haken Jersengen, the sub-director of police in Copenhagen,

Denmark introduced the first long distance identification to the US at a Police
conference. The method was adopted and published in a magazine entitled,
“Publications” of the International Police Conference, New York City Police
Department, 1932.
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1924 – The book entitled, “Single Fingerprint System”, by T.K. Larson was
first published in US (Barkley, Police Monograph Series D), Application and Co.,
New York City.

1924 – The first National Bureau of identification was created by the act of
Congress in US DOJ, Washington DC.

1925 – Harry J. Myers II installed the first official fact finger print system for
infants in the Jewish Maternity Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. The first
identification system in the United States.

1925 – The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, USA 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.

1933 – The Bureau of Identification, US Department of Justice adopted the

Single Fingerprint Identification System. The first national use of single print for
identification for purposes of certain crimes only. Later, in the same year the first
National Civil Voluntary Fingerprint file was established.

1937 – The Institute of Applied Sciences installed the Photographic and

Firearms Identification (Forensic Ballistics) laboratories. The first private school in
US which installed laboratories for instructional purposes only.

1938 – A book by Harry J. Myers II, “History of Identification of Fingerprints in

US,” was published in Fingerprint and Identification Magazine (Chicago, Illinois, Vol.
20, No. 4; October 1938).

G. Fingerprint Use in the Philippines

1819 – Fingerprint has been used or introduced in the Philippines by Chinese

traders

1937 – Attorney Augustin Patricio the first Filipino authority in fingerprinting

and who topped the first examination on fingerprints given by Captain Thomas
Dugon of the New York Police Department.

1937 – Mr. Flaviano Guerrero – the lone Filipino member of the FBI who
gave the first examination of fingerprint in the Philippines

Mr. Generoso Reyes – the first fingerprint expert employed by the Philippine
Constabulary, Camp Crame, Quezon City.

Philippine Educational Institute (now PCCr) - First school authorized by

the Government to teach Police Sciences.

III. OTHER METHODS OF PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION

a. Tattooing – old times signifies family group, clan or tribal relations. It

did not last long because it can be duplicated, changed or disfigured.

b. Scarification – cutting some parts of the body to leave scars or marks.

c. Bertillon System – Personal description, portrait parle – “speaking

likeness’” photography. Anthropometry – identification based on the
measurements of the various bony structure of the human body.
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d. Blood Samples/Examination – now DNA, comparison of tissues and

fibers to determine cells/chromosomes.

e. Odontology – denture comparison and identification

f. Hair Sampling – DNA examination and comparison (Fingerprinting)

IV. Uses of Fingerprints

a. Identification of criminals whose fingerprints are found at the crime scene

b. Identification of fugitive through a comparison of fingerprints
c. Assistance to prosecutors in the presenting their cases in the light of
defendant’s previous records
d. Imposition of more equitable sentence by the courts
e. Furnishing identification data to probation and parole officers and parole
boards for their enlightenment in decision makings
f. Means of personal identification
g. Identification of unidentified deceased
h. Recognition by the government of honored dead
i. Prevention of hospital mistakes in the identification of infants
j. Identification of persons suffering from amnesia and unconscious where
fingerprints are on file
k. Identification of missing persons
l. Personal identification of victims of disaster works
m. Licensing procedures for automobile, aircraft and other equipment

CHAPTER 2

PRINCIPLES OF FINGERPRINTS

1. TWO FIELDS OF FINGERPRINT STUDY

A. Classification – dividing the fingerprints by type and characteristics according

to their pattern and transforming them into a formula for easy filing and future
reference.

B. Identification or Comparison

i. Procedures on Fingerprint Comparison and Identification

1. Preliminary Examination – sufficient ridge details

2. Examination Proper – comparison of Q and S
3. Photograph Examination – enlarged the prints

ii. Four (4) Requisites in Comparison of Friction Ridges

1. General Pattern Agreement – eight types of pattern

2. Qualitative Concordance – different ridge characteristics
3. Quantitative factors – sufficient number
4. Relationship of Ridge Details – location of the ridges

iii. Required Number of Congruent Ridge Details to Establish

Admissibility

Philippines – 10-12 USA – 12-14 UK – 14-16

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II. THREE (3) DOGMATIC PRINCIPLES – F/P AS A PERFECT SCIENCE

1. Principle of Individuality – means that no two fingerprints are exactly

alike

2. Principle of Permanency – from 3-4 months a fetus in the womb, the

ridges are already developed and will remain constant and unchanging

3. Principle of Infallibility – unerring/reliable evidence

III. Definition of Terms:

1. Anthropology – deals with the comparative study of human and animal

prints.

2. Bifurcation – is the forking or dividing of one line into two or more

branches.

3. Chiroscopy – the scientific examination or study of the palm of the hand

4. Dactyloscopy – the science that deals with the study of identification and
classification using fingerprints.

5. Divergence – the spreading apart of two lines, which had been running
parallel or nearly parallel

6. Envelop – a single recurving ridge enclosing one or more rods or bars or

short ridge.

7. Fingerprints – the most positive means of personal identification of

persons; it is the reproduction on some smooth surfaces of the pattern or
design formed by the ridges on the inside of the end joint of a finger or
thumb.

8. Fingerprinting – the process of recording fingerprints through the medium

of fingerprint ink

9. Fingerprint Pattern – it is a definite design of ridges through their formation

and relationship from each other are divided into three general groups

10. Fingerprint Expert – It refers to a person having special knowledge in the

field of fingerprint science not known to persons of moderate education
and experience in the same field. That when presented and qualified as a
witness, he is adjudged by the court as such.

11. Focal Points – within the pattern areas of loops and whorls are enclosed
the focal points which are used to classify them. These points are called
delta and core.

12. Friction ridges – raised strips of the skin on the inside of the end joints of
our fingers or thumb by which fingerprints are made. Also called as
papillary or epidermal ridges.

13. Forensic Science – It is concerned with the application of the different

fields of sciences to elucidate legal problems.
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14. Furrows – depressions or canals between the ridges, which maybe

compared with the low area in a tire thread.

15. Pattern Area – that part of a fingerprint, which lies within the area
surrounded or enclosed by the type lines.

16. Pedoscopy – scientific study of the sole of the feet

17. Poroscopy – scientific examination of the sweat pores of the friction of the
skin

18. Polydactylism – the appearance of extra fingers.

19. Post Mortem Fingerprinting- recording fingerprints of the dead

20. Real Impresions – These are prints of the finger bulbs and through the use
of fingerprint ink are reproduced on the surface of a fingerprint card or
paper.

21. Recurving ridge – a ridge that curves back in the direction from which it
started

22. Type Lines – the two innermost ridges, which start parallel, diverged at a
certain point and surround or tend to surround the pattern area.

23. Upthrust – an ending ridge of any length rising at a sufficient degree from
the horizontal plane.

24. Ridge Characteristics – are those points of the tails in the formation of the
pattern.

Kinds of Ridge Characteristics

a. Appendage – a short ridge at the top or summit of a recurve usually

at right angle
b. Bifurcation - the dividing of one line into two or more branches
c. Converging ridge – a ridge whose close end is angular and serves
as a point of convergence; pointed and abrupt
d. Core – a point on a ridge formation usually located at the center or
heart of a pattern
e. Delta – a point on the first ridge formation directly at or in front and
near the center of the divergence of the type lines.
f. Enclosure, island or islet – a bifurcation, which does not remain
open but which the legs of the bifurcation after running along side
by side for a short distance, come together again to form a single
ridge once more.
g. Dot or series of dots
h. Ending ridge
i. Incipient ridges – unusual type of ridges found in small percentage
of patterns; short, narrow and badly formed ridges found between
two well-formed and full-bodied ridges.
j. Short or series of short ridges
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CHAPTER 3

1. LEGALITY OF FINGERPRINTS

It is a universal knowledge that fingerprint is the most positive means of

personal identification. As such, fingerprint as evidence is accepted in every court of
justice in any part of the globe.

It is an accepted principle that there is no possibility of finding two individuals

to possess identical fingerprints or that nature never duplicates itself in the smallest
details.

Pioneers of fingerprints, Galton and Locard believe in the Law of Probability in

the duplication of fingerprints between two individuals. This view however is
disputable considering that fingerprints are as old as mankind. If Adam and Eve, the
first man and woman who have populated the earth, have fingerprints then the
probability of duplication of fingerprints among individuals may have been a
possibility. But up to the present time, every police department of the world used
Fingerprints as a means of personal identification; NOBODY has ever found
individuals possessing identical fingerprints.

A. USA CASES

1. PEOPLE VS. JENNINGS, Illinois (1911). Illinois Appellate Court first

court to pass upon the admissibility of fingerprint as evidence.

-The US Supreme Court passed upon the admissibility of fingerprint

evidence stating that persons experience on the matter of fingerprint
identification may give their opinion; and further said, “there being no
question as to the accuracy or authenticity of the photographs on how
fingerprints were collected, the weight shall be given to the testimony of
experts and in issue thereto shall be resolved by the jury.”

2. STATE VS. CERCIELLO, New Jersey (1914)

-The New Jersey Court of Errors and Appeals held that the fingerprints
found upon a hatchet near the body of a murdered person are admissible
in evidence. The evolution in practical affairs of life whereby the
progressive and scientific tenderness of the age are manifested in every
other department of human endeavor cannot be ignored in legal
procedure. It is for those scientific processes, which are the work of
educated and skilled men in their various departments, leaving the weight
and effect entirely to the consideration of the jury.

3. COMMONWEALTH VS. ALBRIGHT, 101 Pa Sup. CL 317 (1931)

A Fingerprint expert testified that the fingerprint on a piece of glass,

established to be from a pane in a door that had been broken to effect
entrance to the house was the same as the impression of the defendant’s
left index finger. The expert explained the details of the identity.

The court said, “ the papillary lines and marks on the fingers of every
man, woman and child posses an individual character different from those
any other persons and that identical characteristics is very remote.
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B. PHILIPPINES

1. BILANGAWA VS. AMADOR, Court of Appeals No. 37320-b)

A Fingerprint Expert and constabulary Sergeant testified and

successfully defended fingerprint evidence based on eight (8) identical ridge
points.

2. PEOPLE VS. MEDINA (59 Phil. 330)

- This is the first leading judicial decision in Philippines Jurisprudence on the

Science of Fingerprint. The Supreme Court held, “that evidence as to the
correspondence of fingerprints is admissible for the purpose of identity. That
although a portion of the impression on the box was somewhat blurred, it did not
seriously interfere with the comparison of the two fingerprints. It is a settled rule that
where the collection of evidence is not in question, the admissibility is lodged with
the court.

II. ADMISSIBILITY OF FINGERPRINT TESTIMONY

Settled is the rule, that fingerprint evidence has become a fixed part of our
system of jurisprudence. It has become relatively accurate in establishing personal
identity.

Query: Can fingerprints be effaced?

Ans. No, as long as the dermis of the bulbs of the fingers is not completely
destroyed, the fingerprints will always remain unchanged and indestructible.

Query: Can fingerprints be forged?

Ans.: There is a considerable controversy regarding the possibility of forging

fingerprints by burning them with acid or making a simulated impressions or a
perfect replica of impressions of the fingers. Various experiments conducted by
authorities and although they could almost make an accurate reproduction, still
there is no case on record known or had been written that forgery of fingerprints
has been a complete success. The introduction of modern scientific equipments,
new techniques and up to date knowledge in crime detection always foil the
attempt.

Query: Are fingerprints inherited?

Answer: The general shape or overall pattern of fingers and palms can be inherited.
Family members will often have similar patterns or designs on the same fingers of
their hands. The tiny details in the fingerprints, ridges, however, ARE NOT inherited
and is different between all friction skin areas of all persons - - - even between twins.

III. REQUISITES AS BASIS FOR ABSOLUTE IDENTITY

There is NO national or international rule or laws that fix the number of ridge
characteristics that must be present in both the Questioned and Standard prints
that should be used as a basis for establishing absolute identity.

However, fingerprint experts in these countries believe that identity can be

established in lower number of guidelines laid down by the famous French
Criminologist, Dr. Edmond Locard,
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a) Clearness of the pattern

b) Rarity of the type
c) Decipherable core and delta
d) Presence of pores
e) Perfect and clear identity of the width of ridges and furrows

It is a requirement that the examiner possess educational background,

training, experience and the ability to express in a skilled manner of explanation.

Query: CAN YOU FORCE A PERSON TO BE FINGERPRINTED?

Yes, provided the arrest was legal, this is to establish the true identity.

IV. 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.

A slight blurring or imperfection of the fingerprint preventing positive

identification will not affect the sufficiency of such proof as to effect a conviction
based with the crime. To warrant conviction, the fingerprints corresponding to those
of the accused must have been found in the place where the crime has been
committed.

V. REASONS WHY FINGERPRINT IS ONE OF THE MOST INFALLIBLE MEANS

OF PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION

INFALLIBLE – means incapable of error

1) Fingerprints are already formed 3 to 4 months of intra-uterine life and

will remain unchanged through out life until decomposition of the body
sets
2) The patterns formed by the papillary ridges contains peculiar
characteristics upon which a person can always be identified
3) Almost every police and law enforcement agencies through out 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.

CHAPTER 4

REAL OR TRUE FINGERPRINT IMPRESSIONS AND DATA BASE MAKING

A. What are real Impressions?

Impressions of the finger bulbs with the use of the fingerprint ink on the
surface of the paper through any coloring materials, which will produce
visibility.

B. Two methods of producing impressions:

1. Rolled Impressions – requires that the thumb be rolled away from the
center of the subject’s body.
2. Plain Impressions – requires that the fingers be taken or printed
simultaneously, then the thumbs without rolling.
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 Equipment
a. Fingerprint Ink Roller (6” long x 2” in diameter)
b. Fingerprint ink
c. Cardholder and table ( 38” to 40” high)
d. Glass Slab or inking plate
e. Slab and Roller Cleaner
f. Hand cleaning materials (Alcohol, petroleum, cloth & cotton)

C. Methods of recording real impressions

1. Slab and Roller Method – placing ink on the slab and spreading it
2. Porelon Pad Method – use inking pad
3. Print Matic Method – the roller itself bears the ink then rolled over the
slab

D. Rules to observe in taking legible F/Ps

1. Cleanliness of equipment/washing of hands before fingerprinting

2. The right kind and correct amount of ink
3. Proper distribution of ink on the glass slab
4. The subject’s hands must be relaxed
5. Proper distance of the subject from the glass slab/proper alignment
6. Even pressure to be applied
7. The fingers must be rolled from one side to the other
8. The inking and printing must reach the first joint of the finger
9. The thumb must be rolled towards the body and the other fingers away
from the subject’s body
10. The subject’s fingers must be controlled to prevent twisting
11. Speed of the rolling finger
12. Check up after fingerprint printed - Check prints if appropriately printed or
not in accordance with the following guidelines:
a. If printing column are incorrect
b. Rolling condition, sufficient or not
c. Printing condition, thick or thin
d. Unevenness? Irregularity? Aberration?
e. No oversight, no mistake on note/remarks

13. Cause of Mistake on Fingerprint Sampling – Noted common mistakes or

failures of law enforcement officers in taking fingerprint sampling are:

a. Aberration of printing of the fingerprint

b. Ink too much thick
c. Too fast rolling speed
d. Press to hard
e. Rotation is not smooth, as they roll the finger on the paper

E. Fingerprint System – is an arrangement, which in order to effectively utilize

fingerprints in criminal investigation, provides for their systematic collection,
classification, arrangement, custody and use.

* Two (2) Sub-systems:

1) Ten (10) Fingerprint System – include the ten (10) fingerprints in

cards taken upon lawful arrest. This is to confirm the identity and
the criminal history of the arrested person.
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2) Single Fingerprint System – fingerprints of suspect collected one

by one. This is to deduce the identity of the criminal through his
latent fingerprints. Under this system, the prints of all the ten (10)
fingers are kept one by one in custody as basic material.

* Methods and Effects on the Use of Single Fingerprint System

a) Positive deduction of suspect’s identity – This is to deduce

the
identity of a suspect by comparing a latent fingerprint with the single
fingerprint card.
b) Designation Inquiry – This is an inquiry made, whenever a
suspect has come to the fore with respect to a case for which the scene finger
prints have been forwarded from the police station, i.e., to the fingerprint
center by designating the name with whom comparison is needed.

c) Under-name Fingerprints – Fingerprints impressed under a

signature on an application for pawning or any other official document.
Criminals often disguise themselves in transactions involving documents but
the fingerprints impressed on the document will reveal the true identity of the
person.

d) Identification of other crimes – Latent prints when matched to

the fingerprints establishes absolute identity.

* Preparation and Custody of Fingerprint Materials

Since fingerprint materials are permanently kept in custody and utilized

as the basic materials of the fingerprint system, they should be correctly prepared
and kept in custody:

1) Preparation of fingerprint materials

a) Fingerprint the suspect immediately upon arrest

b) Take palm prints too
c) Employ the rolled and plain impressions method

2) Impressions of Fingerprints – To make correct classifications possible, all

impressions must be made correctly and clearly

3) Methods of Impressing

a) Rolling Impressions – done by fully rolling the fingers from one side to
the other

b) Flat or Plain Impressions – done in order to make sure whether or not

rolling impressions are correctly impressed unto the specified column. In
impressing, it must be up to the middle phalange.

c) Palm print impressing – is to impress palms unto the palm print

impression column. Impress it fully with extended palms.

4) Impressing Techniques

a) General Technique or Ordinary Impressing –

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 Position of Impresser/Operator – the impressing plate is on the left side of the

table while the glass plate or cardholder is on its right side.

 Positions of Persons – The Impressing attendant or operator is on the left side

while subject is on the right side of the operator and about 20 cm off/away from
the impressing table

b) General Rules in Impressing

1) Maintain impressing implement – cure of glass plates and roller from

dust
2) Wash fingers thoroughly
3) Dry the fingers before impressing
4) Apply proper amount of ink
5) Don’t double impress
6) Don’t forget flay impressing

c) How to thin ink –

 Place small amount of ink, thin the ink evenly with a pallet and a roller, The
roller is rolled one way leaving the glass plate after every stroke, the ink can be
thinned quickly and evenly.

 Density of Ink – the amount of ink needed for impression per person is the
volume of a match head.

 Impressing – Subject is advised to look to the front or side, without stiffening his
hand.

d) Extra-ordinary Impressing

 Excessively sweating fingers – apply formalin alcohol liquid to each finger, then
print;
 Finger with stiff joints – Impress after shaking the subject’s hand grasped by the
wrist up and down several times to smoothen the joint movement.
 Fingers with stiff surface skin, coarse fingers, and fingers suffering from
dermatophytosis – wrap fingers in a steamed towel for several minutes then
impress

F. Problems encountered by fingerprint operator

01. Fingers have fresh cut, wound or bandaged

 Remedy: note on the corresponding space on the card
 If it is possible, examine the ridges directly.

02. When the hands are perspiring excessively

 Remedy: wipe the fingers with cloth immediately before inking, or wipe with
alcohol

03. When fingers are very dry

 Remedy: Rub the fingers with oil, cream or lotion

04. When the fingers are very fine like the ridges of the fingers of a baby
 Remedy: Use little amount of ink

05. When one or more fingers are lacking or missing

 Remedy: Record/note on the corresponding space on the fingerprint card
 15

06. When the fingers are band, broken or crippled

 Remedy: Use one of the methods in taking the print of the dead

07. When the subject has more than ten fingers all are fully formed
 Remedy: They should be printed on the other side of the card with a notation
that they are extra fingers.

08. Should extra finger appear anywhere between or any of the fingers
 Remedy: Make a notation beside the fully formed and normal fingers

09. In case of split thumb having two nails or fingers are webbed and
grown together making it impossible to roll the fingers
 Remedy: Print it in the usual manner just like any normal thumb and make a
notation at the back of the card.

G. Fingerprint Impressing Techniques on a dead body

* Problems and practices in fingerprinting the Dead

 Climate conditions
 Subject factors
 Nature of the surface

1. Fingers soon after death – those who died recently

* Clean finger bulbs using a gauge containing alcohol; roll fingerprint roller
with ink on fingers and cut fingerprint card to a proper size and impress it on the
fingers.

2. Stiff fingers in a cleansed fist – those who died for a longer

period, in
which cases difficulty is experienced due to, pronounced stiffening of the fingers or
already at the stages of decomposition.

* Use spatula or finger stretcher to stretch fingers then impress with use of
roller and ink

3. Blanched (grown pale) and wrinkled fingers

* Fingers without percolate (strained)– wipe them with a piece of cloth/gauge

with alcohol, soften them thoroughly with your fingertips, stretch wrinkles and then
impress.

* Fingers with percolate – use molding process 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:

 The molded silicon rubber shall be stretched and split

 Its circumference shall be pinned up
 Strippable paint or cortex shall be thinly applied to it with a small flat brush and
then be dried with a dryer
 After repeating this operation several times, the mold shall be stripped of the
film, which shall be round, the operator’s finger be applied with ink and then be
impressed.
 16

4. Fingers with Peeled-off surface skin

* When the true skin is exposed, take photograph after applying ink to the true
skin.

5. Fingers of charred body

* In case it is feared that they will disintegrate even by the slightest touch or
move their photographs shall be taken as they are.

6. Mummified or Adipocered ( fat from decomposition tissues)

Fingers

* Take their mold with silicon, make films with strippable paint or cortex, and
impress.

H. POSTMORTEM FINGERPRINTING – Benefits

1. Permits the surviving spouse to remarry

2. Clears the way for the family to collect life insurance
3. Releases the family from terrible pressure of uncertainty or anxiety
4. In criminal cases, the investigation may be reopened because of
identity, and
5. Opens the door for probate of the estate of the diseased

CHAPTER 5

TYPES OF PATTERNS AND INTERPRETATION OF FINGERPRINTS

A. GENERAL TYPE OF PATTERNS – each group bearing the same general

characteristics or family resemblance. The patterns may be further divided into sub-
groups by means of the smaller differences existing between the patterns in the
same general group.

1. Arch – 5 % (Plain and Tented) – are impressions in a pattern area where the
ridges enter on one side of the impression and exit on the other side with a
wave or rise in the center.

2. Loops – 60% - 65% (Ulnar and Radial) – are type of patterns in which one or
more of the ridges enter on either side of the impression, recurve, touch or pass
an imaginary line drawn from the delta to the core and terminate toward the
same side of the impression where it originally entered.

3. Whorls – 30% - 35% (Plain, Double Loop, Central Pocket Loop and
Accidental) – are types of pattern in which at least with two deltas present.

B. RULES GOVERNING THE SELECTION OF DELTA

01. The Delta may not be located at a bifurcation, which does not open
towards the core;

02. When there is a choice between a bifurcation and another type of

delta, the bifurcation is selected;
 17

03. When there are two or more possible deltas, which conform to the
definition, the one nearest to the core is chosen;

04. The Delta may not be located in the middle of the ridge running
between the type lines towards the core, but at the nearest end only.

C. RULES GOVERNING THE SELECTION OF CORE

1. The core is placed upon or within the innermost sufficient recurve;

2. When the innermost sufficient recurve contains no ending ridge or rod

rising as high as the shoulders of the loop, the core is placed on the
shoulder of the loop farther from the delta;

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
farther one of the two center rods, the two center rods being treated as
though they were connected by a recurving ridge.

D. PATTERN INTERPRETATIONS

1. Arches

a. Plain Arch – the fingerprint pattern in which the ridges enter on one side
of the impression then flow out on the other side with a rise or wave in
the center.

b. Tented Arch – fingerprint pattern in which most of the ridges enter upon
one side of the impression and flow out upon the other side, as in plain
arch type, however, the ridge or ridges at the center do not.

 Types of Tented Arch

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

2) The ridge or ridges at the center form a definite angle, that is 90
degrees or less
3) That type in which, the pattern may have two or three of the four
essential requisites of a loop pattern.

2. Loops –That pattern in which one or more of the ridges enter on either side of
the impression, recurve, touch or pass upon an imaginary line drawn from the
delta to the core and terminate or tend to terminate in or toward the same side
of the impression from where such ridge or ridges enter.

a. Ulnar Loop (U) – type of pattern in which the ridges flow toward the ulna
bone or little finger.

b. Radial Loop (R) – derived its name from the radius bone of the forearm;
it is a type of pattern in which the ridges run its direction towards the
radius bone or thumb.

 Requisites of a loop pattern;

 18

- it must have a delta and a core

- it must have a ridge count of at least one
- it must have a sufficient recurve or recurving ridge that
passes an imaginary line between the delta and the core

* RIDGE COUNTING - the process of counting the ridges intervening between the
delta and the core. Neither the delta nor the core is counted when an imaginary
line is drawn connecting them.

1) When a bifurcation is exactly at the point where the imaginary line crosses,
two ridges are counted.

2) If the line crosses an island both sides are counted.

3) Fragments and dots are counted as ridges only if they appear as thick and
heavy as the other ridges in the immediate pattern.

3. Whorls

a. Plain Whorl – simplest form of whorl construction and is the most

common of all types of whorl. It is a fingerprint pattern, which has two
deltas and at least one ridge making a complete circuit in the form of a
spiral, oval, circular or any variant of a circle MUST touch or cross the
imaginary line drawn between the two deltas.

b. Central Pocket Loop - a fingerprint pattern, which has two deltas and at
least NO ridge making a complete circuit, which may be spiral, oval,
circular or any variant of a circle DO NOT touch or cross the imaginary
line connecting the two deltas. It is called a composite or transitional
pattern because it is made up of two patterns in one, a whorl inside a
loop.

c. Double Loop Whorl – consist of two separate and distinct loop

formations, with two sets of shoulders and two deltas. One of the loops
surrounds or overlaps the other and also called composite pattern, like
the central pocket loop whorl.

d. Accidental Whorl – it is a pattern consisting of a combination of two or

more different types of pattern except plain arch with two or more deltas.

* WHORL TRACING – When the deltas have been located, the ridge emanating
from the lower side or point of the extreme left delta is traced until the point nearest
or opposite the extreme right delta is reached. The number of ridges intervening
between the tracing ridge and the right delta are then counted.

Ridge traced inside is three or more – Inner or “I”

Ridge traced outside is three or more – Outer or “O”
Ridge traced inside/outside is two or less – Meeting or “M”

E. COMPONENT OF FINGERPRINT PATTERNS

1. Pattern Area – part of a loop or whorl in which appear the cores, deltas and
ridges

2. Friction Ridges/Papillary/Epidermal Ridges - are the raised strips of the skin

on the end joints of our fingers and thumbs, by which fingerprints are made.
 19

3. Furrows – are depressions or canal-like between the ridges which maybe

compared with the low area in a tire tread.

4. Pores – opening at the ridge surface

5. Bifurcation – is the forking or dividing of one line into two or more branches

6. Divergence – two ridges running side by side and suddenly separating, one
ridge going one way and the other in another way

7. Creases – are thin, usually straight narrow white lines running traversely or
formed side to side, across the print causing puckering of the ridges

8. Typelines – are two ridges running parallel or nearly parallel, diverge and tend
to surround or surround the pattern area. Considered as the basic boundaries
of most fingerprints

9. Focal points – within the pattern area of the loops and whorls are enclosed the
core and delta referred to as the focal points.

10. Forms of a Delta

a. Bifurcation

b. An abrupt ending ridge

c. Dot or series of dots

d. Eyelet/islet/island or enclosure ridge

e. A short ridge

f. A point on the first recurving ridge located nearest to the

center and in front of the divergence of the type lines

11. Forms of a Core

a. Bar or a rod

b. Staple core

c. Fragmentary core

12. Recurving Ridge – a ridge that curves back in the direction in which it started.

13. Appendage – A short ridge at the top or summit of a recurve usually at right
angle

14. Incipient or Nascent Ridges – a kind of ridge which is madly formed, thin,
short or broken which appear or appears in the depressions between two well
formed ridges

15. Puckering – as growth go, some or several ends of the ridges curls slightly.

16. Staple – Single recurving ridge at the center of the pattern area
 20

17. Spike – An ending ridge at the center of a pattern, which forms the upthrust

18. Delta – A point on a ridge at, or in front of, or nearest to the center of, the
divergence of type lines.

19. Core – the central point of convergence of the pattern of approximate center of
the pattern

20. Convergence – two or more lines forming an angle, a ridge whose closed end
is angular and serves as a joint or convergent.

F. QUESTIONABLE PATTERNS

Reasons why there are questionable patterns:

1) No two fingerprints will appear exactly alike;

2) Differences in the degree of judgment and interpretation of the individual
classifying fingerprints;
3) Difference in the amount of pressure used by the person taking the prints;
and
4) The amount or kind of ink used.

Rules of consideration:

1) A very difficult and unusual pattern – it has characteristics of three types,

the whorl, the loop and the tented arch. It is given the preference of an
ACCIDENTAL TYPE OF WHORL (reference to as loop and as tented arch).

2) The difficulty lies in locating the delta, type lines and the core in order to
determine what type of pattern is it.

G. THE CLASSIFICATION FORMULA AND EXTENSION

1. The Classification Formula

At this point it is necessary to mention that when prints are classified,

markings are indicated at the bottom of each finger block to reflect the type. The
following symbols are used:

a) Under the Index Finger, the appropriate capital letters should be

placed for every pattern except the Ulnar Loop;

b) Under all other fingers, the appropriate letter should be placed

for every pattern except the ulnar loop and the whorl as follows:

Arch . . . . . . . . . . . a
Tented Arch . . . . . t
Radial Loop . . . . . . r

c) Ulnar loops in any finger are designated by a diagonal line

slanting in the direction of the loop.

d) Whorls in any finger are designated by the letter “W”.

* The classification formula may be composed of the following divisions:

1) Primary 4) Major
 21

2) Secondary 5) Final
3) Sub-secondary 6) Key

2. The positions in the classification line are illustrated as follows:

Key Major Primary Secondary Sub secondary

Final
Div Class Class Class

20 M 32 U 101 10
L 32 W 000 9

Second Subsecondary
Classification
Key Major Primary Secondary Subsecondary
Final
Div Class Class Class

SLM
SSL
20 M 32 U 101 10
L 32 W 000 9

1. PRIMARY CLASSIFICATION – refers to the numerical value of whorls

Fingers No. 1 & 2 - - - - - - - - - - - 16

Fingers No. 3 & 4 - - - - - - - - - - - 8
Fingers No. 5 & 6 - - - - - - - - - - - 4
Fingers No. 7 & 8 - - - - - - - - - - - 2
Fingers No. 9 & 10 - - - - - - - - - - 1

Odd Fingers ( 1,3,5,7 & 9) contain the Denominator while

Even Fingers (2,4,6,8 & 10) contain the Numerator.

The summation of the numerical value of whorls plus the arbitrary count of one (1)
for consistency purposes. In the absence of whorl type of pattern the Primary
Classification shall be 1/1.

2. SECONDARY CLASSIFICATION

The Secondary classification appears just to the right of the fractional numerals,
which represents the Primary. It is shown in the formula by capital letters
representing the basic types of patterns appearing in the index fingers of each hand,
the right hand being the numerator and the left hand the denominator.

There are five (5) basic types of patterns, which can appear:

1. Arch - - - - - - - - - - - A
2. Tented Arch - - - - - - T
3. Radial Loop - - - - - - R
4. Ulnar Loop - - - - - - U
5. Whorl - - - - - - - - - - W, C, D, X

3. SECONDARY CLASSIFICATION (Small Letter group)

 22

Prints with an arch or tented arch in any finger or a radial loop in any except the
index finger constitute the small letter group of the secondary classification. Such
“small-letters”, with the exception of those appearing in the index fingers, are
brought up into the classification formula in their proper relative positions
immediately adjacent to the index fingers.

4. SUB-SECONDARY CLASSIFICATION – grouping of loops and whorls placed

just to the right of the secondary classification.. Only six fingers are involved,
2,3,4,7,8 and 9.

Ridge Count Index Finger Middle Finger Ring Finger

1 – 9 = Inner/”I” 1 – 10 = Inner/”I” 1 – 13 = Inner/”I”
10 or more = “O” 11 or more = “O” 14 or more = “O”

Ridge Tracing 3 ridges count or more = Inner or “I”

3 ridges count or more = Outer or “O”
2 ridges count inside or outside = Meeting or “M”

5. MAJOR DIVISION – is placed just left of the Primary Division.

CLASSIFICATION CHART

TABLE FOR MAJOR DIVISIONS OF LOOPS

LEFT THUMB DENOMINATOR RIGHT THUMB NUMERATOR

1 to 11, inclusive S (Small) - - - - - - - - - 1 to 11 ridges count inclusive, S

12 to 16 ridges count inclusive, M
 23

17 or more ridges count, L

12 to 16, inclusive, M (Medium) - - - - - - 1 to 11 ridges count inclusive, S

12 to 16 ridges count inclusive, M
17 or more ridges count, L

17 or more ridges, L (Large) - - - - - - - - - 1 to 17 ridges count

inclusive, S
18 to 22 ridges count inclusive, M
23 or more ridges count, L

6. FINAL DIVISION – The Final division is the ridge counts of the loop in the right
little finger and this is indicated at the extreme right of the numerator in the
classification.

Rules:
 If a loop does not appear in the right little finger, a loop in the left little finger
may be used; it is written in the extreme right of the denominator
 If no loops appear, a whorl may be used.
o On the right hand, by counting the intervening ridges from left delta to
the core
o On the left hand, by counting the intervening ridges from right delta to
the core
 Double Loops, count the ridges from delta to the core of the upright loop or
O If the double loop is horizontal, the nearest core is used.

7. KEY DIVISION – It is obtained by counting the ridges of the first loop appearing
on the fingerprint card (beginning with the right thumb), exclusive of the little fingers,
which are never considered for the key as they are reserved for the final. The Key no
matter where found, is always placed to the extreme left of the numerator of the
classification formula.

H. CLASSIFICATION OF SCARRED PATTERNS/AMPUTATION MISSING AT

BIRTH

Rules:

1) 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;

2) When an impression is partially scarred, attempt to use ridge counting or tracing

of the impressions; otherwise refer to the corresponding finger of the other hand;

3) When both fingers are scarred, both patterns are given the arbitrary value of
whorls with meeting tracing.

 Classification of amputations and fingers missing at birth

The purpose is to prevent the appearance on later cards of impressions of

fingers though to have been amputated but which in reality were merely injured
and bandaged when previous prints were submitted.

0 If one finger is amputated, it is given a classification identical with that of the

opposite finger, including the pattern and ridge count or tracing and referenced to
every other possible classification;
 24

0 If two or more fingers are amputated, they are given classifications identical
with the fingers opposite, with no additional references;

0 If two amputated fingers are opposite each other, both are given the
classification of whorls with meeting tracings.

0 If all ten (10) fingers are amputated or missing at birth, classification will be
M32W MMM.
M32W MMM

0 Partially amputated fingers shall be filed as amputations or non-

amputations. As no definite rule may be applied, it is a matter of experience and
judgment as to their preferred classification.

CHAPTER 6

LATENT/CHANCE FINGERPRINT IMPRESSIONS

Latent Fingerprints – fingerprints found at the crime scene.

Latent Prints – are those markings, usually rather indistinct left by oily matters or
perspiration exuded from the fingertips upon any substance, which the fingers may
have touched.

Scene fingerprints are extremely valuable materials for criminal investigation.

It being impressed carelessly and are perishable, it is necessary to thoroughly
observe their impressed condition prior to collecting and then collect them as soon
as possible by selecting a collecting method suitable. In observing the prints, it is
best to observe it OBLIQUELY. In selecting the use of powder, apply the
PRINCIPLE OF CONTRAST, meaning the use of powder that blends with the
background color where the latent prints has been impressed.

I. Causes of the Markings:

1. Ridges or the raised strip of the epidermis

2. Sweat or perspiration

a. Composition of Sweat

 98 % - 99% - Sweat gland excreta – is a colorless, transparent substance of

neutral or low acidity (PH4-7) known as moisture or water; and
 1% - 2% are organic and non-organic matters;
 organic matters are salt, calcium, magnesium, etc. while non-organic matters
are urea, lactic acid, albumin, amino acid and others)

Sebaceous Excreta – is a colorless, transparent substance consisting of fatty acids,

vitamins, etc. Quality and quantity of excreta vary from person to person.

Query: How are latent prints developed?

Ans.: The finger surface is always wet with excreta from sweat glands
distributed on ridges and fat, which is continuously excreted from the skin, and is
stuck with excreta from the sebaceous glands caused by contact with other skin. If
such a wet finger touches an object, its excreta would move onto the object to
 25

impress a fingerprint. Since the transfer of excreta onto an object impresses latent
prints, they are more easily impressed on a well-dried object with smooth surface.

II. Life span is influenced by:

 Climate/temperature/humidity
 Physical and mental condition of the subject
 Nutrition or the kind of food the body eat
 Impurities on the skin surface

III. Two (2) conditions of latent fingerprints at the crime scene:

1. Tangible fingerprint – can be seen by the naked eye; such as markings

made by coloring substance, dust, blood oil, etc.

2. Intangible fingerprint – those invisible prints which cannot be seen by the

naked eye. Such as prints on porous/absorbent materials and other objects.

IV. Classes of Latent/Chance Impressions

1. Visible Prints – prints smeared with colored substances such as blood,

ink, grease, dust or paint. It is preserved through photographs.

2. Semi-visible or Plastic Impressions – impressions caused by plastic

materials, such as soap, melted candles, wax, paraffin and adhesive
gums. They are preserved through photographs.

3. Invisible Latent Prints – most common types of impressions and are not
seen by the naked eye. They must be developed through the right kind of
powder and/or chemical to make them visible. They are preserved
depending upon the color of the background, observing the “Principle of
Contrast” through a lifting tape (Mechanical process – using black or
aluminum powders.)

V. Crime Scene Processing Requirements

1. Photographs of the Crime Scene

a. General View
b. Distance shot and close-up shot of latent print
c. Photographs of every object bearing latent prints
d. Photographs of every latent print before lifting

2. Sketch of the Crime Scene

a. Sketch of locality – it gives a picture of the scene of the crime and its
environment such as neighboring buildings and road
b. Sketch of grounds – pictures the nearest physical surroundings like floor
plan of the house
c. Sketch of details – describe the immediate scene only

3. Things that may not be done in the crime scene

a. Do not lift without taking photographs

b. Do not lift on small movable object
c. Do not remove object without taking photograph
d. Do not place powder to the entire crime scene
 26

e. Do not develop visible latent print

4. Crime Scene procedures

a. Upon arrival of the crime scene

i. Check for injuries and summon the necessary aid

ii. Secure the crime scene
iii. Question all witnesses
iv. Photograph the entire crime scene
v. Locate pertinent evidence BUT NOT COLLECTING IT YET
vi. Begin the search for fingerprints
vii. Prepare the crime scene sketch and
viii. Collect all the physical evidence

b. Searching for latent prints

“Ken-saku” – is the method of searching activities for finding scene

fingerprints and where they are impressed.

Most scene fingerprints are usually found at the points of Entry, departure
and places ransacked/attacked.
i. Do not remove object from their original position or touch anything
unless fingerprints are developed and lifted
ii. Search for latent print should be in a systematic and intelligent
manner
iii. Consider the points of entry, attack and exit
iv. Use correct amount and quality of powder to develop latent print
c. Evidence preservation of scene fingerprints

i. Whenever scene prints have been found, confirmation by a

witness shall be made prior to collection.
ii. Photograph the prints prior to collection – in order to clarify the
position of an object and the latent prints,

- before photographing, label the evidence with the following

information:

1) Name of incident
2) Date and hour taken
3) Place
4) Witness/es and signature/s
5) Collector’s affiliation and name

- All prints must be lifted and pasted standing or as if were

impressed in a real type of impressions; each must be
numbered in serial order.

iii. A scene fingerprints collection report shall be prepared.

VI. Various Methods of Developing Latent prints

1. Powder/solid/ or Mechanical Method – reagents which must adhere or

stocked to the sweat must be used. Suitable surfaces for this technique are glass,
porcelain, ceramic, pottery, metallic item, plastic and bamboo. Prints are collected
by:
 27

a. Use of lifting material (gelatin paper, lifter, cellophane

tape, transparent vinyl tape and adhesive tapes); and
b. Photographs

A suitable powder (e.g. black powder, aluminum powder, lycopodium,

SP
black powder) is selected and used according to the conditions of impressions and
object. Sometimes, two or more kinds of powder are used in mixture. This is called
mixture powder. The mixing proportion varies according to the climate, humidity,
degree of dryness/wetness of an object. The most commonly used mixture is that of
aluminum powder (grey) and lycopodium, which is effective for suppressing
adhesiveness.

Techniques of Powder method:

a) Brushing Method – the brush tip is dipped into a small quantity of

powder and lightly brush on the surface of where latent prints maybe found;
thereafter lightly sweep excess powder to clean it; applied to dry, slippery
and sticky surfaces.

b) Use of spray gun – when prints are found on large object, large
space, wide area. Ex. Leather, synthetic, etc.
c) Rolling (rocking) method – place appropriate quantity of powder
on an object to be examined, lightly bend and tilt, spreading out powder all
over the object in order that the powder shall adhere to the fingerprints, the
fingerprint is developed by flipping the back side of the object to remove
excess powder. Applied to high quality dried paper.

d) Light-striking method or Patting Method – after having the

powder adhere to a fingerprint, lightly strike the object to be examined with a
brush tip to which the powder has been applied, the fingerprint is developed
with another brush to which no powder is applied or by air blowing with a
blower-brush or a spray to remove excess powder.

e) Sprinkling Method – white powder – applied on rubber, leather,

greasy fingerprint.

Major Powder material and applicable evidence:

Applicable Evidence Name of the Method/ Cautions of Handling

Powder Technology
Glasses with dried Aluminum or Brush Method Extremely strong
surface (glass, black powder adhesive powder.
mirror, bottle, etc) Apply little by little. Do
not use too much
Pottery/ceramics Black Powder Brushing Apply little by little only.
(containers, Method Not to use to much
ornament, tiles, etc.) carelessly
Metallic items With 7:3 of Brushing Mixture of the black
(knives, metallic portion Method (carbon powder,
paints, stainless, aluminum aluminum powder and
etc.) powder lycopodium powder
(strong carefully differentiates
adhesive color depend upon the
powder); color of the suspected
Lycopodium objects.
(weak
 28

adhesive
powder)
* Glossy cover paper In higher moisture
of magazines contains in the air (rain
(weekly magazines, season) time, misture
etc.) - do - - do - ration is change from
* Wooden materials 7:3 into 6:4 or 5:5 by
(painted wood, bark, adjusting to the
bamboo products, situations.
etc.) * This method has a
* Synthetic resin wider application field
(plastic products by pattern.
decorative plywood,
cellophane, etc.)
Papers Black (carbon Rolling Method Black powder is light
powder) and easily scattering
around that easily
adheres on the
suspected
objects/evidence on the
surface. Carefully
handle and do not fly
away around.
*Metallic Substances Lycopodium Rolling or * Do not use brush due
(tin plate, etc.) Spray Method to weak adhesive
* Leather products powder.
(bag, purse, etc.) * Fingerprint on the
* Rubber products leather should be
photographed to
preserved or to record.
Do not use scoth tape
or transplant method.
Fingerprint becomes
inaccurate.

2. Liquid or Chemical Method – use of reagent on the suspected area and

expose the fingerprint marked there. Take a photo of the exposed fingerprint as the
fingerprint sampling is acted.

1) Suitable objects adapted to this method; paper, wood, metal wood and
scoth tape adhesives.

2) Reagents are: ninhydrin, TMB (Tetra methyl benzidine – C16H20N2), black

powder, SP Black Powder, Victoria Pure blue powder, etc.). The techniques or
methods are:

A. Use of Victoria Blue – either by applying method or soaking method, it is

used on the different kinds of adhesive materials. This method is also known as
dyeing method. Originally Victoria pure blue is used to dye the material

Reagent: - Victoria blue powder

How to make Reagent – Melt 1g of Victoria pure blue into 1 liter ordinary water and
make 0.1% of solution.

Method – Dip the suspected objects well into the solution for 30 seconds to 1 minute
observe how the fingerprints appear. Then wash it with water.
 29

Note – Victoria pure blue is not easily washed away. As it’s a dye color powder, it
can restore before the attached condition. Carefully hold and do not let it touch the
cloth.
B. Gas Applying Method – is effective on any type of surfaces (Porous
or Non-porous). Spray the gasified reagent into the suspected area to detect
fingerprint at the crime scene, then take photo record of the exposed fingerprint.
Most common agent is the gas in a Mighty Bond (Cyanoacrelate)

Logic – Cyanoacrelate mighty bond gasses combined with water and turned into
white crystallized material. Applying this nature, it detects fingerprint when the
suspected substance size is small and the texture carrying suspect’s fingerprint is
not the fabric or paper. This is widely used as a method.

Reagent – Cyano Bond’s Brand name in the Philippines is Mighty Bond.

Applicable for –

1) Metal
2) Plastics/synthetics resin
3) Painted Wood
4) Leather products
5) Adhesive tape (adherence surface side, not the sticky side)
6) Glossy – paper
7) Plywood
8) Skin of the human body

Methods

1) Cyano Gas Treatment Method

a. Few drops of Cyanoacrelate mighty bond drop on the gauze/cotton cut into 4 -5
cm.
b. Place into the container with cover, like plastic bag with closed mouth fix its
position, not to get in touch to subject/ object.
c. Wait for 15 – 20 minutes while observing fingerprint exposure condition.
Reaction to moisture in the fingerprint, crystals in white color fingerprint can be
observed with the naked eye.
d. In this case, cotton and gauze, paper with the cyanoacrelate Mighty Bond is put
on to consist amount of water so the reaction will be agitated.
e. Take photograph as the fingerprint is formed into a white color.

2) Cyanoacrelate Adherence Method

a. White paper (nature of this paper is no absorbent, prevent cyano – acrelito –

bond not to be absorbed), cut it into the suspected substance (fingerprint) size. Drop
few drops (1-3 drops = 0.1 – 0.3 g) of cyano bond.
b. Leave the paper for 2 – 3 seconds and shake lightly and make it in semi dried
condition.
c. Place this semi dried Cyano bond applied paper on the suspected substance
(fingerprint) area with the applied side on the substance and cover it with plastic to
prevent evaporation of the gas contents.
d. With 10 – 20 minutes, fingerprint will expose in white color.
e. Take a photo record of the detected fingerprint.
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3) Fuming Box Method – Structure of fuming box and logic of this method

a. Metal Box – 40 x 40 x 50 cm size developed for this purposes of fingerprint

sampling by Cyanoacrelate Method. Bottom part consists of a round .05 of hot plate.
Heat of this hot plate agitates the evaporation condition of Cyanoacrelate group of
bond glue and shortens time detection. Sidewall has 5 x 5 cm size window.
b. Switch on to heat up the hot plate
c. Open the cover of the fuming box and place the suspected object/evidence in
convection current all over the box. If No result is noted.
d. Put few drops of Cyanoacrelate mighty bond on the hot plate
e. Put fingerprint on the transparent plastic sheet cover window of the fuming box.
With the plastic bag fix the sheet with the magnet, while exposing fingerprint in the
inner side of the Cyanoacrelate gas. Through the window, you can monitor the
formation of the fingerprint.
f. Put the cover and wait for 7 – 8 minutes.
g. While waiting for the processing, you can attend to other sample mention on
letter “e”. Over doing the processing is the cause of destruction. Protuberant line
might be corrupt. Carefully observe the fingerprint on the window and decide when
to finish the processing of the fingerprint inside the fuming box.
h. Take photo record.

C. Ninhydrin Method – There are two solutions of the ninhydrin powder,

namely: ninhydrin petroleum benzine and ninhydrin acetone solution. This is applied
by soaking a brush into the solution, and then applies on the paper in a single stroke
until the entire suspected portion containing latent prints is covered. At normal
atmospheric temperature, the latent print is observed after 24 hours of application.
To confirm the print in a short time the use of a flat iron may be used. Dry the paper
using a portable ninhydrin heater, if none, just let it dry.

* The application of the solution will have a chemical reaction between the amino
acid and ninhydorine that will change the color into bluish purple.

Ninhydrine Acetone solution:

a. Applicable to

1) Paper
2) White wood
3) Blood stained fingerprint
4) Paper wrapping of cigarette-stick, etc.

b. How to make solution (in case of 100cc of 0.5% solution making)

> To make 0.5% Ninhydrine Acetone solution, by 0.5g of Ninhydrine powder

dissolved into 100ml of Acetone.

c. Detection Method

1) Dip brush into reagent, apply on the suspected surface evenly

2) Evaporate acetone with heat
3)Take a photo of the developed fingerprint

d. Restoration

1) Wash it in hot water, for easy removal of the chemical

2) Dip the whole item into the 3% solution of the Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2)
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Ninhydrin Petroleum Benzine Solution

a. Applicable to

1) Paper printed/written (advantage of this method is written letters with ball

pen and other ink on the paper are not destroyed.)

b. How to make (in case 100cc of 0.5% solution)

1) 0.5 of Ninhydrine powder is dissolved into 10ml of Ethel Alcohol. Ninhydrin

powder cannot be dissolved into the petroleum benzene, directly. Dissolve it into
Ethyl alcohol first, then in to benzene.

2) Add 90ml of petroleum benzene, and mix up well to make 0.5% Ninhydrine
petroleum benzene solution.

c. Method

1) Dip brush into solution and apply on the suspected surface evenly
2) Evaporate petroleum Benzine and add heat
3) Take a photo of the detected fingerprint.

D. Ninhydrin and Zinc chloride solutions – this is one of the least

expensive and easiest to use in developing latent prints on paper documents.

Formula 1: Mix 20 grams of ninhydrin crystals with 3,300 cc of acetone

Formula 2: Using a magnetic stirrer, dissolve 5 gms of ninhydrin crystals in 30 ml

of methanol. Add 40 ml of two (2) propanol then stir. Add 930 ml of petroleum or
pentane then stir.

E. SPWA (Special Method)

1) Applicable to

a. Wet (watered)
> Plastic bag
> Metal product
> Plastic product
> Vehicle body
> Bathroom tile
> Weekly magazine cover
> Glass product
> Smooth surface with no water absorbent

b. Adherent surface of the adhesive tape

c. Magnetic Card
d. Crappy plastic bag

2) How to make a reagent liquid

a. Bring 3g of SP Black powder in the mortar, to make it into even

sizes.
b. Add 3 ml of drew prevention chemical for photo (Konica
duxs/Drywell) and mix well, then add 10ml of water and mix again.

3) Detection Technique
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a. Dip brush in the reagent, cover object/evidence with this solution

well and leave it for 30 second.
b. Wash away excess powder while confirming detection (exposure)
condition. Repeat the same application again when the detected fingerprint is not
clear enough.

c. After it has dried well, no moisture contains, transfer chemically and

take photo. Not transferable from the adhesive tape, photo record is
recommendable.

F. Tetramethybenzidine Benzidine (C16 H20 N2) or TMB Method –

Applying chemical reaction to certain enzyme in the blood. React to the TMB and
turn into blue green color. (1/20,000 solution contains of the blood can be sensed by
this method). With this method the invisible amount of blood stained fingerprint can
be detected. Fingerprint on the kitchen knife, and other blades used as a weapon,
are effectively detected.

Formula:

Solution A - 100 ml Ethanol consist if 0.5ml of TMB powder solution.

Solution B – Ethanol added to the same amount of distilled water, and 30 %
hydrogen peroxide mixed up in 9:1 ratio.

Detection Technique:

a. Before starting working on the suspected area, take photo record (original
appearance)
b. Apply solution A with a brush, then solution B after its dry.
c. If there is an existing blood stained fingerprint, it will turn into blue green. Take a
photo record of the fingerprint.

Preservation of the solution

It will last only for one (1) month under the direct exposure to sun and above 60
degrees centigrade of the climate. But if it is preserved at the temperature of 12 to
20 degrees centigrade it will last at least five (5) months with out any influence
weather condition. Further in dark places, after 15 months no changes will be
observed. Remarks : confirm the effectivity of the solution always, before using it.

Fingerprint Detection technique by the TMB from (human) skin

Apply gelatin – paper/scoth tape on the suspected area that the bloody fingerprint
might be existing, and transfer the subject fingerprint on the gelatin paper. Apply the
solution
“ A” on the surface (gelatin paper) then another close to the paper of which is
absorbed solution “B” with blood stained fingerprint transferred, gelatin coated side.
It will turn into blue – green color if actual fingerprint exist.

G. Gentian Violet (crystal violet) – used to develop prints on adhesives.

This solution is useful on all types of rubberlike adhesive tapes, but not on water-
soluble tapes.

Formula: Dissolve 0.1 gm of gentian violet (crystal violet) in 1 liter of distilled

water.
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H. Physical Developer – use to develop prints after DFO and ninhydrine on

paper-type items such as checks, paper currency, cardboard and raw wood.

Formula : Stock detergent solution: mix 3 gms of nodeclyamine acetate and 4

gms of syneromic – N in 1 liter of distilled water.

Silver nitrate solutions: mix 20 gms of silver nitrate in 100 ml of distilled

water.

I. Colloidal Gold (Tetrachloroauric Acid) – develops prints on porous and

non-porous surfaces.

Formula: Gold Stock solution: dissolve 1 gm of gold chloride in 10 ml of distilled

water.

Sodium Citrate Stock solution: dissolve 1 gm of sodium citrate in 100

ml
of distilled water.

J.. Cyanoacrylate Flourescent Enhancement – developing fingerprint in

white by affixing gas generated from cyanoacrylic instant adhesive. It proves
effective for developing fingerprints from a blackish object, especially the adhesive
face or adhesive tape. The latent prints is collected through photographs.

K. Amino Black - Is a protein dye, which can be used to develop latent prints
made with blood stained friction skin. It is necessary to take sample of bloodstains
for typing before using amino black.

Formula: Solution 1 = dissolve 2 gms of amino black (napthalene black or

naphthol blue black) in 100 ml of glacial acetic acid and 900 ml of methanol.

Solution 2 = Mix 100 ml of glacial acetic acid and 900 ml of methanol.

Easier formula = Dissolve 1 gm DFO in 200 ml methanol, 200 ml ethyl

acetate and 40 ml of acetic acid.

OTHER METHODS

a. Gas Method – Latent fingerprint is developed by means of coloring by

affixing gasified reagent (usually an Iodine) or by causing chemical
change in elements of excreta, and then collected by photographing or
lifting onto lifting material. This method is suitable for developing
fingerprints from papers, unpainted woods and textiles.

Since, the developed latent print easily disappears, the print must
immediately be collected by photographing it.

b. Flame Method – it is done by affixing a soot to a latent or unclear

print. The develop print is collected by lifting it onto a lifting material or
can also be collected by photographing it. This is suitable for collection
from metal or objects with porous surface.

c. Molding Method – This is a method of collecting visible fingerprints

with a molding material, and is suitable for collecting from an object
with no complicated and uneven surface that lifting it with a lifting
material is unfeasible.
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The molding materials are:

1. Silicon rubber,
2. Plaster
3. “Aljix”
4. Strippable pain
5. Paraffin wax
6. Plastic liquid

d. Photographing Method

6. Basis of the Choice of What Method or Developing Medium to Use

a. Age of the Latent Print

1) Fresh print (indoor) – one to ten days = use powder or iodine crystal
2) Up to six months old – use silver nitrate solution
3) Older than six months - use ninhydrin solution

b. Collecting Methods to visible type of latent prints

1) Dust Fingerprint – lifted directly with gelatin paper

but if it may peel it off use photograph;

2) Blood Fingerprint – lifted directly with gelatin paper

3) Oil/grease fingerprint – If dry, it is collected by lifting it onto

Binio roll lifter.
If not dry, dry it under a shade then collect it as in the
above case.

c. How long does a fingerprint remain in an object?

1) Plastic Prints remain for any length of time provided the object on
which they are left or the substance in which they are formed is stable.
2) Prints of fingers contaminated with blood, pigments, ink and oil are
more resistant and can be kept for a long time under favorable
conditions.
 Latent prints on glass, china and other smooth objects can
remain for years if they are in a well protected location
 Objects open to air, sunlight and rain easily deteriorate