Fingerprints: Collection and Interpretation

Forensic Science Laboratory

Syracuse University Chemistry 113

Introduction
A fingerprint is an impression of the friction ridges of all or any part of the finger.[1] A
friction ridge is a raised portion of the epidermis on the palmar (palm and fingers) or plantar
(sole and toes) skin, consisting of one or more connected ridge units of friction ridge skin.[1]
These ridges are sometimes known as "dermal ridges" or "dermal papillae".

An all-but-forgotten fingerprint lifted at the scene of a 2005 home invasion in

which Antonio Corbitt was shot to death in front of his 8-year-old son has led to
arrests of three men early in April 2012. Corbitt, 29, was a graduate of Richland
Northeast High School and a supervisor at Babies-R-Us, a baby gift registry,
when he was killed. Arrested in what court documents describe as a robbery to
get money and drugs were: Tavares World, 34, of Columbia; Gregg Isaac, 25, of
Hopkins; Vernorris Dixon, 36. of Columbia. All three are charged with robbery,
conspiracy and murder in Corbitt’s Oct. 27, 2005, shooting death.Corbitt, shot in
the abdomen, died at the scene in front of his home at 3200 Fernandina Road,
Richland County Coroner Gary Watts said Tuesday. A sheriff’s incident report at
the time said Corbitt was shot in his apartment, staggered outside and died lying
on his back in a pool of blood by the front door. An unknown number of suspects
had kicked in the front door and found him sitting on the sofa.Lott would not say
exactly what surface the fingerprint had been left on or whose fingerprint it was
just that “We knew it had been left by one of the bad guys,” he said.

Background
Fingerprints may be
deposited in natural
secretions from the eccrine
glands present in friction
ridge skin (secretions
consisting primarily of
water) or they may be made by ink or
other contaminants transferred from
the peaks of friction skin ridges to a
relatively smooth surface such as a
fingerprint card.[2] The term fingerprint
normally refers to impressions
transferred from the pad on the last joint of fingers and thumbs, though fingerprint cards also

Fingerprints: Collection and Interpretation 1 Copyright James T. Spencer 2004

typically record portions of lower joint areas of the fingers (which are also used to make
identifications).
Fingerprint identification (sometimes referred to as dactyloscopy[3]) is the process of
comparing questioned and known friction skin ridge impressions (see Minutiae) from fingers,
palms, and toes to determine if the impressions are from the same finger (or palm, toe, etc.). The
flexibility of friction ridge skin means that no two finger or palm prints are ever exactly alike
(never identical in every detail), even two impressions recorded immediately after each other.
Fingerprint identification (also referred to as individualization) occurs when an expert (or an
expert computer system operating under threshold scoring rules) determines that two friction
ridge impressions originated from the same finger or palm (or toe, sole) to the exclusion of all
others.

Although the word latent means hidden or invisible, in modern usage for forensic science
the term latent prints means any chance or accidental impression left by friction ridge skin on a
surface, regardless of whether it is visible or invisible at the time of deposition. Electronic,
chemical and physical processing techniques permit visualization of invisible latent print residue
whether they are from natural secretions of the eccrine glands present on friction ridge skin
(which produce palmar sweat, sebum, and various kinds of lipids), or whether the impression is
in a contaminant such as motor oil, blood, paint, ink, etc.
Latent prints may exhibit only a small portion of the surface of the finger and may be
smudged, distorted, or both, depending on how they were deposited. For these reasons, latent
prints are an “inevitable source of error in making comparisons,” as they generally “contain less
clarity, less content, and less undistorted information than a fingerprint taken under controlled
conditions, and much, much less detail compared to the actual patterns of ridges and grooves of a
finger.” [4]

Two rules can be applied when considering the science of fingerprints. Fingerprints are
permanent. They are formed in the fetal stage prior to birth and remain the same throughout the
lifetime of the individual, although they may be altered by flexibility of the friction skin,
scarring, a present wound or disease of the skin. All of which add to the individualizing of a
fingerprint. Not even identical twins, who have identical DNA, have identical fingerprints, nor
do you have two fingerprints which are the same, though your body has uniform DNA in it.

There are approximately seven basic types of prints, and several identifiable minutae.  :

Fingerprints: Collection and Interpretation 2

 

 - Arch: The lines are going like waves from one site to the other site.
- Tentarch: Like the Arch but with a rising stick in the middle.
- Loop: The lines coming from one site returning in the middle to the same side
- Double loop: Like the loop but with two loops inside, one standing one hanging
- Pocked loop: Like the loop but with a small circle in the turning point
- Whorl: The lines are making circles
- Mixed figure: Composed with different figures

Transmitting prints to a object.

- The most common way is leaving fat from the finger on the object.
- It is also possible that Amino-acids from the finger leave their marks.
- A finger can make a "stamp" in a soft underground like putty.
- A mark can be made by a substance on the finger like blood or paint.

Making marks visible.

There are a lot of ways to make marks visible. In fact a lot of marks can be seen if you look
carefully. Pushing your finger on a window or dark surface and looking sideways will prove this
point easily enough. Certain wavelengths of light can aid in seeing difficult prints as well. The
surface on which the print is found is very important for the way the prints must be made visible.
When a print is put on a piece of paper it is possible to make it visible with a magnetic iron
powder. Strictly speaking the powder is not magnetic but the lifting brush is. This can only be
done on very fresh marks, not much older than a few hours. After that an alternative method
must be used: Ninhydrin. It is a chemical that colors the amino-acids that are left behind after
contact with the skin. In cases involving metal or plastic objects the cyano-method can be used.
When a few drops of superglue, cyano-acrylate, are heated they vaporize. The smoke of the
cyano will attach to the fingerprints leaving a clear white print. It must be done in an enclosed
space by a trained chemist as the fumes are toxic. Once the prints are made visible, saving the
for future examination is imperative. A print is lifted, photographed, and placed into the
evidence file.

Fingerprints: Collection and Interpretation 3

 When examining fingerprints in an evidence file, a microscope or magnifying glass is
extremely useful. The print needs to be examined carefully and minutae recognized for points of
comparison. The number of points needed for a true match varies slightly. Computers are
utilized for intial matches, but a forensic specialist must make the final comparison, as they may
be required to attend court to testify to the findings. The minutae most often identified are listed
here:

← ridge endings - a ridge that ends

abruptly
← ridge bifurcation - a single ridge that
divides into two
ridges
← short ridges, island or independent
ridge - a ridge that
commences, travels a short
distance and then
ends
← ridge enclosures - a single ridge that
bifurcates and
reunites shortly afterward to
continue as a single
ridge
← spur - a bifurcation with a short ridge
branching off a longer ridge
← crossover or bridge - a short ridge that runs between two parallel
ridges

Fingerprints: Collection and Interpretation 4

 

1. ^ a b c Peer Reviewed Glossary of the Scientific Working Group on Friction Ridge

Analysis, Study and Technology (SWGFAST)
2. ^ Olsen, Robert D., Sr. (1972) “The Chemical Composition of Palmar Sweat”
Fingerprint and Identification Magazine Vol 53(10)
3. ^ a b c Ashbaugh, David R. (1991) "Ridgeology". Journal of Forensic Identification Vol
41 (1) ISSN: 0895-l 73X
4. ^ a b c Zabell, Sandy "Fingerprint Evidence" Journal of Law and Policy

Objectives
Determine by fingerprint examination the basic shape and minutiae found in your own
prints. Use the class set of fingerprint cards to identify which member of the class is the culprit.

Fingerprints: Collection and Interpretation 5

 Experimental Methods
In this experiment, you will create a fingerprint card, identify the characteristics of all ten
prints and use the class set to identify an unknown print.

Procedures I: Standard Prints

Using as little ink as possible, roll out a very thin layer of colored ink on the provided
washable surface. Carefully roll your relaxed finger across the ink and onto the fingerprint card.
Use consistent pressure to get an even print. Sometimes it helps to have another student roll your
fingers and print them. Practicing on paper towels first will help you identify the correct
pressure to use. Make sure all ten prints are clear and easy to read. After the prints, you need all
four fingers off each hand printed on the card as well.

The fingerprint card has been provided for you as Data Sheet 1, please fill in the heading
completely. After the prints have dried, use a magnifying glass to identify the basic type of each
print and record it in Data Sheet 2. Identify a minimum seven minutiae for each finger, circling
each minutiae in colored pencil, or highlight, on the fingerprint card and record the minutiae on
the data table as well. Connect the circles in a zig-zag pattern to finish your standard Set.

Take the Unknown print and tape it to Data Sheet 3. Using the class set provided,
identify the culprit – listing the basic fingerprint type and seven minutiae used in the
identification.

Procedures II: Visualizing and Collecting Usable Prints

Visible – A set of visible prints has been provided for you on the white marker board.
Photograph the print first and then attempt to lift the print using the roll of clear tape. You’re
your lifted print in the area provided on Data Sheet 4.

Plastic – Leave a plastic print inside a small piece of Playdoh. Photograph the print and
gently adhere the plastic print to Data Sheet 4.

Latent – Grab two microscope slides and sit at a dark lab table. Leave latent prints on all
three surfaces (the two slides and the table). Rub your hands on your face or in your hair to
gather oils if you have just washed your hands – remember committing a crime is sweaty
business! Use the dusting powder to lift the two of the latent prints (one from the slide and one
from the table) with appropriate technique, taping your resulting lifts onto Data Sheet 4. The
third latent print should be placed inside the large Ziploc bag to be super-glue fumed. Dust and
lift the print from the fuming, taping both the lift and the slide onto Data Sheet 4.

Fingerprints: Collection and Interpretation 6

 Fingerprints: Collection and Interpretation
Forensic Science Laboratory
Syracuse University Chemistry 113

Name Laboratory Section

Instructor Lab Period

Experimental Data Sheet 1

Name : _____________________________________

NO. _______________________________________ Reference: _________________________________

Impressions taken by: ________________________ Date: ______________________________________

RIGHT HAND
1. Right Thumb 2. R Index Finger 3. R Middle Finger 4. R Ring Finger 5. R Little Finger

LEFT HAND
6. Left Thumb 7. L Index Finger 8. L Middle Finger 9. L Ring Finger 10. L Little Finger

LEFT HAND: Plain Impressions Taken Simultaneously RIGHT HAND: Plain Impressions Taken Simultaneously
LEFT HAND: Four Fingers L Thumb R Thumb RIGHT HAND: Four Fingers

Fingerprints: Collection and Interpretation 7

Fingerprints: Collection and Interpretation 8
Fingerprints: Collection and Interpretation 9
 Fingerprints: Collection and Interpretation
Forensic Science Laboratory
Syracuse University Chemistry 113

Name Laboratory Section

Instructor Lab Period

Experimental Data Sheet 2

Basic type: Basic type: Basic type: Basic type: Basic type:

7 Minutiae: 7 Minutiae: 7 Minutiae: 7 Minutiae: 7 Minutiae:

Right Thumb Right Index Right Middle Right Ring Right Pinkie
Basic type: Basic type: Basic type: Basic type: Basic type:

7 Minutiae: 7 Minutiae: 7 Minutiae: 7 Minutiae: 7 Minutiae:

Left Thumb Left Index Left Middle Left Ring Left Pinkie

Fingerprints: Collection and Interpretation 10

 Fingerprints: Collection and Interpretation
Forensic Science Laboratory
Syracuse University Chemistry 113

Name Laboratory Section

Instructor Lab Period

Experimental Data Sheet 3

Tape the unknown fingerprint in the box provided. Identify the basic type of fingerprint and list
the minutiae to be used in the identification of the unknown. Move along the class set and
choose the ‘culprit’. Your guess should include the student’s name, and the finger you believe is
the best match.

Basic type:

Minutiae:

Culprit: _________________________________________________

Fingerprints: Collection and Interpretation 11

 Fingerprints: Collection and Interpretation
Forensic Science Laboratory
Syracuse University Chemistry 113

Name Laboratory Section

Instructor Lab Period

Experimental Data Sheet 4

Label the surface and powder used to collect each print taped onto the sheet:

Visible Plastic

Latent
Observations:

Fingerprints: Collection and Interpretation 12

 Fingerprints: Collection and Interpretation
Post-lab Assignment
Name Laboratory Section
Instructor Lab Period

1. Do you believe detectives solved crimes 100 years ago using fingerprints? Consider the
tools they had available to them when answering this question.

2. What personality traits do you think a fingerprint expert needs to have? Computers may
make the job easier, but the final determination must be done with the human eye. Do
you believe you posses these traits, making fingerprinting a good career choice for you?

3. Research the New York State guidelines for fingerprint identification. How many
minutiae are required? How does this compare to the national standard? Do you feel this
number is adequate?

Fingerprints: Collection and Interpretation 13

 Fingerprints: Collection and Interpretation
Pre-lab Assignment
Name Laboratory Section
Instructor Lab Period

1. List the eight basic types of fingerprints from lecture. Do you have only one basic type
present on your own hands?

2. Draw and label the minutiae to be identified on fingerprints.

3. Write out the techniques for lifting each of the three types of prints that could be found at
a crime scene.
Plastic Visible Latent

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