FOR2 Semi Finals Module

PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF CRIMINOLOGY
Year II - FORENSIC 2 Personal Identification Techniques
Course Module for

PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION TECHNIQUES
(FORENSIC 2)
Author: ALLAN L. TILLA-IN, Ph.D.
Course description: The course covers the fundamental study of ancient and modern methods
of personal identification with emphasis on Dactyloscopy, Orthodontology and Palmistry, which
embraces the identification and comparison of fingerprint patterns and ridge characteristics; the
scientific method of recognition, development and preservation of latent prints and the recording
and classifying of fingerprints which includes the Henry System and the FBI Extension.
Learning Outcomes and Competencies:

At the end of the course, the students should be able to:
Cognitive Objectives: Demonstrate an understanding of the principles and concepts in

dactyloscopy as a science and as a means of identification, therefore applied in criminal
investigation and other legal applications;
Affective Objectives: Appreciate the value of fingerprints as a proof of human uniqueness and
individuality;
Psychomotor Objectives: Perform different processes involved in the classification of fingerprints,

from collecting or lifting, classifying, filing and comparing.
FORENSIC 2 Personal Identification Techniques | Quarter 3 Modular Learning Packet Page 1 of 28

Overview of the Course
Week Topics Intended Learning Outcomes

No. At the end of the learning period, the students
should be able to:
14 FINGERPRINT LABORATORY Understand and acquire knowledge in the

EQUIPMENT various fingerprint laboratory equipment and
its applications.
14 SCIENTIFIC WAY OF TAKING Learn and understand the scientific methods

FINGERPRINTS of taking fingerprints and the remedies to
PROBLEMS IN RECORDING problems occurring in the recording of inked
INKED IMPRESSIONS impressions.
14 DEVELOPMENT OF LATENT Show comprehension or an understanding on

FINGERPRINTS the proper method of development of latent
fingerprint.
15 FINGERPRINT CLASSIFICATION Acquire knowledge in sorting fingerprints.
SEMIFINAL EXAMINATION

WEEK 14: FINGERPRINT LABORATORY EQUIPMENT
Intended Learning Outcome (ILO):

At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
1. Understand and acquire knowledge in the various fingerprint laboratory equipment and
its applications.
FINGERPRINT LABORATORY EQUIPMENT
1. Ink Roller – refers to a rubber-made roller designed to spread the fingerprint ink to the slab.
2. Ink Slab – this refers to a piece of metallic or glass plate where the fingerprint ink is spread
or distributed for fingerprinting purposes.
3. Fingerprint Ink – is a special form of ink designed for taking fingerprint impressions,
sometimes substituted with a printer’s ink.

4. Card holder – usually a fixed card holder placed on a flat table designed to prevent the
movement of the card in the course of the taking of the fingerprint.
5. Fingerprint card – this refers to a card designed to record ten fingerprint impressions. This
has a usual size of 8” by 8”.

6. Magnifying glass - refers to an instrument used for examination of developed fingerprints.
a. Linen tester - it has an opening of one-inch square with a fixed focus, and which
can be folded and carried in the pocket when necessary. It is a strong magnifier
with a measuring scale and a built-in stand.
b. Bausch and Lamb magnifier or horseshoe magnifier - refers to a magnifying glass

with a built in stand and an adjustable lens to suit the visual sight of the examiner.

7. Fingerprint powder - refers to the powder used in developing latent print found in the crime
scene. They are usually available in two variants: the black and the white or gray
fingerprint powder,. Both are applied depending on the contrasting background.
Fingerprint powders are fine powders used in dusting for fingerprints by crime scene
investigators and others in law enforcement. The process of dusting for fingerprints involves
various methods intended to get the particles of the powder to adhere to the residue left
by friction ridge skin on the fingers, palms, or feet.
8. Fingerprint brushes - refers to an instrument used for powdering latent prints. There are three
variations of brushes used; fiberglass, magnetic, and feather type.

9. Fingerprint lifting tapes - Refers to tapes used for lifting of developed latent prints, which
work better than ordinary tapes. These have three varieties; frosted, rubber, and
transparent.

10. Latent Fingerprint Transfer Cards - these refer to a card used in preserving lifted latent prints,
which is either white or black in background.

11. Rubber gloves - These are intended to protect the technician’s fingers from leaving his own
prints on the object or on the scene.
12. Post-mortem Fingerprint Equipment - This refers to a set of equipment consisting of

hypodermis syringe, spoon, tissue builder solvent, and tissue cleaner, among others. These
are used to take of prints of dead persons.

13. Carrying case - Refers to a box-like structure or an attaché used for carrying necessary
equipment at the crime scene.

14. Inkless inking device - Refers to a porelon pad, a sensitized fingerprint card intended to
be used to not stain the fingers. The finger is touched to the inkless pad and then to the
sensitized card, and instantly, permanent readable prints will be developed without
staining the fingers of the subject.
15. Flash light - Refers to a device used for searching and focusing on developed latent prints.

16. Measuring device (ruler or tape measure) - is a roll tape used for measurements in a crime
scene.
17. Pair of forceps - Refers to an instrument used for picking up objects or taking evidence
which should not be touched.
18. Evidence identification / Tapes of tag - Used to identify objects or physical evidence.

19. Scissors - this is used for cutting latent print tapes and for other purposes.

WEEK 14: THE SCIENTIFIC WAY OF TAKING FINGERPRINTS
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO):

At the end of the learning period, the students should be able to:
1. Learn and understand the scientific methods of taking fingerprints and the remedies to
problems occurring in the recording of inked impressions.
Two Kinds of Fingerprint Impressions on a Fingerprint Card
1. Rolled Impression – are fingerprint impressions taken individually by rolling each finger from
one side to the other side and from the tip to the end of the first joint.
2. Plain Impression – are impressions made by simultaneously pressing the finger to the card,
used as a reference to classification.

Purpose of Plain Impressions
1. To serve as a guide in checking the rolled impressions, whether or not the rolled impressions
were properly placed on their respective boxes.
2. To check on the ridge characteristics of the impressions if the rolled impressions is

somewhat faint, or indistinct due to the bad condition of the friction skin either temporary
or permanently deteriorated or in case of doubtful or questionable prints.
3. To check the minute details of the ridge characteristics for purposes of classification and
identification.
Techniques in Taking of Fingerprints
1. Prepare the set-up for printing: the table, ink slab, roller, fingerprint card, card holder, and
the ink.
2. Clean the inking slab thoroughly before spreading the ink.
3. Place a small amount of fingerprint ink on each side of the slab and in the center, and
then start spreading the ink using the roller back and forth until the ink is evenly distributed.
4. To check whether or not the ink was spread properly or whether it is enough or not, try to
print one of your fingers or put the slab near the light. If a brownish reflection is observed,
it means you have a good ink to be used.

5. Place the fingerprint card on the card holder properly to ensure that proper entry will be
easy.
6. Check the hands of the subject - make sure that it is clean and dry. If it is perspiring freely,
wipe them with a clean, soft dampened cloth with alcohol.
7. The technician should stand at the left side of the subject in taking the right-hand
impressions and take the right side in taking the left-hand impressions of the subject.
8. Subject should be instructed to stand straight but relax and not to assist the technician in
rolling his fingers. Subject should be standing not too close nor too far facing the ink slab.
9. In taking the rolled impression, the technician should place the right thumb to be rolled
towards the body of the subject while the other fingers not in use are either folded or
closed. Then, ink the remaining fingers, index middle, ring, and little fingers, and roll it away

from the body of the subject. Make sure to roll the finger from the tip down to the beginning
of the next joint, and from one side of the nail to the other (180 degrees).
10. The same should be done in the left hand only that the technician will turn to the right side
of the subject.
11. Apply only moderate mount pressure in the printing subject’s fingers to avoid blurred prints
but hold the subject’s hand firmly so as to prevent pulling that may cause smeared
impressions.
12. To obtain the plain impressions, all fingers of the right hand should be pressed lightly upon
the inking plate, then press simultaneously upon the lower right hand of the card and do
the same to the left hand.

Problems in Recording Inked Fingerprint
1. Temporary deformities
This is usually observed from people with particuar occupations - such as acid workers, plasters,
cement mixers, assembly workers in electrical appliance plants, and the same. In such cases, the
ridges in their fingers are not exactly destroyed, but they weaken the prints.
2. Permanent disabilities
One permanent disability is the case of an amputated finger. In such cases, a proper notation of
the exact blocks where the amputated fingers is to be recorded should be made. In the case of
a person without fingers at birth, it should be noted “missing fingers at birth” or “born without
fingers”.
If fingers are extremely crippled, broken or disabled, proper notation should be made. And in
some cases, the recorder should make use of some inking devices such as spatula, roller and a
curve card strip holder to take the prints. This is usually applied in taking a post-mortem fingerprint.
3. Deformities
In this situation, one frequent problem is that of a person with extra fingers. In which case, the extra
finger should be recorded at the back of the card with necessary notation.
In case of two thumbs, the inner thumb should be used for the purpose of classification.
In the case of a webbed finger, just simply record the two fingers together.

WEEK 14: DEVELOPMENT OF LATENT FINGERPRINT
Intended Learning Outcome (ILO):

1. Show comprehension with the proper method of development of latent fingerprint
Latent Fingerprints
These are fingerprints found at the scene of the crime.
Latent fingerprints are usually left behind by accident or by chance. Criminals or perpetrators of
a crime may not have realized that their hands have left fingerprint marks. Sometimes, fingerprints
are made from substances other than sweat, such as blood, other body fluids, or paint. In this
case, they are called latent fingerprints
Crime Scene
Place where most physical evidence associated with the crime can be obtained.
Two Types of Latent Fingerprints

1. Visible prints are those prints which are readily visible to the naked eye. It can either be:
Molded prints or Prints made by contamination with colored substance.
2. Invisible prints are generally made by sweat or perspiration that requires developing for
visibility.
Methods of Developing a Latent Print
A. Dusting Method = considered as the

simplest, most conventional, and
traditional method used in developing
prints at the scene of the crime. This uses
a powder and brush.
Powder or dusting method can be used

for hard, non-porous surfaces, like glass,
metals, painted wood, tiles.

B. Fuming Methods = done by using chemical fumes such as

Iodine and Ammonium Fumes, and super glue.
Iodine fuming apparatus - Iodine Fuming is a traditional

development method generally used on porous materials
such as paper and cardboard, and is usually applied
before ninhydrin or silver nitrate processing.
C. Silver Nitrate Method – done by spraying a 5-percent

solution of silver nitrate to the surface of the paper.
This reacts with chloride, a material that turns gray when

exposed to light
D. Ninhydrin Method - is considered as one of the best methods used in developing prints in
paper. It reacts with amino acids to produce a purple color.

DEVELOPMENT OF LATENT FINGERPRINT ON QUESTIONED DOCUMENT

Latent (invisible) fingerprints are simply placed on papers and remains until chemically developed.
If it is possible to develop an identifiable fingerprint to be compared with those suspects, a very
positive form of evidence may be forthcoming. With some types of criminal investigations, such as
stolen checks cashed with a distinguished, fraudulent endorsement, such a print can assume
significant importance.
The most common method of developing fingerprints on paper today is the ninhydrin technique.
The reagent may develop older latent fingerprints for which other reagents are ineffective.
However, ninhydrin has a serious drawback when documents may need to be subjected to other
types of examinations, such as the identification of signatures and writing or determination of
possible alterations and erasures. In the first place, the solution stains the document. With the usual
method of preparing the ninhydrin solution, ballpen and some typewriter inks can be seriously
weakened or obliterated. However, the solutions can be prepared using nonpolar solutions of
ninhydrin in place of the usual polar solutions. Damage to ink is minimized with this solution, but
writing identification and some trace evidence may still be lost. Therefore, with some types of
document problems, there is a definite need to establish whether document examination should
be carried out.
There are other techniques for developing fingerprints on paper. Iodine fuming is commonly used
and will develop very fresh prints on paper. It is a chemical, but the use of iodine vapors is largely
physical. It reacts to disturbances in the fibers of papers in some manner which is not quite
understood. It has the advantage that if no prints are developed, other methods subsequently be
used, since the iodine stains will dissipate. In fact, the developed latent prints are several days old,
iodine fuming is generally unsuccessful.
Another effective technique involves the use of silver nitrate solution. This method of treatment
gives satisfactory results even if the print has been on paper for several weeks. The entire
document is soaked in silver nitrate, dried and exposed to strong light. The prints appear as black
images and placed in a light proof envelope.
Latent print can also be developed with cosmic acid fumes. Cosmic acid is toxic, so the
document must be treated under a fuming hood or with very good ventilation. The latent prints
develop into a dark permanent immersion. Again, in each of these methods, like ninhydrin,
chemicals can seriously discolor the document and can preclude other kinds of examinations. In
difficult cases, use all three in this sequence - iodine, ninhydrin, and silver nitrate - since the later
tests are then not precluded by the earlier ones.
There are those who suggest the use of special powders on the document in a dusting technique
similar to that used in investigations at the sense of the crime, but powders have been found to
be less effective than the chemical techniques already discussed.

The laser method, which is considered to be the latest and most dependable way that proper
detection of prints may be obtained even on rough surfaces, is a method that is simple and quick
to use. This lessens the time and effort in attaining results. Unfortunately, this method is not available
in any police laboratory in the country yet. The reason behind is the huge cost of this equipment,
and cannot be availed for practical purposes.
Whenever a document is to be treated for fingerprints of top quality, accurately-scaled

photographs should be made of it so that the handwriting and typewriting that appear on the
document can be studied and identified if questions later arise. All treatments for the latent
fingerprints on paper risk of damaging or obscuring writing details, no matter how carefully
performed.
This case with which latent fingerprints can be unconsciously be deposited on the paper presents
a constant threat of the ultimate confusion or distraction of those left by the writer himself. Each
person who handles the paper can leave his latent impressions. One or two of these may confuse
the issue, and with reported handling, the numerous prints may even obliterate the original ones.
Therefore, because of this danger, as well as because of the constantly decreasing probability of
development with older prints, papers that are to be treated for latent fingerprint should be
handled as carefully as possible and with utmost care and should be submitted for technical
examination as soon as possible.
In handling a sheet of paper that may contain latent fingerprints, one should wear rubber gloves,
or the sheet should be picked up with tweezers or tongs. If neither is available, the document
should be immediately placed in an envelope and delivered therein to the laboratory for
treatment at the earliest moment. Transparent plastic envelopes are available in numerous sizes
so that one may be selected in which the document can be opened out flat. In this way its
contents can be studied without danger of destroying the latent fingerprints.
Fingerprints on a document may vary from fragments of a full print or two or three impressions.
Seldom, if over, are a complete set of prints from the ten fingers, found so that it is not possible to
search a standard fingerprint file from a particular suspect. Developed latent prints have little
worth despite their high potential value.
Definition of Terms:
1. Laser Method is a modern method of tracing and developing prints.
2. Post-Mortem Fingerprints are prints taken from a deceased person.
3. Ante-Mortem Fingerprints are prints taken from living individuals.

WEEK 15: FINGERPRINT CLASSIFICATION
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO):

1. To acquire knowledge in sorting fingerprints.
FINGERPRINT CLASSIFICATION
This is sorting fingerprints into file groups so that a file may be set upon the basis of fingerprints
alone.
Fingerprints are classified by general shape (arch, loop, or whorl), position in finger, and relative
size.
This is also known as identifying fingerprints through comparison and classification of fingerprints.
Fingerprint classification uses class characteristics to group like fingerprints for filing and retrieval -
as many people have the same fingerprint classification.
On the other hand, a fingerprint’s identification utilizes individual characteristics to individualize a

print to a specific person.
Two Preliminary Steps:
A. Check first whether or not the rolled impressions are in their proper position by using the
plain impression as the guide.
B. Do the Blocking. This is the process of writing each pattern the corresponding symbols of
the fingerprints in the space provided for each pattern.

Symbols Used for Blocking

The above figure is an example of a sequence of the fingerprint impressions on the fingerprint
chart. All impressions appearing on the upper part of the chart (from block 1 to 5) are impressions
taken from the right hand, and all fingerprint impressions appearing on the lower part of the chart
(from block 6 to 10) are impressions taken from the left hand.
Block no. 1 is for the right thumb, block no. 2 is for the right index finger, block no. 3 is for the right
middle finger, block no. 4 is for the right ring finger, and block no. 5 is for the right little finger.
Block no. 6 is for the left thumb, block no. 7 is for the left index finger, block no. 8 is for the left
middle finger, block no. 9 is for the left ring finger, block no. 10 is for the left little finger.

Examples of Blocking of Fingerprints


REFERENCES
Manlusoc, Ariel C., c2011 The Science of Fingerprint Identification. Manila: Philippine College of
Criminology – MLC Textbook Committee
Harralson, Heide H, c2013 Developments in Handwriting and Signature Identification in the Digital
Age. Amsterdam: Elsevier
Sarmieto, Alfie P. c2012 A Textbook on Firearms Identification with Practical Exercises.
Quezon City: Wiseman’s Books Trading, Inc.,
Mendoza, Gregorio Bacay c2012 The Questioned Document Examination and Practices. Quezon
City: Wiseman’s Books Trading, Inc
Rosete, Mario C., c2009 Questioned Documents Examinations Handbook. Quezon City. Great
Books Trading

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PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF CRIMINOLOGY

Year II - FORENSIC 2 Personal Identification Techniques

Course Module for

Author: ALLAN L. TILLA-IN, Ph.D.

Learning Outcomes and Competencies:

Cognitive Objectives: Demonstrate an understanding of the principles and concepts in

Psychomotor Objectives: Perform different processes involved in the classification of fingerprints,

FORENSIC 2 Personal Identification Techniques | Quarter 3 Modular Learning Packet Page 1 of 28

Overview of the Course

Week Topics Intended Learning Outcomes

14 FINGERPRINT LABORATORY Understand and acquire knowledge in the

14 SCIENTIFIC WAY OF TAKING Learn and understand the scientific methods

14 DEVELOPMENT OF LATENT Show comprehension or an understanding on

15 FINGERPRINT CLASSIFICATION Acquire knowledge in sorting fingerprints.

FORENSIC 2 Personal Identification Techniques | Quarter 3 Modular Learning Packet Page 2 of 28

WEEK 14: FINGERPRINT LABORATORY EQUIPMENT

Intended Learning Outcome (ILO):

FINGERPRINT LABORATORY EQUIPMENT

FORENSIC 2 Personal Identification Techniques | Quarter 3 Modular Learning Packet Page 3 of 28

FORENSIC 2 Personal Identification Techniques | Quarter 3 Modular Learning Packet Page 4 of 28

6. Magnifying glass - refers to an instrument used for examination of developed fingerprints.

b. Bausch and Lamb magnifier or horseshoe magnifier - refers to a magnifying glass

FORENSIC 2 Personal Identification Techniques | Quarter 3 Modular Learning Packet Page 5 of 28

FORENSIC 2 Personal Identification Techniques | Quarter 3 Modular Learning Packet Page 6 of 28

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12. Post-mortem Fingerprint Equipment - This refers to a set of equipment consisting of

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FORENSIC 2 Personal Identification Techniques | Quarter 3 Modular Learning Packet Page 10 of 28

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WEEK 14: THE SCIENTIFIC WAY OF TAKING FINGERPRINTS

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO):

Two Kinds of Fingerprint Impressions on a Fingerprint Card

FORENSIC 2 Personal Identification Techniques | Quarter 3 Modular Learning Packet Page 14 of 28

Purpose of Plain Impressions

2. To check on the ridge characteristics of the impressions if the rolled impressions is

Techniques in Taking of Fingerprints

2. Clean the inking slab thoroughly before spreading the ink.

FORENSIC 2 Personal Identification Techniques | Quarter 3 Modular Learning Packet Page 15 of 28

FORENSIC 2 Personal Identification Techniques | Quarter 3 Modular Learning Packet Page 16 of 28

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Problems in Recording Inked Fingerprint

FORENSIC 2 Personal Identification Techniques | Quarter 3 Modular Learning Packet Page 18 of 28

WEEK 14: DEVELOPMENT OF LATENT FINGERPRINT

Intended Learning Outcome (ILO):

Two Types of Latent Fingerprints

Methods of Developing a Latent Print

A. Dusting Method = considered as the

Powder or dusting method can be used

FORENSIC 2 Personal Identification Techniques | Quarter 3 Modular Learning Packet Page 19 of 28

B. Fuming Methods = done by using chemical fumes such as

Iodine fuming apparatus - Iodine Fuming is a traditional

C. Silver Nitrate Method – done by spraying a 5-percent

This reacts with chloride, a material that turns gray when

FORENSIC 2 Personal Identification Techniques | Quarter 3 Modular Learning Packet Page 20 of 28

DEVELOPMENT OF LATENT FINGERPRINT ON QUESTIONED DOCUMENT

FORENSIC 2 Personal Identification Techniques | Quarter 3 Modular Learning Packet Page 21 of 28

Whenever a document is to be treated for fingerprints of top quality, accurately-scaled

FORENSIC 2 Personal Identification Techniques | Quarter 3 Modular Learning Packet Page 22 of 28

WEEK 15: FINGERPRINT CLASSIFICATION

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO):

On the other hand, a fingerprint’s identification utilizes individual characteristics to individualize a