FORENSIC SCIENCE
GOVARD BIDLOO
The application of science techniques and
principles in order to provide evidence to legal or
related investigation.
CRIMINALISTICS
A profession or field of forensic that deals with
recognition, collection, preservation and
examination of physical evidence for the
administration of justice.
DR. HANS GUSTAV ADOLF GROSS
o An Australian Magistrate that described
Search for Truth is the ultimate goal of all
investigative and detective works.
o He is also known as the FATHER OF MODERN
CRIMINALISTICS and FATHER OF CRIMINAL
INVESTIGATION.
o Res Ipsa Loquitor “the thing speaks for itself”
o Perspiration 95%, Inspiration 3% and Luck 2%
PAUL KIRK
o Father of Criminalistics in United States.
o Crime Investigation (Textbook)” Kirk (1974)
said that “The central problem of the criminal
investigator is the establishment of personal
identity - usually of the criminal, sometimes
of the victim”.
AUGUST VOLLMER
o The Head of the First Comprehensive Crime
Laboratory in U.S. established in Los Angeles.
PIONEERS IN THE SCIENCE OF FINGERPRINT
1. NEHEMIA GREW
In a "Philosophical Transactions of the Royal
Society of London" paper in 1684, he described the
RIDGES and PORES of the hand and feet. Dr.
Nehemiah Grew was the first European to publish
friction ridge skin observation, Dutch anatomist
Govard Bidloo's 1685 book, "Anatomy of the
Human Body" also described friction ridge skin
(papillary ridge) details.
2.
o Works on the sweat pores and ridges.
o In 1685 he published an anatomical atlas,
Anatomia Hvmani Corporis. It described
papillary ridges on skin (fingerprints) and was
one of the pioneering scientific observations
which laid the foundation of forensic
identification using fingerprints.
3. PROF. MARCELO MALPHIGI
o Professor of Anatomy at the University of
Bologna, Italy and is known as the
Grandfather of Fingerprints. He originated
the term loops and spiral.
o Known for his discovery of the Epidermis and
Dermis Layer and one layer of the skin was
named after him, the Malphigian layer, which
approximately 1.8mm thick.
o Written the book entitled "De Externo Tactus
Organo".
4. J.C.A. MAYER
The first to state that the fingerprints are never
duplicated in two persons.
5. SIR JEAN JOHANNES PURKENJIE
A professor in physiology, theology and anatomy
at the University of Breslau, Germany. Established
a certain role for classification and be able to
identify nine (9) types of pattern although never
associated to identification. He is known as the
Father of Dactyloscopy.
6. SIR FRANCIS GALTON
A British Anthropologist, a scientist, and cousin of
Charles Darwin, who divided the types of
Fingerprint into arches, loops, and whorls known
as ALW. He also stated that if there is possibility
for two prints to be the same it is: 1: 64,000,000
000. He was also credited with being the first
scientist of friction skin identification as well as his
role promoting its used. First to establish "Civil
Bureau of Personal Identification.
 o He published the first book on fingerprints. In 10. JUAN VUCETICH (1891)
his book, Galton identified the individuality
o Argentine Police Official, initiated the
and uniqueness of fingerprints. The unique
fingerprinting of criminals, developed his
characteristics of fingerprints, as identified
own system of classification and which was
by Galton, will officially become known as
officially adopted in Argentina and in used
minutiae; however they are sometimes still
today in most Spanish speaking country.
referred to as "Galton's Details".
(First case used was the Rojas Homicide in
7. HERMAN WELCKER 1892)

o He took the prints of his own palms and after 11. HENRY FAULDS
forty-one years he printed the same palms to
o A surgeon at (Tsukiji Hospital, Tokyo, Japan)
prove that prints do not change, except for
advocated the use of fingerprints/ Latent
some scratches due to old age. (Principle of
Prints in the detection of crime and positive
Constancy)
identification of offender.
8. SIR WILLIAM HERSCHEL
12. THOMAS BEWICK
o (British Administrator in District of Bengal in
o An English naturalist, uses engravings of his
India)
own fingerprints to identify books he
o He printed the palms of the natives in order
published.
to avoid impersonation among laborer and as
substitute to signature. Rajyadhar Konai was 13. GILBERT THOMPSON
the first-person Herschel printed the palm
o A geologist in New Mexico, adopted the first
(He required fingerprint and signatures on
individual use of fingerprint in August 8, 1882
civil contracts.)
as a protection to prevent tampering of the
o Father of Chiroscopy.
pay order he issued.
o RAJADHAR KONAI = the first person Herschel
printed the palm 13. ISAIAH WEST TABOR

9. SIR EDWARD RICHARD HENRY o A Photographer in San Francisco Wo

o An Inspector General of Police in Bengal,
India, developed the first system of
classifying fingerprints. He also developed his
own system of classification while working in
Scotland Yard. His system classification was
established with the help of two Hindu police
namely Khan Bahadur Azizul Haque and Rai
Hem Chandra Bose. It was widely accepted
by almost all English speaking countries
making him known as the "Father of
Fingerprint". His system finally replaced the
Bertillionage system of identification in
France. (Anthropometry by Alphonse
Bertillion)
advocated the use of system for the
registration of the immigrant chinese.
14. SAMUEL LANGHORNE CLEMENS
o An Englishman who informally introduced
Dactyloscopy in the United States in his book
"Life in Mississippi" and "Puppe in Head
Wilson".
15. CAPT. JAMES L. PARKE
o Advocated the first state and penal use of
fingerprint adopted in Sing-Sing Prison on
June 5, 1903; later in Auburn Napanoch and
Clinton Penitentiaries
16. MARY K. HOLAND
o First American instructress in dactyloscopy.
17. JOHN DILLINGER
o Known as the U.S. Public enemy number one
who attempted to destroy his own prints
using corrosive acids.
18. ROBERT JAMES PITTS/ ROSCOE PITTS
o Worked on surgery to forge his own
fingerprints and was named "Man without
fingerprint
18. DR. HENRY P. DE FOREST
o Utilized the first Municipal Civil use of
fingerprint for Criminal Registration on
December 1902.
19. PEOPLE VS. JENNINGS (DEC. 21, 1911)
o Unites States leading case wherein the first
conviction based on fingerprint was
recognized by the judicial authorities (14
points).
HISTORY IN THE PHILIPPINES
o Mr. Jones - One who first taught fingerprint
in the Philippines
o Generoso Reyes - The first Filipino fingerprint
technician employed by Philippine
Constabulary (P.C.)
o Isabela Bernales - The first Filipina fingerprint
technician.
o Flaviano Guerrero (FBI Washington) - Gave
the first examination in fingerprint in 1927
o Agustin Patricio of the Philippines Topped
the examination.
o People of the Philippines Vs. Medina - First
conviction based on fingerprint and leading
case decision in the Philippine Jurisprudence
o Lucila Lalu - The first Filipina Chop-Chop lady
who was identified through fingerprint.
SOCO means what?
o SCENE OF THE CRIME OPERATION
Golden Rule of Crime Scene Investigation
“DO NOT TOUCH, CHANGE OR ALTER ANYTHING
UNTIL IT HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED, MEASURED AND
PHOTOGRAPH”
PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION
A system of recognizing and identifying a
particular person based on his/her characteristics
as differentiate from others.
METHODS OF PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION
Identifying a person specifically the subject
whether the malefactor, aggrieved party or
witness is the first phase of criminal investigation.
The latter is defined as an art and science, which
deals with the identity and location of the
offender and provide evidence of his guilt in
criminal proceedings.
One of the six (6) Cardinal Points of investigation is
the question, “WHO”.
1. ORDINARY METHOD OF IDENTIFICATION
I. POINTS OF IDENTIFICATION APPLICABLE TO THE
LIVING ONLY:
a. Characteristics that may easily be changed:
o Growth of hair,
o beard or mustache;
o Clothing;
o Frequent place of visit;
o Grade of Profession; and
o Body ornament (e.g. earrings, necklace etc.)
b. Characteristics that may not easily be changed:
o Mental Memory
o Speech
o Gait - It refers to the manner of walking or
moving on foot.
 o Gait Line - The straight line connecting the
center of the succeeding steps (measured
from heel to heel). It is more or less in zigzag
fashion especially when the legs are far apart
while walking.
o Foot Line -The longitudinal line drawn on
each foot mark
o Mannerisms - These are the characteristic
movements of the body peculiar to persons.
▪ Way of sitting
▪ Movement of the hands
▪ Movement of the body
▪ Movement of the facial muscles
▪ Expression of the mouth while
articulating Manner of learning
II. Points of Identification Applicable to both
living and dead before onset of Decomposition:
1. Occupational Marks Race - In the living, race
may be presumed on:
a. Color of the Skin
o Caucasians - Fair
o Malayans - Brown
o Negroes - Black
b. Feature of Face
o Caucasians - Prominent sharp nose
o Malayans - Flat nose with round face
o Mongolian - Almond eyes and prominent
cheek bone.
o Negroes - Thick spreading lips
Shape of Skull ✓
o Red Indians-Flat Head
o Malayan - Round head
2. STATURE (HEIGHT)
Methods of Approximating the Height of a Person
a. Measure the distance between the height
of a person, fingers of both hands with the
arms extended laterally and it will be equal
to the height of the person.
b. Two times the length of one arm plus 12
inches for the clavicle and 1.5 inches for the
sternum is the approximate height.
c. Two times the length from the vertex of the
skull to the public symphyses.
d. The distance from the sternal notch and the
public symphyses is about one-hand of the
height.
3. TEETH (FORENSIC ODONTOLOGY)
The following points must be considered in the
study of the teeth for identification process:
a. Determine whether it is temporary or
permanent set;
b. Number of teeth present;
c. Number of teeth lost, including evidence of
length of time lost;
d. Nature of the teeth present, whether
reversed, crooked, mal-aligned or straight;
e. Condition of those present, whether
carious, colored, presence of cavities,
erosion, filling and cleanliness;
f. Presence of supernumerary teeth;
g. Odontoid gum; and
h. Extraction, dental fitting, permanent
bridge work, fitting of crown and filling
cavities.
➢ The most convenient way of identifying a
person by means of the teeth is the use of
dental diagram or chart.
4. IMPORTANCE OF TATTOO MARKS
a. It may help in the identification of the
person
b. It may indicate memorable events in his life
c. It may indicate the social stratum to which
the person belongs.
d. It implies previous commitment in prison
or membership in a gang.
METHODS OF TATTOO REMOVAL
o EXCISION - It involves an injection of a local
anesthetic to numb the area after which
the tattoo is removed surgically. The edges
are then brought together and sutured.
o DERMABRASION - A small portion of the
tattoo is sprayed with a solution that
freezes the area. The tattoo is then
"sanded" with rotary abrasive instrument
causing the skin to peel. Because some
bleeding is likely to occur, a dressing is
immediately applied to the area.
o LASER-Laser surgery is considered to be
one of the best methods of tattoo removal.
The Q-switched Nd-Yag, Q-switched
Alexandrite and the Q-switched Ruby are
among the most frequently used lasers. If
necessary, a cream to numb the skin can be
applied prior to the treatment. Pulse of
light from the laser is directed unto the
tattoo breaking up the tattoo pigment.
Over the next several weeks the body's
scavenger cells remove the treated
pigmented areas. More than one
treatment is usually necessary to remove
the entire tattoo.
o SALABRASION - A centuries old procedure
using local anesthetic applied around the
tattoo area after which a solution of
ordinary tap water dipped in table salt is
applied and an abrading apparatus such as
the one used in dermabrasion or even a
simpler device is used such as a wooden
block wrapped in gauze.
5. Deformities
6. Birth Marks
7. Injuries Leaving Permanent Result
8. Moles
9. Scars - They are composed of fibrous tissues
which take the place of the original tissues which
have been injured or destroyed. They are devoid
of specialized tissue so they do not contain
pigment layers, sweat or sebaceous glands.
a. Recent scars of two to three weeks old are
vascular with red or pink color.
b. Contacted bloodless scars with white and
glistering surfaces are usually more than six
months old;
c. Scars resulting from superficial wounds and
from wounds healing by first intention
develop earlier.
SOME SCARS MAY SHOW CHARACTERISTICS
APPEARANCE SUCH AS:
o Surgical Operation - Regular form and
location with stitch marks.
o Burns and Scalds - Scars are large, irregular
in shape and may be keloid.
o Gunshot wounds - Disc like with depressed
center. They may be adherent to the
underlying tissues.
o Gumma - Depressed scar following loss
tissue.
10. Tribal Marks - A common practice of some
tribes in Africa is to place some marks on the
exposed parts of the body.
11. Sexual Organs - Circumcision may help in
identification. The uterus and breast may indicate
previous pregnancy. The best evidence of sexuality
is the presence of Testes in Male
12. Blood Examination (A-B-O Grouping)
FIRST KNOWN METHOD OF IDENTIFICATION
o Portrait Parle
o Tattoo and Scarification
o Photography
o Personal Effects
o Bertillon System
o Forensic Odontology
o Deoxyribo Nucleic Acid (DNA)
o FINGERPRINT
PORTRAIT PARLE
o Portrait parle is a French term referring to a
picture of a suspect in both front and profile
views. Modernization has led this to our
“MUGSHOT” of a suspect.
o These two French word means “speaking
likeness”.
TATTOO and SCARIFICATION
o Tattoo is defined as a permanent ink design
in the skin applied by needles or a temporary
dyed design on the skin.
o Scarification is the practice of purposely
scarring skin tissue to leave permanent
marks, is a very ancient practice that reaches
back to the earliest stages of the human race.
PHOTOGRAPHY
o Is an art and science of producing an image
by the action of light with the aid of image
forming device known as a camera and
chemical process involved therein.
PERSONAL EFFECTS
o These are privately owned items such as
clothing and jewelry normally worn or carried
on the person.
BERTILLON SYSTEM
o The techniques of criminal identification
used by American Law enforcement today
are rooted in the science of anthropometry,
which focuses on the meticulous
measurement and recording of different
parts and components of the human body.
WEST CASE:
In 1903, Wil West arrived at the US penitentiary at
the Leavenworth, Kansas. While West was being
process in through, a staff member said that there
was already a photograph and Bertillon
measurement for him on the file. But a
comparison on fingerprints showed that despite
identical appearances and nearly identical
Bertillon measurements, the identification card on
file belonged to a William West, who had been in
Leavenworth since 1901.
FORENSIC ODONTOLOGY
o It is a branch of science, which deals with the
anatomy, development, and diseases of
teeth and related structures used in the
administration of justice.
DEOXYRIBO NUCLEIC ACID (DNA)
o It is the chain of molecules found in every
nucleated cell of the body. The totally of an
individual’s DNA is unique for the individual,
except identical twins.
FINGERPRINT
o A FINGERPRINT is a composite of the ridge
outlines which appears on the skin surface of
the bulbs on the inside of the end of joints of
the fingers and thumbs.
 DACTYLOSCOPY BREIF HISTORY OF FINGERPRINTS

Practical science of fingerprint Identification and ANCIENT CHINA

classification. Derived from Latin words:
o HUA CHI or Fingerprint (Ki-Loop and Lo-
DAKTYLOS - means finger; and SKOPIEN - to study
Whorl and Arch)
or examine.
o They used it as part of their “rituals” in the
DACTYLOGRAPHY - is the scientific study of early part of their history
fingerprint as a means of identification. o Emperor Te ‘In Shi – was noted to be the first
Chinese Leader who made a seal carved from
DERMATOGLYPHICS - Deals with the study of skin
WHITE JADE wherein one side of it had the
markings or patterns on fingers, hands, and feet
name of the owner and the other side had
and its application, especially in criminology. It is
the impression of the thumb.
derived from two Greek words, Derma which
o Sealing document as a sign of legitimacy and
means Skin and Glype which means Carve.
authenticity
Various Conditions of the finger:
LAW OF MULTIPUCITY OF EVIDENCE
a. Polydactyl - Born with more than the
The greater the number of similarities and
regular number of (10) fingers.
dissimilarities; the greater is the probability for the
b. Macrodactyl - Having enlarged finger.
conclusion to be correct.
c. Microdactyl - Having small finger.
d. Ectrodactyl - Born with missing finger. 1. COMPARISON – with the use of standard
e. Syndactyl - Side fusion of the fingers. specimen, evidence under question can be
compared in order to effect identification.
FINGERPRINT IDENTIFICATION
2. EXCLUSION – if two or more persons have
FINGERPRINT to be identified and all but one is not yet
identified, then one hose identity has not
As an IMPRESSION:
been established may be known by the
o The reproduction of pattern or design process of elimination.
formed by the ridges on smooth surface of
Fingerprints offer a reliable means of personal
the end joint by the fingers or thumb,
identification. That is the essential explanation for
through the medium of the ink or any
fingerprints having replaced other methods of
coloring substance capable of producing
establishing the identities of criminals reluctant to
visibility.
admit previous arrests. That is why, it stands out
As a SCIENCE: among the different methods in identifying
persons involved in the commission of a crime.
o The identification of the person by means of
the ridges appearing on the fingers, on the
palms and on the soles of the feet.
 BASIC PRINCIPLES OF FINGERPRINT o The scientific study of the arrangement of the
sweat pores.
PRINCIPLE OF INDIVIDUALITY (FRANCIS GALTON)

o No two persons have the same fingerprint
(based on Statistic Probability)
PRINCIPLE OF INFALLIBILITY (HENRY FAULDS)
o The fingerprint is a positive and reliable
means of identification. It cannot be easily
forged.
PRINCIPLE OF CONSTANCY OR PERMANENCY
(HERMAN WELCKER)
o The friction ridge once fully developed its
arrangement will remain the same
throughout man’s life. Ridges appear from 3rd
to 4th month of fetus life and completed at 5th
to 6th month before birth. It is also known as
“From Womb to Tomb” principle.
o The study of the configuration, size, and
relative position of the pores in human skin,
which are the external openings of the
sebaceous and sweat glands. Together with
dactyloscopy and palm print identification, it
is used in criminalistics for purposes of
identification.
o Edmond Locard is considered as the “Father
of Poroscopy”
FINGER COMPOSITION AND STRUCTURE
A. PHALANGE – the skeletal finger covered
with friction skin. It is made up of three
bones.

RELATED SCIENCES TO THE STUDY OF

1. Basal or Proximal Phalange – it is
FINGERPRINTS:
located at the base of the finger
CHIROSCOPY nearest the palm.
2. Middle or Medial Phalange – the next
o Derived from the Greek words:
and above the basal bone.
Cheir – means a hand; and
3. Terminal or Distal Phalange – the
Skopein – means to examine
particular bone covered with friction
skin and located at the tip of the finger.
o The science which deals with the study of the
prints of the palms of the hand.
o William Herschel is considered the “Father
of Chiroscopy”

PODOSCOPY

o Derived from the Greek words:

Podo – means the foot; and
Skopein – means to examine

o The science which deals with the study of the

footprints.

POROSCOPY

o Derived from the Greek words:

Poros – means a pore; and
Skopein – means to examine
B. FRICTION SKIN – an epidermal hairless skin
found on the ventral or lower surface of
the hands and feet, covered with minute
ridges and furrows and without coloring
matters or pigment. A strips of the skin on
the end joints of our fingers and thumb by
which fingerprints are made. Also called as
papillary or epidermal ridges. Biologist
used the term “Volar Skin”.
COMPONENTS OF FRICTION SKIN
1. RIDGE SURFACE
a. Ridge – an elevated or hill like
structure, the black lines with tiny
white dots.
b. Furrow – the depressed or canal
like structure, the white space
between ridges.
2. SWEAT PORES – the tiny openings that
serve as exits of sweat, the tiny white
dots.
3. SWEAT DUCT – it serves as the passage
way.
4. SWEAT GLANDS – the producers of
sweat.
FUNDAMENTAL LAYERS OF THE FRICTION
SKIN
1. EPIDERMIS – the outermost layer.
o Stratum Corneum – outermost
layer of the epidermis.
o Stratum Mucosum – mucous or
malphighian layer of the skin.
2. DERMIS – the innermost layer
containing the blood vessel, dermal
papillae, various glands and nerves.
RIDGES – the elevated portion of the skin which is
black in fingerprint expression, a minute-hill like
structure or protuberances found on the
epidermis of the skin, containing sweat pores. It
start to form in the fingers and thumb during the
3rd to 4th month of the fetus life.
FURROWS – the depression or white spaces
between the ridges in a fingerprint impression.
DERMAL PAPILLAE – these are irregular pegs
composed of delicate connective tissue protruding
and forming the ridges of the skin on the fingers,
palms, toes and soles of the feet.
RIDGE DESTRUCTION – the destruction of the
friction skin can either be temporary or
permanent. Generally temporary destruction
occurs when only the epidermis layer of the
friction skin has been damaged, while permanent
damage can be injected to the friction skin due to
damage to the dermis layer. Such permanency in
the damage may cause scar or termed as
“Sicatriz”.
GENERAL RULES ON RIDGE DESTRUCTION: 5. ENCLOSURE OR LAKE RIDGE/EYELET – a
ridge that divides into two branches and
o EPIDERMIS – temporary
meets to form the original ridge.
o DERMIS – permanent damage
o CUT – a depth of more than 1 mm will
constitute permanent scar, while less than 1
mm is temporary.

DIFFERENT RIDGE CHARACTERISTICS

6. ENDING RIDGE – refers to an endpoint of a
1. RIDGE DOT – a ridge formation in a form of ridge, or a ridge with abrupt ending.
a dot or period

7. PATTERN AREA – part of the fingerprint

2. BIFURCATION – a single ridge that divides
itself into two branches. It is sometimes
called as “fork”.
3. CONVERGING RIDGE – a ridge formation
characterized by a close angular end and
serves as a point of convergence; or it is the
meeting of two ridges that were previously
running side by side. Two ridge that meet
at a center point.
that lies within the area surrounded by the
type lines. It is where the core, delta, and
other ridge characteristics used for
classification can be found. The pattern are
is only part of the fingerprint impression
with which are concerned in regard to
interpretation and classification. It is
present in all patterns, of course but in
many arches and tented arches it is
impossible to define. This is not important;
however, the only patterns in which we
need to define the pattern area for
classification purposes are loops and
whorls are enclosed by type lines.

4. DIVERGING RIDGE – the spreading of two

ridges that are flowing side by side and
suddenly.
8. TYPE LINES – these are considered as the 12. ROD, BAR or ISLAND – a short or long ridge
boundaries of fingerprint patterns. These found inside the innermost recurving ridge
are the two innermost ridges that are of a loop pattern.
running parallel or nearly parallel with
each other which diverge at a certain point
tending to surround the pattern area. Type
lines are not always continuous ridges. In
fact, they are more often to be broken.
NOTE: When there is a definite break in
type line, the ridges immediately outside of
13. OBSTRUCTION – a short ridge found inside
it is considered as its continuation.
the innermost recurving ridge that spoiled
the inner line off flow towards the center
of the pattern.

9. RECURVING OR LOPPING RIDGE – a kind of

ridge formation that curves back in the
direction from which it started. It looks like
a hairpin.
TWO FINGERPRINT TERMINUS

(FOCAL POINTS)

1. DELTA (also called the outer terminus) – a

point along a ridge formation found at the
10. APPENDAGE – a short ridge found at the center or near the center of the diverging
top or at the summit of a recurving ridge. type lines.

SIX (6) DELTA FORMATION

a. Bifurcation
b. Converging Ridge
c. Dot or Island
d. Ending Ridge
11. SUFFICIENT RECURVE – a recurving ridge e. Point on Long Ridge
complete in its shoulder and is free from f. Short Ridge
any appendage.
 HOW TO CHOOSE DELTA FINGERPRINT PATTERNS

Rules on Selecting Delta THE EIGHT (8) STANDARD TYPES OF

1. Delta must be located midway
between the diverging type lines at or
just in front or where they diverge.
2. In order for a bifurcation to be selected
it should be open towards the core.
3. When there is a bifurcation and other
type possible delta the bifurcation is
selected.
4. If there are two or more possible deltas
none is bifurcation, the one nearest the
core should be chosen.
2. CORE (also known as the heart or the inner
terminus) – usually found at the center or
innermost recurve of the type lines.
Rules on Selecting Core
1. The core is the heart of the fingerprint
pattern it is usually found inside the
innermost sufficient recurve in a loop
or at the center of the circuiting ridge.
2. In case the innermost recurve contains
an appendage, the core is located on
the next innermost recurve without
appendage.
3. Located at the center.
4. If no ROD, shoulder of sufficient
recurve father from the delta.
5. If two RODS (Even), choose the one
father from the delta.
FINGERPRINT PATTERNS
Presently, there are eight standard patterns which
are widely used in the field of fingerprint. Before,
on the Galton and Henry System, they used the
nine standard fingerprint patterns. Only that after
the Galton-Henry System with FBI Modification
and Extension, we have our eight standard
fingerprint patterns.
GALTON AND HENRY SYSTEM
1. ARCH (3) – PLAIN, TENTED, AND
EXCEPTIONAL ARCH.
2. LOOP (4) – PLAIN, LATERAL, TWIN, AND
CENTRAL POCKET LOOP
3. WHORL (2) – PLAIN WHORL AND
ACCIDENTAL WHORL
GALTON-HENRY SYSTEM WITH FBI
MODIFICATION AND EXTENSION
1. ARCH (2) – PLAIN AND TENTED ARCH
2. LOOP (2) – RADIAL AND ULNAR LOOP
3. WHORL (4) – PLAIN, CENTRAL POCKET
LOOP, DOUBLE LOOP, AND ACCIDENTAL
LOOP WHORL
A. THE THREE GENRAL/FAMILY OF FINGERPRINT
PATTERNS
o THE ARCH (5%)
o THE WHORL (35%)
o THE LOOP (60%)
1. ARCHES – ridge flow from one side to the
other side.
Requisites of an Arch:

a. No Core
b. No Delta
c. No Ridge Count
 A. PLAIN ARCH (A) – a type of fingerprint
in which ridges flow from one side to
the other with a slight raise in the
center. The plain arch is the simplest of
all fingerprint patterns, and it is easily
distinguished.
B. CENTRAL POCKET LOOP (C) – a pattern
which possesses two deltas with one or
more ridges forming a complete circuit,
which maybe oval, spiral or circular: or
it is a pattern consisting of two deltas,
with one or more recurving ridges with
an obstruction at the right angle to the
B. TENTED ARCH (T) – a type of pattern inner line of flow, and when an
having an angle of 90 degrees or less, imaginary line was drawn between two
an up thrust, and approaching the loop deltas, it should not touch or cross any
type (there is no ridge count). circuiting ridge.

Requisites of Central Pocket Loop

Whorl:
1. At least one recurving or obstruction
at right angle.
2. Two deltas.
3. No recurving ridges within the
pattern area are touched or crossed
by an imaginary line drawn between
2. WHORLS
two deltas.

Requisites of a Whorl
1. Two or More Deltas
2. At least one complete circuiting ridge

A. PLAIN WHORL (W) – a pattern

consisting of two deltas and which at
C. DOUBLE LOOP (D) – this pattern consist
least one ridge makes a turn through
of two separate and distinct loop
one complete circuit. And if an
formations, with sets of shoulders and
imaginary line was drawn between two
two deltas.
deltas, it must touch or cross any
circuiting ridge. It consist of the simplest
form of whorl construction and is most
common of the whorl subdivisions.
 Elements:
a. Two separate loop formation.
b. Two separate and distinct sets of
shoulder.
c. Two deltas

D. ACCIDENTAL WHORL (X) – a pattern

consisting of a combination of two
different types of pattern such as a loop
and a whorl, a loop and a central pocket
loop, or any combination of two
different loop and whorl type pattern,
but it cannot be a combination of a plain
arch with any pattern. It can have two
or more deltas.
Requisites of an Accidental Whorl:
1. Combination of two different type of
pattern with the exceptions of the plain
arch.
2. Two or more deltas.
3. LOOPS
a) There must be a delta
b) A sufficient re-curving ridge passing or
touching an imaginary
The terms "radial" and "ulnar" are derived from
the radius bones and ulna bone of the forearm.
Loops which flow in the direction of the ulna bone
(towards the little finger) are called ulnar loops
and those which flow in the direction of the radius
bone are called radial loops. To differentiate an
ulnar loop in the plain or rolled impression it is
important to know from what hand it was taken.
Basic Elements of Loop
1. A Core
2. A Delta
3. A Sufficient Recurve
4. At least One Ridge Count
1. ULNAR LOOP (RH=\ LH=/) – Downward
slant are from the thumb towards the little
finger or ulna bone.
2. RADIAL LOOP (RH=/ LH=\) – Downward
slant are from the little finger toward the
thumb or radius bone.
Note: The Classification of loops is based on the
way the loops flow on the hand (not the card) , so
that on the fingerprint card for the left hand, loops
flowing toward the thumb impression are ulnar an
loops flowing towards the little finger impression
are radial.
TYPES OF FINGERPRINT IMPRESSION
1. ROLLED IMPRESSION - a fingerprint impression
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 - an impression made by
simultaneously pressing the finger to the card,
used as a reference to classification.
BASIC INSTRUMENT IN TAKING PRINTS:
1. Ink Slab- It refers to a metallic or glass plate with
as 14 thick and 6 or more inches long where the
fingerprint ink is distributed/spread for
fingerprinting.
2. Ink Roller - is a rubber made roller designed to
spread the fingerprint ink to the slab.
3. Fingerprint Ink - is a special form of ink designed
for taking fingerprint impression sometimes
submitted with a printer's ink.
4. Fingerprint card - is an 8" x 8" card designed for
recording fingerprint impression
 5. Card holder - usually a fixed card holder placed
in a flat table designed to prevent the movement
of the card in the course of the taking of the
fingerprint.
6. Latent Print Transfer Card - Used to preserve
developed latent prints.
7. Fingerprint Strip Holder - Used to hold card for
post-mortem fingerprint.
8. Magnifying Lens (Horse-Shoe Type) - An expert
magnifying lens.
BASIC RULES IN TAKING FINGERPRINTS:
1. Subject should be instructed to stand straight
but relax facing the slab.
2. The subject hand should be completely dry.
3. Thumb fingers are rolled towards the body
while other fingers are rolled away from the body.
4. In case of Split/Webbed thumb, it should be
rolled together and be classified based on: = (1) get
the bigger one; if of the same size, Get the inner
one.
5. In case of Polydactyl or Extra Finger which is
totally separate: Print the extra finger on the other
side of the card and make a note.
LATENT PRINTS - Are those prints that are hidden
or concealed which are usually left accidentally on
the crime scene. These are prints naked to the
human eye but they actually exist.
The word "Latent" is a Latin word which means
"something indistinct or hidden"
LATENT PRINTS ARE CLASSIFIED INTO DIFFERENT
CATEGORIES
According to imprinted surface
a. Soft Surface - (such as soap, wax, wet paint,
fresh caulk, etc.) are likely to be three-
dimensional plastic prints
b. Hard Surface - are either patent (visible) or
latent (invisible) prints.
METHODS OF DEVELOPING LATENT PRINTS:
1. Dusting Method - considered as the
simplest and traditional methods used in
developing latent prints at the scene of the
crime. By using black powder, the powder
will adhere on the moisture left on the
surface. Fingerprint powder can be
categorized into four:
a. Regular Powder
b. Luminescent Powder
c. Metallic Powder
2. Rolling Method – basically used in
developing prints in paper done by simply
rolling the paper with powder spreading in
its surface.
3. Chemical Fuming Method - done by using
chemical fumes such as Iodine and
Ammonium Fumes.
4. Ninhydrin Method - is considered as one of
the best methods used in developing prints
in paper.
5. Iodine Silver Plate Transfer Method - A
practical technique used in developing
latent print on human skin. It is done by
spraying an iodine fume into the area of
the skin. Once the latent print is
developed, it will be transferred to a silver
plate then exposed to strong light for
evaluation.
6. Laser Method - is a modern method of
tracing and developing latent prints.
According to Degree of Visibility
TYPES OF LATENT PRINTS
Visible Prints - are those prints which are readily
visible to the naked eye such as blood, dirt, ink,
paint, or any colored surface transferred from a
finger to a surface. It can either be: Molded Prints
or Prints made by contamination with colored
substance.
Semi-Visible Prints - Are prints found on clay, dust,
muds and another sticky surface.

Invisible Prints - prints that are generally made by

sweat or perspiration that require developing for
visibility. It is the common type observed in the
crime scene.
Other Types of Latent Prints
a. Smudge Prints - Prints created due to the sliding
motion of the finger.
b. Fragment Prints - Prints that show incomplete
ridges. (Partial Print Impressions)
c. Chance Prints - Prints left on a place
unconsciously or accidentally.
A Factors Affecting Stability or Prints at the Crime
Scene:
I. Subject Factor
II. Nature of the surface
III. Climatic Condition