PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION TECHNIQUES

(PRC TABLE OF SPECIFICATION)

The registered criminologist can perform the competencies

under the following sub-topics:
• Recognize the basic principles of personal identification;
• Demonstrate the ability in the application of Dactyloscopy as the gold standard in
personal identification and other scientific and non-scientific techniques of personal
identification in relation to crime detection and investigation (recognition, collection,
preservation, classification, comparison, and identification of latent prints);
• Apply the techniques in detection, collection, preservation of forensic evidence relative to
friction ridges and other means of personal identification;
• Utilize various forensic tools/equipment and employ systematic methods (ACE-V method)
in processing latent prints/friction ridge details to ensure positive identification; and
• Demonstrate competence in the examination, identification, and presentation of evidence
communicated in format and in content acceptable in court proceedings.

IDENTIFICATION IMPORTANCE OF IDENTIFICATION OF PERSON:

• In the prosecution of the criminal offense, the identity of the offender and that of the victim must
be established, otherwise it will be a ground for the dismissal of the charge or acquittal of the
accused.
is the determination of the individuality of a person or thing.
• The identification of a person missing or presumed dead will facilitate settlement of the estate,
retirement, insurance and other social benefits. It vests on the heirs the right over the
properties of the identified person
• Identification resolves the anxiety of the next-of-kin, other relatives and friends as to the
whereabouts of a missing person or victim of calamity or criminal act.
• Identification may be needed in some transactions, like cashing of check, entering a premise,
delivery of parcels or registered mail in post office, sale of property, release of dead bodies to
relatives, parties to a contract, etc.
 RULES IN PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION: METHODS OF IDENTIFICATION

• The greater the number of points of similarities and dissimilarities of two persons
compared, the greater is the probability for the conclusion to be correct. This is known as
the law of Multiplicity of Evidence in Identification.
• The value of the different points of identification varies in the formulation of conclusion.
• The longer the interval between the death and the examination of the remains for
purposes of identification, the greater is the need for experts in establishing identity.
• Inasmuch as the object to be identified is highly perishable, it is necessary for the team to
act in the shortest possible time specially in cases of mass disaster.
• There is no rigid rule to be observed in the procedure of identification of persons.
BY COMPARISON — Identification criteria recovered during investigation are compared
with records available in the file, or postmortem finding are compared with ante-mortem records.
BY EXCLUSION — If two or more persons have to be identified and all but one is not yet
identified, then the one whose identity has not been established may be known by the process
of elimination.
FIRST KNOWN METHOD OF IDENTIFICATION
1. Tattoo Marks – A method adopted by tribes during ancient times signifying their clan and
family. It is barely used as identification but purely for the purpose of ornamentation. It is
NOT reliable means of identification because it can be duplicated, changed or disfigured.
2. Scarification – A means of identification by cutting or wounding some parts of the body that
forms scars in time and forms pattern after healing which serves as identification

THE BASES OF HUMAN IDENTIFICATION MAY BE

CLASSIFIED AS: ORDINARY METHODS OF INDENTIFICATION

POINTS OF IDENTIFICATION APPLICABLE TO THE LIVING PERSON

• Those which laymen used to prove identity — No special training or skill is ONLY:
required of the identifier and no instrument or procedure is demanded.

Characteristics which may easily be changed:

• Those which are based on scientific knowledge — Identification is made • GROWTH OF HAIR, BEARD OR MUSTACHE
by trained men, well-seasoned by experience and observation, and primarily based on • CLOTHING
comparison or exclusion.
• FREQUENT PLACE OF VISIT
• GRADE OF PROFESSION
• BODY ORNAMENTATIONS
Characteristics that may not easily be changed: • MANNERISM - Stereotype movement or habit peculiar to an individual
• MENTAL MEMORY • COMPLEXION
• SPEECH • CHANGES IN THE EYES.
• GAIT - A person, on account of disease or some inborn traits, may show a characteristic manner • LEFT— OR RIGHT-HANDEDNESS
of walking.
Ataxic gait — A gait in which the foot is raised high, thrown forward and brought down
• DEGREE OF NUTRITION
suddenly is seen in persons suffering from tabes dorsalis. • FACIES - There are different kinds of facial expressions
Cerebellar gait — A gait associated with staggering movement is seen in cerebellar brought about by disease or racial influence
diseases.
Cow's gait — A swaying movement due to knock-knee. Hippocratic facies— The nose is pinched, the
temple hollow, eyes sunken, ears cold, lips relaxed and skin
Paretic gait — Gait in which the steps are short, the feet are dragged and the legs are held livid. The appearance of the face is indicative of
more or less widely apart.
approaching death.
Spastic gait — A gait in which the legs are held together and move in a stiff manner and
the toes dragged.
Festinating gait — Involuntary movement in short accelerating steps. Mongolian facies — Almond eyes, pale complexion,
Frog gait — A hopping gait resulting from infantile paralysis. prominence of cheek bones.

Waddling gait — Exaggerated alternation of lateral trunk movement similar to the

movement of the duck.

POINTS OF IDENTIFICATION APPLICABLE TO BOTH LIVING AND DEAD

Facies Leonine — A peculiar, BEFORE THE ONSET OF DECOMPOSITION:
deeply furrowed, lion-like of the
face. This may be observed in • OCCUPATIONAL MARKS
leprosy, elephantiasis and • WEARING APPAREL
,leontiasis ossia.
• RACE
a. Color of the skin:
Myxedemic facies — Pale Caucasian — Fair Malayan — Brown Mongolian — Fair Negro — Black
face, edematous swelling which b. Feature of the face:
does not pit on pressure, Caucasian — Prominent sharp nose Malayan — Flat nose with round face
associated with dullness of intellect, Mongolian — Almond eyes and prominent cheek bone Negro — Thick lips and prominent eyes
slow monotonous speech, muscular c. Shape of the skull:
weakness and tremor Caucasian — Elongated skull
Malayan — Hound head
Mongolian — Round head
Ked Indians and Eskimos — Flat head
• STATURE
A person ceases to increase in height after the age of 25.
The growth of a person rarely exceeds five centimeters after the age of 18.
SCIENTIFIC METHODS OF IDENTIFICATION
The rate of growth is variable but it is most active from 5 to 7 and from 13 to 16 years of-
age. ASPECTS OF IDENTIFICATION REQUIRING SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE
a. Fingerprint
• TATTOO MARKS - Introduction of coloring pigments in the layers of the skin by multiple puncture. b. Dental Identification
• DEFORMITIES c. Identification of skeleton
• BIRTH MARKS d. Determination of Sex
• MOLE
e. Determination of Age
• SCAR
f. Identification of blood and blood stains
• TRIBAL MARKS
g. Identification of Hair and Fibers
• SEXUAL ORGAN
• BLOOD EXAMINATION

ANTHROPOMETRY (BERTILLON SYSTEM)

• Alphonse Bertillon, a French criminologist, devised a scheme utilizing anthropometrical
measurement of the human body as the basis of identification.
• “Father of Personal Identification” and “Father of Mug Shot Photography”
• (1890) the first scientific method of identification established by Alphonse Bertillion. It is done by
measuring the bone structure of a person.
ALPHONSE BERTILLON
• It was later on abolished due to the famous “West Case” at Leavenworth, Kansas

BASIS OF THE BERTILLON SYSTEM OF IDENTIFICATION:

• The human skeleton is unchangeable after the twentieth year. The thigh bone continues to grow
somewhat after the period, but this is compensated by the curving of the spine which takes place
at about the same age.
• It/is impossible to find two human beings having bones exactly like.
• The necessary measurement can easily be taken with the aid of a simple instrument.
ANTHROPOMETRY WEST CASE

PORTRAIT PARLE
• In many instances an investigator does not have a picture of the wanted or
missing person. The only way to have an idea of the prominent physical features
is for the witnesses or someone who has knowledge of the identity to tell him.
• It means “speaking likeliness”
• Its is an identification in which a person is being identified through memory and
described the features and put into sketch. It is unreliable means since certain
cases if twins would likely to occur and subject to wrong accusations.
• Portrait parle' (spoken picture) is a verbal, accurate and picturesque
description of the person identified.
In order to make an accurate dental record available for
purposes of comparison with that of the person to be
identified, Presidential Decree No. 1575 was
promulgated, requiring practitioners of dentistry to keep
records of their patients
DENTAL IDENTIFICATION
(FORENSIC ODONTOLOGY)
THE ROLE OF THE TEETH IN HUMAN IDENTIFICATION IS IMPORTANT FOR THE
FOLLOWING REASONS:
• The possibility of two persons to have the same dentition is quite remote. An adult has 32 teeth
and each tooth has five surfaces. Some of the teeth may be missing, carious, with filling
materials, and with abnormality in shape and other peculiarities. This will lead to several
combinations with almost infinite in number of dental characteristics.
• The enamel of the teeth is the hardest substance of the human body. It may outlast all other
tissues during putrefaction or physical destruction.
• After death, the greater the degree of tissue destruction, the greater is the importance of dental
characteristics as a means of identification.
• The more recent the ante-mortem records of the person to be identified, the more reliable is the
comparative or exclusionary mode of identification that can be done
DETERMINATION OF SEX
TEST TO DETERMINE THE SEX:
Social test: Dress, hairstyle, general bodily shape provide an immediate and accurate answer to the
vast majority of cases.
Genital test: The presence of penis indicates a male, its absence and the presence of a vaginal
opening, indicates a female.
Gonadal test: Presence of testes in male and ovary in female
Chromosomal test
HIGHLY PROBABLE EVIDENCES OF SEX:
Possession of vagina, uterus and accessories in female, and penis in male.
Presence of developed and large breasts in female.
Muscular development and distribution of fat in the body.
CONCLUSIVE EVIDENCE:
Presence of ovary in female and testis in males.

DETERMINATION OF AGE
Growth of pubic hair, beard and mustache:
Pubic Hair: 13 (Female) 14 (Male)
Mustache and Beard: 16-18 (Male)
Changes of the breast: 13-14(Female)
Development of the voice: 16 to 18 (Both)
Changes in color of the hair: 40 (Gray) 50 in Pubic Hair (Gray)
Wrinkleness : 40
Menstruation in women: 12 (Warm Countries)
FINGERPRINTING
Fingerprint is considered to be the most valuable method of
identification. It is a positive and absolute means of identification
The use of fingerprints as an infallible means of identification is based on
THREE DOGMATIC PRINCIPLES:
1.Individuality/Variation/Uniqueness (Sir Francis Galton)
2. Constancy or Permanency/Immutability (Herman Welcker )
3. Infallibility (Henry Faulds )
LIGHT AS A FACTOR IN IDENTIFICATION
Experiments have shown that the best known person cannot be recognized by
the:
Clearest moonlight – distance of 16 to 17 yards
Starlight – distance any further than 10 to 13 yards
Broad daylight - at a distance farther than one hundred yards if the person has
never been seen before but persons who are almost strangers may be
recognized at a distance of twenty-five yards.
Flash of a caliber .22 firearm at a distance of two feet it is hardly possible for a
witness to see the assailant in case of a hold-up or a murder because
The flash of lighting produces sufficient light for the identification of an individual
provided that the person's eye is focused towards the individual he wishes to identify
during the flash.
In case of artificial light, the identity is relative to the kind and intensity of the light
INDIVIDUALITY/VARIATION/UNIQUENESS
• No two persons have the same fingerprint (based on Statistic Probability)
SIR FRANCIS GALTON IN 1892
He concluded the theory that the chance of two people to
possess identical fingerprints is 1:64 Billion persons.
• There are no two fingerprints that are exactly alike,”(Meyer) except if two
fingerprints were taken from the same finger and the same person
• Two fingerprints maybe alike in its pattern or design but considering its minute
characteristics, they differ.
• Fingerprints of two persons can be similar but NOT Identical.
 CONSTANCY/PERSISTENCY/PERMANENCY/
INFALLIBILITY
• That fingerprint cannot be easily forged
IMMUTABILITY • That fingerprint is a reliable means of personal identification and all courts accept and adopt
fingerprint as a means of personal identification
• States that fingerprints are unchanging or constant from birth until the decomposition of
the body of the person. SOME ATTEMPTS OF DESTROYING RIDGES
• That the friction ridge once fully developed its arrangement will remains the same
throughout man’s life. 1. JOHN DILLINGER- a known criminal who tried to effaced his fingerprint by burning them with acid. It
was a failure because the print appeared again after how many days
• That the friction ridge once fully developed, its arrangement will remains the same
Known U.S. public enemy number one
throughout the man’s life. Ridges appears from 3rd to 4th mos. Of fetus life and
completes at 5th to 6th mos. Before birth. It is also known as the “From Womb to Tomb”
principle. 2. ROBERT (ROSCOE) JAMES PITTS - known as “Man w/o fingerprint” tried to elude arrest by
removing the friction ridge through incision.
He surgically removed his fingerprint of the first joint and covered it with another skin from his chest but
his works were futile.
He is known by name Roscoe Pitts

DACTYLOSCOPY – is the practical application of the science of fingerprints.

Edmond Locard & Witkowsji
Latin words
Performed painful experiments on themselves by burning their fingertips with
boiling water and oil with hot metals to find out whether it can destroy the ridges of a Dactyl = finger
finger Skopien – to study or examine
Greek words
Dactylos – Finger
Skopien - Study

DACTYLOGRAPHY – is the scientific study of fingerprint as a means of identification

DACTYLOMANCY – is the scientific study of fingerprint for purposes of personality

interpretation.

DERMATOGLYPHICS = is the science which deals with the study of skin pattern. It is
derived from two Greek words, Derma which means Skin and Glype which means
Carve.
 CHIROSCOPY
RELATED SCIENCES/BRANCHES OF Some other terms used in the
DACTYLOSCOPY WILLIAM HERSCHEL is considered as “Father of study of palm
Chiroscopy”
DISTAL – means towards the
• CHIROSCOPY PODOSCOPY POROSCOPY EDGEOSCOPY Science of palm print identification
RIDGEOLOGY fingertips
Derived from Greek words:
Cheir - means “a hand” and PROXIMAL – means towards the
Skopien - means “to examine.” wrist

RADIAL – flowing towards the

radius bone or thumb side
PATTERN ZONES OF PALMPRINT:
THENAR ZONE – the base of the thumb. ULNAR – flowing towards ulnar
bone where the little finger rest.
HYPOTHENAR ZONE – the base of the little finger.
PALMAR ZONE – base of the four fingers.
CARPAL DELTA ZONE – near the wrist.

PODOSCOPY POROSCOPY
Footprints and footwear identification.
Derived from two Greek words:
1. Podo - means “the foot” and
Study of the pore structure for the purpose of identification.
Derived from the Greek words:
2. Skopien - means “to examine.” 1. poros - means “a pore” and
PATTERN ZONES OF FOOTPRINT: 2. skopein - means “to examine.
BALL ZONE - base of the big toe
Edmond Locard is considered the “Father of Poroscopy”
PLANTAR ZONE – space below the base of the 4 little toes besides the ball zone
EDGEOSCOPY RIDGEOLOGY
CALCAR ZONE – is the area located at the heel combination of:
Edges and shapes of the ridges.
TIBIAL ZONE– side of the foot where the big toe is located This includes the study of: Poroscopy
Edgeoscopy
FIBULAR ZONE– situated on the little toe side of the foot just below the plantar zone • endings, Ridge characteristics.
• puckering,
TREAD AREA – includes that portion of the foot lying between the ball-plantar zone and calcar
zone
• Bifurcations

*The fibular and tibial zones are found within the tread area.
 In China, fingerprint is called “Hua Chi”. The value of fingerprints for
purposes of identification was found on a Chinese clay seal made not later
than the 3rd century B.C.
China has been recognized by many authorities as the 1st country that uses
fingerprint.
The arches and whorl were called as “LO” (snail) and loops are “KI”
(winnowing basket).
HISTORY AND PERSONALITIES IN Emperor Tein Shi – 1st Chinese ruler who devised a seal carved from the
FINGERPRINT white jade, on the side of it was the name of the owner, and the others side the
thumb mark of the destitute.
In Japan, deeds, dotes, and certificates to be used as proofs were sealed by
the mark of the hand (Palm-print) called “Tegata.”
In England, Thomas Bewick, an English engraver, author, and naturalist
engraved the patterns of his own fingers on every wood-work he had finished
to serve as his mark so as to establish its genuineness.

NEHEMIAH GREW (1684)

Describes the ridges and pores of the hands and feet (Philosophical
Transaction) presented in Royal Society of London, England.
GOVARD BIDLOO
Works on the sweat pores and ridges. Pubished “Anatomia Humanis
Corporis”
MARCELO MALPIGHI (1628-1694)
Professor at the University of Bolognia, Italy, known for his discovery of
the Epidermis and Dermis layer. Written the book entitled “De Externo Tactus
Organo”.
“Grandfather of Dactyloscopy” according to Edmond Locard
He was noted for the discovery of Dermis and Epidermis
A layer of skin was named after him; MALPHIGI LAYER which is
approximately 1.8mm thick
J.C.A. MAYER (1788)
The first to state that fingerprints are never duplicated in two persons.
JOHANNES PURKENJIE (1823)
Professor 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. “Father of Dactyloscopy”
HERMAN WELCKER
Took his own fingerprints twice with a lapse of forty-one years and show
the ridges formation remains the same. (Principle of Constancy)
WILLIAM HERSCHEL
The first to advocate the use of fingerprints as substitute for signature
from among Indian native to avoid impersonation. “Father of Chiroscopy”
RAJADHAR KONAI = the first person Herschel printed the palm
 IN AMERICA
HENRY FAULDS GILBERT THOMPSON
A surgeoon at Tsukuji Hospital, Tokyo, Japan, who claimed that latent prints A geologist in New Mexico, adopted the first individual use of fingerprint in august 8, 1882 as
would provide positive identification of offenders once apprehended ( A Manual of a protection to prevent tampering with the pay order.
Practical Dactyloscopy). “Grandfather of Fingerprinting”
ISAIAH WEST TABOR
FRANCIS GALTON Photographer in San Francisco who advocated the use of the system for the registration of
Developed the Arch. Loop and Whorl Patterns as general classification and the immigrant Chinese.
identified nine (9) types of pattern. First to establish a Civil Bureau of Personal SAMUEL LANGHORNE CLEMENS
Identification. He said that the possibility of two prints being alike was An Englishman who informally introduced Dactyloscopy in the United States in his book “ Life
1:65,000,000,000. in the Mississippi” and “ Pupp n Head Wilson”.
EDWARD RICHARD HENRY DR. HENRY P DE FOREST
Developed the Henry System of Classification at Scotland Yard which was Utilized the first Municipal Civil use of fingerprint for Criminal Registration on December 1902
accepted by almost all English-speaking country. Known as Father of Fingerprint. (Mun. Civil Service Comm., New York).
KHAN BAHADUR AZIZUL HAQUE AND RAI HEM CHANDRA BOSE – the two CAPT. JAMES L. PARKE
Hindu police officers who have help Henry in attaining his goal. Advocate the first state and penal use of fingerprint adopted in SingSing prison on June 5,
JUAN VUCETICH 1903 later on Auburn Napanoch and Clinton Penitentiaries.
SGT. JOHN KENNETH FERRIER
A Spanish counterpart of Henry who developed his own system of
classification in Argentina and was accepted in almost all Spanish Speaking country. First fingerprint instructor at St. Louis Police Dept. Missouri.

MAJ. R. MC CLOUGHRY
Warden of the Federal Penitentiaries of Leaven Worth. Established the first
official National Government use of fingerpprint.
CAPT. THOMAS DUGAN, New York Police Dept. AND FLAVIANO
MARY K. HOLAND GUERRERO, FBI Washington – gave the first examination in FP in 1927 and
First American instructress in dactyloscopy AGUSTIN PATRICIO of the Phils. Top the Examination
INSTITUTE OF APPLIED SCIENCE
First private school to install laboratories for instruction purposes in PLARIDEL EDUCATION INSTITUTE (PEI) now known as Phil. College of
dactyloscopy Criminology, first government recognized school to teach the Science of
Fingerprint and other Police Sciences.
IN THE PHILIPPINES
MR. JONES LUCILA LALU – the first Filipina Chop-chop lady who was identified through
One who first taught FP in the Phils. (1900) fingerprint
BUREAU OF PRISON - (1968) CARPETAS fingerprint was used.
GENEROSO REYES – First Filipino Fingerprint Technician employed by P.C.
ISABELA BERNALES – first Filipina Fingerprint Technician
 FINGERPRINTS
Is an impression design by the first joint of the fingers and
thumb on smooth surface through the media of ink, sweat or any
substance capable of producing visibility
ABNORMALITIES IN FINGER
POLYDACTYL – more than regular number of finger
MACRODACTYL –enlarged finger
BRACHYDACTYLY – fingers are abnormally short
FINGER COMPOSITION AND STRUCTURE
PHALANGE
is the skeletal finger covered with friction skin.
It is made up of three bones.
a. BASAL OR PROXIMAL PHALANGE – it is
located at the base of the finger nearest the palm.
b. MIDDLE PHALANGE - the next and above the
basal done.
c. TERMINAL PHALANGE - the particular bone
covered with friction skin, having all the different
types of fingerprint patterns and it is located near
the tip of the finger.
ECTODACTYL – missing finger at birth
SYNDACTYL – side fusion of finger
ANKYLOSIS – finger cannot be bend
ORTHODACTYL - a condition where then fingers cannot
be stretch.
 THE FRICTION SKIN COMPONENTS OF THE FRICTION SKIN
1. RIDGES – are hill like, elevated,
• Is the epidermal hairless skin found on the ventral/lower surface of the hands and feet appear as black lines with tiny white
covered with minute ridges and furrows. dots called pores in an inked
impression.
• This is where fingerprints are formed.
• Also called as Papillary skin/Epidermal skin/Volar skin (Biologist)

2. FURROWS – canal-like, depressed

portions found between the ridges
which appear white lines.

STRUCTURE OF SWEAT PRODUCER

1. SWEAT PORES (sometimes called islands) – are small opening found on skin and appear
white on plain impression.
2. SWEAT DUCT – is a long-host like structure that serves as the passage way for the sweat.
3. SWEAT GLANDS – produces sweat/perspiration

KINDS OF SWEAT GLANDS

ECCRINE GLAND – the only sweat glands that can be found on the palms and soles

APPOCRINE GLAND –found on the pubic, mammary and anal areas. It produces fat for milks

LACRIMAL GLANDS –produces tears

SEBACEOUS GLANDS –located at the forehead, chest, back and abdomen. It produces oil
and fats.
 2. DERMAL PAPILLAE (DERMIS)
LAYERS OF SKIN
The inner layer of the skin containing blood vessels, arrector pili
muscles, sebaceous glands, sweat glands and nerves. It is where the dermal
papillae are found.
1. EPIDERMAL LAYER (EPIDERMIS) – the outer layer

3. SUBCUTANEOUS LAYER (HYPODERMIS)

Sub-layers:
a)Stratum Corneum – also known as corneus layer. The innermost layer of skin that also contains blood vessels,
connective tissue, nerves and fat lobules (a rounded division or projection of an
b)Stratum Mucosum – also known as transparent layer.
organ or part in the body, especially in the lungs, brain, or liver)
c)Stratum lucidum – also known as granucar layer.
d)Stratum granulosum – consists of 3-4 layers.
e)Stratum spinosum – also called Malpighian layer.
f) Stratum Basale – also called Generating Layer.

RIDGE FORMATION
Ridges starts to form in the fingers and thumb during the 3rd to 4th months of the fetus life
Dermal Papillae = 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
Damage in the friction skin can be temporary or permanent. Such permanency in the
damage may cause scar or termed as “Sicatriz.”

Epidermis- temporary scar

Dermis- permanent scar

Cut with a depth of more than 1 mm.- PERMANENT;

With less than 1mm.- TEMPORARY
 TYPES OF RIDGE CHARACTERISTICS
RIDGE CHARACTERISTICS
RIDGE DOT (ISLAND RIDGE) – refers to a ridge formation in a form of a dot or period.
Is also known as “MINUTIAE” OR “GALTON DETAILS”
Refers to the details of ridge structures, formations and elements which imparts BIFURCATION – a ridge formation in which a single ridge splits or divides into two or more ridges. It
individuality to each print. resembles a fork shape.
Minute or tiny details in the ridges of fingerprint patterns which are used in comparing
and identifying fingerprints.
CONVERGING RIDGE – two ridges that meets at a certain point

BASIC TYPES OF RIDGE GALTON’S DETAIL (BED)

DIVERGING RIDGE – two ridges that spread apart
• Bifurcation
• Ending Ridge
ENCLOSURE OR LAKE RIDGE – a single ridge that divides into two but does not remain open and
• Dot meet at a certain point to form the original single ridge.

ENDING RIDGE – it refers to an abrupt end of a ridge

TYPE LINES – is a diverging ridge that tends to surround the pattern area and serves as a
basic boundary of fingerprint impression.

PATTERN AREA – is a part of a loop of whorl pattern surrounded by the type lines and
consisting of the delta, the core and other ridges.
RECURVING RIDGE – a single ridges that curves back to the direction where it started.
SUFFICIENT RECURVE – a recurving ridge which is complete with its should and free from
any appendage.
APPENDAGE – is a short ridge found at the top or summit of a recurve
ROD OR BAR – is a short of long ridge found inside the recurve and directed towards the core
TRIFURCATING RIDGES - is a friction ridge that divides into three friction ridges.
OPPOSED BIFURCATION - are two bifurcations located at both ends of a single ridge.
SPUR OR HOOK RIDGE - A bifurcation with one short ridge branching off a longer ridge.
PUCKERING RIDGE - A kind of ridge that appears curly, irregular in appearance and
growth ceases at several ends.
APPENDAGE OR ABUTMENT - A short ridge that spoils the sufficiency of a recurve
located at the top or summit of a recurve usually at right angle.
STAPLE - a single recurving ridge on the center of the pattern area. It can be located along
the looping ridges

OBSTRUCTION RIDGE – is a short ridge found inside the recurve which blocks the inner line
of flow towards the core.
 THE TWO FINGERPRINT TERMINUS
(FOCAL POINTS)
CROSSOVER OR BRIDGE RIDGE - A ridge that connects atleast two ridges. It must have
crossed and connected two ridges.
The DELTA (also called the outer terminus) is a point
FRAGMENT - a ridge of extremely short in length not more than 3 millimeters. along a ridge formation found at the center or near the
center of the diverging type lines.
DOT RIDGE - Any dot or point that can be observed inside a fingerprint pattern.
ENVELOP - A single recurving ridge enclosing one or more bars, short or dot ridge.
INCIPIENT RIDGES ( OR NASCENT RIDGES) - NOT counted because they are only the
result of dirts, dirty fingerprint paraphernalia and other factors, found between two well
formed ridges.
The CORE (also known as the heart or the inner
DISSOCIATED RIDGES - NOT counted. Appears like patches and has no no well defined
terminus) usually found at the center or innermost
pattern. recurve.

RULES IN SELECTING DELTA

DELTA • When two or more possible deltas which conforms to the definition, the delta NEAREST TO
THE CORE is chosen.
• When there is a choice between bifurcation and another type of delta, THE BIFURCATION IS
SIX DELTA FORMATIONS: SELECTED as delta.
• When there is a choice between two possible deltas, neither of which is a bifurcation, and when
1. Bifurcation both are in the vicinity of the divergence of the type lines, the delta NEAREST THE CENTER
2. Dot OF DIVERGENCE is selected.
• When a single ridge enter a pattern area with two or more bifurcation which is CLOSER TO THE
3. Meeting of two ridges CORE BECOMES DELTA.
4. Looping ridge (where no other choice of delta) • When a ridge runs half way between the type lines and pattern area, the delta is placed on the
5. Ending ridge END OF THE RIDGE NEAREST TO THE CORE.
• When a ridge runs entirely within a pattern area, the delta is placed on the END NEAREST THE
6. Starting ridge POINT OF DIVERGENCE OF THE TYPE LINES.
• When a ridge enters the pattern area from a point below the divergence of the type lines THE
DELTA IS PLACED ON THE END NEAREST the core.
• If there is no visible ridge that may be chosen as delta, the looping ridge or whorl ridge in front of
the area of divergence maybe chosen as the delta
 RULES IN SELECTING CORE
• When the innermost loop contains no ending ridge or rod rising as high as the shoulder
of the loop, the core is placed on the shoulder of the loop farther from the delta.
• If there is one rod within the recurving ridge is as high as the shoulder the core is
placed on the tip of the rod.
• If there are two rods within the recurving ridge which rise to the shoulders at the
different heights, the core is placed on the higher tip.
• If the two rods within the innermost recurving ridge have the same heights, the
core is placed on the tip of the rod farther from the delta.
• If there are three or uneven number of rods within the recurving ridge, the core is
placed on the center rod even if it does not rise as high as the shoulders of the
recurving ridge and whether it touches the looping ridge or not.
• If there are four or even number of rods within the recurving ridge the two
innermost rods are considered as one, as if an imaginary curve joined the
tips of the rods and the core is placed on the two imaginary shoulders
farther from the delta.
• Any appendages abutting upon the outside of the recurve at a right angle
automatically destroys the ridge for the used as a core or ridge count.
• When two loops, side by side are present within one recurving ridge, the
two loops are considered as one and the core is placed on the inner
shoulder of the loop farthest from the delta
• When two loops are interlocking the loops are considered as one, if an
imaginary line is drawn between the shoulders of both loops crossers the
point of interlocking, the core is placed at this point.
• The core cannot be placed on a recurving ridge having an appendage. If
the innermost loop has an appendage on the outside of the recurve, at a
right angle between the shoulders the next outside is considered for the
placing the core.

RIDGE COUNTING AND RIDGE TRACING RIDGES SUBJECT TO RIDGE COUNTING

(Depending on the travel of imaginary line)

RIDGE COUNTING 3 RIDGE COUNT

is the process of counting the ridges that touch or cross an imaginary line drawn Envelop
between the core and the delta of a loop pattern. Trifurcation

Rules 2 RIDGE COUNT

1. In a loop fingerprint pattern, locate the delta and core. An island/lake/eye, and enclosure.
2. Draw an imaginary line between the core and delta. Criss-crossing of ridges
Bifurcation
3. Count all ridges which touch or cross the imaginary line drawn between the core and
delta. Converging ridge

4. Incipient ridges, puckering, dissociated and creases are NOT counted. 1 RIDGE COUNT
5. Fragments and dot ridges are counted as ridges only if they appear as thick as the A short ridge, long ridge, dot ridge,
surrounding ridges. An abrupt ending of ridges is given one ridge count.
• DO NOT include in your counting the delta and core Ridge that bifurcates
 RIDGE TRACING
The process of tracing the ridges intervening between the tracing ridge (flows TYPES OF WHORL TRACING
from the left delta to the right delta) and the right delta.
Rules
• In a whorl pattern, look for the left delta and trace towards the front of the right delta. 1. INNER WHORL (I) – result is 3 or more ridge count above or inside the right delta.
• When the ridge being traced abruptly ends, drop to the next ridge just below the 2. OUTER WHORL (O) - result is 3 or more ridge count below or outside the right delta.
original tracing ridge and continue the tracing until it reaches the point nearest to the 3. MEETING WHORL (M) – the ridge count is 0, 1, 2 either below or above the right delta.
right delta.
• When the left delta is a dot, the same procedure in No. 1 shall be followed.
• When the ridge that is being traced is a bifurcation, always follow the lower branch
until tracing is completed.
• Determine whether the tracing ridge flows inside (above) or outside (below) the right
delta.
• Draw and imaginary line between the tracing ridge (refers to the left delta that was
moved towards the right delta) and the right delta and count the intervening ridge
that touch or cross it.
• Exclude the tracing ridge and deltas when counting the intervening ridges.

THE FINGERPRINT PATTERNS LOOP

LOOP (60 %)
ULNAR LOOP (94%) Refers to a pattern in which one or more of the ridges
start at one side of the pattern, run toward the upper corner on
RADIAL LOOP (6%) the opposite side, then recurve and start back toward the side
WHORL (35%) from which they came originally, forming a delta at the end of
the pattern area and a loop with a core in the center
PLAIN WHORL (71%)
CENTRAL POCKET LOOP (13%)
DOUBLE LOOP (13%) ELEMENTS OF LOOP
ACCIDENTAL LOOP (3%) 1. CORE
ARCH (5%) 2. DELTA
PLAIN ARCH (60%) 3. SUFFICIENT RECURVE
TENTED ARCH (40%) 4. AT LEAST ONE RIDGE COUNT

RED COLOR - GENERAL/FAMILY OF FINGERPRINT PATTERNS

BLUE COLOR – STANDARD FINGERPRINT PATTERN (Galton-Henry System with FBI Modification
and Extension)
 TWO STANDARD LOOP PATTERN WHORL
a. RADIAL LOOP (RH=/. LH=\) is a In a whorl, some of the ridges make a turn through
type of loop pattern in which the at least one circuit.
slanting or looping ridge flows Any fingerprint pattern which contains 2 or more
towards the thumb finger (Radius deltas will be a whorl pattern
Bone).
BASIC ELEMENTS OF WHORL
Two or more Deltas
a. ULNAR LOOP (RH=\, LH=/) is a At least one complete circuiting ridge
type of loop pattern in which the
slanting or looping ridge flows
towards the little finger (Ulnar
Bone).

DOUBLE LOOP WHORL (D)

FOUR STANDARD WHORL PATTERN 1. Two separate loop formation
2. Two Separate and distinct shoulder
PLAIN WHORL (W) 3. Two deltas or more deltas
At least one circuiting ridge is touched or crossed by the
imaginary line traversing between the two deltas.

ACCIDENTAL WHORL (X)

1. A combination of two different patterns with the
CENTRAL POCKET LOOP WHORL (C) exception of the plain arch.
No circuiting ridge within the pattern area is touched or cross 2. Two deltas or more deltas
by an imaginary line drawn between the two deltas
 ARCH
KINDS OF TENTED ARCH
• In arch patterns, the ridges run from one side to the other of the pattern,
making no backward turn. There is ordinarily no delta, but where there is
the appearance of a delta, no recurving ridge must intervene between the
core and delta points. 1. ANGLE TYPE- a short vertical ridge forming an angle of 90 degrees
or less.
PLAIN ARCH (A)
is a pattern in which the ridges flows from one side
to the other side with a slight raise at the center. The 2. UPTRUST- a horizontal ridge that makes a sufficient rise at the
simplest of all patterns.
center.

3. INCOMPLETE LOOP- similar to a loop with missing one or two

TENTED ARCH (T) elements
is a type of pattern having either an angle, uptrust or
an incomplete loop form

STEPS IN CLASSIFYING FINGERPRINTS BASIC RULE IN TAKING FINGERPRINTS:

1. Subject should be instructed to stand straight but relax facing the slab.
1. Filling Out and Recording
2. Interpretation of the Patterns 2. The subject hand should be completely dry
3. Blocking out
4. Classification Proper 3. In case of split/webbed thumb, it should be rolled together and be classified
based on: get the bigger one; if the same size, get the inner one.

4. Thumb fingers are rolled towards the body while other fingers are rolled away
from the body.
 FINGERPRINT CARD – 8x8 card for recording
INSTRUMENTS USED IN TAKING PRINT fingerprint

INK SLAB – Metallic or glass plate where the ink is

spread for purpose
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 fingerprint

INK ROLLER – Rubber made roller designed to

spread the ink LATENT PRINT TRANSFER CARD – used to
preserved developed latent print

FINGERPRINT STRIP HOLDER – Used to hold

FINGERPRINT INK – Ink used for taking fingerprint card for post mortem fingerprint

TYPES OF FINGERPRINT SYMBOLS OF THE FINGERPRINT PATTERNS IN

IMPRESSION BLOCKS:
ROLLED IMPRESSION – are fingerprint
impression taken individually by rolling each finger
1. Plain Arch ………………….... = A
from one side to the other side and from the tip to
the end of the first joint. 2. Tented Arch …………………. = T
3. Radial Loop (Right Hand)….. = /
4. Radial Loop (Left Hand)……. = \
5. Ulnar Loop (Right Hand)…… = \
6. Ulnar Loop (Left Hand) …….. = /
PLAIN IMPRESSION – are impression made by
simultaneously pressing the finger to the card, use 7. Plain Whorl ………………….. = W
as a reference to classification.
8. Central Pocket Loop Whorl.. = C
9. Double Loop Whorl…………. = D
10. Accidental Whorl …….. …… = X
 FINGERPRINT CLASSIFICATION
CLASSIFICATION FORMULA
Is a numerical description of a set of fingerprints which is composed
DIFFERENT FINGERPRINT SYSTEMS: of figures and letters written above the horizontal line.
• There are more than 50 Classification Systems in the World. It is the result of evaluation and interpretation of the 10 fingerprints
• Gasti System of Italy, applying the principle of ridge counting and ridge tracing.
• Pateer System of Holland
• Vuccetich System of Argentina, and some other systems used by other countries. FORMATION IN THE CLASSIFICATION LINE
• Henry System, NBI and FBI System with Modification and Extension is used by the
Philippines and by all English-speaking countries of the world. KEY MAJOR PRIMARY SECONDARY SUB-SECONDARY FINAL
________________________________________________________
MAJOR PRIMARY SECONDARY SUB-SECONDARY FINAL

DIVISION OF THE CLASSIFICATION NOTE:

FORMULA Whorl (WCDX) Finger 1 and 2
– Numeric Patterns Right Thumb and Right Index (16)
1. PRIMARY DIVISION/CLASSIFICATION Finger 3 and 4
Loop and Arch
Right middle and Right Ring (8)
– Non Numeric Patterns (ZERO) Finger 5 and 6
It is the summation of all numerical value assigned to Whorls Right little and Left Thumb (4)
appearing in the fingerprint chart which are numerators and Finger 7 and 8
denominators plus the established fraction of 1/1. It is always Numerator – Even Numbers
Left Index and Left middle (2)
represented by numerical value. Denominator – Odd Numbers Finger 9 and 10
Left Ring and Left Little (1)
Arbitrary Count – plus 1
Finger numbers 1-5 are from RIGHT HAND
Finger numbers 6-10 are from LEFT HAND
 SECONDARY DIVISION/CLASSIFICATION
Represented by Capital and small letter combination based on
interpretation made during the blocking
• Capital letter – derived from the index fingers (both numerator and
denominator) which can be (A, T, R, U, - W, C, D or X)
• Small letter – derived from the thumb, middle, ring and little fingers
(both numerator and denominator) which can be radial loop (r), plain
arch (a), tented arch (t)
Note:
a. The dash (-) indicates absence of art.
b. No dash (-) in thumbs if they are not art.
c. If two or more small letter patterns exist consecutively, you may use a
number to indicate the series

SUB-SECONDARY DIVISION/CLASSIFICATION RIDGE COUNTING OF LOOP:

Derived by ridge counting of loop and ridge tracing of whorl found at
the index, middle ring fingers only. INDEX MIDDLE RING
1 – 9 rc (INNER) 1 – 10 rc (INNER) 1 – 13 rc (INNER)
10 or more rc (OUTER) 11 or more rc (OUTER) 13 or more rc (OUTER)

FINGERS INVOLVED – INDEX,MIDDLE,RING

RIDGE TRACING OF WHORL:
LOOP – Ridge count
WHORL – Ridge Trace INNER ( I) OUTER (O) MEETING (M)
ARCH – Dash (-) 3 or more intervening ridges 3 or more intervening ridges 2 or less intervening ridges
either “ABOVE OR BELOW”
“INSIDE OR ABOVE” the “OUTSIDE OR BELOW” the
the right delta
right delta right delta
 NOTE:
• First get the ridge count of the left thumb
• If the ridge count of left thumb is 16 or less TABLE 1 WOULD apply
MAJOR DIVISION/CLASSIFICATION • If the ridge count of the left thumb is 17 or more use TABLE 2 for the
They are produced by the counting of loops and the tracing of whorl type ridge counting of the right thumb
patterns emerging on the left and right thumbs. These divisions are used to
subdivide large collections of sets that the primary, secondary, and sub- TABLE 1 TABLE 2
secondary do not divide into adequately small groups to allow easy filing and RIDGE COUNT SYMBOLS RIDGE COUNT SYMBOLS
searching. 1-11 Small (S) 1-17 Small (S)
12-16 Medium (M) 18-22 Medium (M)
17 or more Large (L) 23 or more Large (L)

If the left thumb is a whorl and the right thumb is a loop, use Formula
No. 1.

In case a whorl pattern appears on either or both thumbs it should apply ridge tracing (IMO) FINAL DIVISION/CLASSIFICATION
This is done by ridge counting of loops and whorls from the two little
RIDGE TRACING OF WHORL: fingers. In this division whorls are ridge counted not to be ridge traced.
INNER ( I) OUTER (O) MEETING (M)
3 or more intervening ridges 3 or more intervening ridges 2 or less intervening ridges LOOPS –Ridge counted in its conventional way
either “ABOVE OR BELOW”
“INSIDE OR ABOVE” the “OUTSIDE OR BELOW” the
right delta right delta
the right delta WHORLS
PLAIN WHORL AND CENTRAL POCKET LOOP – shall be treated as
ulnar loop from the hand of origin
DOUBLE LOOP – is ridge counted to an upright loop or the ridge count of
Appearance of PLAIN ARCH and TENTED ARCH should be represented with a dash (-) the top loop
Numerator – Right Thumb ACCIDENTAL WHORL – be ridge counted in all but the least ridge count
Denominator – Left Thumb will be used

Appearance of Plain Arch and Tented Ach should be represented with a Dash (-)
KEY DIVISION/CLASSIFICATION
This division is derived by getting the ridge count of the first loop
formation appearing in the ten fingers except the two little fingers. In case
of absence of a loop, the first whorl will be ridge counted following the
rules of ridge counting under final division.
LOOPS –Ridge counted in its conventional way
WHORLS
PLAIN WHORL AND CENTRAL POCKET LOOP – shall be treated
as ulnar loop from the hand of origin
DOUBLE LOOP –
Horizontal double loop – from delta to the nearest core
Vertical double loop – from left delta to the upright loop
ACCIDENTAL WHORL – be ridge counted in all but the least ridge
count will be used
SPECIAL CONDITIONS IN RECORDING
FINGERPRINTS
Amputated (Amp) or Finger missing at birth (FMB)
Write “Amp” or FMB at the upper right corner of the block.
Bandaged Finger Due to Injury
Write “bandaged” on the plain impression NOT at the block.
Presence of scar
Write the word “ scarred” on the plain impression.
CLASSIFICATION OF MISSING OR
AMPUTATED FINGERS
1. When one or more fingers from the same hands are amputated or missing, it
has the same classification with that of the opposite finger (together with the
ridge count and tracing) except with the primary classification.
2. Two or more opposite finger are amputated or missing, it is given the
classification of PLAIN WHORL, with ridge trace of MEETING.
3. If all fingers are missing, all shall be treated as PLAIN WHORL AND MEETING.
4. If all 10 fingers are amputated or missing at birth, the classification will be:
M 32 W MMM
M 32 W MMM
LATENT PRINTS
Are those prints that are hidden or concealed which are
usually left accidently on the crime scene. These are prints
naked to the human eye but they actually exist.
TYPES OF LATENT PRINTS
1. VISIBLE PRINTS - are impressions made by fingers
smeared with colored substance, such as blood, ink,
grease, dirt or paint.
2. SEMI-VISIBLE PRINTS - are molded or plastic impressions.
They are prints made in plastic materials such as soap, melted
candles, wax, tar, pitch, paraffin, putty, the adhesive gun
on envelopes and postage stamps, and the like.
3. INVISIBLE PRINTS (TRUE LATENT PRINTS)- are the most
common type of chance impressions.

Other TYPES :
1. SMUDGE PRINTS- prints created due to the sliding motion of the finger.
2. FRAGMENTARY PRINTS- prints that shows incomplete ridges.
3. CHANCE IMPRESSIONS- prints that were left by chance at the crime scene.
HOW ARE LATENT PRINTS FORMED?
NATURAL SECRETIONS
- are those substance deposited onto the
surface from the finger/palm or sole which is
produced by three types of glands, namely;
a. Eccrine Glands- found all over the body and
produce sweat. Most common sweat producing
gland for latent prints.
b. Apocrine Glands- sweat producing glands but
are located in the groins, armpit and the perianal
regions.
c. Sebaceous Glands- these glades secrets non-
water soluble oil that acts as lubricant

METHODS OF DEVELOPING PRINTS: FUMING METHODS - done by using

chemical fumes such as Iodine and
Ammonium Fumes.
DUSTING METHOD - considered as the
simplest and traditional methods used in
developing prints at the scene of the crime.
(Use of Powder and Brush)

SILVER NITRATE METHOD – done

by spraying a 5 percent solution of
ROLLING METHOD - basically used in silver nitrate to the surface of the
developing prints in paper done by simply paper.
rolling the paper with powder spreading in its
surface.

NINHYDRIN METHOD - is considered as one of the
best method used in developing prints in paper.
LASER METHOD - is a modern method of tracing
and developing prints.
HOW TO DEVELOP LATENT PRINTS
1. Select the proper powder to conform to the proper of the surface.
2. Poor a small amount of powder on a piece of paper or small
container.
3. Apply ample amount of powder onto the tip of the brush and avoid
picking up too much.
4. Apply powder to the surface with gentle stroke. Once the prints begin
to appear, increase the stroke which conforms to the appearance of the
latent print.
5. If the print is faint, try adding additional powder.

LIFTING TECHNIQUES STEPS IN LATENT FINGERPRINT EXAMINATION

Code: R-I-I-R
RECOGNITION
• Once the latent prints are developed and photographed, the lifting tape
shall be firmly place in the latent print. The print is lifted by carefully This includes processing of latent prints in the crime scene, preliminary screening,
photography and lifting of the prints.
rolling the tape evenly from the surface and immediately transfer to the
IDENTIFICATION
latent print transfer card.
Includes laboratory processing, enhancement, comparison of known and unknown
prints.
• Avoid leaving your fingerprint in the lifting tape. Also prevent the entry of INDIVIDUALIZATION
air bubbles under the lifting tape. Includes the method of matching the prints for identification purposes followed by
evaluation.
RECONSTRUCTION
• Put your initials, date, and other details in the evidence envelop. This will be done if there was non-matching of prints. The condition and position
should be identified and the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) may be
used.
 BASIS OF THE LEGALITY OF FINGERPRINTING
STEPS IN FINGERPRINT EXAMINATION
Code: ACE-V • In 1911, an Illinois court, in the case of the People vs. Jennings (252 Ill. 534, 96NE 1077 (1911) )
pass upon the admissibility of fingerprint evidence. (14 points)
ANALYSIS
General patterns and name of Specific patterns are identified. • Following the Illinois case was one in New Jersey, State vs. Cerciello, in which fingerprint
evidence was permitted to be introduced.
• In the case of State vs. Conners (87 N.T.L. 419, 94 Atl. 812 (1915) ) it was held competent to
COMPARISON
show by a photograph the fingerprints upon the balcony post of a house entered, without
Ridge details of the fingerprints are being compared. producing that post in court, and to show by expert testimony hat the fingerprints found on the
post were similar to the fingerprints of the defendant.
EVALUATION • In the case of Lamble vs. State (Lamble V. State, 96 N. T. L. 231; 114 ATL. (N.J.) 346 (1921) )
The making of a conclusion whether the latent print and fingerprint of suspect which involved the discovery of fingerprints on the door of an automobile, the court was of the
are the same. opinion that it was not necessary to produce the door as an evidence.
• In the case of Commonwealth vs. Albright, (101 Pa. Sup. C.L. 317 (1931) ) a fingerprint expert
VERIFICATION testified that the fingerprint on a piece of glass, establish 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
The opinion of an examiner should be verified by 1-2 examiner/s left index finger and he explained in detail the points of identity which led him to that judgment.

NUMBER OF RIDGE CHARACTERISTICS AS BASIS FOR

ABSOLUTE IDENTITY
• In a California case, People vs. Coral (224 cal. 2d300 (1964( ), the court stated, “it is There are no international rules or laws setting the required no. of similarities of latent and suspect’s
completely settled law that fingerprints are the strongest evidence of the identity of a fingerprint.
person.” Other countries set points of similarities:
• The US Supreme Court in the case of Schmerber vs. California (Schmerber v. England = 16 similarities
California, 384 us, 757, 763 764 (1966) ), held that the introduction into evidence of
fingerprint impressions taken without consent of the defendant was not an infringement of United States = 12 similarities
the constitutional privilege against self incrimination. European Countries = 15 similarities
• In the BILANGAWA vs. AMADOR case, (Court of Appeals No. 37320-b), a fingerprint
expert and constabulary sergeant testified and successfully defended fingerprint evidence Philippines
based on eight identical ride points.
Educational background, Training, and Experience of the fingerprint examiner are more important
• People vs. Medina (59 Phil. 330) - The first leading judicial decision in the Philippine than the number of ridge details.
jurisprudence on the science of fingerprinting. (10 points)

• Opinion - means, the result of the critical study and comparison by a fingerprint examiner.

• Only the Judge – is authorized to declare whether a person is expert witness or an ordinary
witness.
 FINGERPRINT EVIDENCE IS THERE ANY ELECTRONIC IDENTIFICATION
OF FINGERPRINTS?
EVIDENCE PRESERVATION OF CHANCE FINGERPRINTS
• PRESERVATION BY PHOTOGRAPHY
• PRESERVATION OF PLASTIC FINGERPINTS The computer has greatly affected how fingerprints can be taken.
• PRESERVATION WITH FINGERPINT LIFTERS (E.G RUBBER LIFTERS) An Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) can digitize
• PRESERVATION WITH FINGERPINT LIFTING TAPE
fingerprint information to produce inkless fingerprints. Latent fingerprints
are scanned and converted into an electronic image that is stored in a
data base for rapid retrieval.

COURT PRESENTATION OF FINGERPRINT

EVIDENCE
In testifying to fingerprint identification, the expert often prepares charts to
visually aid the court and jury in understanding the nature of his testimony. Many
times it is undoubtedly difficult for the laymen to perceive, from a vocal explanation
alone, the full import of an expert’s testimony, due to its technical nature;
consequently, some graphic representation of the facts presented is amply justified
and rewarded.

The preparation of the charts is ultimately the sole responsibility of the

expert using them. As matter of interest to law enforcement personnel engaged in
fingerprint work, a brief explanation of such charts follows, along with suggestions
and remarks based on long experience in these mattes.
 - END –
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING FUTURE PRACTICE QUIZ
REGISTERED CRIMINOLOGISTS!!!

1. It is the lower or the inner layer of the skin that must not be 2. What is the rule when there is a choice between a bifurcation and
destructed for it could possibly create a permanent injury that may other type of delta found in the fingerprint?
result to the lost of the ridges. What is that canal like structure found
between the ridges?
A. Bifurcation is selected
A. Dermis
B. the other type of delta is selected
B. Epidermis
C. Bifurcation is disregarded
C. furrows
D. the one towards the core is selected
D. Delta
3. A Dogmatic Principle which postulates that the fingerprint cannot be 4. Which of the following is not true about the value or the importance
forged. of fingerprinting?
A. Principle of individuality A. Serve to provide evidence
B. Principle of constancy/permanency B. prevent criminal substitution
C. Principle of infallibility C. help identify victims of calamities like crime
D. All of these D. speedily identifying the perpetrator

5. When a ridge bifurcates, it sends two ridges across the imaginary 6. PINS Cardo is examining a fingerprint pattern having a 2 delta and a
line, how is it counted? core with few spiral formations at the center but no complete circuiting
A. One ridge is cut. What type of pattern INS Cardo is examining?
B. Two A. W
C. Three B. X
D. Six C. C
D. D
7. In ridge tracing, the reference is on 8. is process of placing in under each pattern the letter symbols
A. upper side or point of the extreme right delta representing their pattern interpretation prior to the actual
classification formula.
B. lower side or point of the extreme left delta
A.Checking
C. upper side or point of the moderate left delta
B. Classification
D. upper side or point of the moderate right delta
C. Blocking-out
D. Fingerprinting

9. In the Major Division, what table should be used for the right thumb 10. In case of an amputated finger, what shall be the interpretation of
when the left thumb reaches 17 or more? the left index finger if the right index finger is amputated?
A. Table No. 1 A. Plain whorl and meet tracing
B. Table No. 3 B. The classification in the left index finger shall be same of that the
C. Table No. 2 right index.
D. Table No. 4 C. The classification of the right index finger shall be the same of that
the left index finger.
D. There is no interpretation at all.
11. In the classification line, the order should be 12. If all the fingers in the right hand are whorl pattern while in the left
A. primary, secondary, subsecondary, final, key, major hand are all loop pattern, what will be the primary classification?
B. major, key, primary, secondary, subsecondary final A. 25/29
C. key, major, primary, secondary, subsecondary, final B. 24/28
D. primary, secondary, subsecondary, major, key, final C. 25/1
D. 32/32

13. Which of the following personal Identification is not easy to 14. It is considered as simplest and traditional method in developing
change? prints in the scene of the crime.
A. Hair A. Fuming Method
B. Dress B. Laser Ion Argon
C. Speech C. Rolling Method
D. personal paraphernalia D. Dusting Method
15. Fingerprints help to positively identify people because of the 16. The first forensic professional organization is
principle that: a. DNA
A. its pattern reveals racial origin b. IAI
B. they are available in most places c. FBI
C. no two persons have identical fingerprints d. NBI
D. it can be lifted at the crime scene

17. The Delta is placed upon or within the innermost sufficient recurve. 18. This principle states that there are no two fingerprints which are
a. True exactly alike.
b. False a. Principle of Individuality
c. Partially True b. Principle of Permanency
d. Partially False c. Principle of Infallibility
d. Principle of Constancy
19. It refers to a bone condition wherein the finger joints cannot be 20. In reporting a missing person, which among the following is the
bent. most vital information necessary to locate the said person?
a. Ankylosis a. Clinical or medical history of the person
b. Chiroscopy b. Personal traits and habits
c. Calcar c. Mental attitude and condition at the time of the disappearance
d. Webb Finger d. Physical description

21. In ridge counting of loops, which among the following is not 22. The numerical value of the right thumb and right index for purposes
counted? of primary classification is:
a. Delta a. 16
b. Intervening ridges b. 8
c. Core c. 4
d. Both A and B d. 2
23. In his “Philosophical Transaction”, he presented his observation on 24. There are three (3) principles of Fingerprint science. Which among
the appearance of the ridges on the fingers and palms. the following is not included?
a. Dr. Marcelo Malpighi a. Principle of Individuality
b. Govard Bidloo b. Principle of Permanency
c. Sir Francis Galton c. Principle of Infallibility
d. Dr. Nehemiah Grew d. Principle of Uniqueness

25. Fingerprint pattern are ______, as all fingerprint experts agree. 26. It is a kind of gait or manner of walking of a person in which he/she
a. Always inherited walks in a swaying movement due to knock-knee feet.
b. Sometimes inherited A. Ataxic Gait
c. Inherited as mendelian characteristics B. Cow’s Gait
d. Never Inherited C. Spastic Gait
D. Paretic Gait
27. It was noticed by a friend that Mr. Jangkook walks like a robot, it 28. Under the starlight, a person can be recognized at a distance of
was difficult for him to control the muscles of his legs. what do you call a. 16-17 yards
his medical condition?
b. 10-13 yards
a. spastic
c. 25 yards
b. espastic
d. 100 yards
c. orthoplastic
d. aplastic

29. _______ are rolled towards the body and ____ are rolled away from 30. The science of fingerprint study, which deals with the interpretation
the body. of one’s personality?
a. Thumb; index A. Dactyloscopy
b. Index; thumb B. Dactylography
c. All other fingers; thumb C. Dactylomancy
d. Thumb; all other fingers D. Dermatoglyphics
 1. It is the lower or the inner layer of the skin that must not be
destructed for it could possibly create a permanent injury that may
result to the lost of the ridges. What is that canal like structure found
between the ridges?
LET’S CHECK! A. Dermis
B. Epidermis
C. furrows
D. Delta

2. What is the rule when there is a choice between a bifurcation and 3. A Dogmatic Principle which postulates that the fingerprint cannot be
other type of delta found in the fingerprint? forged.
A. Principle of individuality
A. Bifurcation is selected B. Principle of constancy/permanency
B. the other type of delta is selected C. Principle of infallibility
C. Bifurcation is disregarded D. All of these
D. the one towards the core is selected
4. Which of the following is not true about the value or the importance 5. When a ridge bifurcates, it sends two ridges across the imaginary
of fingerprinting? line, how is it counted?
A. Serve to provide evidence A. One
B. prevent criminal substitution B. Two
C. help identify victims of calamities like crime C. Three
D. speedily identifying the perpetrator D. Six

6. PINS Cardo is examining a fingerprint pattern having a 2 delta and a 7. In ridge tracing, the reference is on
core with few spiral formations at the center but no complete circuiting A. upper side or point of the extreme right delta
ridge is cut. What type of pattern INS Cardo is examining?
B. lower side or point of the extreme left delta
A. W
C. upper side or point of the moderate left delta
B. X
D. upper side or point of the moderate right delta
C. C
D. D
8. is process of placing in under each pattern the letter symbols 9. In the Major Division, what table should be used for the right thumb
representing their pattern interpretation prior to the actual when the left thumb reaches 17 or more?
classification formula. A. Table No. 1
A.Checking B. Table No. 3
B. Classification C. Table No. 2
C. Blocking-out D. Table No. 4
D. Fingerprinting

10. In case of an amputated finger, what shall be the interpretation of 11. In the classification line, the order should be
the left index finger if the right index finger is amputated? A. primary, secondary, subsecondary, final, key, major
A. Plain whorl and meet tracing B. major, key, primary, secondary, subsecondary final
B. The classification in the left index finger shall be same of that the C. key, major, primary, secondary, subsecondary, final
right index.
D. primary, secondary, subsecondary, major, key, final
C. The classification of the right index finger shall be the same of that
the left index finger.
D. There is no interpretation at all.
12. If all the fingers in the right hand are whorl pattern while in the left 13. Which of the following personal Identification is not easy to
hand are all loop pattern, what will be the primary classification? change?
A. 25/29 A. Hair
B. 24/28 B. Dress
C. 25/1 C. Speech
D. 32/32 D. personal paraphernalia

14. It is considered as simplest and traditional method in developing 15. Fingerprints help to positively identify people because of the
prints in the scene of the crime. principle that:
A. Fuming Method A. its pattern reveals racial origin
B. Laser Ion Argon B. they are available in most places
C. Rolling Method C. no two persons have identical fingerprints
D. Dusting Method D. it can be lifted at the crime scene
16. The first forensic professional organization is 17. The Delta is placed upon or within the innermost sufficient recurve.
a. DNA a. True
b. IAI b. False
c. FBI c. Partially True
d. NBI d. Partially False

18. This principle states that there are no two fingerprints which are 19. It refers to a bone condition wherein the finger joints cannot be
exactly alike. bent.
a. Principle of Individuality a. Ankylosis
b. Principle of Permanency b. Chiroscopy
c. Principle of Infallibility c. Calcar
d. Principle of Constancy d. Webb Finger
20. In reporting a missing person, which among the following is the 21. In ridge counting of loops, which among the following is not
most vital information necessary to locate the said person? counted?
a. Clinical or medical history of the person a. Delta
b. Personal traits and habits b. Intervening ridges
c. Mental attitude and condition at the time of the disappearance c. Core
d. Physical description d. Both A and B

22. The numerical value of the right thumb and right index for purposes 23. In his “Philosophical Transaction”, he presented his observation on
of primary classification is: the appearance of the ridges on the fingers and palms.
a. 16 a. Dr. Marcelo Malpighi
b. 8 b. Govard Bidloo
c. 4 c. Sir Francis Galton
d. 2 d. Dr. Nehemiah Grew
24. There are three (3) principles of Fingerprint science. Which among 25. Fingerprint pattern are ______, as all fingerprint experts agree.
the following is not included? a. Always inherited
a. Principle of Individuality b. Sometimes inherited
b. Principle of Permanency c. Inherited as mendelian characteristics
c. Principle of Infallibility d. Never Inherited
d. Principle of Uniqueness

26. It is a kind of gait or manner of walking of a person in which he/she 27. It was noticed by a friend that Mr. Jangkook walks like a robot, it
walks in a swaying movement due to knock-knee feet. was difficult for him to control the muscles of his legs. what do you call
A. Ataxic Gait his medical condition?
B. Cow’s Gait a. spastic
C. Spastic Gait b. espastic
D. Paretic Gait c. orthoplastic
d. aplastic
28. Under the starlight, a person can be recognized at a distance of 29. _______ are rolled towards the body and ____ are rolled away from
a. 16-17 yards the body.
b. 10-13 yards a. Thumb; index
c. 25 yards b. Index; thumb
d. 100 yards c. All other fingers; thumb
d. Thumb; all other fingers

30. The science of fingerprint study, which deals with the interpretation
of one’s personality?
A. Dactyloscopy
B.
C.
Dactylography
Dactylomancy
WHAT’S YOUR SCORE?
D. Dermatoglyphics