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Fingerprints In Forensics
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Introduction to Fingerprint Analysis

Fingerprint, a term that refers to the pattern of the skin surface on the finger. It also includes patterns on

the palms of the hands. Fingerprint patterns are formed from ridges (ridges) and furrows (furrows) on the
surface of the skin. These include the soles and toes (Gurdoglanyan, 2001).

This surface pattern has unique characteristics. It is formed before birth and remains until a person dies

and decays. This uniqueness allows fingerprints to be used as an effective method of identification
(Wertheim, 2011).

In the 19th century, a scientist named Francis Galton had discovered fingerprints. He has conducted in -
depth research and created a fingerprint classification system. The classification system is made based on

the ridge pattern on the fingers. The system is used as a reference in fingerprint analysis (Gurdoglanyan,

2001).

Fingerprint Patterns

Based on the Galton Classification System, fingerprints are divided into three main forms namely; 1)

Arches , 2) Loops and 3) Whorls .

1. Arch shape - this type of fingerprint is identified by the pattern of the ridge path that starts from one
place and ends in another place on the finger surface. This fingerprint shape can be further categorized

into two types, namely the Ordinary Arch ( plain arch ) and Tented Arch ). The Ordinary Gate shape is the

simplest form of fingerprint. The shape of the Tent Gate is almost the same as the regular gate, but there

are some differences in its shape as shown in the figure below:

Gate shape fingerprint: Left - Ordinary Gate, Right - Tent Gate

(source: www.sciencespot.net/Media/FrnsScience/Fingerprintbasicscard )

2. Round shape ( loop ) - the shape of a circular fingerprint can be seen through a ridge pattern that starts

from one place and ends at the same place on the surface of the finger (as in the figure). This round

shape can be divided into two types namely Ulnar Rounding type (right thumb) and Radial Rounding type

(left thumb).

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Rounded fingerprints: Left - Radial Rounding, Right - Ulnar Rounding

(source: www.sciencespot.net/Media/FrnsScience/Fingerprintbasicscard)

3. Swirl Shape - this fingerprint shape occurs when the ridge pattern forms a strip that meets in the middle

of the finger, as in the figure below:

Whirlpool fingerprint

(source: www.sciencespot.net/Media/FrnsScience/Fingerprintbasicscard)

Fingerprint Applications in Forensics

In forensic applications, fingerprints are used as a method to identify a person because: 1) fingerprints are

unique and 2) fingerprints are permanent

As already explained, fingerprints result from ridges and indentations that form a unique pattern. In the
identification process, fingerprint analysis specialists apply fingerprint characteristics that form a unique

pattern on each individual. Among the features used in the identification process are patterns in which
ridges and curves meet or separate from each other. This unique pattern formed forms the basis for
individual identification through fingerprints.

Question - When and how does a fingerprint specialist obtain a person’s fingerprint pattern? Fingerprint
patterns are classified into 3 types; old fingerprints, real fingerprints, and reference fingerprints.

Old fingerprints are the most common type of fingerprints analyzed by fingerprint experts. Old

fingerprints are formed through sweat on hands that touch the surface of an object. Black or gray powder
is a common method used to obtain old fingerprints.

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A tool used to obtain old fingerprints

Another common method used to obtain old fingerprints is the vaporization of ‘ cyanoacrylate ’ which uses

a type of chemical called ‘ ninhydrin ’.

Cyanoacrylate evaporation technique

Legal Aspects

‘No two fingerprints are the same’. That’s the suggestion of ‘Galton’ who believes that fingerprints are not

inherited, even identical twins also have different fingerprints.

In conducting prosecutions, fingerprint identification is critical in identifying killers, robbers, and

offenders. Fingerprints allow criminal cases to be resolved even when there is no other evidence such as
weapons and so on.

Boundaries and Issues

Fingerprint analysis has been adopted as the ' gold standard ' in identifying an individual. In Malaysia, the
use of fingerprint analysis as a method of identifying an individual has several constraints and issues. In

this article, two main issues will be elaborated namely the qualifications of expert witnesses and

foreigners.

1. Qualifications of expert witnesses Witnesses who have been appointed to give fingerprint evidence in

court must be recognized as fingerprint experts. In Malaysia, the number of expert witnesses in
fingerprint analysis is limited and only trained by the Royal Malaysian Police. The Royal Malaysia Police

has launched a fingerprint database known as the ' Malaysia Automated Fingerprint Identification

System ' or MAFIS. This database stores and records the fingerprints of all Malaysians and every
individual with a criminal record.

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2. Foreigners The intrusion of foreigners in Malaysia is often an issue of debate among the people and the

authorities and administrators. Foreigners who flood the country are a contributor to criminal cases in

Malaysia. However, we do not have a database for foreigners to search and compare their fingerprints if

found at a crime scene. Thus, although fingerprint identification is an effective method of identifying

individuals, its effectiveness will not be achieved without a comprehensive database.

In conclusion, the identification system using fingerprints is a very effective method in identifying
individuals. However, the reputation of this system as a ' gold standard ' will only remain with the

presence of recognized experts.

References

1. Andre A. Moenssens, SBM (2011). Finger Prints and the Law: National Institute of Justice.

2. Brian Yamashita, M. r. (2011). Latent Print Development: National Institute of Justice.

3. Gurdoglanyan, D. (2001). Fingerprints used in Forensic Investigations, from

http://www.bxscience.edu/publications/forensics/articles/fingerprinting/r-fing01.htm

4. Wertheim, K. (2011). Embryology and Morphology of Friction Ridge Skin: National Institute of Justice.

Final Review : 23 August 2019

Author / Translator : Noor Asyikin bt. Suaidi

Accreditor : Dr. Shahidan b. Md Noor |

Reviewer : Dr. Khoo Lay See

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