CML 1
PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION
Origin of Fingerprints
Chinese- are the ones noted to be the first user of
fingerprints.
Used fingerprints as a symbolism in the early part
of their rituals until they utililize it in the signing of a
contract on the part of the illiterate.
In China fingerprint is called “Hua Chi”
Emperor Te’in Shi- first Chinese ruler who devised a seal
carved from white jade; on one side of it was name of the
owner, and on the other side the thumb mark of the
destitute.
Method of Identification before the Science of
Fingerprint
1. Tattoing - In ancient times tattoo signified family
clan or tribal relations.
2. Branding - Done by cutting various part of the
body thus leaving scars forming elaborate design.
3. Mutilation - Cutting off of body parts. Example -
Yakuza
4. Anthropometry- the first scientific method of
identification done by measuring various bony
structure of human body devised by Alphonse
Bertillion- Father of ScientificIdentification Will
and William West Case destroy the credibility of
Bertillonage system.Bertillon measurement- were
close to identify them as the same person
**Fingerprint comparison- quickly identified
them as two different people.
Other Scientific Means of Personal Identification
1. Handprints- the ridges of the fingertips continue
down to the palm and can also be used for
identification.
2. Footprints-feet have also unique prints like fingers
that can be used to identify with a suspect print.
3. Retina Patterns- a retinal scan works on the
principle of retina pattern uniqueness.
4. Bertillon System-based on the measurement of
the body as a means of identification. The theory
states “ if a man reaches the age of 20 years old,
he already has developed a permanent body
structure.
5. Odontology- this system measures the teeth
structure as a means of identification.
6. Teeth Bite Marks-other type of evidence is that
bite marks left on either victim,perpetrator on or
the object found at the crime scene.
7. Hair Examination- one of the oldest form of
physical evidence. It is used to determine the
following:
a. If suspected hair originates from human or
animal.
b. If human, what part of the body did it come?
8. Blood Examination- blood is usually spilled in
most crimes involving violence and it may be shed
by the criminal while committing the crimes.
9. DNA Fingerprinting- method of identification that
compares fragments of deoxyribonucleic
acid(DNA). Sometimes called DNA typing.
10. Voice Identification- police techniques for
identifying individuals by the time, frequency, and
intensity of their speech sound waves.
Personalities in the study of Fingerprints
MARCELLO MALPIGHI
- grandfather of daclyloscopy
- He was noted for the discovery of the inner
layer and outer structure of the skin. Dermis-
inner layer and the Epidermis the outer layer.
- A layer of the skin was named after him; “
malphigian layer” which is approximately 1.8
mm thick.
J.C.A MAYER
- A german doctor and anatomist who
published a book which was an atlas of
anatomical illustrations fo fingerprints.
- He was the first to state that prints of two
different persons are never alike.
JOHN EVANGELIST PURKINJE
- Father of Dactyloscopy
- A professor of psiology at theUniversity of
Breslau, Germany, published a thesis in which
he described nine types of fingerprint
patterns.
HERMAN WELCKER
- He took the prints of his own palms and after
41 years he printed the same palms to prove
that prints do not change except for some
scratches due to old age.
SIR WILLIAM JAMES HERSCHEL
- Father of Chiroscopy
- Chief magistrate of the Hoogly district in
Jungipoor, India and the first used fingerprints
on native contarcts.
DR. HENRY FAULDS
- Took up the study of “skin- furrows” after
noticing finger marks od specimens of
prehistoric pottery.
- He advocated the use of fingerprints in the
detection of crimes.
- He is also credited with the first fingerprint
identification of a greasy fingerprint left on
alcohol bottle.
GILBERT THOMPSON
- Used his own thumbprint on a document to
prevent forgey. This is the first known use of
fingerprints in the United States.
FRANCIS GALTON
- A British anthropologist and a cousin of
Charles Darwin. He devised a practical
system of filling based on the ridge patterns.
- According to his calculations, the odds of two
individual fingerprints being the same were 1
in 64 billion.
- He was able to discover the three families of
fingerprint patterns- Arch, Loops & whorl.
JUAN VUCETICH
- An Argentinean police official began the first
fingerprints files based on Galton pattern
types. He developed his own system of
classifying prints that was officially adopted in
Argentina and was used in most Spanish
Speaking Country.
- He was able to identify a woman Francisca
Rojas who had murdered her two sons and
cut her own throat in an attempt to place
blame on another. Her bloody print was left
on a door post proving her identity. She
confessed to the murders.
SIR EDWARD RICHARD HENRY
- Father of fingerprints
- Devised his classification system. His
systemenabled fingerprints to be easily filed,
searched and traced against thousand of
others.
MARY K. HOLLAND- the first American Instructress in
Dactyloscopy.
DR. EDMOND LOCARD- Father of Poroscopy
- He made a remarkable statement on contract
trace evidence; “ when two objects comes
 into contact there is an exchange of
material from each to the other”
- Studies and investigated identification using
the position and variation of pores as unique
ridge charteristics.
Fingerprint Event in the Philippines
1. Mr. Jones- one who taught fingerprint in the
Philippine Costabulary in the year 1900.
2. Bureau of Prison- record shows that in 1918,
CARPETAS( commitment and conviction records)
already used fingerprints.
3. Lt. Asa and N. Darby- established the modern and
complete fingerprint files for Philippine
Commonwealth during the reoccupation of the
Philippines by the American Forces.
4. Generoso Reyes- first Filipino fingerprint
technician employed by the Philippine
Constabulary.
5. Isabela Bernales- first Filipina fingerprint
Technician.
6. Cpt. Thomas Dugan, New York Police
Department and Flaviano Guerrero- gave the first
examination in fingerprinting in 1927 and Agustin
Patricio of the Philippines top the exam.
7. People of the Philippines vs. Medina- first
conviction based on fingerprint leading judicial
decision in the Philippine Jurisprudence.
8. Plaridel Education Institute- now known as the
Philippine College of Criminology, the first
government recognized school to teach the
science of fingerprint and other police sciences.
9. The First National Bureau of Investigation- was
created by the act of congress. The bureau was
established with the US DOJ( Washington DC).
Automated Fingerprint Identification System is
a computerized storage system for fingerprint images. The
database picks out the most likely matches to the new
print being fed into the system, narrowing the search
parameters for investigators. Final analysis of the print
and the retrieved images is done by AFIS Technicians to
ensure accuracy of identification.
Some Definition of Terms
a. Personal Identification- Is an act of identifying a
person through his personal appearances or by
positive identification, and or through circumstantial
evidence (traced).
It refers to the various means law
enforcement can use to identify a person or a suspect,
witness etc.
b. Fingerprint- is a composite of the ridge outlines
which appears on the skin surface of the bulbs on the
inside of the end joints of fingers and thumb.
c. Dactyloscopy- the science which deals with the
study of fingerprints as a means of personal
identification. Greek words: Dactyl- a finger and
Skopien- to examine.
d. Dactylography- the study of fingerprints for the
purpose of identification.
e. Dactylomancy- an attempt of charter reading
through through the pattern of fingerprints.
f. Dermoglyphics- are the lines, tracing and
designs on the skin of fingers.
g. Polydactyl- a hand having more than the required
number of fingers.
h. Brachdactyl – abnormal shortness of fingers or
toes
i. Ectodactyl – congenital absence of all or part of a
digit.
j. Macrodactyl – congenitally abnormal largeness
of fingers or toes.
k. Orthodactyl – fingers and toes cannot be flexed.
l. Syndactyl – refers to webbed (uniting toes)
fingers. Side-to-side fusion (union) of digits.
m. Hypothenar Area – the friction ridge skin on the
palm, below the inter-digital area on the ulnar side of
the palm.
n. Thenar Area – the large cushion of the palm
located at the base of the thumb.
o. Dysplasia – ridge units that did not form complete
friction ridges due to a genetic cause.
p. Ridge Aplasia – congenital absence of friction
skin.
Dogmatic Principles of Fingerprints
1. PRINCIPLE OF INDIVIDUALITY(VARIATION,
UNIQUENESS).
This principles states that no two fingerprints of
different persons or the neighboring fingers of the
same person have ever been found to be identical
or exactly alike.
2. PRINCIPLE OF
CONSTANCY(PERMANENCY,IMMUTABILITY,
PERENNIAL)
States that the papillary ridges are immutable,
perennial and individual from the third month of
the embryonic period and it will never be change
until decomposition sets in after death.
3. PRINCIPLE OF INFALLIBILITY- this states that
the fingerprint can never be forged or copied.
Fingerprint is reliable means of identification.
“LAW OF MULTIPLICITY OF EVIDENCE”
The greater number of similarities or dissimilarities, the
greater is the probability for the conclusion to be correct.
Some Attempts of destroying ridges and disguiesd
● JOHN DELLINGER- US notorious public
enemy No. 1 who tried to remove his
fingerprints with acid but failed. Post Mortem
fingerprints was taken when he was shot by
FBI agents proved that he was Dellinger.
● ROBERT JAMES PITTS- gained fame as the
man without fingerprints knowing from an
inmate of a possible destruction of
fingerprints. He contacted a Doctor. He
removed the skin up to the generative layer
and served thin into incisions on each side of
Pitts chest. Scar tissue was developed.
Almost a year later, he was picked up and the
Police were amazed to find that he had no
fingerprints. But the Texas Department of
Public Safety was able to affect identification
out of the second joints of his fingers.
● LOCARD and WITKOWSJI of Lyons- who
performed rather experiment on themselves
by burning their fingerprints with boiling water,
hot oil and hot metal, had shown that after the
healing of the epidermis, the original patterns
of fingerprint reappeared.
Legal Basis of Fingerprint Evidence
1. People vs. Jennings(1911, Illinois)- pass upon the
admissibility of fingerprint evidence. This case
became the landmark legal case regarding the
admissibility of fingerprint expert testimony.
2. State vs. Cerciello (New Jersey)- fingerprint
evidence was permitted to be introduced.
3. State vs. Conners- it was held competent to show
by a photograph the fingerprints upon a balcony
 post of a house he entered. Without producing
that post in court.
4. People vs. Coral (California) it is completely
settled law that fingerprints are the strongest
evidence of the identity of a person.
5. Bilangawa vs. Amador( Philippines)- a fingerprint
expert and constabulary sergeant testified and
successfully defended fingerprint evidence based
on eight identical ridge points.
6. People vs. Medina- the first leading judicial
decision in the Philippine Jurisprudence on the
science of fingerprinting. It was Agripino Ruiz –
Philippine Constabulary fingerprint expert who
testified in the case of PPI vs. Medina. He
presented ten points of identity on both latent
and inked prints.
Allied Sciences of Dactyloscopy
1. Chiroscopy- Greek word “cheir”- a hand, and
“skopien” – to examine.
is the science which deals with the study of the
prints of the palms of the hands.
2. Podoscopy- Greek word “podo”- foot and “skopien”-
to examine.
is the science which deals with the study of
footprints.
3. Poroscopy- Greek word “poros”- a pore and
“skopien”- to examine.
is the scientific study of the arrangement of the
sweat pores.
Friction Skin
Is the epidermal hairless skin found on the ventral/
lower surface of the hands and feet coverd with minute
ridges and furrows and without pigment and colouring
matters. The inner surfaces of the hands and soles of the
feet---- are coverd with patterns formed by raised ridges of
skin known as friction of papillary ridges.
Fundamental Layers of the Skin
● EPIDERMIS- the outer layer of the skin
2 Main Layers of Epidermis:
1. Stratum Corneum -outer layers
2. Stratum Mucusom -immediately
beneath the covering layers.
● DERMIS – the inner layer of the skin containing
blood vessels, various gland and verves. It is
where the dermal Papillae are found.
Component Parts of Fingerprint Pattern
1. Ridge - are the tiny elevation of the hill like
structure found on the epidermis layer of the skin
containing sweat pores. It appears as black lines
with tiny white dots in an inked impression.
2. Furrows- are the canal like impression or a
depression found between the ridges which may
be compare with the low area in a tire thread.It
appears as white space.
a) SWEAT PORES- is a small opening found
anywhere across the ridge surface where
the sweat comes out.
b) SWEAT DUCT- is a long host like structure
that serves as a passage way for the sweat
that exits at its mouth, the pore.
c) SWEAT GLANDS- are found in the dermis
layer of the skin which is responsible for the
production of the sweat.
Kinds of Sweat glands
1. Eccrine glands- these are found in all parts of the
body and are only sweat gland found on palms of
the hand and soles of feet.
2. Apocrine gland- those are found in the pubic,
mammary and anal areas.
3. Sebaceous gland- these are located on the
forehead, chest, back and abdomen with an oily
secretion called sebum.
Phalanges of the Finger
1. TERMINAL PHALANGE- is the particular bone
that is covered with the friction skin having all the
different types of pattern and located near the tip
of the finger.
2. MIDDLE PHALANGE- is a phalange of the finger
located at the middle of terminal and basal
phalange.
3. BASAL PHALANGE- is a phalange of the finger
located at the base portion just below the middle
phalange.
RIDGE FORMATION
Ridge begin to form of human fetus during 3rd to
4 months of the fetus life and totally formed from 5th
th
to 6th month of fetal life.
DERMAL PAPILLAE- irregular blunt pegs composed
of delicate connective tissues protruding and forming
the ridges of the skin, each containing a small opening
or pores.
RIDGE CHARACTERISTICS (also known as
minutiae)- this refers to the details of ridge structures,
formations and elements which differentiate from one
fingerprint to another and which impart individuality to
each print.
Identification by fingerprints relies on pattern
matching followed by the detection of certain ridge
characteristics, is also known as Galton details, points
of identity, or minutiae, and comparison of the relative
positions of these minutiae points with a reference
print, usually an inked impression of a suspects prints.
Kinds of Ridge Characteristics
1. Bifurcation- single ridge that divides itself in two
or more branches. It sometimes called as fork.
2. Converging ridge- a ridge formation
characterized by a closed angular end and serves
as a point of convergence( meeting of two ridges
that were previously running side by side).
3. Diverging ridge- two ridges that are flowing side
by side and suddenly separating or spreading.
4. Enclosure(lake or eyelet)- a ridge that divides
into two branches and meets to form the original
ridge.
5. Ending Ridge- an end point of a ridge with abrupt
ending. A single friction ridge that terminates
within the friction ridge structure.
6. Sufficient Recurve- a recurving ridge complete in
its shoulder and is free from any appendage.
7. Appendage- a short ridge found at the top or
summit of a recurving ridge.
8. Rod or Bar- a short or long ridge found inside the
innermost recurving ridge of a loop pattern.
9. Obstruction ridge- short ridge found inside the
innermost recurving ridge that spoiled the inner
flow towards the center of the pattern.
10. Short ridge- ridge which are remarkably short
than the other.
11. Ridge Bridge- a short ridge that runs between
two parallel ridges.
12. Dots or island- an isolated ridge of basically
equal length and width.
13. Envelop-The term used to refer to a single
recurving ridge enclosing one or more rods or
bars of a fingerprint.
14. Spur - is where ridge path divides and one branch
becomes to an end
15. Incipient ridge – is an unusual type of ridge
found in small percentage of patterns. They are
short, narrow and badly formed ridges found
between two well formed and full-bodied ridges
which is frequently interrupted.
16. Double bifurcation – is a bifurcation where one
of the ridge path bifurcates.
17. Trifurcation – is when two bifurcation develop
next to each other on the same ridge, a unique
formation.
18. Opposed bifurcation – are bifurcations found on
both ends of a ridge.
19. Ridge crossing – is the point where two ridges
crosses each other forming an “X” formation.
20. Overlap – is where two ridges ends meet and
overlap on a bias.
Additional Comparison Points
a) CREASE- usually run longitudinally along the
length of the finger.
b) FLEXURE LINE- a permanent crease in the skin
at the knuckles which permits the skin to flex
when the finger is extended.
CAUSES OF RIDGE DESTRUCTION
1. Persons doing manual work- fingerprint of
persons who handle lime, cement, plaster or
persons whose hands are continually wet.
2. Deceased person
3. Warts
4. Creases- caused by a folding of the skin
5. Impressions appear as white lines crossing the
ridges
6. Scar-result of cut
7. Burns
Focal Points of Fingerprint Pattern
1. Delta (outer terminus)
2. Core ( inner terminus)
a) Pattern Area- is that part of a loop or whorl in
which appear the core, delta and ridges used in
the classification of a loop.
b) Typelines- the two innermost ridges which start
parallel, diverge, surround or tend to surround
the pattern area. When there is a definite breaks
in a type line, the ridge immediately outside of it
is considered as its continuation.
c) Core-the inner terminus or the approximate
center of fingerprint pattern,
d) Delta- the outer terminus or that point in a ridge
at or front or near est the center of the
divergence of the typelines.
Six(6) Delta Formations
1. Bifurcation
2. Dot
3. Ending rodge
4. Short ridge
5. Converging ridge
6. A point on a long ridge
RULES IN LOCATING DELTA
1. A bifurcation may not be selected as delta if it
does not open towards the core.
2. When there is a choice between two or more
possible delta, the one nearest to the core be
selected.
3. When there is a choice between bifurcation and
another type of delta, bifurcation should be
selected.
4. When there are series of bifurcation opening
towards the core at the point of divergence of the
typelines, the bifurcation nearest to the core is
chosen.
5. The delta may not be located in the middle of a
ridge running between the typelines towards the
core, but at the end of the ridge.
RULES IN LOCATING CORE
1. The core is placed upon or within the innermost
sufficient recurve.
2. When the innermost sufficient recurve contains no
ending ridge or rod rising as a high as the
shoulders of the loop, the core is placed on the
shoulder of the loop farther from the delta.
3. When the innermost sufficient recurve contains an
uneven number of rods rising as high as
shoulders, the core is placed upon the end of the
center rod.
4. When the innermost sufficient recurve contains an
even number of rods rising as high as shoulders,
the core is placed upon the end of the center rod
farther from the delta.
5. The core is placed upon the end of appendage.
MAIN GROUPS OF FINGERPRINT PATTERNS
Fingerprint pattern- refers to general formation of the
ridges found within the pattern area. This formation or
pattern is very essential in fingerprint classification. These
pattern are divided into three (3) large groups. These are:
ARCH(5%) LOOP(60%) WHORL(35%)
Plain Arch Radial Loop Plain whorl
Tented Arch Ulnar Loop Central Pocket Loop
Double Loop Whorl
Accidental Whorl
ARCHES PATTERN: ITS characteristics
a. The ridge flow without recurving
b. No delta no core and delta
c. No ridge count
1. PLAIN ARCH- a pattern in which the ridges flow
from one side to the other side without recurving.
Usually having a slight upward curve in the center,
making the pattern like an arch.
2. TENTED ARCH- a pattern where one or more
ridges at the center forms an uptrust or make a
sufficient rise giving the pattern of a tent giving an
angle of 90 degrees or less.
TYPES OF TENTED ARCH
a. Forming an angle
b. Forming an upthrust( is an ending ridge of
any length rising at a sufficient degree
from the horizontal plane.)
c. Approaching a loop type, possessing two
of the basic characteristics but no
ridgecount.
d. Arbitrary Type
LOOP PATTERNS: Its characteristics
a. There must be a sufficient recurve
b. There must a delta and core
c. There must be ridge count of at least one.
3. RADIAL LOOP- a loop in which the downward
slope or slanting towards the direction of the
thumb.
 Radial Bone- the inner bone of the forearm that
runs to the wrist on the side where the thumb is
located.
Right Hand
4. ULNAR LOOP- a loop in which the downward
slope or slanting towards the direction of little
finger.
Ulna Bone- the bone running to the wrist located
or situated on the little finger
Left Hand
RIDGE COUNTING
- the process of counting the ridges that touch the
imaginary line drawn between the delta and the core.
RULES IN RIDGE COUNTING.
1. Locate the core and delta
2. Draw an imaginary line drawn from core to delta
3. Count the ridges which touches or cross an
imaginary line.
4. Incipient ridges are never counted no matter
where they appear, the general rule is that in
order to be counted, the width of the ridge must
be equal to the width of the other ridges in the
pattern under consideration.
WHORL PATTERNS: its characteristics
a. There must be a core
b. Two or more deltas
5. PLAIN WHORL-a pattern consisting of two deltas
and which at least one ridge makes a turn
through one complete circuit. An imaginary line
drawn between the two deltas must touch or cross
at least one recurving ridge within the inner
pattern area.
6. CENTRAL POCKET LOOP-an imaginary line
drawn from left delta to right delta must not touch
or cross in a recurving ridge.
7. DOUBLE LOOP- a pattern consisting two
separate and distinct loop formations, with sets of
shoulder.
8. ACCIDENTAL WHORL- a pattern consisting of a
combination of two different types of pattern such
as loop and whorl with the exception of plain arch.
RIDGE TRACING
Refers to the process of tracing the ridges of a whorl
pattern from the left delta to the right delta.
RULES IN RIDGE TRACING
1. Locate the left delta and right delta. Trace the
ridge from LD to the approximate front of RD.
2. When the ridge abruptly ends, drop to the next
ridge just right below the original tracing ridge and
continue the tracing until it reaches the opposite
side.
3. When the delta is a dot, same thing should be
done in number 2 procedure.
4. When the ridge being traced is a bifurcation
always follow the lower branch until tracing is
completed.
5. Determine whether the tracing ridge flows inside
or outside the right delta.
6. Count the number of the intervening ridge (
between the tracing ridge and the right delta)
TYPES OF WHORL TRACING
a) INNER(I)- a whorl pattern whereby the tracing ridge
goes inside or above the right delta with 3 or more
intervening ridge.
b) OUTER (O)- a whorl pattern whereby a tracing ridge
goes below or outside the right delta with 3 or more
intervening ridge.
c) MEETING (M)- a whorl pattern that goes above or
below the right delta with two or less intervening
ridges.
FINGERPRINT CLASSIFICATION FORMULA
Sir Edward Richard Henry formulated a
classification system of fingerprint that is still widely
use today by many police agency throughout the
world. Juan Vucetich on the other hand created an
 equal- if not better- method of cataloguing fingerprint. The total value of odd fingers is DENOMINATOR
The Philippine however, adopted the Henry System of ( below ).
classification with FBI modification.
Primary Classification

Fingerprint Classification- refers to the formula 1. In a form of fraction, to be applied for whorl patterns only.
derived for a complete set of ten fingerprints or the
2. Whorls will be given an equivalent value, their value depends
arrangement of fingerprint records into groups or sub on which finger they appear. Follow this table
groups for filing purposes. So the main intention of 16 16 8 8 4

fingerprint classification is for easy filing of voluminous 4 2 2 1 1

fingerprint collected by police agency and for easy

3. Odd thumb/ fingers (white) will be the Denominator, even
retrieval if needed. thumb/ fingers (red) will be the numerator.

Recording- taking of fingerprint impression either **Number of possible combination in the primary - 1,024
rolled or plain. possible combination of primaries, beginning with 1 over 1
and end with 32 over 32.
Blockings- is the process of writing below each
pattern the corresponding symbol of the fingerprint Filing of Primary Classification
pattern in the spaces provided in the card. Lowest classification = 1/1
Highest Classification = 32/32
SYMBOLS IN BLOCKING OF FINGERPRINT
PATTERNS 2. SECONDARY CLASSIFICATION. this is obtained
Pattern Index Fingers Other Fingers by writing the capital letter symbols taken from the
Plain arch A a index fingers and the small letter group from the
Tented arch T t thumb, middle, ring and little fingers.
Radial loop R RH-/ LH-\
Ulnar Loop U RH-\ LH-/ There are 2 kinds of Secondary Classification
Plain whorl W w Capital Lettered Group-applied in right and left
Central pocket loop C w index fingers only (2 & 7) they are: A, T, R, U, W
Double loop D w (all Whorl Pattern written in “W”)
Accidental whorl X w
Small Lettered - applied in remaining fingers they
Classifications- refers to the sorting of things into are r, a, & t. These patterns are place in the
divisions or group so that they can at later time be classification line depending in what fingers they
quickly located. originate.
(-) dash represented an ulnar loop and
The classification formula may be composed of the whorl pattern if it appears in small letter group.
following: Consecutive small letters are indicated:
1) Primary 2a, 2t, 2r, 3a, etc.
2) Secondary
3) Sub Secondary This classification is place in the classification line
4) Major after THE PRIMARY CLASSIFICATION. Right
5) Final hand is numerator, left hand is denominator.
6) Key
3. SUB-SECONDARY CLASSIFICATION. This
**The position in the classification line for those refers to the grouping of print according to the
division when completely applied are as follows: ridge count of loops and the tracing of whorls
appearing at the index, middle and ring fingers.
N Key Major Primary Secondary Subsecondary Final
D Major Primary Secondary Subsecondary Final
Only six ( 6 ) fingers are used, such as: the right
and the left index (2&7): right and left middle
(3&8): and right and left ring (4&9) fingers.
Procedure in Classifying a set of fingerprints
Only whorl and loop patterns are used.
1. PRIMARY CLASSIFICATION. this refers to the
1. if whorl appears determine the tracing and mark
summation of all the numerical values assigned to
as I,M,O.
whorl appearing in a fingerprint card which are
2. if arches appear put a dash ( - ).
expressed as numerator and denominator plus
3. if loop appears determine the ridge counts and
the pre- established fraction of 1/1.
refer to the table hereunder.
Only patterns with Numerical Value are used,
such as W,C,D & X
● right & left index fingers (2&7)
Their value will depend in what fingers they
1- 9=I 10 or more = O
originate:
● right & left middle fingers (3&8)
Pairing
1-10 = I 11 or more = O
Numerical Value
● right & left ring fingers (4&9)
1st pair (Fingers 1 & 2) = 16
1-13 = I 14 or more= O
2nd pair (Fingers 3 & 4) =8
3rd pair (Fingers 5 & 6) =4
This classification is place After the Secondary
4th pair (Fingers 7 & 8) =2
Classification. Right hand is numerator, left hand
5th pair (Fingers 9 & 10) =1
is denominator.
Sum – up the numerical values plus ( + ) standard
of 1. The primary classification is already
4. MAJOR CLASSIFICATION. This is obtained by
obtained.
using the patterns located at the thumbs.
The total value of even fingers is NUMERATOR (
Only two (2) fingers are used, such as the right
above ).
and the left thumb (1&6).
 Only whorl and loop patterns are used. If both hands are amputated or missing at
1. if whorl appears determine the ridge birth, the footprints should be taken as they, too, bear
tracing and mark as I,M,& O friction ridges with different patterns.
2. if arches appear, put a DASH ( - ).
3. if loop appear, determine the ridge NCICFPC
counts and refer in the table hereunder. NATIONAL CRIME INFORMATION CENTER OF
FINGERPRINT CLASSIFICATION
Table 1. To be used in the ridge counts of loop
pattern in the right and left thumb, if the ridge Pattern Pattern
counts of the left thumb is less than less than 17. NCIC Code
Type Group
1 – 11 = S
12 – 16 =M
17 or more =L
ARCH Plain Arch AA
Table 2. To be used in the ridge counts of the
loop pattern in the Right Thumb Only if the ridge Tented Arch TT
counts of the left thumb is 17 or more. The ridge 2 numeric characters (actual
count of the loop pattern in the left thumb is LOOP Ulnar Loop
ridge counts)
Automatically Large.
1 – 17 = S
2 numeric characters (actual
18 – 22 = M Radial Loop
23 or more =L ridge counts+50)

This classification is place before the Primary enter P + Tracing Symbol (PI,
WHORL Plain Whorl
classification. Right hand is numerator and the PM, PO)
left hand is denominator.
Central
enter C + Tracing Symbol (CI,
5. FINAL CLASSIFICAION. This refers to the ridge Pocket
CM, CO)
count of a loop appearing at the little finger. It is Loop
exhibited or place at the extreme right of the
enter small letter "d" if written,
classification line.
capital letter "D" if
-Only two (2) fingers are used, such as the right Double
and the left little fingers (5&10). computerized + Tracing
Loop
-This classification is obtained by copying the Symbol (dI, dM, dO) or (DI,
ridge count of the loop and whorl patterns in the DM, DO)
right and left little fingers.
-If whorl appears, the rules in determining the Accidental enter X + Tracing Symbol (XI,
ridge counts are: Whorl XM, XO)
a) -Plain whorl and central pocket loop –
will be treated as ulnar loop.
b) -Double loop – use the upward loop. Missing or
c) -Accidental whorl – take the least number Amputated
XX
of ridge counts.
-This classification is place at the Extreme Right Completely
of the classification line. Right hand is numerator SR
Scarred
and left hand is denominator.

6. KEY CLASSIFICATION. This represents the Example: NCICFPC = AA TT 57 12 PO CM DI XM XX SR

ridge count of the first loop that appear on the
chart excluding the little finger.
-This is obtained by copying the ridge count of
the first loop that appears on the chart except on
the right and left little fingers.
-If no loop appears, the first whorl on the block will
be ridge counted and the rules in determining the
ridge count of a whorl pattern shall be observed.
-This classification is place in the Extreme Left
Numerator of the classification line wherever they
originate.
Rules in Classifying Missing Scarred and
Amputated Fingers
If the opposite finger of one hand is
amputated, missing or scarred where the general
pattern type is unrecognizable and the ridge counting
and ridge tracing cannot be determined, it will be
given the same details with the corresponding finger
of the other hand.
If the same fingers of both hands are
amputated, missing or scarred where neither the
general pattern type nor the ridge counting and ridge
tracing can be determined, both fingers are arbitrarily
interpreted as Plain Whorl with Meeting Tracing.
Equipment in taking fingerprint/ Other Laboratory
Materials
1. Fingerprint ink roller = 6” x 2” in diameter-
refers to an instrument used for spreading the
ink into the slab or inking plate.
2. Card holder- refers to a gadget used for clipping
the fingerprint card to avoid movement of the
card during printing.
3. Inking plate or glass slab = 6” x 14”- refer to a
piece of metal or a plane glass with as much as
1/4 thick and 6 or more inches long where the
fingerprint ink is distributed for printing.
4. Fingerprint ink- an especially manufactured ink
for purposes of taking fingerprints. Hand and
slab roller cleaner
5. Fingerprint card- refers to a piece of card used
for recording the ten fingerprints. The usual size
is 8"x8".
6. Fingerprint table = 38” x 40”- a table intended
for taking fingerprints
7. Rubber Gloves- used to protect the technician
finger from leaving his own prints on the object
or scene.
8. Post Mortem Equipment- refers to a set of
equipment consisting of hypodermis syringe ,
spoon,tissue builder,tissue cleaner,etc. Used for
taking prints of dead person.
9. Fingerprint Pointers- used for pointing the
ridges in the conduct of ridge counting.
10. Forensic Optical Comparator- an equipment
use to compare two fingerprints at the same
time.
11. Fingerprint powders- refers to the powder used
in developing latent prints found at the crime
scene. They are normally found in two; the black
and the white or gray, which is applied
depending upon the contrasting background
12. Fingerprint brushes- used for developing latent
prints using non-magnetic powder. There are
three variations of brushes used: the fiber glass,
magnetic and feather type.
13. Fingerprint Lifting Tape- refers to a tape used
for lifting developed latent prints which is quite
harder than an ordinary tapes.
14. Latent Print Transfer Card- refers to a card
used in preserving lifted latent prints which is
either white or black in background.
15. Fingerprint Cameras- use in photographing the
developed latent prints.
MATERIALS FOR COLLECTION OF LATENT
PRINT
1. Fingerprint powders- refers to the powder used in
developing latent prints found at the crime scene.
They are normally found in two: the black or the
white or gray powder; which is applied depending
upon the contrasting background.
2. Fingerprint brushes- used for developing latent
prints using non-magnetic powder. There are
three variations
a. The fiber glass
b. Magnetic
c. Feather type
3. Magnetic wand- used in powdering latent print
using magnetic powder
4. Fingerprint lifting tape- refers to a tape used for
lifting developed latent prints which is quite harder
than an ordinary tapes.
a. Hinge lifter- come in many color backgrounds
to allow for the visualization of fingerprints
developed with different color powder.
b. Rubber lifter- is a plastic cover with adhesive
side
c. Cellophane tape- is a high quality clear
transparent tape
5. Latent print transfer card- refers to a card used in
preserving lifted latent prints which is either white
or black in background.
CHANCE IMPRESSION
Latent Print – Fingerprint found at the crime scene is
generally called as latent print or likewise known as
chance impression. Latent means something hidden or
concealed.
Chance Prints- these are impressions left by chance at
the crime scene.
Therefore any chance impression, whether found
at the crime scene, would be a latent print is not always
concealed, some crime scene’s prints are visible and not
hidden. Though common usages, however, the word
“latent” has been used by general acceptance to mean
crime scene prints.
Latent Print – are those markings, usually rather
indistinct, left by oil matters or perspiration exuded from
the fingertips upon any substance which the fingers may
have touched.
Classes of Latent Print/ Types of evidentiary Prints
1. Visible - Fingerprint made by fingers touching a
surface after the ridges have been in contact with a color
substances such as blood, paint, grease, or ink. As
their name implies, can be seen with the naked eye out
clearly on them. Photographs can be made without any
treatment to the prints.
2. Semi-Visible – are molded or plastic
impressions made in plastic materials, such as, soap,
melted candles, wax, putty, the adhesive gums to
envelope and postage stamps and the like. Those prints
need no development either, although photography is
more difficult than with visible prints.
3. Invisible print – are impressions caused by the
transfer of body perspiration or oil present on finger
ridges to the surface of object. It is invisible to the naked
eye. Thus, it requires application of latent print
development to show and photograph.
Latent Fingerprint Techniques
1. PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
a) Powder Method- it is the application of finely ground,
colored powder to non porous object to make latent
print visible. Fingerprint powder vary in color but the
most common are black, white and gray.
b) Lifting Method - include methods employing
cellophane tape, vinyl tape or other adhesive tape. A
visible fingerprint is directly lifted by lifting material in
which fingerprint has been processed by a powder.
c) Flame Method - affixing soot to a latent or uncleas
fingerprint. The develop fingerprint shall be collected
by lifting in onoto lifting material or by photographing.
2. CHEMICAL DEVELOPMENT(Chemical Method)
a. Ninhydrin (react to amino acid present in
latent print), silver nitrate( react with the silver chloride or
salt residue present in the latent print) etc.(paper)
b. DFO - diazafluoren( use for dry porous
documents and unfinished wood)
c. Silver Nitrate(paper or cardboard)
d. Iodine Fuming
e. Cyanoacrylate fuming/ Superglue
Photographing the Fingerprint
After the print is located and developed, it is vital
that it is photographed before it is lifted. A photograph
captures where the print was located in comparison to
other objects and captures the orientation of the print.
Photographing latent fingerprints is an act of preservation.
Lifting the Fingerprint
Means to make a permanent impression of the
fingerprint. Lifting a print usually involves a rubber tape
with an adhessive surface which is applied to the
fingerprint., leaving an imprint to the print.(lifting tape and
backing card)
Fingerprint Identification
a. Two prints must have the same general
pattern in order to give a positive identification
b. They must also have certain number of
common ridge characteristics
Two Main methods used for Identification:
1. Minutiae-based techniques- first find the
minutiae points and then map their relative
 placement on the fingerprint to match ridge
characteristics.
2. Correlation-based techniques-require the
precise location of a registration point and are
affected bi image translation and rotation.
Points of Similarity. Minutiae on two different fingerprint
impressions meet the criteria.
Points of Dissimilarity. Minutiae do not meet these
criteria
Points of Identification. Sufficient minutiae are located in
the same true relative sequence or unit relationship, then
the identification is assumed.
Identical Points Necessary to be Admitted as
Fingerprint Evidence
1. When there are more than 12 evident points and
the impression is clear, the identification is
absolute
2. When there are between 8-12 evident points,
identification certainly depends upon:
-clearness of the type
-rarity of the type
3. presence of the core and delta in the part that is
acceptable
ACE-V Methodology
This scientific process of analysis, comparison,
evaluation and verification (ACE-V) is known as the
identification methodology or structured or systematic
manner in which quantitative-qualitative analysis of friction
ridges is carried out.
This methodology was introduced by Roy A.
Huber, a document examiner in Canada . ACE-V was
adopted by fingerprint identification community through
the Ridgeology of DAVID ASHBAUGH.
1. Analysis -this is the observation and
description stage of scientific method.
2. Comparison- comparison of the unknown
to the known fingerprint.
3. Evaluation- they will weigh up all of the
information available as a result of the comparison
process and determine whether there is unique agreement
between the two to confirm identity beyond all reasonable
doubt.
4. Verification- a second examiner performs
an independent examination of the identical latent print
impression.( second opinion)
Fingerprint Level are described into three levels:
a. Level One- details includes the general ridge flow
and pattern configuration. Includes information
enabling orientation, core and delta location.
b. Level Two-details includes formation and ridge
characteristics. Enable individualization.
c. Level Three- details includes all dimensional
attributes of a ridge such as ridge pat deviation,
width, shape, pores, edge contour, incipient
ridges, breaks, creases, scars and other
permanent details.
PREPARATION OF FINGERPRINT COMPARISON
CHART
ORDINARY METHOD- characterized by marking of the
points, identity one after another by means of lines drawn
from them to the margin and in clockwise direction.
1. Simple method- the identical points of identity in
both enlargement are drawn with a straight
lines(in red ink) to the margin. Begin the
numbering from any of the focal points until you
have numbered all the identical points in both
enlargements.
2. Modified method- in the lines preceding the
numbers are means of the corresponding ridge
characteristics of their equivalent abbreviations
are written.
3. Drawn method- the numbers are placed about
one centimeter immediately at the end of the
lines. Circles are drawn at the end of the lines on
the margin of the photograph, then inside the
circles are drawn the corresponding ridge
characteristics.
4. Osborn method- the two enlarged photographs
are divided each into squares both exactly alike,
with the squares occupying identical positions on
each and then examining them in their order,
squares for squares, designating the identical
points in each square.
5. Seymour method- make first a skeleton tracing
of the questioned print and that of the standard
print of the suspect by making comparison by
placing them together and holding them near a
reflector or sidelight.
6. Pricking method- make enlargement of the same
size of the chance impression and the suspects
standard print. Place the standard print over the
chance impression in the same position. With the
use of a needle prick the identical points to
determine if they coincide with one another.
METHODS OF FINGERPRINTING of A LIVING PERSON
Inking – is the process of imprinting the
fingerprints on paper with the use of an ink.
In taking the inked fingerprints of a living
person, it considers the recording or rolled
impressions and plain impressions.
a) Rolled Impression- is an impression made or place
in a fingerprint card which taken individually by rolling
the each fingers 180 degrees.
b) Plain Impression- is an impression made
simultaneously that serves as a reference
impression. Purpose is to serve as guide in checking
the rolled impression.
Operator – Official or Person taking the fingerprint.
Subject – a person to be fingerprinted.
Fingerprinting – is the process of recording fingerprints
through the use of fingerprint ink.
Right and Left Thumb – will be rolled toward the body of
the subject.
Remaining Fingers – will be rolled outside the body of
the subject.
REASONS FOR POOR IMPRESSION
1. Poor Inking- resulting in the ridges being too light
to count or trace.
2. Dirty Finger or equipment- presence of foreign
materials which may result from failure to clean
thoroughly the inking equipment of the fingers,
may cause false markings, distorted ridges or
disappearance of characteristics.
3. Improper Rolling- failure to roll the fingers fully
from one side to the other resulting in incomplete
prints which may cannot be fully identified.
4. Rolling more than once.
5. Too much pressure.
6. Slippage-this happens when the fingers are
allowed to slip or twist resulting in smears, blurs
and false pattern.
 7. Over inking- using too much ink resulting
obliteration of the thin layer with the roller.
8. Incomplete inking- failure to ink the entire bulb of
the finger, from joint to tip from side to sede of
nails, resulting in the possible omission of deltas
and core
Important points to be considered in taking legible
fingerprints
1. Cleanliness of the equipment.
2. The kind and contact amount of ink.
3. Proper distribution of ink on the glass slab or inking
plate.
4. The distance of the subject from the inking plate on
the fingerprint card.
5. The advice of the operator to the subject to relax and
never to aid in the operation.
6. The pressure exerted must be slight and even and
the rolling is continues movement including the lifting.
7. The nail of the finger should be at right angle to the
glass slab or to the card before starting the rolling
and always the fingers until the other side of the nails
is reached.
8. The inking and printing must always reached below
the first joint of the fingers.
9. The thumb should be rolled toward the subject’s body
and all other fingers away from subject’s body.
10. While rolling the fingers, the subject’s hand should be
held/controlled properly to prevent twisting and
slipping of the fingers.
11. Proper alignment.
Problems and Rules in Fingerprinting
Fingerprinting – is the process of recording fingerprints
through the use of fingerprint ink.
1. When the fingers have fresh cut, wound or
bandage which will prevent the recording.
Solution: Note in the corresponding space on the
card. If it is possible use magnifying lens and examine the
ridges directly on the finger and then record on the
corresponding space on the card the pattern interpretation
a ridge counting and ridge tracing.
2. When the hands are perspiring excessively.
Solution: Wipe the fingers with cloth immediately
before inking. If the perspiration cannot be controlled by
wiping the cloth, wipe the fingers with alcohol.
3. When the fingers are very dry like the fingers of some
brick layers and carpenters.
Solution: Rub the fingers with oil or cream or
lotion.
3. When the fingers are very fine like the ridges of
the fingers of the body.
Solution: Use a very little amount of ink or spread
a very thin coating of ink on the glass slab.
4. When one or more fingers are lacking or missing.
Solution: Record the present fingers and place a
notation on the corresponding space on the card.
5. When the fingers are band (kambal) broken or
crippled.
Solution: Use one of the methods in taking the
print of the dead.
6. When the subject has more than ten fingers all
fully formed.
Solution: The thumb and the next fingers to them
should be printed and any fingers left over should be
printed on the other side of the card with notation made to
the effect that they are “extra fingers”.
7. Should any extra fingers (polydactyl)appear
anywhere between or any of the fingers.
Solution: Record the print of the one fully formed,
normal finger on the proper sequences, then record the
extra digits on the back of the card with a notation as to
where it appears.
9. In case a split thumb, a thumb having two nails of when
the subject has two or more fingers webbed or grown
together, making it possible to roll such fingers in its side.
Print it in the usual manner just like any normal thumb and
make a notation at the back of the card.
10. Amputated Fingers – (mark as AMP)
a. Completely Amputated – there is no need to ink
the completely amputated fingers – put notation
on the space provided on the fingerprint card.
Mark AMP on the block.
b. Partially Amputated – just ink the tip of the
partially amputated fingers – put notation on the
space provided on the fingerprint card.
11. Post Mortem Fingerprinting – taking the fingerprint of
dead
POST MORTEN FINGERPRINTING – taking the
fingerprint of dead person for identification purposes.
1. Fingerprint of a newly dead(Flexible and Intact
Fingers)
2. Fingerprinting the Dead, Where stiffening of the
fingers and or Early Decomposition are Present
A. Breaking the Rigor- Rigor mortis causing hands
to be clenched may be forcibly broken in order to
straighten the fingers after which the inking procedures
may be employed.
B. Injection of Tissue Builder -the hypodermic
needle is injected to the tip and joint of the fingers until the
finger bulbs are rounded out. (applicable to wrinkled
fingers due to humidity, immersion in water or
mummification)
C. Removal of Skin of Fingertips or
Disarticulation of Fingers
a. Macerated Fingers- partially rotten and
saponified to the extent that the end joints have
hardened and wrinkled after excessive
submersion in water.
b. Mummified fingers- usually hard and shrunken
can be restored and the skin made pliable by
being soaked in 1-3% solution of potassium
hydroxide.