MODULE 14

LATENT PRINTS AND

ITS DEVELOPMENT
 LATENT FINGERPRINTS
► LATENT PRINTS – are those marking usually rather distinct, left by oily matters or
perspiration exuded from the fingertips upon any substance which the finger may
touch.
- refers to the print or impression found in the crime
scene.
Latent – connotes something hidden; refers to any print in the crime scene, including
those visible or partially visible impressions.

❑ Causes of Latent Prints

1. Ridges or the raised strip of skin
2. The sweat or perspiration
 CLASSES OF LATENT PRINT
1. Visible/Patent Prints- these are impressions in the crime scene that can be
directly seen by a naked eye. This impression is caused by obvious
contaminations such as blood, grease, dust and some other substances
which may be visible after impression.
2. Semi-visible latent prints/ Plastic prints- to the prints. 2. Semi-visible latent
prints – these are molded or plastic impressions. They are prints made in
plastic materials, such as soap, melted candles, wax, paraffin, the adhesive
gums of the envelope and postage stamps and the like.
3. Invisible latent prints – these are the common types of chance impression.
Prints that cannot be seen by the naked eye, especially on papers, card
boards, boxes, and can be developed by the use of the right kind of powder
and chemical to make them visible.
►Things that must not be done at the crime scene:

1. Do not lift developed latent prints without photographing.

2. Do not lift latent prints on small movable objects.
3. Do not remove objects without photographing.
4. Do not powder the entire crime scene.
5. Do not develop visible latent prints. Methods of Developing Latent Prints
METHODS OF DEVELOPING LATENT PRINTS
► I. Physical or Powder Method - The suitable materials for this technique are glass, porcelain, ceramic,
pottery, metallic item, plastic, and bamboo. The principle involved in this technique is that the developing
reagent adheres to the sweat present in the latent print.
a. BLACK POWDER – this is applied on white and smooth surface.
b. WHITE OR ALUMINUM POWDER – This is applied on black and smooth surface.

Powder are also manufactured with the following formulations:

1. Oxide - used on painted or smooth surfaces including plastics. It is extremely sensitive to moisture, particularly
sebaceous or oily secretions.
2. Metallics – this powder is most effective on plated or polished surfaces such as silver and chrome.
3. Magnetics – powders having magnetic properties and therefore, it must not be used on surface containing iron
or steel.
4. Combinations – this powder is a combination of oxide and metallic powders in such a
way that it can be used on any surface whether dark or light.
5. Fluorescents – fluorescent powders are oxide in nature and can only be used on
painted or smooth surfaces but these powders are designed to overcome the problem on
multi-colored surfaces.

► DUSTING LATENT FINGERPRINT

Fingerprint dusting powders are available in various colors and chemical compositions to
provide maximum development and contrast. When dusting for fingerprints, use a
powder that contrasts in color to the surface.
LIFTING DEVELOPED LATENT PRINTS
► After the latent print had been developed using the fingerprint powder
and after it has been properly photographed, there is a need to lift and collect
the said print for examination and preservation purposes. It is done by using a
lifting tape.

► Lifting Prints
- To lift fingerprints, use a commercially prepared lifter that has both a black-and-
white background and a wide transparent lift tape. Use black lifters for light
powders and light lifters for black powders.
 II. Chemical or Liquid Method
a. Ninhydrin Solution- It is used to detect latent prints on absorbent materials, white wood, blood stained
fingerprint, paper wrapping of cigarette sticks, etc.
b. Ninhydrin Petroleum Benzine Solution- This is applied on printed materials. The advantage of this
method is the non-destruction of written letters made by ballpen and other ink.
c. TMB (Tetramethyl Benzedrine) Method- With this method, the invisible amount of blood strained
fingerprints can be detected. Fingerprint on kitchen knife and other blades used as weapon, effectively
detected.
► Other chemical development of latent prints:
1. Collaidal Gold Universal Fingerprint Developer
- can effectively develop prints on plastic, bank checks, counterfeit money, metal and skin, even
after cyanoacrylate or ninhydrin have failed.
2. Amino Black.
- A dye sensitive to properties of blood and may be used with contaminated/visible prints involving
blood. It has the capability to turn blood proteins to a blue-black color.
3. Crystal violet
It is used to developed latent prints on the adhesive side of almost any kind of tape. It
may also be useful on plastics surfaces. Crystal violet is mixed with water and the tape is
soaked in the solution. Any latent print that appears is dyed a purple color. The results can be
enhanced by viewing the treats are under laser illumination.
4. Iodine Fuming
It is the oldest and most proven method of developing latent prints on both porous,
particularly paper and nonporous surfaces. If the subsequent use of ninhydrin maybe required,
the iodine fuming should be done first.
5. DFO (1, 8 – diazaflouren – 9 – one)
It reacts with proteins to give a highly fluorescent red colored product, which is more
sensitive than ninhydrin. These red prints may be immediately visible to the naked eye.
6. Small Particle Reagent (SPR)
This is a technique of developing latent prints that have been immersed in water.
Developed prints appear dark gray on a light surface and light gray on a gray surface.
 III. GAS METHOD/ VAPOR METHOD
1. SUPER GLUE OR CYANOACRELATE FUMING
Cyanoacrylates are super glue. The fumes of super glue will react to the water
present in the latent print residue. The moment that the fumes will come to contact with
latent print, it forms a hard compound that conform to the ridges.
2. IODINE FUMING METHODS
It is the oldest and most proven method of developing latent prints on both porous,
particularly paper and non-porous surfaces.
Iodine fumes reacts with the greasy or oily and fatty substances of latent prints.
Iodine fuming is ideally use when prints are still fresh. Prints made visible by iodine should
be photographed immediately since the reaction will rapidly change.
When iodine is exposed to heat, iodine crystal will undergo a process known in
science as sublimation.
MODULE 15

FINGERPRINT
COMPARISON
 FINGERPRINT COMPARISON
► Fingerprint Comparison
It is the process of a careful and a thorough comparison of two or more fingerprints
into its ridge characteristics to establish its similarities or dissimilarities.
Methods of Comparison of Latent print and Standard Print
1. ORDINARY METHOD – this is the markings of the point of identity, and after another
which is drawn to the margin of the photograph latent and standards prints, designated by
numbers arranged in consecutive order and in clockwise direction.
Kinds of Ordinary Method
► Simple Method – the two prints (questioned and standard) are enlarge at same size. The
identical points then be identify by putting a straight line in red ink to the margin. Then the
identified ridge characteristics are numbered in consecutive order. The numbering of
points must start with either the delta or core. If core is assigned to be number 1, the
number 2 will be the next ridge characteristics and so on until you have numbered all the
identical points of both the enlargements
► Modified Method – the same process or procedure will be followed as to the simple method
except that instead of assigning numbers to each point, initial letter of the ridge characteristic
is indicated. For example C for core, D for delta, B for bifurcation and the like.
► Drawn Method – in this method, after the straight line is established and the numbers are place
about 1 centimeter at the end of the line of the margin, a circle with at least 1 inch diameter is
drawn. Inside the circle will be the drawn ridge characteristic pointed by the line.

2. OBSCORN METHOD – the two enlarge photograph which has a size of 8 by 10 inches are divided
into squares, both exactly alike with the square occupying the identical positions on each, and
examining them in their order, square to square, designating the identical points in each
square.
3. SEYMOUR METHOD – this method is done by making first a skeleton, tracing the question prints
and that of the standard print of the suspect, by making comparison. Placed them together by
holding it near reflector or side light or projector. Then make the necessary identification of
each ridge characteristics whether they are the same or not.
4. PRICKING METHOD - make enlargement of the same size of the chance impression and the suspect
standard print. Place the photograph of 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 are coincide
with one another
 COMPARING MINUTIAE (referred to as Galton’s points)
ACE-V METHOD OF IDENTIFICATION
► ANALYSIS - This consists of the objective qualitative and quantitative assessment of the
level 1. LeveL 2 and level 3 details to determine their proportion, interrelationship, and
value to individualize.
► COMPARISON- It is the objective examination of the attributes observed during analysis in
order to determine agreement or discrepancies between two friction ridge impressions.
► EVALUATION- Evaluating all the information contained in the latent print, specifically the
uniqueness and individuality of the print, the clarity, and the quality.
► VERIFICATION- All work, as in any science, must be subject to review. This portion of the
process employs such peer review. Consultation with another expert to verify the opinion
of the original examiner is undertaken at this point. Should there be disagreement
regarding the identification, a third person may be used for verification purposes. Three
Levels to Complement the ACE-V Method
 Methods of Fingerprint Processing and Identification
► FINDER (FINgerprint reaDER System). This is capable of performing latent print searching
automatically. The systems locates minute data, consisting of the location of the fingerprint
ridges, ridge endings or print of bifurcation.
► AUTOMATED FINGERPRINT IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM (AFIS). This is the modified version of the
FINDER adopted by most States and Countries of law enforcement agencies. AFIS can effectively
compare latent prints with a 300,000 – file database or can match prints in less than 15 minutes.
This machine can also digitalize fingerprint information to produce inkless fingerprints.
► LIVE-SCAN FINGERPRINTING PROCESS. This records, stores, and transmits fingerprints digitally.
digitally. This allows police to place a suspect’s fingers on a glass plate, which then read by the
special device to produce a digital image of the prints.
► LASER FINGERPRINTING – This method also eliminates the mess of inked fingerprints and also
other problems associated with them. One application of this method is that thin chemical pad is
attached directly to the citation book and is used for suspects or drivers without proper
identification. It can be used quickly and easily for taking prints at the scene.
MODULE 16

FINGERPRINT IDENTIFICATION AND

PRESENTATION OF EVIDENCE IN
COURT
 FINGERPRINT IDENTIFICATION
2 METHODS OF FINGERPRINT IDENTIFICATION
1. MINUTIAE-BASED TECHNIQUES
- first find the minutiae points then map their relative placement on the finger to match
ridge characteristics.
2. CORRELATION-BASED TECHNIQUES
- It is able to overcome some of the difficulties of the minutiae – based approach. This
technique requires the precise location of a registration point and are affected by image translation
and rotation.
❑ EXPERT - any person who is skilled in specific science, trade or occupation.
❑ FINGERPRINT EXPERT / LATENT PRINT EXAMINER- a person who through experience, training,
education has a complete knowledge and skill in science of fingerprints.
NOTE: If a fingerprint expert will testify in court, then he will be considered as an EXPERT WITNESS.
❑ Identical points necessary to be admitted as fingerprint evidence in court
▪ 1. When there are more than 12 evident points and the impression is clear, the
identification is absolute.
▪ 2. When there are between 8 and 12 evident points, identification certainly depends
upon clearness of the type and rarity of the type.
▪ 3. Presence of the core and delta of the part which is acceptable.

❑ Does the fingerprint Evidence admissible as evidence in court?

▪ Yes, expert’s testimony as to the identity of thumb marks or fingerprint is admissible.
▪ After all, fingerprints have been used as evidence in the US courtroom for nearly 100
years.
▪ Fingerprint have been considered the gold standard of forensic science
▪ Fingerprint is a powerful and indisputable form of evidence.
MODULE 17

INTEGRATED AUTOMATED
FINGERPRINT IDENTIFICATION
SYSTEM
(IAFIS)
Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS)

►Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS)

A national fingerprint and criminal history system that responds to
request 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to help the local, state, and federal
partners and the investigators to solve and prevent crime and catch criminals
and terrorist. IAFIS provides automated fingerprint search capabilities, latent
search capability, electronic image storage, and electronic exchange of
fingerprints and responses.

❑ What is included in IAFIS?

Fingerprints, Criminal histories, Mug shots; scars and tattoos
Photos and physical characteristics (height, weight, hair and eye color and alias)
❑ How big it is?
IAFIS is the largest biometric database in the world, housing the fingerprints
and
criminal histories for more than 153 million criminal and civil individuals

❑ How fast it works?

⮚ Electronic criminal fingerprint submission is about 27 minutes
⮚ Electronic civil submissions are processed within an hour and 12 minutes
( 1hr. & 12 mins.)
 FIVE KEY SERVICE
1. TEN-PRINT-BASED FINGERPRINT IDENTIFICATION SERVICE
This consist of the submission of the ten-print fingerprint impressions and
corresponding flat fingerprint impression.
❖ Criminal Ten-Fingerprint Submission – this is acquired result of an arrest at the
city, country, state or federal level.
❖ Civil Ten-Fingerprint Submission – fingerprints are acquired for background
checks for employment, license or other non-criminal justice purposes.

2. LATENT FINGERPRINT SERVICES

The IAFIS supports both electronic (soft copy) and hard copy submission of latent
prints. It provides the FBI Laboratory with enhanced search capabilities using databases
specially designed for matching latent fingerprints.
3. SUBJECT SEARCH AND CRIMINAL HISTORY SERVICES
The Interstate Identification Index (III) segment of IAFIS is the national system
designed to provide automated criminal history record information. III stores the
criminal history record information of federal offenders and those offenders established
by participating and non-participating III states.

4. DOCUMENT AND IMAGING SERVICES DOCUMENTS SERVICES

The IAFIS processes documents associated with criminal history records received
in electronic (soft copy), hard copy, or machine-readable data formats

❖ Fingerprint Image Services – IAFIS supplies electronic images of fingerprints to

authorized agencies upon request.
❖ Photo Services – IAFIS has the capability to accept, store, and distribute
photos.
5. Remote Ten-Print and Latent Fingerprint Search Services
The result of remote ten-fingerprint and latent searches are returned
electronically and include a list of potential matching candidates and
corresponding fingerprints for comparison and identification by the
requesting agency.
❑ Inkless prints are non-smeared. It will reduce finger slippage in
printing and cannot be erased. It also provide clearer fingerprint patterns
with better defined ridges and spaces.

❑ What is the difference between AFIS and IAFIS ?

✔ AFIS is the generic term / general term
✔ IAFIS is the name of the FBI IAFIS
MODULE 19

PALM AND FOOT

PRINTS
PALM AND FOOT PRINT
►PALM PRINT
Palm prints have been presented since the birth of fingerprints.
Both palm and finger biometrics are presented by the information
presented in a friction ridge impression. Palm prints are combination of
ridge flows, ridge characteristics, and ridge structure.

This prints are unique and permanent and use for identification
purposes. However, palm recognition became slower in becoming
automated due to some restraints in computing capabilities and live-scan
technologist.
SURFACE OF ANATOMY

1. DISTAL PHALANX - towards the tip

2. MIDDLE PHALANX
3.PROXIMAL PHALANX – towards the body
NOTE:
These three segments are present in ALL FINGERS except in thumbs.
THUMBS has only two segments namely DISTAL PHALANX AND
PROXIMAL PHALANX
❑ CREASES – pertains to the lines on fingers.
1. DISTAL PALMAR CREASE (DIP) – crease between the distal
phalanx and middle phalanx segments.
2. PROXIMAL PALMAR CREASE – crease between the
middle and proximal phalanx segments.
3. PALMAR DIGITAL CREASE – starting distally and working
proximally (towards the wrist)
3 MAIN CATEGORIES OF PALM MATCHING TECHNIQUES
1. MINUTIAE-BASED MATCHING – most widely used techniques, relies on the
minutiae points especially the location, direction, and orientation of each point.
❖ Minutiae points - are the major features of a fingerprint (ridge characteristics)

2. CORRELATION-BASED MATCHING – simply lining up the palm images and

subtracting them to determine if the ridges in the two palm images correspond.

3. RIDGE BASED MATCHING – uses ridge pattern landmark features such as

sweat pores, spatial attributes, and geometric characteristics of the ridges, or
local texture analysis. This method is a faster method of matching and
overcomes some of the difficulties associated with extracting minutiae from poor
quality images.
FOOTPRINTS
The use of bare footprints has been considered for many
years as a means of identification. Bare footprints are a
representative of the plantar portion of the foot.
Footprints from different sources are never identical. The
variation in the shape, size, inter-distances of toes, ball lines, heels
creases, accidental damage to the feet. The information on foot
print morphology is especially significant because it elucidates the
individuality of each person’s footprints.
3 TYPES OF FOOTPRINTS / SHOE PRINTS / TIRE TRACKS
1. VISIBLE PRINTS – a transfer of material from the shoe or tire to the solid surfaces.
This prints can be seen by the naked eye.
Ex. Bloody shoe prints on the floor; muddy tires on a driveway
2. PLASTIC PRINTS – a three-dimensional impression left on a soft surface. This
includes shoe or tire tracks left in sand, mud or snow.
3. LATENT – this prints are not visible to the naked eye. Examiners or investigators
use powders, chemicals or alternate light source to find these prints.
These prints need to develop through different methods.
Ex. shoeprints detected on tile, hardwood, floor, window sill or metal counter
tire tracks detected on road surfaces, drive ways
❑CASTING - is the most common method in collecting
footwear and tire tracks.

⮚ In case of impression evidence, general photographs of

the evidence location in relation to the rest of the scene are
taken , along with high-resolution images of the individual
imprints.
⮚ Examiners may use alternate light sources or chemical
enhancers to capture as much detail as possible, especially
with latent imprints.
MODULE 20

ODONTOLOGY
❑ ODONTOLOGY – study of TEETH.
❑ FORENSIC DENTISTRY / ODONTOLOGY – a vital branch of forensic science that
involves the application of dental knowledge for identification of human
remains.
FORENSIC DENTISTRY WORKS :
✔ Comparison of remains with dental records
✔ Comparison with dental records
✔ Evaluation of bite marks (animal or human)
✔ Comparison with suspect dentitions
✔ Aging of individuals by the dentition to determine chronological age (living and deceased)
✔ Evaluation of an individual’s dental/oral injuries ( civil and criminal matters)
✔ Resolving dental malpractice or negligence issues
FORENSIC ODNTOLOGIST
Odontologist combine the work of a dentist, forensic
scientist and a police investigator.
❖Dentist specializes in treating teeth, including filling cavities and
removing damaged teeth.
❖Odontologist focuses on studying teeth, not treating them. Most
odontologists work for local or state governments as part of the
medical examination team. They may travel to crime scenes or
accidents scenes and occasionally work outdoors in different
weather conditions.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF ODONTOLOGISTS :
I. Evaluate the age of skeletal – analyze a skeletal dentures and evaluate its age based on
the status of the teeth.
II. Testify in court cases – testify in court in cases related to dental malpractice / criminal
activity
III. Identify bodies – identify victim’s remains after disasters.
IV. Visit crime scenes – assist criminal justice in finding suspects in various cases.
V. Attend autopsies – they are tasked to take measurement, plastic molds, x-rays and
photographs, and compare dental records of missing person to identify remains.
VI. Analyze bites – identify a bite pattern on the food they find on the crime scene, analyze
and compare it to the one found on the victim’s body/
VII.Collect and analyze dental evidence – collects dental evidence from different sources
and uses it to identify suspects or victims.
TYPES OF TOOTH
INCISORS
o Two front teeth and the teeth on either side of them.
o 8 incisors (four on top and four at the bottom).
o Are shaped like tiny chisels, with flat ends that are normally sharp.
o These teeth are used for cutting and chopping food.
CANINE TEETH
o Pointy teeth besides the incisors.
o 4 canine teeth (two on top and two at the bottom.)
o Use to tear food.
PREMOLARS / BICUSPID TEETH
o Bigger and stronger , and have ridges
o Use for crushing and grinding food
o 8 premolars ( four on top and four at the bottom
MOLARS
o the toughest of the bunch
o work closely either your tongue to help you swallow food.
o 8 molars (4 on top, 4 at the bottom)
o sometimes called 6-years molars 0r 12 years molars.

NOTE:
✔ There are 32 permanent teeth, including wisdom teeth.
✔ Wisdom teeth – grow in at the back of the mouth.
MODULE 21

GAIT ANALYSIS
❑ GAIT – manner or style of walking
❑ GAIT ANALYSIS – a method for identifying biochemical abnormalities in the
gait cycle.
- a tool used to assess the way in which you walk
and run.
❑ GAIT SPEED – analyze gait for purposes of identification
❑ GAIT CYCLE – a repetitive pattern involving steps and strides.
❑ A STEP – single step
❑ A STRIDES – whole gait cycle
❑ STEP TIME – time between heel strike of one leg and heel strikes of the
contra-lateral leg.
❑ STEP WIDTH – the mediolateral space between the two feet.
GAIT ANALYSIS – beginning and the end of the swing phase of the gait.

PHASES OF THE GAIT CYCLE

1. Initial Contact
2. Loading Response
3. Midstance
4. Terminal Stance
5. Pre Swing
6. Initial Swing
7. Mid Swing
8. Late Swing
 2 PHASES of FORWARD STEP
1. STANCE PHASES – occupies 60% of gait cycle, during which one leg and
foot are bearing most or all of the body weight.
a. HEEL STRIKE ( Initial Contact) – begins the moment the foot touches
the ground.
b. FOOT FLAT ( Loading Response) – body absorbs the impact of the foot
by rolling in pronation.
c. MIDSATNCE – the body is supported by one single leg.
d. HEEL OFF – begins when the heel leaves the floor/ground.
e. TOE OFF ( Pre-swing) – the toe leaves the ground.
2. SWING PHASE – occupies only 40%, during which foot is not touching
the walking surface and the body weight is borne by the other leg and
foot.

a. EARLY SWING
b. MIDSWING
c. LATE SWING / DECLARATION
 GATE PATTERNS
❑ ANTALGIC GAIT – a limb adopted so as to avoid pain on weight-bearing
structures.
❑ ATAXIC GAIT – an unsteady, uncoordinated walk, with a wide base and the feet
thrown out. This is associated with cerebellar disturbances and can be seen in
patients with longstanding alcohol dependency.
❑ PARKINSONIAN GAIT – seen in Parkinson’s disease and other neurologic
conditions.
❑ HEMILPLEGIC GAIT – involves flexion of the hip because of foot drop and
circumduction of the leg.
❑ STUTTERING GAIT – walking disorder characterized by hesitancy that resembles
stuttering. Seen in hysterical or schizophrenic patients.
❑ TABETIC GAIT – an ataxic gait in which the feet slap the ground
❑ DIPLEGIC GAIT / SPATIC GAIT – spasticity is normally associated with
both lower limbs; create “scissor’ type” gait with a narrowed based of
support; Spasticity in the lower half of the legs results in plantar flexed
ankles presenting “tiptoe” walking.
❑ CEREBELLAR GAIT – swaying or staggering manner of walking
❑ COW’S GAIT – manner of walking due to knock knee like that of a cow.
❑ FROG’S GAIT – A manner of walking resembling that of frog
characterized by hopping from one position to another.
MODULE 22

DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC
ACID (DNA)
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)
– a structure that encodes biological information.
- is found in nearly all living cells.
2 TYPES OF CELLS
1. EUKARYOTES – cell that contains nuclei.
- DNA is housed within the nucleus.
2. PROKARYOTES – cells that lack nuclei / no nucleus available
- DNA is located directly within the cellular cytoplasm

⮚ POLYNUCLEOTIDE – nucleotides that join together.

⮚ PHOSPHODIESTER – alternating sugar-phosphate arrangement that forms “backbone”
of a DNA molecules
⮚ GENOME – complete set of compounds.
COMPONENTS OF DNA
1. NUCLEOTIDES – series of smaller molecules.
3 PRIMARY COMPONETS :
▪ Nitrogenous base – contains nitrogen
▪ Deoxyribose – carbon-based sugar molecule
▪ Phosphate group – contains phosphorus

4 TYPES OF NUCLEOTIDES
1. Adenine – A Pair
2. Thymine - T
3. Guanine – G Pair
4. Cytosine - C
DNA FINGERPRINTING - extremely accurate
– a chemical test that shows the genetic make up of a person or other living
things.
- used to establish a link between biological evidence and suspect in criminal
investigation.
- If the two DNA profiles are a match, then the evidence came from the suspect.
USES OF DNA FINGERPRINTING:
✔ Physically connect a piece of evidence to a person or rule out someone as a suspect.
✔ Show who your parents, siblings, and other relatives .
✔ Identify a dead body that’s too old or damaged to be recognized.

DNA FINGERPRINT TEST

- this can come from a swab inside you mouth, skin, roots of hair, saliva, sweat, blood
or other body fluids.
GOD BLESS