PERSONAL

IDENTIFICATION
TECHNIQUES
FORENSIC – was derived from the Latin Word,
“FORUM” which means, a market place where
people gathered for public discussion. When used
with conjunction with other related science, it refers
to “Legal”
FORENSIC SCIENCE – application of various
sciences to law or administration of justice.
▪CRIMINALISTICS – Is the application of the principle of various sciences
as it pertains in solving problems in connection with the administration
of justice. It deals with the recognition, preservation and examination of
physical evidence.
▪ Also referred to as Police Science or Forensic Science
▪Dr. Hans Gross – He is known as the “Father of Modern Criminalistics.”
▪Dr. Paul Kirk – Father of Criminalistics in US
▪Edmond Locard’s Principle – “Every person leaves a contact/trace”.
 PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION
Law of Multiplicity of Evidence – The greater the
number of similarities and dissimilarities; the greater
is the probability for the conclusion to be correct”
 Rules Governing Law Of Multiplicity of Evidence
▪Comparison – with the used of standard specimen, evidence
under question can be compared in order to effect
identification.
▪Exclusion – is 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.
 METHODS OF PERSONAL IDENTIFICTION
▪Portrait Parle
▪Tattoo and Scarification
The following are
▪Photographic Data
some of the ways to
determine the identity ▪Personal Effects
of the person. ▪Forensic Odontology
▪DNA
▪Bertillon System
▪Fingerprint
PORTRAIT PARLE – (PERSONAL DESCRIPTION)
✓ is a verbal description of the person
identified.
1. Tattoo Marks – A method adopted by tribes during
ancient times signifying their clan and family. It is
barely used as identification but purely utilized 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 an identification.
Photography - is the art, application, and
practice of creating durable images by
recording light, either electronically by
means of an image sensor, or chemically by
means of a light-sensitive material such as
photographic film.
Personal Effects – these are
privately owned items such as
clothing and jewelry normally
worn and subject.
Forensic Odontology – branch of
science, which deals the anatomy,
development, and a disease of the
teeth and related structure used
in the administration of justice.
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) – it is the chain
molecules found in every nucleated cell in the
body. The totality of an individual’s DNA is
unique for the individual, except identical
twins.
 Bertillon System
✓ Anthropometry – he first scientific
method of identification established by
French anthropologist Alphonse
Bertillon in 1879.
✓ Was a technique for describing
individuals using photographs and
measurements of specific physical
characteristics.
ANTHROPOMETRY SYSTEM
 LIGHT AS FACTOR IN IDENTIFICATION
MOONLIGHT OR STARLIGHT
– a person cannot be recognized under the CLEAREST
MOONLIGHT at a distance greater than 16 TO 17 YARDS and
by the CLEAREST STARLIGHT at a distance of 10 TO 13
YARDS.
Fingerprint – a method of identification of an
individual through the use of impression made
by the ridge formation found in the terminal
part of the fingers.
- These marks are signature which each man’s
very own and, this cannot be counterfeited,
disguise or hide it away.
 Various Conditions of the finger:
a. Polydactyl – Born with more than the regular number
of (10) fingers.
b. Macrodactyl – having enlarged finger.
c. Microdactyl – having small finger.
d. Ectrodactyl – born with missing finger.
e. Syndactyl – side fusion of the fingers.
 History of Fingerprint
BC 200’s – In China, the first details of using handprint
identification was discovered during the Qin Dynasty. The
Chinese were well acquainted with the essential
characteristics of fingerprints. Though the Chinese were well
acquainted with the types of pattern, they did nothing in
developing a system of classification.
 Early Study in Fingerprint
1600’s
NEHEMIA GREW
In a "Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of
London" paper in 1684, he describes the RIDGES and PORES of the
hand and feet.
Dr. Nehemiah Grew was the first European to publish friction
ridge skin observation Dutch anatomist Govard Bidloo's 1685 book,
"Anatomy of the Human Body" also described friction ridge skin
(papillary ridge) details.
MARCELO MALPIGHI (Grandfather of Dactyloscopy)
In 1686,, an anatomy professor at the University of
Bologna, noted fingerprint ridges, spirals and loops in his
treatise. The author of “De Externo Tactus Organo” A layer
of skin was named after him; "Malpighi" layer, which is
approximately 1.8mm thick.
He was noted for the discovery of Dermis and Epidermis.
JCA MAYER (1788) – made an early statement that
fingerprint is not the same to two persons

JOHANNES EVANGELIST PURKENJIE – he was able to

identify nine type of patterns but not attributed in
identification.
Herman Welcker – he took the prints of his own palms
and after forty-one years he printed the same palms to
prove that prints do not change, except for some
scratches due to old age.
- Principle of immutability
SIR WILLIAM J. HERSCHEL – (1858) Bengal, India, printed
the palm of natives as to avoid impersonation and as a
substitute to signature.

HAQUE AND BOSE – two Hindu police officers who help

Henry in attaining his goal.

RAJADHAR KONAI – first person Herschel printed the palm.

DR. HENRY FAULDS (1880) – (Tsukuji Hospital,
Tokyo, Japan) advocated the use of fingerprints in
the detection of crime. Recognized the importance
of latent prints in providing positive identification
of perpetrator.
Mark Twain (1883) – On his book, “Life in
Mississipi”, he tells the story of a murderer who
was identified through his fingerprint. “Pudd'n
head Wilson” a courtroom drama involving
fingerprint identification.
SIR FRANCIS GALTON (1888)
✓ A cousin of Charles Darwin, is credited with being the first
scientist of friction skin identification as well as his role
promoting its used.
✓ Also identified 3 general types of pattern (ARCH, LOOP AND
WHORL)
✓ According to him, the odds of two individual fingerprint being the
same were 1:64 BILLION.
SIR EDWARD RICHARD HENRY (1859-1931) – The United
Kingdom Home Secretary Office conducted an inquiry into
"Identification of Criminals by Measurement
and Fingerprints.“ Created the what we called,
“Henry Classification System” which are globally use in the
field of fingerprint identification. A Classification which
enables us to easily file, search and traced against millions
of tenprint cards.
Thomas BEWICK, an English naturalist, uses engravings of
his own fingerprints to identify books he published.

JUAN VUCETICH – developed his own system of system of

classification and which was officially adopted in Argentina
and in used today in most-Spanish speaking country.
Credited to the case of “ROJAS HOMICIDE”.
 AMERICA
GILBERT THOMPSON – a geologist in New Mexico, adopted
the first individual use of fingerprint in August 8, 1882 as a
protection to prevent tampering with the pay order.

SAMUEL LANGHORNE CLEMENS – introduced dactyloscopy

in the United States in his book “Life in the Mississippi”
CAPT. JAMES L. PARKE – first to used fingerprint adopted in
Singsing Prison.
MARY K. HOLLAND – first American instructress in
dactyloscopy.
DR. EDMOND LOCARD (1912) - “Father of Poroscopy”
Known for his Locardian Principle which states that,
“When two objects come into contact, there is an
exchange of material from each to the other.”
 History of Fingerprint in the Philippines
Mr. Jones – One who first taught fingerprint in the
Philippines.
Lt. Asa and N. Darby – established the modern and
complete fingerprint files for Philippine
Commonwealth.
Genereso Reyes – The first Filipino fingerprint
technician employed by Philippine Constabulary (P.C.)
Isabela Bernales – first Filipina fingerprint
technician.
Capt. Thomas Dugan and Flaviano Guerrero - gave
the first fingerprint examination in the Philippines
where Augustin Patricio top the examination.
Medina Case – first conviction based on fingerprint
the Philippine Jurisprudence.
 DOGMATIC PRINCIPLES OF
FINGERPRINT
2. Permanency – that the
friction ridge once fully
1. Individuality – developed, its arrangement 3. Infallibility – that
no two persons will remains the same fingerprint cannot
have the same throughout the man’s life. be easily forged.
fingerprint. 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.
 Some attempts of destroying ridges
A. JOHN DILLINGER – tried to remove his fingerprint
through acid.
B. ROBERT (ROSCOE) JAMES PITTS – known as “Man
w/o fingerprint” tried to elude arrest by removing the
friction ridge through incision.
FINGERPRINT – is an impression design by the
first joint of the fingers and thumb on smooth
surface through the medium of ink, sweat, or any
substance capable of producing visibility.
 Related Studies in Fingerprints
▪ Dactyloscopy – (Latin word= “Dactyl” means Finger; Latin word = “Skopien”
means to examine)
- is the practical application of the science of fingerprints.
▪ Dactylography – scientific study of fingerprint as a means of identification.
▪ Dactylomancy – personality interpretation.
▪ Dermatoglyphics – deals with the study of skin patterns.
▪Chiroscopy – (Greek word “Cheir” – a hand, “Skopien” – to
examine) it studies the prints of the palm of the hand. William
Herschel is considered as “Father of Chiroscopy”
▪Podoscopy – (Greek word “Podo” – sole of the foot and “Skopien” –
to examine) deals with the study of the footprints.
▪Poroscopy – (Greek word “Poros” – pore and “Skopien” – to
examine) deals with the study of the arrangement of the sweat
pores. Edmond Locard is considered the “Father of Poroscopy”
 Finger Composition and Structure
PHALANGE – is the skeletal finger covered with friction skin. It
is made up of three bones.
a. Basal or Proximal – it is located at the base of the
finger nearest the palm.
b. Middle Phalange – the next and above the basal bone.
c. Terminal Phalange – the particular bone covered with
friction skin and located at the tip of the finger.
 THE FRICTION SKIN

- is the epidermal hairless skin found on the

ventral/lower surface of the hands and feet covered
with minute ridges and furrows.
RIDGES OF FINGER AND FOOT
 Fundamental Layers
A. Epidermis – the outermost layer.
a. Stratum Corneum
b. Stratum Mocosum
B. Dermis/true skin – the innermost layer
containing blood vessel and various glands
 STRUCTURE OF SWEAT PRODUCER

1. SWEAT GLANDS – are found in the dermis

layer of the skin which is responsible for the
production of sweat.
2. SWEAT DUCT – long tube like structure
serves as passageway for sweat.
3. SWEAT PORES – small opening where
sweat comes out.
 Ridge Destruction –
damage in the friction skin can
be temporary or permanent.
Such permanency in the damage
may cause scar or termed as
“Sicatriz.”
 Composition of Friction Skin
Ridge Surface
A. Ridge – the levated or hill like
structure/the black lines with tiny white dots.
It appears as black lines in the fingerprint
impression.
B. Furrow – the depressed canal like
structure/the white space between ridges. It
appears as white lines in a fingerprint
impression.
RIDGES AND FURROWS
 RIDGE CHARACTERISTICS
- Is also known as “minutiae”
- refers to the details of ridge structures,
formations and elements which imparts
individuality to each print.
FINGERPRINT COMPARISON
COMPUTERIZED ANALYSIS
 THE RIDGE CHARACTERISTICS
(GALTON DETAILS)
▪Bifurcation – a ridge formation wherein a single
ridge divides or forks into two. It forks.
▪Ending Ridge – it refers to an abrupt end.
▪Ridge Dot (Island Ridge) – ridge formation in a
form of a dot or period.
▪Diverging Ridge – two ridges that spread apart.
▪Converging Ridge – two ridges that meet at a
certain point.
▪Enclosure/Lake Ridge/Eyelet – a single ridge
that divides into two and meets at a certain point
to form another single ridge.
▪Fragmentary Ridge – a ridge of extremely thin in
appearance.
▪Bridges – a connection ridge between parallel running
ridges usually in right angles.
▪Crossover – two ridges cross each other.
▪Sufficient Recurve – recurving ridge complete on its
shoulder and free from any appendage.
▪Rod or Bar – short or long ridge inside the recurve and
directed towards the core.
▪Obstruction Ridge – found inside the recurve which
blocks the inner line of flow towards the core.
▪Appendage – a short ridge found at the top or
summit of recurving ridge.
▪Type Lines – is a diverging ridge that tends to
surround the pattern.
▪Pattern Area – it is surrounded by the type lines
and where the delta, core, ridges and patterns are
located.
 THE FINGERPRINT PATTERNS
THE THREE GENERAL/FAMILY OF FINGERPRINT
PATTERNS.
✓The Arch (5%)
✓The Whorl (35%)
✓The Loop (60%)

ARCH WHORL LOOP

 THE EIGHT STANDARD FINGERPRINT PATTERN
-Presently, there are eight standard patterns.
Before, on the Galton and Henry System, they used
the Nine standard fingerprint pattern. Only that
after the Galton-Henry System with FBI
Modification and Extension, we have our eight
standard fingerprint pattern.
 Galton-Henry System Galton-Henry System with FBI
Modification
Groups/Families = 3 Groups/Families = 3

1. Arch (3) – Plain, Tented, and 1. Arch (2) – Plain and Tented
Exceptional Arch.
2. Loop (4) – Plain, Lateral, Twin, and 2. Loop (2) – Radial and Ulnar Loop
Central Pocket Loop
3. Whorl (2) – Plain Whorl and 3. Whorl (4) – Plain, Central Pocket
Accidental Whorl Loop, Double Loop, and Accidental
Whorl
 Whorl
a. Plain Whorl (W) – at least one circuiting ridge is touched or cross by
an imaginary line from delta to delta.
1 CORE
2 DELTAS
b. Central Pocket Loop (C) – no circuiting ridge is touched by the
imaginary line from delta to delta.
1 CORE
2 DELTAS
PLAIN WHORL
CENTRAL POCKET LOOP
C. Double Loop Whorl (D)
▪2 separate loop formation
▪2 separate and distinct shoulder
▪2 deltas

D. Accidental Whorl (X)

▪2 or 3 deltas
▪2 diff. types of patterns except PLAIN ARCH.
DOUBLE LOOP WHORL
ACCIDENTAL WHORL
 LOOP
a. There must be a delta and core.
b. A sufficient re-curving ridge passing or touching an
imaginary line drawn between the core and delta.
c. There must be ridge count of at least one.

1 CORE ONLY & 1 DELTA ONLY

SUBJECT FOR RIDGE COUNT
LOOP
 TWO STANDARD LOOP PATTERN
1. Ulnar Loop – downward slant are towards the
little finger or ulnar bone.
2. Radial Loop – downward slant are toward the
thumb or radius bone.
BASIC ELEMENTS OF LOOP
SUFFICIENT RECURVE
 ARCH
1. Plain Arch (A) – a type of fingerprint pattern in which
ridges flow form one side to the opposite side with a slight
raise in the center.
2. Tented Arch (T) – is a type of pattern having a sufficient
rise an angle of 90 degrees, an uptrust, and approaching the
loop type or incomplete loop formation (there is no ridge
count).
Delta and Core?
NO DELTA NO CORE NO RIDGE COUNT
 KINDS OF TENTED ARCH
1. ANGLE TYPE - a short vertical ridge forming an angle
of 90 degrees or less.
2. UPTRUST - a horizontal ridge that makes a sufficient
rise at the center.
3. INCOMPLETE LOOP - similar to a loop with missing one
or two elements
 The Two Fingerprint Terminus (Focal Points)
1. The Delta (outer terminus) – point on the ridge at or
nearest the point of divergence of two typelines, and
located at or directly in front of the point of divergence.
2. The Core (inner terminus or the heart) – known as
the “heart” found at the center or innermost recurve of
the typelines.
Front of divergence of the typeline
 RULES IN CHOOSING A DELTA
1. Delta must be the first ridge or part of a ridge
nearest to the point of divergence of two type lines.

2. The delta may not be located at a bifurcation that

does not open toward the core. – it should be open
toward the core
3. When there is a choice between a bifurcation and
another type of delta, the bifurcation is selected.
4. When there are two or more possible bifurcation
deltas that conform to the definition, the one nearest
the core should be chosen.
5. Delta must be located midway between the diverging
type lines at or just in front or where they diverge.
 RULES IN CHOOSING A CORE
1. Either found either on or within the innermost
recurving loop.
2. The shoulder of the recurving ridge farther
from the delta.
3. Even number of rod as high as the shoulder,
the core is located upon the end of the farther
one of the two center ridges or rod.
4. Odd/Uneven number of rod as high as the
shoulder, middle rod.
5. The rod must rise as high as core high as the
shoulder
 RIDGE COUNTING AND
RIDGE TRACING
▪Ridge Counting – process of counting
the ridges that touches the imaginary line
from delta to core in a loop type pattern.
FULL RIDGE
COUNT
 RULES IN RIDGE COUNTING

1. Locate the exact delta and core.

2. Count all the ridges touched by the imaginary line.
3. There must be a white between ridge to the next
ridge.
4. Never include delta and core in the counting.
 RIDGE CHARACTERISTICS AND
THEIR RIDGE COUNTS
1. Bifurcation – 2 counts if touches bifurcating ridge; 2 counts if
on the line of count; 1 count if single ridge.
2. Short Ridge – one ridge count
3. Long Ridge – one ridge count
4. Ending Ridge – one ridge count
5. Eyelet/eyeloop – same with the bifurcation.
SAMPLE RIDGE COUNT OF
BIFURCATION AND EYELET
▪Ridge Tracing – number of intervening ridges
between the tracing ridge at the right delta.
- a process of ridge tracing of a whorl
pattern from the left delta to the right delta.
 RULES IN WHORL TRACING

▪ Tracing begins from left delta until

the extreme right delta is reached.
▪ When the ridge traced ends
abruptly, the tracing drops down to
the point on the next lower ridge
immediately beneath the point where
the ridge above ends.
▪ Whenever the ridge traced
bifurcates, the rule for tracing
require that the lower limb or
branch proceeding from the
bifurcation be followed.
 Rules on Ridge Tracing of Whorl
A. If the tracing ridge from the left delta goes INSIDE or ABOVE the
right delta and there 3 or more intervening ridges, the tracing is INNER
(I).
B. If the tracing ridge from the left delta goes OUTSIDE or BELOW the
right delta and there are 3 or more intervening ridges, the tracing is
OUTER (O).
C. If the tracing ridge from the left delta goes either ABOVE or BELOW
the right delta and there are 2 or less intervening ridges, the tracing is
MEETING (M).
▪ Accidental often possess three or
more deltas. In tracing them only the
extreme deltas are considered,
beginning of the tracing at the
extreme left delta and proceeding
toward the extreme right delta.
 TYPES OF FINGERPRINT
IMPRESSION
1. ROLLED IMPRESSION – impression taken individually
by rolling each finger from end to end point of the first
joint.
2. PLAIN IMPRESSION – made by simultaneously taking
the fingerprint and used as a reference for rolled
impression,
 Basic Rules in taking Fingerprints:
1. Subject should be instructed to stand straight but relax facing the slab.
2. The subject hand should be completely dry
3. Thumb fingers are rolled towards the body while other fingers are rolled
away from the body.
4. In case of Split/Webbed thumb, it should be rolled together and be classified
based on: = (1) get the bigger one; if of the same size, Get the inner one.
5. In case of Polydactyl or Extra Finger which is totally separate: Print the
extra finger on the other side of the card and make a note.
 FINGERPRINT CLASSIFICATION
PROCEDURE
▪ BLOCKING – is the process of writing below
each pattern the corresponding symbol of the
fingerprint pattern.
▪ CLASSIFICATION – is the method of obtaining
a formula for a set of fingerprints whereby it
may be located in the filing cabinet.
▪ CLASSIFICATION FORMULA – is a numerical
description of a set of fingerprints which is
composed of figures and letters written above
the horizontal line.
 FORMATION IN THE CLASSIFICATION
LINE

KEY MAJOR PRIMARY SECONDARY SUB-SECONDARY FINAL

______________________________________________________________
MAJOR PRIMARY SECONDARY SUB-SECONDARY FINAL
 DIVISION OF THE CLASSIFICATION
FORMULA
1. PRIMARY CLASSIFICATION – summation of all numerical value
designated only to Whorl Patterns appearing in a fingerprint chart.
Expressed in as numerators and denominators with a pre-established
fraction of 1/1 to complete the Primary Division.

ALL WHORLS APPEARING IN THE FOLLOWING FINGERS WILL HAVE

ITS CORRESPONDING NUMERICAL VALUES:
▪ (1ST PAIR) 1st and 2nd Finger (Right Thumb and Right Index)= numerical value of 16
▪ (2ND PAIR) 3rd and 4th Finger(Right Middle and Right Ring)= numerical value of 8
▪ (3RD PAIR) 5th and 6th finger (Right Little and Left Thumb)= numerical value of 4
▪ (4TH PAIR) 7th and 8th finger (Left Index and Left Middle)= numerical value of 2
▪ (5TH PAIR) 9th and 10th finger (Left Ring and Left Little) = numerical value of 1
D/ W W
C A W
/ W
X / A T
2. SECONDARY CLASSIFICATION (BY CAPITAL
LETTERED GROUP) – this is done by putting all the
CAPITAL LETTER symbol of the standard fingerprint
pattern from two INDEX FINGERS. The pattern in the
Right hand will be the Numerator and Left Hand the
Denominator.
W \ A / \
W / / W A
▪SECONDARY CLASSIFICATION (by small lettered group) -
this involves the three fingerprint pattern namely, radial loop,
plain arch, and tented arch (rat). Whenever these patterns appear in
the finger, the symbol must be
r for radial loop,
a for plain arch, W
A \T AT /T D\
t for tented arch.
W A/ W
/ W
\ A\
The Index Finger is excluded in this classification.
 3. SUB-SECONDARY CLASSIFICATION – derived from the
index, middle, and ring finger.
- it is derived by ridge counting the loop and Ridge tracing
the Whorl. I – INNER 3 OR MORE – INSIDE / ABOVE

a. Ridge Counting of Loop O – OUTER 3 OR MORE OUTSIDE / BELOW

b. Ridge Tracing of Whorl M – MEETING 0 – 2 RIDGES

INDEX MIDDLE RING

INTERPRETATION

INNER 1-9 1-10 1-13

OUTER 10 OR MORE 11 OR MORE 14 OR MORE

4. MAJOR DIVISION – used on both left or right
thumb.
A. Whorl- Ridge Tracing= I–M–O
B. Loop- Ridge Counting= S–M–L
C. Arch- Dash (-)
Tables for Loop Patterns
TABLE 1 TABLE 2
1 – 11 = SMALL 1 – 17 = SMALL
12 – 16 = MEDIUM 18 – 22 = MEDIUM
17 OR MORE = LARGE 23 OR MORE = LARGE
 5. FINAL DIVISION – derived from the little
fingers only.
- Both loop and whorl are subject to ridge
counting.
-Radial and Ulnar are subject to the usual
procedure.
 Rules in Ridge Counting of Whorl:
a. Plain or Central Pocket Loop Whorl – will be
treated as Ulnar Loop.
b. Double Loop Whorl – get the ridge count of the top
loop
c. Accidental Whorl – get the least ridge count from
any of the whorl pattern appearing therein.
6. KEY DIVISION – getting the ridge count of the 1st
loop except the little fingers.
- if there is no loop, the first whorl shall be ridge
counted and will be treated as Ulnar Loop.
5
A
W T RA A A
W 10 A WR T W
 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.
FINGERPRINT LABORATORY EQUIPMENT

1. Ink Slab/Inking Plate – is a

metallic or glass plate where the
ink is being distributed with as
much as 1/4 thick and 6 or more
inches long.
2. Ink Roller – rubber made roller to spread
the ink in the slab.
3. Fingerprint Ink – form of ink intended to
be used in taking the fingerprint impression.
4. Fingerprint Card/Tenprint Card – an 8” X 8” card
to record the fingerprint impression.
5. Fingerprint Card Holder- used to hold or avoid the
movement of the card while taking the fingerprint of
the subject.
A. 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.
A. Surface they have been found.
a. 1 Soft Surface – (such as soap, wax, wet paint, fresh caulk,
etc.) are likely to be three-dimensional plastic prints.
a. 2. Hard Surfaces – are either patent (visible) or latent
(invisible) prints
Visible Prints – when blood, dirt, ink, paint, etc., is
transferred from a finger or thumb to a surface.
B. According to Degree of Visibility
1. Visible Prints – those prints that can be easily recognized
such as blood, dirt, ink, paint, or any colored surface is
transferred from a finger or thumb to a surface.
2. Semi-visible Prints – prints found on clay, dust, muds and
other sticky surface.
3. Invisible Prints – those prints created through sweat or
perspiration found on the fingers. It is the common types
observed in the crime scene.
Other types of latent prints
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 in Developing Latent Prints
1. Dusting Method – considered as the simplest and most
common method of developing latent prints. By using black
powder, the powder will adhere on the moisture left on the
surface. Fingerprint powder can be categorized into four:
▪ Regular Powders
▪ Luminescent Powder
▪ Metallic Powder
▪ Thermoplastic
▪ Chemical Fuming – it is used by applying iodine fume into the latent
print surface.
▪ Cyanoacrylate Fuming – used for the development of latent prints on
surfaces made of plastic, adhesive tapes aluminum foils, and rubber
bands.
▪ Iodine Dusting Method – same procedure as that of a dusting method
but uses an iodine powder and absorbs the fingerprint which gives
yellowish brown prints as a result of development.
▪ Ninhydrin Method – best method applied in
developing latent prints in a paper surface.
▪ Silver Nitrate Reagent – the application of silver nitrate
to a latent print surface and reacts to the chloride
present in the latent print.
▪ Iodine Silver Plate Transfer Method – a practical technique used in
developing latent print on human skin. It is done by spraying an
iodine fume into the area of the skin. Once the latent print is
developed, it will be transferred to a silver plate then exposed to
strong light for evaluation.

▪ Laser Method – modern way of developing latent print.

 BASIC INSTRUMENT IN TAKING
LATENT PRINTS
1. Fingerprint Powders – powder used in developing latents
found at the crime scene. It must based on the color of
adherence of the latent print.
2. Fingerprint Brushes – used for developing latent prints.
3. Fingerprint Lifting Tapes – tape used in lifting the developed
latent print.
4. Rubber Gloves – to protect the technician's
finger from leaving his own prints on the crime
scene.
5. Latent Print Transfer Card – used in
preserving the lifted latent print which is either
white or black in background.
 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
1. 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
rolling the tape evenly from the surface and
immediately transfer to the latent print transfer
card.
2. Avoid leaving your fingerprint in the lifting
tape. Also prevent the entry of air bubbles under
the lifting tape.
3. Put your initials, date, and other details in the
evidence envelop.
Thank you . . . good
luck!
Your preparation will
determine your
destiny!