 Submittedto: Josephine Dacayna Matos

Dean of B.S Criminology Department

 Submittedby: Wenrickjohn J. Rabina

Ivae E. Porlit
B.S Criminology 4
FINGERPRINTING
(DACTYLOSCOPY)
NATURE OF FINGERPRINTING
Fingerprinting- is a composite of the fridge outlines
which appears on the skin surfaces of the bulbs on
the inside of the end of joints of the fingers and
thumbs.
Its narrow sense is an impression left by
the friction ridges of human finger. The recovery of
fingerprints from a crime scene is an important
method of forensic science. Fingerprints are easily
deposited on suitable surfaces (such as glass or metal
or polished stone) by the natural secretions of sweat
from the eccrine glands that are present in
epidermal ridges. These are sometime referred to
“Chanced Impressions”
HISTORICAL ACCOUNTS
INVOLVING FINGERPRINTS

Are there any ancient concerning the use of Finger and Palm Prints?
1. On the face of a cliff in NOVA SCOTIA, there has been found
prehistoric Indian picture writing of a hand with crudely marked ridge
patterns.
2. Scholars refer to the impression of fingerprints on day tables
recording business transactions in ancient Babylon and clay seals of
ancient Chines origin bearing thumbprints. Some of these seals can be
seen in the SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTIONAL WASHINGTON, O.C.
3. In the Bible, Apostle Paul concludes in one of his epistles, so I write.
“Some have inferred from these words that Paul used his finger
impressions as a distinctive signature.
4. In Persis, 14th century, various government papers were reportedly
impressed with fingerprints and a government official who was also a
physician made the observation that no fingerprints of two persons
were exactly alike.
5. In Holland and China, identification of individuals was by means of
branding, tattooing, mutilation, and also manifested by wearing clothes of
different designs.
6. In Old Mexico, the Aztecs impressed their hands accidentally or
intentionally on the molded and still soft days of their hand-made idols to
serve as their trade marks.
7. In France, numerous rocks carvings and paintings featuring hand designs
and fingerprints have been found on the granite wall slabs in the Neolithic
burial passage of the L “ile de Gavr’nis.
8. In Babylonia, the first use of fingerprints for personal identification
originated when Babylonian magistrates ordered their officers making arrest
and property confiscation to secure the defendants fingerprints.
9. Komombo plane, on the east bank of river Nile Egypt, lump of hundred
matches found in sebekian deposit which shows a portion of an adult palm
during 12000DC.
10. In Judea, Paul the apostle uses his own fingerprints to sign his letters.
11. In Jerusalem, fingerprints relics where founds in clay lumps during the 4th
and 5th centuries of the Christian era.
12. In China, fingerprints are called “huachi”.
13. During tang dynasty, fingerprints were used in connection with the
preparation of legal documents.
14. The code of domestic relation as described in Chinese
law book of young Hwui states “who divorced a wife; the
husband must right a bill of the divorcement and state the
reasons or grounds that are due for action, and then
impress palm prints thereon.
15. Early in the 12th century, in the novel, “the story of river
banks, “fingerprinting found itself already in the criminal
procedure in china.
16. In Japan, deeds, dotes, and certificates to be used as
proofs where sealed buy the mark of the hands (palm
print) called “tigata”.
17. In Constantinople, in a treaty of ratification, the sultan
soaked his hand in a sheep blood and impressed in the
document as his seal.
18. In England, Thomas Bewick, an English engraver, author,
and naturalist engraved the patterns of his own fingers on
every wood work he had finished to serve as his mark so as
to established its genuineness.
ARE THERE ANY EALY
PUBLICTAION CONCERNING
FINGERPRINTS?
1. 1684-Nehemiah Grew published a report which was
read before royal society of London, England.
2. 1685-G. Bidloo published a treaty describing sweat
pores and ridges.
3. 1685-Midle wrote a book, “Human Anatomy,”
4. 1686- Professor Marcelo Malpighi, an Italian anatomist
(GRANDFATHER OF THE DACTYLOSCOPY according to
Dr. Edmond Locard – “THE FATHER OF POROSCOPY”).
5. 1751-Hintzo wrote on the ridge formation, but dealt
with the subject from the viewpoint of anatomy rather
than identification.
6. 1764- Albinus followed along the same lines as Hintzo
had written.
7. 1788-J.C.A. Mayer stated in his book (Anastomiche
Kuptertatein Nebst Gaharigen).
8. 1823- Johannes Evangelist Purkinje, (father of
dactylocospy) a Czechoslovakian professor of
anatomy at University of Breslau, published a thesis in
Latin ( Commentio de Examine Physiogco Organi
Visus Et systematis Cutansi- A Commentary of the
Physiological Examination System:Dec. 22, 1823,
Breslau Germany)
9. 1856- Herman Welcker took the prints of his own
palm. In 1897 41 years later he printed the same palm
to prove that the prints do not change (Principle of
Permanency)
10. 1883- Kollman, an anthropologist who wrote his
book on ridges and pores.
WHAT ARE THE HISTORICAL EVENTS
CONCERNING FINGERPRINTS AS
METHOD OF IDENTIFICATION?
1. 1856- Sir William J. Herschel (A FATHER OF CHIROSCOPY).
2. 1880-Dr. Henry Faulds, an English Scottish doctor stationed in
Tokyo Japan wrote a letter to an English publication, “nature”
– “on the skin furrows on the hand”.
3. 1880-Sir Francis Galton, a noted British Anthropologist and a
cousin of scientist Charles Darwin began observation which
lead to the publication in 1882 of his book “fingerprints”.
4. 1882- Gilbert Thompson, AUS geological surveyor in charge
in field project in New Mexico use his own fingerprints in
commissary orders to prevents forgery.
5. Isaiah West Caber- a photographer in San Francisco
advocated the use of system for the registration of the
immigrants Chinese.
6. 1883- an episode in Mark Twaines life on Mississippi
relates to the identification of a murderer by his thumb
prints.
7. 1888- Sir Edward Richard Henry succeeded Sir
William J. Herschel at his post in India. Classification
and uses of fingerprints.
8. 1914- fingerprints where officially adopted in
France, replacing Bertillon age
 WHAT ARE THE IMPORTANT DATES
CONCERNING IN DEVELOPMENT AND
USE OF FINGERPRITNS
1. 1882-Gilbert Thompson (theIN UNITED
record STATES?
dated August
8,1882).
2. 1902-Sir Henry T. Forest chief medical examiner of
New York civil service commission.
3. The New York Civil Service Commission on
December 19, 1902 Dr. Henry Forest.
4. 1903- New York State prison in Albeny
5. 1903- Fingerprints identification adopt in the
following penitentiaries, singingsing, napanoch euburn
in Clinton prisons.
6. Captain James Park 1903
7. 1904- Mag.r Mccloughry the warden of the federal
penitentiary of livens worth.
8. 1904- John Keneth Ferrer (Perrier of the fingerprints
branch of the New Scotland yard.
9. 1904- the city of the St. Louis Missoury, the police
department officials adopt the system on October
1904.
10. 1905- fingerprinting was officially adopt by the U.S
Army
11. 1907- fingerprinting was adopted by U.S navy
(January 11, 1907).
12. 1908- fingerprinting was adopted by the U.S
marines corps
13. 1910- Frederick A. Brayly published what appears
to be the first American book in the fingerprints.
14. 1911- The states of Illinois, made the first criminal
conviction based solely upon fingerprints evidence it
was known as the first judicial ruling of such evidence.
15. 1915- The international association for criminal
identification.
16. 1916- The institution of applied science established
Chicago Illinois on June 16, 1916.
17. 1916- Frederick Kuhne published a book entitled
the fingerprints in instructor.
18. 1919- Mark publication of “fingerprints
identification magazine in Chicago on July 1919”
19. 1920- the exceptional arch
20. 1922- Haken Jersengen, the sub director of police
in Copenhangen
21. Mary K. Holland- the first American instructress in
dactylocospy
22. 1924- the identification division of the FBI was
established after J.Edgar Hoover was appointed
director
23. 1924- a book entitled “single prints system by T. K.
Larson” was first established in U.S
24. The first national bureau of identification was
created by the act of congress.
25. 1925- Harry J. Myers installed the first official fact
fingerprints system for infants in Jewish Maternity
Hospital in Pennsylvania U.S.A
26. 1925- the commonwealth of Pennsylvania approved on
April 20, 1925
27. 1932- the international exchange of fingerprint date
was on February 16,1932.
28. 1933- bureau of identification U.S department of justice
(February 1933)
29. The civil identification of section was established on
November 10, 1933
30. 1937- The Institute of Applied Science installed
Photographic and firearms identification (forensic Ballistic)
laboratories.
31. 1938- a book by Harry J. Myers II, “History of
Identification of Fingerprints in U.S
32. 1946- the 100th millionth fingerprint card was received in
the identification division of the FBI 152 million in May 1959
33. 1967- “Minutaiae” was initiated by the FBI, a
computerized scanning equipment to read and record
fingerprints identifying characters.
34. 1972- the prototype automatic fingerprint reader was
delivered.
35. 19783- implementation of the first phase of the
automated identification system
36. 1978- Journal Forensic Science – reported that certain
properties of perspiration and body oils contained in latent
print residue will luminesce without pre-treatment and to a
degree that photographs could be taken when activated
by continuous Argon-ION laser.
37. 1979-AIS-2 replaced AIS-1
38. 1979 (October 17, 1979) a latent fingerprint was
developed and lifted from the hands of a victim in Miami
Florida murder resulting identifying a suspect
39. 1982- Missing Children Act was signed in Law which
requires the Attorney General to acquire, collect, classify,
and preserve any information.
40. 1983- completion of the conversion of the FBI criminal
fingerprint searching from manual to automated searching
41. 1984-AIS record became available online through the
NCC Program
42. 1985- (January 2) – a contract was awarded for
building the final phase of the identification Division
automated system (IDAS)
43. 1989-IDAS implementation. Its features are integrated
document transport equipment online automated
technical fingerprint search and simplified processing flow.
WHAT ABOUT HISTORICAL
DEVELOPMENT OF FINGERPRINTS IN
THE PHILIPPINES?

1. 1900- Mr. Jones was the first to teach fingerprints in the Philippines in
the Phil. Constabulary.
2. 1918- The Bureau of Prisons records show that carpetas (commitment
and conviction records) already bear fingerprints.
3. Under the management of Lt. Asa N. Darby during the American
occupation in the Philippines, a modern and complete fingerprints file
has been established for the Philippine commonwealth.
4. 1937- the first Filipino fingerprint technician employed by the Phil.
Constabulary was Mr. Generoso Ryes, Capt. Thomas Dugan of New
York City Police Department and Mr. Flaviano C. Gurrero of the Federal
Bureau of Investigation (FBI) gave the first examination in fingerprints.
5. 1933- the first conviction based on fingerprints was handed by the
Supreme Court of the Phil. In the case People vs. Medina and this case
is considered the leading judicial decision in the Philippine
jurisprudence concerning fingerprinting (December 23)
6. The science of fingerprinting was first offered as a subject in the
Philippines through the effort of the Plaridel Educational Institution.
STUDYING FINGERPRINTS

WHAT ARE THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF FINGERPRINTS

SCIENCE? (3 DOGMATIC PRINCIPLES)
1. Principle of Individuality (Variation)-There are no two
fingerprints that are exactly also unless taken from the
same finger.
2. Principle of Permanency
(Constancy/Perennial/Immutable)- The configuration
and deals of individual ridges remain constant and
unchanging till after the final decomposition of the
body.
3. Principle of Infallibility- that fingerprint is a reliable
means of personal identification and all counts accept
and adopt fingerprint as a means of personal
identification.
WHAT ARE THE TWO MAIN
LAYERS OF THE SKIN?

1. Outer scarf of Epidermis

2. Inner scarf of dermis
STATE THE PRINCIPLE USES OF
FINGERPRINTS- Some of the uses of
fingerprints includes:
1. Identification of criminals whose fingerprints are found
at the scene of the crime.
2. Identification of fugitive through a comparison of
fingerprints.
3. Assistance to prosecutors in presenting their cases in
the light of defendants’ previous records
4. Imposition of more equitable sentence by the courts.
5. Furnishing identification data to probation and parole
officers and to parole boards for their enlightenment in
decision making
6. Exchange of criminal-identifying-information with
identification bureaus of foreign countries in cases of
mutual interest
7. Means of personal identification
8. Recognition by the government of honored dead
9. Identification of unknown deceased
10. Prevention of hospital mistakes in the identification
of infants
11. Identification of persons suffering from amnesia
where fingerprints are on the
12. Identification of missing person
13. Personal identification of victims of disaster works
14. Identification of unconscious persons
15. Licensing procedures for automobile, firearms,
aircraft, and other equipment.
 GIVE THE REAONS WHY
FINGERPRINTS IS ONE OF THE MOST
INFALLIBLE MEANS OF PERSONAL
IDENTIFICATION
1. Fingerprints are already formed about 3 to 4 months of intra-
urine and will remain unchanged throughout life until the final
decomposition of the body.
2. The pattern formation formed by the papillary ridges contains
peculiar characteristics upon which a person can always be
identified by fingerprints examiners.
3. Almost every police and law enforcement agencies
throughout the world accept, adopt, and utilize the fingerprint
system as a means of absolute identification of a person.
4. The court and other authorities had been taken cognizance of
its importance and reliability as a means of identification.
5. The fingerprint will speak for itself as it shows the owner thereof
in accordance with the principle of re ipso liquitor (a thing will
speak for itself).
FINGERPRINT CHARACTERISTICS
AND FORMATIONS

Allied Sciences of Fingerprints

Dactyloscopy- identification of persons
through examination and comparison of fingerprint.
Taken from Greek word: Dactylos- a finger of skopien-
to examine.
1. Poroscopy- science of palm print identifiction
2. Chiroscopy- science of palm print identification
3. Podoscopy- science of foot print identification
Pattern interpretation
1. Arches- 5%
2. Loops- 60%
3. Whorts- 35%
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF RIDGE
FORMATION?

1. Recurving ridge- is a ridge that curves back in the

direction in which it started.
2. Converging ridge- two or more lines forming an
angle, a ridge whose closed end is angular and serves
as a point of convenience.
3. Diverging ridges- two ridges running side by side and
suddenly separating, one ridge going one way and the
other ridge, another way.
4. Bifurcating ridges- a single ridge which splits into two
ridges forming a “Y” shape formation or structure.
5. Island, Eyelet, lake or Eye- it is a single ridge which
bifurcates where the bifurcating ridges converge at a
certain point to form again into a single ridges.
6. Dot or Series of Dots- they are fragmentary ridges
formed like a dot or dots.
7. Short or series of short ridges- they are fragmentary
ridges formed by the short or series of short ridges.
8. Ridge Ending- it is a termination or ending of ridge
or ridges.
9. Fragmentary ridges- they consists of disconnected
sequences of short ridges embodied intensely.
10. Ridge Hook- it is a ridge that divides to form two
ridges which are shorter in length than the main ridge.
11. Ridge Bridge- this is a connecting ridge between
two ridges.
12. Incipient or Nascent Ridge- this is a kind of ridge
which is madly formed, thin, short, or broken which
appears in the depressions between two well-formed
ridges.
13. Sufficient Recurve- the space between shoulders
of a loop.
14. Appendage- a short ridge at the top or summit of
a recurve usually at right angle.
15. Core- it is a point on a ridge formation usually
located at the center or heart of a pattern.
RULES ON FINGERPRINTS
PATTERS

1. Radial loop- “R” – derived its name from the radius bone of
the forearm, it is one type of fingerprints pattern in which ridges
run its direction to the radius bone or to the thumb.
2. Ulnar loop- is one type of fingerprint pattern which ridges
flow toward the ulnar bone or little finger its symbols is letter “U”
classification purpose.
3. Plain whorl- symbolize as letter “W” in the classification. It is a
fingerprint pattern which is two deltas in which at least one
ridge makes a turn through one complete circuit.
4. Central pocket loop whorl- symbolize by letter “C” in the
classification. It is a fingerprint pattern which for the most part
of the loop, but which has a small whorl inside the loop ridges.
5. Double loop whorl- symbolized by letter “D” in the
classification. A double loop whorl is a pattern consisting of
two separate and distinct loop formations.
6. Accidental whorl- symbolized by letter “X” in the
classification. It is a pattern which is a combination of two
or more different types of pattern except in the PLAIN
ARCH.
7. Plain arch- symbolized by letter “A” in the classification. It
is a fingerprint pattern in which the right ridges enter on
one side of the pattern and flow towards the other side
with a rise at the center with not more than one of the four
essential requisites for loop pattern and with no recurving
ridge, no angular formation, and no upward thrust.
8. Tented arches- symbolized by letter “T” in the
classification. It is variety of each family, but their ridge
formations are not simple as those of the plain arch, also
considered TRANSITIONAL PATTERN between a plain arch
and a loop.
REAL FINGERPRINT
IMPRESSIONS

Real impressions
impressions of the finger bulbs with
the use of the printing ink on the surface of
the paper.
Methods of Producing Real Impressions
1. Plain method
2. Rolled method
Methods of recording real
fingerprints
Step 1: ink the roller. Apply a small amount of fingerprint
ink on the right side of the slab, toward the back. Roll
out a two or three inch wide layer of ink on the back
portion of the slab-lifting the roller off the slab after each
stroke and return to the starting point. Repeat several
times until a thin film of ink forms on the roller.
Step 2: next, using the same roller motion, spread the
layer toward the front edge of the slab, until a smooth,
uniform coating of ink forms. The front edge is where the
fingerprints are rolled . When the ink on the front edge
becomes too thin, replenish the ink roller on the back
edge of the slab and repeat step two.
Porelon Pad Method- no advance preparation in
needed to use the Porelon pad, however the pad
surface should be cleaned occasionally to remove oil
and dirt deposits by wiping the surface lightly with a
soft, dry tint free cloth.
Print Matic Method- like the side and roller method,
the print matic method requires that the ink is
embedded within the Print Matic roller, and coating
the slab requires only a few passes of the roller in the
same direction to apply a thin, even layer of ink.
EQUIPMENT USED IN PREPARATION FOR
TAKING FINGERPRINT USING SLAB AND
ROLLER METHOD

1. Inking plate- a 12 inches plate is long enough for

most set o 0 fingers. The width of the plate should not
be less than 8-inches, ten is a better width. A 10 inch
plate is also wide enough to ink a complete palm in
one operation whenever it becomes necessary.
2. Card holder- the simplest is a U-shaped spring
clamp. Made of spring steel, stainless steel or brass of
gauge sufficient to hold its shape in heavy usage.
3. Roller- 6 inches long and 2 inches in diameter. The
handle should have supporting posts or legs to
suspend the rubber roller from developing that sides
to keep unused portions of the plate and table top
form being smeared with ink.
4. Ink- black printers ink in the most commonly used for
taking fingerprint impression.
5. Fingerprint stand- 32 inches high, the inking surface
of a fingerprint stand should be approximately 12
inches above the top of an ordinary desk making the
printing surface approximately 44 inches from the floor
for the average person.
6. Standard eight by eight inches fingerprint card- it is
a found to be adequate to receiving five rolled
impressions across the card the size convenient to
handing the fling.
 IMPORTANT POINTS TO BE CONSIDERED
IN TAKING LEGIBLE FINGERPRINTS
1. Cleanliness of equipment
2. The right kind and correct amount of ink
3. Proper distribution of ink on the glass slab or inking plate
4. The distance of the subject from the inking 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 the rolling be
continuous movement including lifting.
7. The nail of the fingers should be at right angle to the slab or to
the card before starting the rolling and always roll the dingers
until the other side of the nail is reached (180 degrees)
8. The inking and printing must always reach below the first of the
fingers
9. The thumbs should be rolled towards the subjects body and all
other fingers away from the subject’s body.
STEPS IN TAKING FINGERPRINTS

1. The first and most important step is clear

the plate thoroughly.
2. A daub of printer’s ink is deposited near
the edge of the plate away from the
operator.
3. The subject’s hand and fingers must be
relaxed.
LIFTING METHOD- Collecting method by lifting
fingerprint developed with powder include methods
employing cellophane tape, vinyl tape or other
adhesive tape, and methods employing silicon rubber.

1. The lifting techniques with gelatin paper or lifter is

as follows;
2. Cut gelatin paper or lifter to proper size.
3. Put off the backing.
4. Direct the adhesive face toward the fingerprint.
5. Press on corner to the paper firmly to the object.
6. Press the rest of the paper to the object in stages,
from the point already towards the fingerprint.
7. Press it lightly and evenly with your palm, etc. less
air should be trapped.
8. Press it off after lifting.
9. Stick it to the backing in the same manner of lifting.
LIQUID METHOD

1. After some chemicals to latent or visible

fingerprint to cause a chemical change in
the excreta elements.
2. Develop or clarify it.
3. Records the print by photographing it.
GAS METHOD
This is a method when a latent fingerprint is
developed by means of coloring by affixing gasified
reagent or by causing chemical change in elements
of excreta, and then collected by photographing or
by lifting onto lifting material.

Iodine is exclusively used as a reagent.

LIFTING METHOD- This method includes a method where a visible
fingerprint is directly lifted to lifting material, a method where a
fingerprint which has been directly lifted is processed with powder,
chemical liquid, etc. and then preserved as it is or photographed.

Lifting material- all lifting material used for lifting

under the solid method, gelatin paper, lifter,
cellophane tape, transparent whyl tape, and other
adhesive tapes can be used, but in most cases,
gelatin paper is used.
Lifting method- the method of lifting directly to
the lifting material is mostly used for collecting a dust
fingerprint or diagnoses fingerprints
FLAME METHOD
This is a method of developing or clarifying
by affixing soot to latent or under fingerprint
MOLDING METHOD
This is a method of collecting visible
fingerprints with a molding material, and is
suitable for collecting form an object with so
complicated and uneven a surface that
lifting with lifting material is unfeasible.
PHOTOGRAPHING METHOD
Space age technology is being used to
enhance latent prints that heretofore were
of insufficient quality to be used.
DEVELOPMENT WITH LASERS
Light amplification by stimulated emission of
radiation.
LATENT FINGERPRINTS ON HUMAN
SKIN
Techniques for developing latent fingerprints
on human skin have been devised, but
have been successful only in rare instances.
They may be attempted in certain cases.
The procedures are simple to use,
inexpensive, and can be accomplished by
evidence technicians. The producers work
on both living and deceased subjects.
CHANCE FINGERPRINT
IMPRESSIONS
Chance impressions- these are fingerprints which are
imprinted by mere chance or without any intention
to produce the print. Chance print may be
1. Plastic impression- impressions made by chance on
cellophane tapes or any plastic materials.
2. Visible prints- impressions made by chance and
visible without chemical treatment.
3. Latent prints- impressions which are visible grossly
but made visible by the addition of some substances
SEARCH FOR SCENE OF
FINGERPRINT IMPRESSIONS

In order to collect scene fingerprints, it

is necessary to clarify when they were
impressd.
HOW TO COLLECT CHANCE FINGERPRINTS?
The methods of collecting fingerprints
are roughly classified into eight liquid
method, gas method, lifting method, flame
method, molding method, photographing
method, and development with lasers.
SOLID METHOD (POWDER
METHOD)
The sold method is also called the powder
method since powder is used, and is the
most basic method.
THE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY
METHOD

What are the Pure Henry System of

Classification?
1. Primary
2. Secondary and small letter groups
3. Sub-secondary
4. Final
5. Major
6. Key
PRIMARY CLASSIFICATION
Procedure to be followed in obtaining primary
classification
Numbering in natural sequence. The first step in
classifying fingerprints is the numbering of the finger and
thumbs. The natural sequence, starting with right thumb as one
and ending at the left little finger as ten is followed:
Right hand 12345
Left hand 678910
Odd fingers: the odd fingers are 1 (right thumb) 3
(right middle finger) 5 (right little finger) 7 (left index finger) 9
(left little finger)
Even fingers: the even finger are 2 (right index finger)
4 (right ring finger) 6 (left thumb) 8 (left middle finger) 10 (left
little finger)
Numerical Value of Whorls-
Designated Value of Each Finger
with Whorls

The Henry system designated the value of

whorl according to the finger or thumb on
which they appear, and in the following
sequences:
Right Hand 16 16 8 8 4
Left Hand 2 2 1 1
Total Whorl for Primary- in a set of prints, the numerical value is represented by
two (2) distinct totals: first, all whorls appearing on the odd fingers; and second, all
whorls appearing on the even fingers. The two totals obtained constitute the
primary classification. ODD and EVEN finger must never total together. The odd
numbered fingers shall constitute as the denominator and the EVEN numbered
fingers as the numerator.
Arbitrary count of one (1) ADDED- to each total, an arbitrary count of one is
added. The purpose of the arbitrary count of one is to avoid a classification of
zero over zero in a set of print in which no whorls appears.
Number of Possible Combinations in the Primary- there are one thousand and
twenty four (1,024) possible combinations of primaries, beginning with “one over
one” and ending with “thirty-two-over-thirty-two”
Getting Primary Classification
1/1 -lowest classification
32/32 -highest classification
Illustration:
1/1, 1/2, 1/3, ¼, 1/5, 1/6……………..1/32
2/1, 2/2, 2/3, 2/4, 2/5, 2/6……………2/32
3/1, 3/2, 3/3, ¾, 3/5, 3/6……………..3/32 TILL
32/1, 32/2, 32/3, 32/4, 32/5, 32/6…...32/32
Final not Possible- if the type pattern of either little finger is an arch, as tented
arch, no final classification is obtained.
 MAJOR CLASSIFICATION
The major classification represents only the thumb of
each hand. It is the ridge count of the loop and/or the tracing of
the whorl appearing in the thumb of each hand (if such whorls
appear).
Position- the major classification is placed immediately to
the left of the primary in the classification formula.
Right and Left Thumbs: Numerator and Denominator- the
thumb of the right hand appears in the classification formula as
the numerator, and the thumb of the left hand as the
denominator.
Symbol for Major Classification- the major classification is
written the specific symbols, which indicates the respective
patterns of the thumb as being either whorls or loops.
Ridge Tracing or Ridge Counting- these symbols are
governed by the ridge tracing for whorls or the ridge counts for
the loops.
Symbols for Loops: S (small) in loops (ridge count ;) M
(medium) in loops; L (large) in loops (ridge count).
Loops Pattern in Both Thumbs – in a set of prints having
loop patterns in both hands; the ridge count of the left
thumb governs the symbol for the right thumb.
Left thumb ridge count Right thumbs
ridge count
1 to 11 SMALL (S) 1 to 11 SMALL (S)
12 to 16 MEDIUM (M)
17 or more LARGE
(L)

12 to 16 MEDIUM (M) 1 to 11 SMALL (S)

12 to 16 MEDIUM (M)
17 or more LARGE
(L)

17 or more LARGE (L) 1 to 17 SMALL (S)

18 to 22 MEDIUM (M)
23 or more LARGE
(L)
Either Thumb Missing- when the thumb is missing, the
missing one acquires the same pattern, ridge count, or
ridge tracing as the thumb of the opposite hand
Grouping the Prints- because specific symbols have been
given for loops and others for whorls appearing on the
thumb, the prints are grouped according to their
respective patterns.
Sequence- the lifting for prints follows definite within each
group.
Denominator governs the sequences- as in all other groups;
the denominator governs the sequence and remains
unchanged until the numerator has exhausted the entire
sequence.
Sequence for Loops- since the loops in the thumbs are
indicated as small (S), medium (M), and large (L) the
sequence is as follows.
POWDERING METHOD

Powdering method include the brushing method, rolling

method, spraying method and light hitting method.
1. Brushing method- is a method where, after affixing powder to an
object to be examined with a brush (developing brush) to whose tip a
small quantity of powder has been affixed a fingerprint is developed
by lightly sweeping it with another, powder less brush to remove
excessive powder.
2. Rolling method- is method where, after placing a proper quantity of
powder on an object to be examined, lightly moving it by bending and
tilting, spreading out powder all over the object to have powder
adhere to the fingerprint, the fingerprint is developed by flipping the
back side of the object to remove excess powder.
3. Another method, sprinkling or tapping method where, after having
powders adhere to a fingerprint by lightly tapping the object to be
examined.
4. Spraying method- is a method where, after evenly
spraying powder over the object to be examined
from a distance of an approximately 30cm.
5. In cases where development has been made by
using florescent powder, the effect is doubled if
observed by utilizing an ultra-violet ray emitter.
6. Light- striking method- is a method where, after
having powder adhere to a fingerprint by, say, lightly
striking the object to be examined with a brush tip to
which powder has been applied.
IMPORTANT POINTS TO
REMEMBER IN CLASSIFYING
FINGERPRINTS
1. Division- for purposes of classification and filling, all the type
patterns are divided into two groups; the numeral and the
non-numeral.
2. Numerical- the numerical group is composed of set of prints
containing whorl pattern.
3. Non-numerical- the non-numerical group is composed of set
of prints containing whorls are present.
4. Fingerprints analysis- the analysis of fingerprint is the
identifying and distinguishing of fingerprints pattern according
to their design and formation.
5. Classification formula- is the result of combing all the
patterns of the fingerprints and recording them in a specific
order or manner at the top right of the fingerprint.
6. Filling- is an orderly manner of starting the card and
grouping each car and filling in a specific sequence
according to the final classification formula.
7. Pockets- the fingerprint cards are grouped
according to the classification formula and the
classification of the extension used in the bureau.
8. Searching- means an attempt to locate in the file a
print identical to the current print and thus established
identification.
9. Denominator’s meaning in primary classification-
the denominator written below the line constitute the
total numerical value of the finger in which whorls
appear.
 PRESERVATION BY PHOTOGRAPHY- Prints found at the scene
of a crime preferably should be preserved by photography. This
procedure has many advantages including its leaving the object
intact so that further photographs can be taken if the first are
unsuccessful.
PRESERVATION OF PLASTIC FINGERPRINTS- when fingerprint
has been left in material that has hardened or is able to withstand
transport, and when it is on an object that is small an easily
transportable, it may be sent directly to the crime laboratory.
PRESERVATION WITH FINGERPRINT LIFTERS- Frequently, curved
surfaces, such as doorknobs with latent fingerprints present are
difficult to photographs or do not lend themselves to the use of
cellophane lifting tape.
PRESERVATION WITH FINGERPRINT LIFTING TAPE- the most
common method of collecting latent fingerprints evidence today is
by special transparent cellophane tape.
COURT PRESENTATION OF FINGERPRINT EVIDENCE
In testifying to fingerprint identification, the expert often
prepares charts to visually aid the court and jury in understanding
the nature of his testimony.
ASIDE FROM THE PHOTOGRAPHIC
EQUIPMENT, WHAT ARE OTHER THE
NEEDED MATERIALS?

A roll of scotch photographic tape- 1 inch wide to outline the

areas of the fingerprints on the negative to be used: some stiff
cardboard approximately 1/32 inch, thick on which to mount the
prepared charts, a tube of a rubber cement and a bottle of
translucent ink, other than black or white.
A light box on which to view the negatives while blocking,
and a lettering set to draw the lines and numbers uniformly on the
charts, while not absolutely essential, are helpful conveniences.
If the expert finds it necessary to have an outside source
prepare his photographs, he should retain personal custody of the
evidence during the operation.
Generally, if the legible area of the latent print is small, it is a
well to show the complete print. Fi the area is large, however, as in a
palm print; an area which will not make the chart too bulky or unwieldy
may be selected.
 In blocking, the negative is affixed to the window
pane or light-box by means of strips of photographic tape
across the corners, with the side to be blocked up.
If the latent print was developed or photographed
as a light print on a dark background, a reverse-color
negative should be prepared and blocked in order that
both print may appear as black ridges on light.
If the negative is a photograph of an opaque lift the
print appears in reverse position; that is, as a minor image,
and the negative will accordingly have to be blocked from
the dull or emulsion side in order for it to appear in a
position comparable to that of the linked prints.
The degree of enlargement is not important in itself so
long as the ridge of the latent print is reality distinguishable by
the eye.
ON FINGERPRINT PATTERNS
CLASSIFICATION

The classification of fingerprint into distinct

groups based on general similarities allows the
fingerprint examiner to search for an
unidentified fingerprint within a specific section
of the fingerprint file rather than having to
search the whole file.
There is numerous fingerprint classification
system in use throughout the world today. These
systems are all based on three fundamental
ridge formations described by Purkinje, Gallon,
Vuccelich, and Henry.
CLASSIFICATION PATTERNS
IDENTIFICATION
CHARACTERISTICS
Individuals generally have a
mixture of pattern types on
their fingerprints with some
completion between the left
and right hands. There is also
evidence that the general
fingerprint pattern may be
genetically determined. While
the loop pattern is the most
common pattern, classification
of individuals by assigning a
pattern type to each of the
ten fingers in an ordered
fashion, serves as a first line of
differentiation, however, no
such classification is likely to be
unique.
TYPES OF FINGERPRINT
PATTERNS
ON FINGERPRINT
IDENTIFICATION
Identification by fingerprints relies on pattern
matching followed by the detection of certain
ridge characteristics, also so known as Galton
details, points of identify, or minutiae, and the
comparison of the relative positions of these
minutiae points with reference print, usually an
inked impression of a suspect’s print. There are
three basic ridge characteristics, the ridge
ending, the bifurcation and the dot ( or island).