Fingerprints are the tiny ridges, whorls and valley patterns on the tip of each finger. They form from pressure on a baby's tiny, developing fingers in the womb. ... Fingerprints are even more unique than DNA, the genetic material in each of our cells. Fingerprints can be found on practically any solid surface, including the human body. Analysts classify fingerprints into three categories according to the type of surface on which they are found and whether they are visible or not: Fingerprints on soft surfaces (such as soap, wax, wet paint, fresh caulk, etc.) are likely to be three-dimensional plastic prints; those on hard surfaces are either patent (visible) or latent (invisible) prints. Visible prints are formed when blood, dirt, ink, paint, etc., is transferred from a finger or thumb to a surface. Patent prints can be found on a wide variety of surfaces: smooth or rough, porous (such as paper, cloth or wood) or nonporous (such as metal, glass or plastic). Latent prints are formed when the body’s natural oils and sweat on the skin are deposited onto another surface. Latent prints can be found on a variety of surfaces; however, they are not readily visible and detection often requires the use of fingerprint powders, chemical reagents or alternate light sources. Generally speaking, the smoother and less porous a surface is, the greater the potential that any latent prints present can be found and developed.

1. FINGERPRINT SCIENCE
PARTH CHAUHAN
BSc. (H) FORENSIC SCIENCE SEM-2
A51605917024

2. FRICTION RIDGES
• Being formed on the 9th or 10th
week of fetal development.
• About 14th week of gestation, sweat
gland and ducts begin to form,
proliferating from the dermal layer
of skin.
• Primary friction ridges proliferate
from until about 15th and 17th
weeks of gestation.
• Secondary friction ridges develop
from 17th to 24th weeks of gestation.

4. INDIVIDUAL
CHARACTERISTICS
Not the shape of the print
that is individual, but
rather the number,
location and shape of
specific ridge
characteristics

5. CLASS
CHARACTERISITCS
That narrow the print
down to a group but not
an individual.

6. COLLECTION, LIFTING AND PRESERVATION

7. PHOTOGRAPHY IN LATENT PRINTS
• Latent print may be destroyed
when lifting.
• Latent print can be visible or
developed on a surface but
cannot be lifted.
• To bring out details in latent
prints

8. EXPERT TESTIMONY
• When the Court has to form an opinion upon a point of foreign law,
or of science, or art, or as to identity of handwriting [or finger
impressions], the opinions upon that point of persons specially
skilled in such foreign law, science or art, [or in questions as to
identity of handwriting] [or finger impressions] are relevant facts.
Such persons are called experts.

9. THE “NIGHT STALKER” - CASE STUDY
Born: 29 February 1960, El Paso, Texas, United States
Died: 7 June 2013, Greenbrae, California, United States
Height: 1.85 m
Spouse: Doreen Lioy (m. 1996–2013)
Victims: 14
Cause of death: B-cell lymphoma
Ricardo Leyva Munoz Ramirez, known as Richard
Ramirez, was an American serial killer, rapist, and
burglar.
The court was delayed for almost three years due to
judicial issues, and other obstacles. Finally, on
September 20, 1989, he was found guilty of 13 counts
of murder, 5 counts of attempted murder, 11 sexual
assault charges, and 14 burglary charges. On
November 7, 1989, he was sentenced life imprisonment.

10. THANK YOU