Fingerprints Chapter 7
History Alphonse Bertillon:  -anthropometry/father of criminal identification 1892 Francis Galton published classic textbook  Finger Prints -British government adopted fingerprinting as a supplement to Bertillon system -classification systems needed to file thousands of prints in logical/searchable sequence
History Dr Juan Vucetich (Arentina):  -classification system -used in most Spanish-speaking countries -1892 single f/p solved homicide  Sir Edward Henry (UK):  -classification system using the fingerprint pattern/ridge counts -Henry system used in English-speaking countries -uses a formula to assign numerical values to types of print patterns -filed under that numeric system
History 1850’s:  -photographing inmates for ID purposes Allan Pinkerton:  -rogues gallery NYPD Detective Thomas Byrnes: -NYPD gallery -“mug” shots
History Will West/William West (1903) -Leavenworth prison -2 inmates/same name/same anthropometrical measurements -fingerprints distinguished them 1904 World’s Fair:  -Scotland Yard introduces fingerprinting to US Police
Mug shots NYPD: original collection of mug shots
Mug shots Collection of mug shots
Mug Shots John Dillinger
Mug Shots Alphonse Capone
Mug Shots James Brown
Mug Shots Nick Nolte
What are fingerprints? Friction ridge skin pattern Found on fingers, palms, toes, soles of feet. Composed of ridges (hills) and furrows (valleys) Black = Ridges White = Valleys Fingerprints
What are fingerprints? Develop in early embryonic development. Pattern based on genetics, detail somewhat random Identical twins  do not  have identical fingerprints Fingerprints
There are 3 types of fingerprints Visible – left by dirt, grease, blood, etc. Does not need processing Fingerprints
There are 3 types of fingerprints Impression – indentation in soft material (butter, putty, tar, etc.) Does not need processing Fingerprints
There are 3 types of fingerprints Latent – requires processing to make visible and suitable for analysis Fingerprints
What are the invisible components? Multiple sweat glands secrete onto fingers, palms, etc. Sweat contains: Inorganic ions (Na + , Cl  - ) Proteins, amino acids Lipids Other Fingerprints > Analysis
Visible prints
Fingerprint Principles Fingerprints:  -reproduction of friction skin ridges found on the palm side of the fingers/thumbs 3 principles:  Uniqueness: Permanence: Patterns:
Principle One Millions of fingerprint comparisons: -no two fingerprints have been found to be identical -identification is based on ridge characteristics (minutiae) -identity/number/relative location of minutiae -imparts individuality to a fingerprint -as many as 150 minutiae on the average finger
Principle One Points? How many required for ID in US Courts? -“no valid basis exists for requiring a predetermined minimum number of friction ridge characters which must be present in two impressions in order to establish positive identification” -sufficient number of friction ridge details present for conclusion 100%
Principle One Conclusions:  -Subject made the print -Subject could not have made the print -Print had insufficient detail to be evaluated In a judicial proceeding, an expert must demonstrate a point-by-point comparison in order to prove the identity of an individual.
Principle Two Epidermis:  -outer layer of the skin Dermis: -inner layer of the skin. Dermal papillae:  -layer of cells between the epidermis and dermis/determines form and pattern of the ridges on the surface of the skin. -develops in the fetus/remains unchanged -skin ridge is populated with pores leading to sweat glands from which perspiration is deposited on the skin. -finger touches a surface, -perspiration transferred onto that surface, leaving the finger’s ridge pattern (a fingerprint).
Principle Three Fingerprints classified based on patterns: Loop:  -60 %
Principle Three Whorls: 35%
Whorls Double Loop Whorl Accidental Whorl
Principle Three ARCHES: Least common type of pattern Only 5% of all patterns 2 subcategories: a. Plain b. Tented
Arches Plain Tented
Developing Prints Latent prints hard/nonabsorbent surfaces (substrates):powder Latent prints on porous surfaces: chemical
Detecting Prints Reflected Ultraviolet Imaging System (RUVIS): -no chemicals or powder. Powders: -variety of colors -brush/magnetic wand -adhere to perspiration and/or body oils Iodine fuming:  -heating iodine crystals release vapors - not permanent and will fade
Detecting Prints Ninhydrin: -reacts to amino acids -produce a purple-blue color Physical Developer : -reagent used when other chemical methods are ineffective. Super Glue ®: - cyanoacrylate ester -fuming chamber (for up to six hours) -handheld wand
Developing Prints Fluorescence: -prints treated with chemicals that induce fluorescence when exposed to lasers/high-intensity light sources  -permanently preserve comparison/court evidence -photographs must be taken before attempts at lifting
Physical Development: Dusting Apply powder to latent print or area. Powder adheres to print. Brush and Powder Fingerprints > Analysis
Physical Development: Dusting Apply powder to latent print or area. Powder adheres to print. Magnetic Brush and Powder Fingerprints > Analysis
Powder Latent print developed with powder
Powder Print in dust: Left-actual print Middle-developed with powder Right-photographed
Powder Shell casing
Chemical Development: Iodine Fuming Iodine sublimes    (solid  -> gas) Iodine reacts with lipid components; becomes trapped in the print. Fuming wand or chamber Dirty Brown Color Fingerprints > Analysis
Chemical Development: Ninhydrin Reacts with amino acids; purple color Painted or sprayed on area Heated to react Fingerprints > Analysis
Chemical Development: Super glue fuming Fumes with heat or base (NaOH) Fumed in cabinets Off-white print Fingerprints > Analysis
Chemical Development: Ninhydrin and super glue prints can be further processed: Dusted Chemically treated to fluoresce (using laser or alternative light) Fingerprints > Analysis
Development Fingerprints on the inside of a rubber glove
Development  Fingerprints developed on plastic bag
Development Inside of rubber gloves treated with ninhydrin
Development Ninhydrin
Development Ninhydrin-Note initials at top-CHAIN OF CUSTODY
Development Super glue developed prints
Super glue Heating unit
Super Glue Drops of glue added and heated
Super Glue Do it yourself super glue chamber
Developing Latent prints visulaized using fluorescent powder
Developing Different colored fluorescent powder
Development and Collection : No rule: Depends on situation Fingerprint  must be photographed  after development (scene or lab) Fingerprints > Analysis Scene or Lab?
Development and Collection Small objects: -preserved/transported in entirety Large immovable objects: -develop prints with powder -“lifting” with a broad adhesive tape -tape is placed on labeled card providing good background contrast with the powder
Digital Imaging Digital imaging: -picture converted into a digital computer file -fingerprints enhanced for the most accurate/ comprehensive analysis Compare function: -two images side by side -allows the examiner to chart the both images simultaneously
Collection of prints: Tape lift: Tape placed over developed print Tape then placed on white card. Fingerprints > Collection
Collection of prints: Sometimes a photograph will be the only permanent record. Fingerprints > Collection
Fingerprint Kit
How are fingerprints analyzed? Categorized by  pattern  and  minutiae Fingerprints
How are fingerprints analyzed? Patterns Loop Whorl Arch Fingerprints
How are fingerprints analyzed? Minutiae Dot Bifurcation Island Ridge Ending Fingerprints
AFIS Computer scans/digitally encode fingerprints  -aids in classifying and retrieving fingerprints  -converts image of fingerprint into digital minutiae -contain data showing minutia  -produces a list of file prints -must be examined by a trained fingerprint expert
Old system of fingerprints
AFIS
Modern Fingerprint Analysis Computer system stores patterns and minutiae of prints AFIS: automated fingerprint identification system Fingerprints
Computer software compares the location of these minutiae. Fingerprints
AFIS AFIS highlights all the identifiable minutia.
Madrid Bombing  Timeline March 11, 2004 Terrorists bomb several trains in Madrid, Spain March 13, 2004 LPU receives electronic transmission of digital  images (no info, scale, etc.)  8 latent prints Known exemplars  March 19, 2004 LPU identifies/verifies one latent  fingerprint as a result of an automated search
April 13, 2004 Spanish National Police (SNP) issues ‘negativo’ report regarding latent print April 21, 2004 LPU rep travels to Spain to provide basis of  identification to SNP Madrid
May 6, 2004 Brandon Mayfield arrested by FBI Portland May 19, 2004 (in California) Defense expert verifies FBI identification May 19, 2004 SNP informs FBI they have identified the latent fingerprint with another individual May 20, 2004 Judge releases Mayfield Madrid
MADRID BOMBING

Fs Ch 7

  • 1.
  • 2.
    History Alphonse Bertillon: -anthropometry/father of criminal identification 1892 Francis Galton published classic textbook Finger Prints -British government adopted fingerprinting as a supplement to Bertillon system -classification systems needed to file thousands of prints in logical/searchable sequence
  • 3.
    History Dr JuanVucetich (Arentina): -classification system -used in most Spanish-speaking countries -1892 single f/p solved homicide Sir Edward Henry (UK): -classification system using the fingerprint pattern/ridge counts -Henry system used in English-speaking countries -uses a formula to assign numerical values to types of print patterns -filed under that numeric system
  • 4.
    History 1850’s: -photographing inmates for ID purposes Allan Pinkerton: -rogues gallery NYPD Detective Thomas Byrnes: -NYPD gallery -“mug” shots
  • 5.
    History Will West/WilliamWest (1903) -Leavenworth prison -2 inmates/same name/same anthropometrical measurements -fingerprints distinguished them 1904 World’s Fair: -Scotland Yard introduces fingerprinting to US Police
  • 6.
    Mug shots NYPD:original collection of mug shots
  • 7.
  • 8.
    Mug Shots JohnDillinger
  • 9.
  • 10.
  • 11.
  • 12.
    What are fingerprints?Friction ridge skin pattern Found on fingers, palms, toes, soles of feet. Composed of ridges (hills) and furrows (valleys) Black = Ridges White = Valleys Fingerprints
  • 13.
    What are fingerprints?Develop in early embryonic development. Pattern based on genetics, detail somewhat random Identical twins do not have identical fingerprints Fingerprints
  • 14.
    There are 3types of fingerprints Visible – left by dirt, grease, blood, etc. Does not need processing Fingerprints
  • 15.
    There are 3types of fingerprints Impression – indentation in soft material (butter, putty, tar, etc.) Does not need processing Fingerprints
  • 16.
    There are 3types of fingerprints Latent – requires processing to make visible and suitable for analysis Fingerprints
  • 17.
    What are theinvisible components? Multiple sweat glands secrete onto fingers, palms, etc. Sweat contains: Inorganic ions (Na + , Cl - ) Proteins, amino acids Lipids Other Fingerprints > Analysis
  • 18.
  • 19.
    Fingerprint Principles Fingerprints: -reproduction of friction skin ridges found on the palm side of the fingers/thumbs 3 principles: Uniqueness: Permanence: Patterns:
  • 20.
    Principle One Millionsof fingerprint comparisons: -no two fingerprints have been found to be identical -identification is based on ridge characteristics (minutiae) -identity/number/relative location of minutiae -imparts individuality to a fingerprint -as many as 150 minutiae on the average finger
  • 21.
    Principle One Points?How many required for ID in US Courts? -“no valid basis exists for requiring a predetermined minimum number of friction ridge characters which must be present in two impressions in order to establish positive identification” -sufficient number of friction ridge details present for conclusion 100%
  • 22.
    Principle One Conclusions: -Subject made the print -Subject could not have made the print -Print had insufficient detail to be evaluated In a judicial proceeding, an expert must demonstrate a point-by-point comparison in order to prove the identity of an individual.
  • 23.
    Principle Two Epidermis: -outer layer of the skin Dermis: -inner layer of the skin. Dermal papillae: -layer of cells between the epidermis and dermis/determines form and pattern of the ridges on the surface of the skin. -develops in the fetus/remains unchanged -skin ridge is populated with pores leading to sweat glands from which perspiration is deposited on the skin. -finger touches a surface, -perspiration transferred onto that surface, leaving the finger’s ridge pattern (a fingerprint).
  • 24.
    Principle Three Fingerprintsclassified based on patterns: Loop: -60 %
  • 25.
  • 26.
    Whorls Double LoopWhorl Accidental Whorl
  • 27.
    Principle Three ARCHES:Least common type of pattern Only 5% of all patterns 2 subcategories: a. Plain b. Tented
  • 28.
  • 29.
    Developing Prints Latentprints hard/nonabsorbent surfaces (substrates):powder Latent prints on porous surfaces: chemical
  • 30.
    Detecting Prints ReflectedUltraviolet Imaging System (RUVIS): -no chemicals or powder. Powders: -variety of colors -brush/magnetic wand -adhere to perspiration and/or body oils Iodine fuming: -heating iodine crystals release vapors - not permanent and will fade
  • 31.
    Detecting Prints Ninhydrin:-reacts to amino acids -produce a purple-blue color Physical Developer : -reagent used when other chemical methods are ineffective. Super Glue ®: - cyanoacrylate ester -fuming chamber (for up to six hours) -handheld wand
  • 32.
    Developing Prints Fluorescence:-prints treated with chemicals that induce fluorescence when exposed to lasers/high-intensity light sources -permanently preserve comparison/court evidence -photographs must be taken before attempts at lifting
  • 33.
    Physical Development: DustingApply powder to latent print or area. Powder adheres to print. Brush and Powder Fingerprints > Analysis
  • 34.
    Physical Development: DustingApply powder to latent print or area. Powder adheres to print. Magnetic Brush and Powder Fingerprints > Analysis
  • 35.
    Powder Latent printdeveloped with powder
  • 36.
    Powder Print indust: Left-actual print Middle-developed with powder Right-photographed
  • 37.
  • 38.
    Chemical Development: IodineFuming Iodine sublimes (solid -> gas) Iodine reacts with lipid components; becomes trapped in the print. Fuming wand or chamber Dirty Brown Color Fingerprints > Analysis
  • 39.
    Chemical Development: NinhydrinReacts with amino acids; purple color Painted or sprayed on area Heated to react Fingerprints > Analysis
  • 40.
    Chemical Development: Superglue fuming Fumes with heat or base (NaOH) Fumed in cabinets Off-white print Fingerprints > Analysis
  • 41.
    Chemical Development: Ninhydrinand super glue prints can be further processed: Dusted Chemically treated to fluoresce (using laser or alternative light) Fingerprints > Analysis
  • 42.
    Development Fingerprints onthe inside of a rubber glove
  • 43.
    Development Fingerprintsdeveloped on plastic bag
  • 44.
    Development Inside ofrubber gloves treated with ninhydrin
  • 45.
  • 46.
    Development Ninhydrin-Note initialsat top-CHAIN OF CUSTODY
  • 47.
    Development Super gluedeveloped prints
  • 48.
  • 49.
    Super Glue Dropsof glue added and heated
  • 50.
    Super Glue Doit yourself super glue chamber
  • 51.
    Developing Latent printsvisulaized using fluorescent powder
  • 52.
    Developing Different coloredfluorescent powder
  • 53.
    Development and Collection: No rule: Depends on situation Fingerprint must be photographed after development (scene or lab) Fingerprints > Analysis Scene or Lab?
  • 54.
    Development and CollectionSmall objects: -preserved/transported in entirety Large immovable objects: -develop prints with powder -“lifting” with a broad adhesive tape -tape is placed on labeled card providing good background contrast with the powder
  • 55.
    Digital Imaging Digitalimaging: -picture converted into a digital computer file -fingerprints enhanced for the most accurate/ comprehensive analysis Compare function: -two images side by side -allows the examiner to chart the both images simultaneously
  • 56.
    Collection of prints:Tape lift: Tape placed over developed print Tape then placed on white card. Fingerprints > Collection
  • 57.
    Collection of prints:Sometimes a photograph will be the only permanent record. Fingerprints > Collection
  • 58.
  • 59.
    How are fingerprintsanalyzed? Categorized by pattern and minutiae Fingerprints
  • 60.
    How are fingerprintsanalyzed? Patterns Loop Whorl Arch Fingerprints
  • 61.
    How are fingerprintsanalyzed? Minutiae Dot Bifurcation Island Ridge Ending Fingerprints
  • 62.
    AFIS Computer scans/digitallyencode fingerprints -aids in classifying and retrieving fingerprints -converts image of fingerprint into digital minutiae -contain data showing minutia -produces a list of file prints -must be examined by a trained fingerprint expert
  • 63.
    Old system offingerprints
  • 64.
  • 65.
    Modern Fingerprint AnalysisComputer system stores patterns and minutiae of prints AFIS: automated fingerprint identification system Fingerprints
  • 66.
    Computer software comparesthe location of these minutiae. Fingerprints
  • 67.
    AFIS AFIS highlightsall the identifiable minutia.
  • 68.
    Madrid Bombing Timeline March 11, 2004 Terrorists bomb several trains in Madrid, Spain March 13, 2004 LPU receives electronic transmission of digital images (no info, scale, etc.) 8 latent prints Known exemplars March 19, 2004 LPU identifies/verifies one latent fingerprint as a result of an automated search
  • 69.
    April 13, 2004Spanish National Police (SNP) issues ‘negativo’ report regarding latent print April 21, 2004 LPU rep travels to Spain to provide basis of identification to SNP Madrid
  • 70.
    May 6, 2004Brandon Mayfield arrested by FBI Portland May 19, 2004 (in California) Defense expert verifies FBI identification May 19, 2004 SNP informs FBI they have identified the latent fingerprint with another individual May 20, 2004 Judge releases Mayfield Madrid
  • 71.

Editor's Notes

  • #3 Alphonse Bertillon: Anthropometry/Father of criminal identification. In 1892 Francis Galton published his classic textbook Finger Prints . At Galton’s insistence, the British government adopted fingerprinting as a supplement to the Bertillon system. The next step was the creation of classification systems capable of filing many thousands of prints in a logical and searchable sequence.
  • #4 Dr Juan Vucetich (Arentina): Classification system still used in most Spanish-speaking countries. First to solve a homicide (1892) using a single fingerprint. Sir Edward Henry (Great Britain): Devised another classification system using the fingerprint pattern and ridge counts. Henry system used in English-speaking countries to this day. The Henry system uses a formula to assign numerical values to types of print patterns. Fingerprints are then filed under that numeric system.
  • #5 1850’s: Prisons began photographing inmates for ID purposes. 1880’s: Gained popularity after Kodak camera developed. Allan Pinkerton: Detective Agency-Rogues Gallery. NYPD Detective Thomas Byrnes: Developed NYPD gallery. “ mug” shots
  • #6 In 1903, Will West/William West incident. Fingerprinting clearly distinguished them. After the Will West incident NY Civil Service began fingerprinting applicants (1901). 1904 World’s Fair: Scotland Yard introduces fingerprinting to US Police Forces
  • #20 Fingerprints: Reproduction of friction skin ridges found on the palm side of the fingers and thumbs. The basic principles: 1. Uniqueness: individual characteristic; no two fingers possess identical ridge characteristics 2. Permanence: fingerprints remain unchanged 3. Patterns: general ridge patterns that permit them to be systematically classified.
  • #21 Mathematically, the probability for the existence of two identical fingerprint patterns in the world’s population is extremely small. Besides theoretical calculations, of the millions upon millions of individuals who have had their prints classified, no two fingerprints have been found to be identical. The individuality of a fingerprint is not determined by its general shape or pattern, but by the careful study of its ridge characteristics, known as minutiae. It is the identity, number, and relative location of these minutiae that imparts individuality to a fingerprint. There are as many as 150 minutiae on the average finger.
  • #22 Points? How many required for ID in US Courts? After a three year study, it was determined that “no valid basis exists for requiring a predetermined minimum number of friction ridge characters which must be present in two impressions in order to establish positive identification.” Sufficient number of friction ridge details present for conclusion 100%
  • #23 Conclusions: -Subject made the print -Subject could not have made the print -Print had insufficient detail to be evaluated In a judicial proceeding, an expert must demonstrate a point-by-point comparison in order to prove the identity of an individual.
  • #24 Epidermis: outer layer of the skin Dermis: inner layer of the skin. Dermal papillae: layer of cells between the epidermis and dermis/determines form and pattern of the ridges on the surface of the skin. Develops in the fetus and remains unchanged throughout life. Each skin ridge is populated with pores leading to sweat glands from which perspiration is deposited on the skin. Once the finger touches a surface, perspiration, along with oils that may have been picked up by touching the hairy portions of the body, is transferred onto that surface, leaving the finger’s ridge pattern (a fingerprint).
  • #28 ARCHES: Least common type of pattern Only 5% of all patterns 2 subcategories: a. Plain b. Tented
  • #30 Latent prints deposited on hard and nonabsorbent surfaces (e.g., glass, mirror, tile, and painted wood) are preferably developed by the application of a powder; whereas prints on porous surfaces (e.g., papers, cardboard, and cloth) generally require treatment with a chemical. Examiners use various chemical methods to visualize latent prints on porous surfaces, such as iodine fuming, ninhydrin, and Physical Developer. Super Glue ® fuming develops latent prints on nonporous surfaces, such as metals, electrical tape, leather, and plastic bags. Development occurs when fumes from the glue adhere to the print, usually producing a white latent print
  • #31 A devise called the Reflected Ultraviolet Imaging System (RUVIS) can aid in the detecting of latent fingerprints, without chemicals or powder. Once located, the crime scene investigator can develop the print in the most appropriate fashion. Powders, available in a variety of colors, can be applied with a brush or magnetic wand, and adhere to perspiration and/or body oils of the print. Iodine fuming involves heating iodine crystals that cause vapors which combine with latent prints to make them visible. Iodine prints are not permanent and will fade, making it necessary to photograph the prints immediately.
  • #32 Ninhydrin reacts chemically with trace amounts of amino acids present in latent prints to produce a purple-blue color. Physical Developer is a silver nitrate-based reagent used to develop prints when other chemical methods are ineffective. Super Glue ® is approximately 98 to 99 percent cyanoacrylate ester, a chemical that actually interacts with and visualizes a latent fingerprint. Super Glue fuming can be accomplished by using either a fuming chamber (for up to six hours) or a handheld wand that heats a small cartridge containing cyanoacrylate.
  • #33 The high sensitivity of fluorescence serves as the underlying principle of many of the new chemical techniques used to visualize latent fingerprints. Fingerprints are treated with chemicals that would induce fluorescence when exposed to lasers, or high-intensity light sources (“alternate light sources”) such as quartz halogen, xenon arc, or indium arc light sources. Once the latent print has been visualized, it must be permanently preserved for future comparison and for possible use as court evidence. A photograph must be taken before any further attempts at preservation are made.
  • #55 If the object is small enough to be transported without destroying the print, it should be preserved in its entirety. Prints on large immovable objects that have been developed with a powder can best be preserved by “lifting” with a broad adhesive tape. Then, the tape is placed on a properly labeled card that provides a good background contrast with the powder.
  • #56 Digital imaging is the process by which a picture is converted into a digital computer file. With the help of digital imaging software, fingerprints, which are often not in perfect condition, can now be enhanced for the most accurate and comprehensive analysis. An important and useful tool, especially for fingerprint identification, is the compare function that places two images side by side and allows the examiner to chart the common features on both images simultaneously.
  • #63 The heart of AFIS technology is the ability of a computer to scan and digitally encode fingerprints so that they can be subject to high-speed computer processing. 1999 by FBI AFIS aids in classifying and retrieving fingerprints by converting the image of a fingerprint into digital minutiae that contain data showing ridges at their points of termination (ridge endings) and their branching into two ridges (bifurcations). When the search is complete (a computer can make thousands of comparisons per second), the computer produces a list of file prints that must be examined by a trained fingerprint expert.