Chapter 4: Fingerprints: History and Anatomy “Fingerprints can not lie, but liars can make fingerprints.” —Unknown

Chapter 4:Chapter 4: Fingerprints:Fingerprints:

History and AnatomyHistory and Anatomy

“Fingerprints can not lie, but liars can make fingerprints.”

—Unknown

Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company 2Chapter 4

DactyloscopyDactyloscopyThe study of fingerprintsThe study of fingerprints

Historically William Herschel—required Indians to put their

fingerprints/palm prints on contracts as a means of frightening the businessmen from committing fraud


DactyloscopyDactyloscopy

Henry Faulds claimed that fingerprints did not change over time and that they could be classified for identification

He is also credited with the first fingerprint identification of a greasy fingerprint left on an alcohol bottle



Alphonse Bertillon—proposed body measurements as a means of identification; termed anthropometry


AnthropometryAnthropometry

There were eleven measurements:Height Stretch: Length of body from left

shoulder to right middle finger when arm

is raised Bust: Length of torso from head to seat, taken when seated Length of head: Crown to forehead Width of head: Temple to temple Length of right ear Length of left foot Length of left middle finger Length of left cubit: Elbow to tip of middle finger Width of cheeks Length of left little finger


Dactyloscopy (cont’d)Dactyloscopy (cont’d)

Francis Galton developed a primary classification scheme based on loops, arches and whorls.

Published a book Fingerprints establishing the individuality and permanence of fingerprints

According to his calculations, the odds of two individual fingerprints being the same were 1 in 64 billion.



Edward Richard Henry—in collaboration with Galton instituted a numerical classification system



Juan Vucetich—developed a fingerprint classification based on Galton’s that is used in Spanish-speaking countries

Juan Vucetich made the first criminal fingerprint identification in 1892. He was able to identify Francis Rojas, a woman who murdered her two sons and cut her own throat in an attempt to place blame on another. Her bloody print was left on a door post, proving her identity as the murderer.


What Are Ridge Patterns?What Are Ridge Patterns?

Three theories: Evolutionary development that provides better

grip Makes perspiration easier on a hairless surface Improves the sense of touch

Apes and monkey have ridge patterns on fingers and toes


Anatomy of a FingerprintAnatomy of a Fingerprint

Consists of two main layers: Epidermis (outer layer)

Outer layer of epidermis is deadInner layer of epidermis is living

Dermis (inner layer) Contains collagen fibers, blood vessels, nerve endings, glands,

sensory receptors, smooth muscles, and hair follicles

Underneath dermis is a layer of fat called the hypodermis



Dermis contains sweat and sebaceous (oil) glands Sweat glands help control body

temperature

Sebaceous glands produce oils called sebum Helps keep epidermis flexible and waterproof



Dermal papillae separates the epidermis from the dermis

If an injury occurs above the papillae, fingerprint will be replaced

If an injury across the papillae, scar will mostly occur and fingerprint will be slightly altered



Fundamental PrinciplesFundamental Principlesof Fingerprintsof Fingerprints

A fingerprint is an individual characteristic.

A fingerprint will remain unchanged during

an individual’s lifetime.

Fingerprints have general characteristic ridge

patterns that permit them to be

systematically classified.


LoopLoop

A loop must have one or more ridges entering and exiting from the same side. Loops must have one delta.

Types Radial—opens toward the

thumb Ulnar—opens toward the

“pinky” (little finger) Which type of loop is this, if it

is on the right hand? Left hand?


WhorlWhorl

A plain or central pocket whorl has at least one ridge that makes a complete circuit. A double loop is made of two loops. An accidental is a pattern not covered by other categories. Whorls have at least two deltas and a core.

Types Plain Central Pocket Double Loop Accidental


ArchArch

An arch has friction ridges that enter on one side of the finger and cross to the other side while rising upward in the middle. They do NOT have type lines, deltas, or cores.

Types Plain Tented


Ridge CharacteristicsRidge Characteristics

Minutiae characteristics of ridge patterns

Ridge ending Short ridge Dot or fragment Bifurcation Double bifurcation Trifurcation Bridge Island Enclosure Spur


Fingerprint MinutiaeFingerprint Minutiae


http://www.trutv.com/shows/forensic_files/games/fingerprint/index.html

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Chapter 4: Fingerprints: History and Anatomy “Fingerprints can not lie, but liars can make fingerprints.” —Unknown