CHAPTER

FINGERPRINT
EXAMINATION

 Latent Fingerprint Examination Process

 Nature of Ridge Characteristics for
Absolute identification
 Comparing Prints
 Clarity of Friction Ridge Detail
 Comparison of Ridge Characteristics
 FORENSIC PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION TECHNIQUES MODULE

CHAPTER 9:

FINGERPRINT EXAMINATION

Objectives:
 At the end of this chapter the student will be enable to
conduct fingerprint examination.

Latent Fingerprint Examination Process

The purpose of an examination is to determine or exclude the source of a print."

The process covers the method used by examiners to determine a print's source by
looking at and comparing the general ridge flow in two fingerprints, the sequences and
configurations of ridge paths, and if needed, the sequences and configurations of
morphological details of a particular ridge and nearby ridges. The philosophies of
perception and decision-making that all fingerprint examiners need to understand before
turning to the mechanics of comparison are paramount in the examination process.

Fingerprint identification

Two prints must have the same general pattern to give identification. They must
also have a certain number of common ridge characteristics. This number can vary
depending on how common the characteristics are and how much of the print is
available.

Two main methods are used for fingerprint identification. Minutiae- Dased
techniques first find minutiae points and then map their relative placement on the finger
to match ridge characteristics. It is difficult to extract the minutiae points accurately
when the fingerprint is of low quality. Also, this method does not take into account the
global pattern of ridges and furrows. The correlation-based method can overcome some
of the difficulties of the minutiae-based approach.

Correlation-based techniques require the precise location of a registration point and

are affected by image translation and rotation.

Fingerprint details are described on three levels. Level one detail includes the
general ridge flow and pattern configuration. The details are not sufficient for
individualization but can be used tor exclusion. they may include information enabling

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orientation, core and delta location, and distinction of finger versus palm. Level two
detail includes formations and ridge characteristics. The relationship between level 2
detail enables individualization. Level three details include all dimensional attributes of a
ridge, such as a ridge path deviation, width, shape, pores, edge contour, Incipient
ridges, breaks, creases, scars, and other permanent details.

Nature of Ridge Characteristics for Absolute identification

Human skin is elastic, and no two impressions of the same fingerprint will be
identical. Therefore, there is little value in measuring the angle formed by a bifurcation
or the precise distance between two particular minutiae on fingerprints.

Fingerprints are compared to each other by examining the minutiae to determine

whether:

 the same minutiae are present (eg a bifurcation),

 the minutiae flow in the same direction (eg the bifurcation is on a ridge running
horizontally and the two divided ridges are to the right of the bifurcation), and
 the minutiae occupy the same relative positions to each other (eg the bifurcation
is separated from an enclosure below it by six intervening ridges).

Points of Similarity. Minutiae on two different fingerprint impressions meet the criteria.

Points of dissimilarity. Minutiae do not meet these criteria.

Points of identification. Sufficient minutiae are located in the same true relative
sequence or unit relationship, then identification is assumed.

As soon as a fingerprint examiner identifies a single unexplainable point of

dissimilarity between two fingerprint impressions, then he or she assumes that they are
not the same.

There is no international standard for the number of points ct identification

required for a match between two fingerprints. (Some countries have set minimum
numbers of points of identification for á match. However, the International AssOCiation
for identification has found that there is no valid basis for such an approach.) Rather,
the fingerprint examiner offers an expert opinion, based on his or her raining dnd
experience and a thorough examination of all the details of the fingerprints, as to
whether there is a match or identification.

This opinion will be one of the following:

 there is a match between two fingerprints,

 there is not a match between two fingerprints; or

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 the comparison is inconclusive

The fingerprint examiner does not make Judgments about the likelihood
probability of a match - there is no such thing as a 50% or 80% match. Factors that may
lead to an inconclusive comparison include latent prints being smudged, not sufficiently
Complete, or overlaid one over another, Alternatively, dirt or other materials on the
Finger at the time the latent impression was made ay result in it being dissimilar.

IDENTICAL POINTS NECESSARY TO BE ADMITTED AS FINGERPRINT EVIDENCE

IN COURT

1. When there are more than 12 evident points and the impression is clear, the
identification is absolute.
2. When there are between 8 and 12 evident points, identification certainly depends
upon.
 clearness of the type
 rarity of the type
3. Presence of the core and delta in the pat or the part that is acceptable.

Basis of Fingerprint Comparison

1. Variations in appearances
2. Levels of detail in prints
3. Ranges of clarity

Comparing Prints

ACE-V METHODOLOGY

This scientific process of analysis, comparison, evaluation, and verification

(A.C.E.-V.) is known as the identification methodology or, a structured and systematic
manner in which quantitative-qualitative analysis of friction ridges is carried out.

This methodology was introduced by Roy A. Huber, a document examiner in

Canada in 1959. In the 1980s ACE-V was adopted by the fingerprint identification
community through the Ridgeology of David Ashbaugh.

Significance of ACE-V Methodology

1. Gives structure to & guide the examiner through the process.

2. Bases identifications upon sound scientific principles
3. Conclusions are objective, based on faithful execution of this methodology, not
mere observations or intuition.
4. Assures Validity and Reliability of the conclusions

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5. Consistency& Repetition or he methodology is assured

6. Embraces all the factors required by sound scientific practices.

The identification of a fingerprint is done upon the unique agreement of details

between the unknown crime Scene mark and the known print on a fingerprint form by
careful Analysis, Comparison, Evaluation, and verification (ACE-V) of the information
held within both.

Friction skin identification is done following the scientific methodology. ACE-V

was introduced by Roy A. Huber, a document examiner in Canada in 1959. In the 1980s
ACE-V was adopted by the fingerprint identification community through the Ridgeology
of David Ashbaugh

1. Analysis
This is applied to reduce the friction ridge features to their basic components
which involve a thorough assessment of the Properties & Attributes of the friction
ridge features in the unknown latent print impression.

Assessed Properties & Attributes of Friction Ridge Features

This phase also requires qualitative and quantitative assessments or Level 1,

Level 2, and Level 3 details.

Level 1 Detail: Ridge Flow

 Core, delta (s), scars, classification, and orientation

The general ridge flow in an Arch pattern is that the ridges enter on one side of the
impression and flow or tend to flow out the other side, with a rise o wave in the center.

Level 2 Detail: Ridge Path

 Ridge characteristics (ending ridge, bifurcation)

 Location, type, direction, and relationship
 Absence of characteristics

Friction ridge features generally referred to as 'Minutiae' and Points, and their
morphology (size and shape) are regarded as 'Level Two' detail.

Key to 'Level Two' Friction Ridge Features:

Ridge endings Red " O "

Bifurcations Gold "[]”
Dots Blue " ()"

Level 3 Detail Ridge Attributes

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 Edge shape, width, and pores

Level three details consisting of Pore Structure, Ridge periphery, and Incipient ridges.

Poroscopy is the study of the size, shape, relative position, arrangement ard frequency
of sweat pores.

Edgeoscopy is the study of the friction ridge edges for their alignment and the shape of
their ridge units, as well as the shapes and alignments of pores close to the ridge edges
which appear as notches.

Ridgeology is the study of the uniqueness of all friction ridge skin formations and their
Use as a means of personal identification.

Analysis also highlights the assessment for the causes/factors of distortion and the
upon the latent print is performed. An assessment of the degree or Clarity present in the
impression is made.

Clarity of Friction Ridge Detail

The degree of Clarity exhibited by the latent print impression determines the level
of tolerance that is acceptable to the examiner. The degree of clarity influences the
quantity and level of friction ridge features required to Evaluate for an Exclusion or an
Individualization.

Poor Clarity Good Clarity

Poor Clarity. Note how the friction ridges have become diffuse. There is a lack of
distinction between the edges of the ridges and the intervening valleys. The shapes of
the incipient ridges have become imprecise

Finally, impression deposition influences such as substrate (surface) type,

matrix/residue, the direction of touch, and pressure are determined. The examiner
ultimately decides if the friction ridge details depict sufficient quality and quantity of
information to warrant a comparison.

The analysis is said to be an intelligence-gathering process to ascertain and

establish the amount of friction ridge detail present within the unknown mark and also
consider the following factors:

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Substrate. The surface on which the unknown mark was discOvered (glass, paper,
polythene bag, etc).

Causes of Distortion include:

 Receiving surface/substrate influences.

 Pressure and touch impact during deposition.
 The elasticity of the skin.
 Adverse matrix/residue reactions.
 Adverse reagent/residue reactions.
 The poor condition of the friction skin.

Matrix. The substance that the unknown mark was made by. This may be sweat from
the person who left the mark, blood, oil, or any other foreign substance capable of
leaving an impression.

Development medium

The method by which the scene of crime officer or laboratory technician recovered the
unknown mark to make it visible for identification. These include fingerprint powders,
ninhydrin (a chemical which reacts with sweat and is used on paper), or superglue
which is used to recover marks on plastics. The development medium used may affect
the appearance of the ridges and the quality of the print

Distortion. if there was any pressure placed on the unknown mark when it was
deposited or movement as this can affect the appearance of the ridges.

Further Analysis

The final aspect of analysis to be considered are the anatomical features within the
unknown mark.

Ridge Flow and Pattern

The fingerprint expert will then analyze the print in more detail looking at the actual flow
of the ridges to determine if there is any discernable pattern type.

Digit Determination

The examiner considers any clues in the print that may indicate which finger, thumb, or
area of palm that could have left the impression. Pattern and digit determination allows
the expert to prioritize those fingerprints to be compared.

Features

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The expert looks into the quality and clarity of the unique features and characteristics
that are revealed in the print.

Quality and Clarity

After the analysis stage, the fingerprint expert will have decided as to the suitability of
the print for further examination.

2. Comparison
Comparison of the unknown to the known is done once the fingerprint officer has
analyzed the unknown mark and accumulated all the information possible it is
then Compared to a print on a fingerprint form.

Guidelines in Comparison

For each of the following Parts, examine the friction ridge features for the agreement of
the known print within the 1olerance levels already established in the AnalySIS phase.

Part 1. Choose a Target of friction ridge features.

Scar

This scar displays disruption to

the friction ridges causing a ‘puckering'
of the ridges at the point of injury. This
Scar can be judged to be permanent
and is a proper candidate for a 'target.

Crease

This distal transverse crease in the hypothenar region of this palm print exhibits
prominence and clarity, qualifying it as a target.

Minutiae Cluster

This cluster of minutiae uses an 'alternating' pattern in the orientation of the bifurcations
as its focal point. Note its relative position (to the right and slightly e below) and
absolute position (determined by ridge count) in relationship to the core. This cluster of
minutiae uses an island friction ridge feature as Its focal point. Note its relative position
(above and slightly to the left) and absolute position (determined by ridge count) in
relationship to the core.

Observe the properties and characteristics of the friction ridge features (from
Lvel2and Level 3) to search for a known print that is consistent with the friction Ridge
features observed in the unknown latent print impression. Examine the attributes during

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 FORENSIC PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION TECHNIQUES MODULE

the Analysis phase to determine the agreement, or the presence of differences,

between the friction ridge features.

The spatial and group relationship of the friction ridge features to each other is
determined in two manners.

First, by their 'Absolute Value', which is the ridge count between the features (i.e.
three intervening ridges )

Second, by the 'Relative Positions of the friction ridge features to each other (i.e.
'higher, lower, adjacent to other features in the latent print impression).

Part 2.

Experimentation for Level One detail. The Focus Is on, but not limited to, print
orientation, pattern type, ridge flow & focal points.

Part 3.

Experimentation for Level Two detail. The focus is on, but not limited to, the shape,
location, orientation, and group relationship of the minutiae.

Group Spatial Relationship

The red-colored markers are used to determine the Relative Positions of the friction
ridge features to each other. The blue Colored lines are used to determine the Absolute
value of the friction ridge features by counting their intervening ridges

Part 4.

Experimentation for Level Three detail.

The focus is on, but not limited to, sweat pores and friction ridge edges.

Comparison of Patterns. Firstly the patterns are compared. The overall fingerprint
pattern does not have sufficient uniqueness to determine Identification, and only
Functions to narrow the number of possibilities of donors. However, at this stage of the
comparison, differences in pattern type may be sufficient enough to eliminate the
unknown mark from the print.

Comparison of Ridge Characteristics

If the patterns are found to agree the comparison moves to the next level-the
'comparison of ridge characteristics. The ridge features are examined to ascertain
whether they are in the same position, in the same order, and have the same

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relationship to each other with none in disagreement in both the known prints and
unknown marks. This is known as the coincident sequence.

known print Will be dIscounted from the comparison process.

However, if the initial sequences agree in both impressions, the expert will proceed to
compare the relative position and location of further characteristics in both prints, all the
time looking for any disagreement in the sequence of characteristics.

The fingerprint expert will also be taking into account the unique features of the
ridges themselves looking for agreement between any Visible distinctive .ridge edge
shapes and minute detail.

This process will continue until the expert is satisfied that the comparison
process is Complete.

3. Evaluation
After comparing the unknown mark and known print the fingerprint expert
will e make their evaluation. They Will weigh up all of the information available as
a result of the comparison process and determine whether there is a unique
agreement between the two to confirm identity beyond all reasonable doubt.
Evaluation is made based on the identification philosophy. The
identification philosophy can be paraphrased by the following statement
Friction ridge identification is established through the agreement of friction
ridge formations, in sequence, having sufficient uniqueness to establish
individuality."(Ashbaugh, 1999).
4. Verification
The most crucial aspect of the identification process is the verification
element. This is an independent and complete analysis, comparison, and
evaluation of both prints which is carried out by a minimum of a further two
fingerprint experts. The verification process is the key to the reliability of
fingerprint evidence.

A second Examiner performs an independent examination of the identified latent

print impression. Upon completion of this phase, a confirmed identification constitutes
Scientific Knowledge', which can be admitted as expert testimony meeting the Daubert
challenge.

It demonstrates that the original conclusions are valid through consistent results
from the different experts who have analyzed, compared, and evaluated the information
available in both impressions.

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 FORENSIC PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION TECHNIQUES MODULE

TOPIC LINK FOR VIDEO

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analysis?

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Fingerprint Scanning, DMIT Lab https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqmEaF8In1s
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The Basics

References:
Handbook on Fingerprint by Prof. Veneranda Poschor – Depayso, MSCrim, printed by
Wiseman’s Books Trading, Quezon City, 2000
.

CHAPTER 9: FINGERPRINT EXAMINATION Page 10