Course you Code : CRM 202

Course Title : Personal Identification

Module 1/Lesson 1

Lesson 1
Introduction to Personal Identification
Objectives:
At the end of this chapter the learners are expected to:

a. Know the basic principle of personal Identification;

b. Discuss the General Method of Identification; and
c. Identify the various attributes that may serve as basis for
identification;

Introduction:
Personal Identification is the process of identifying a particular
individual base on characteristics that distinguishes him from others. The
principles of personal identification basically depend on recognition,
comparison and evaluation of characteristics or identifying details. Every
person just like everything has his/her/its characteristics. Characteristics that
are found in group which serve as a basis for classifying persons or things
which are called Class characteristics such as gender, race, status, height,
weight, age, educational attainment and others; and those that are highly
unique, unusual, peculiar or personal which serve as an individuality or the
ultimate basis for identification such as fingerprint, Iris Identity and DNA
(Individual Characteristics).
There are several methods of identifying a particular persons from
simple description of the face to a more complicated and yet very efficient
methods such as DNA fingerprinting and Fingerprint identification [Automated
Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS)].

Law of Multiplicity of Evidence = it is the basic

principle in identification which states that the greater
number of similarities or dissimilarities, the greater is the
probability for the conclusion to be correct.

I. General Methods of Identification

Generally, identification of a person can be done by either Comparison
or Exclusion (Elimination) Method. The first method is the basic process of
identifying a particular person or even things simply by putting two or more
persons/things side by side so as to identify and weigh their identifying
characteristics (comparison) and the latter is done through the process of
elimination after looking for some basic characteristics non-identity is easy to
establish thus, eliminate the lease probable one. In the Police work the used
of Police line-up is one of the processes of eliminating the lease probable
suspect to a crime by presenting to the witness or victim about seven to ten
(7-10) persons of almost same height and built and for the witness to point the
probable suspect. In some country this is practice with the use of a room
equipped with one way mirror in order for the witness or victim feels
comfortable and secure. The other way is the so called Physical show up in
which the arrested suspect is presented to the victim or witness for him/her to
confirm the identity of the suspect or perpetrator.

Before proceeding to the scientific methods of identification of man, let

us first discuss the basic and common means of identifying a person based
on some identifying characteristics.

A. Characteristics that may easily be changed:

1. Growth of hair, beard and mustache;
Hair is one of the attributes that can be used to identify a person. For
purpose of this chapter, we will focus on the significance of Growth of the hair,
beard, and mustache in identification. Usually Growth of hair, beard and
mustache can be used to distinguish a man from that of a woman. But now
hair growth alone is not sufficient basis in determining a man from a woman
due to changes brought about by fashion designers and hairstylists. There is
no doubt that hair has an effect to one’s identity and somehow it can also
relates to one’s personality. There are persons with long hair, there with short
or medium length. There are some with straight others are curly or kinky.
Some are dyed with variety of colors and some are with wax or gel applied on
their hair. There are also variety of haircuts and styles. But it must be noted
that hair can be trimmed and people may wear wigs thus, hair growth,
mustache and beard are not a very strong basis for identification for it can
easily be changed or modified or even removed.
2. Clothing
Clothing is one of the attributes that helps in the identification of a
person and even creates such an impression to other persons. The kind of
clothing may essential be valuable in identify of a suspect or a victim of crime.
There are instances that suspect’s clothing provides clue to his identification
and even to his location. Although we are very much aware that clothing alone
may not be a conclusive evidence of identity or non-identity since there are
similar clothing and it can easily be worn or take off. Clothing may also serve
as a basis in determining the race, status, country of origin, kind of profession
and even one’s status in life. In some country investigators may even resort to
having a set of data concerning the logos or brands of clothing available and
commonly sold in malls and markets. This would somehow help in narrowing
down the search for the probable user or owner of certain clothing. In some
instances, the kind of clothing used or worn by a person may also indicate the
kind of occasion he or she attended with, or place where he or she came
from, or even the time and date. The used of clothing as an attribute for
identification may also be dependent on the quality of vision of the victim or
witness and the lighting condition in the place. It is on this premise that an
accurate description of the attire worn by the perpetrator can be made by the
witness or the victim who saw the perpetrator or as captured by the CCTV
available in the place. The attire that a victim is wearing may also plays an
important role in the identification of an unidentified victim and can even be a
reference as regards to the time and place of the possible occurrence of the
incident. For instance a woman who is found dead wearing a lingerie will most
likely indicate that the incident might have occurred at night. There are also
many cases that victims of either crimes or calamity are being traced through
the last clothing that they wear when they were last seen by their relative,
friends or love ones.

3. Frequent place of visit

There is this saying –“Birds of the same feather flocks together”. The place
where a person regularly or habitually visit or stay may also be of certain
value in identifying and locating a person. This may be attributed to the
principle of habits, the nature of work, lifestyle and things that the person is
customarily do. Places that one regularly or frequently going may also be a
reference as regards to his personality or as part of his routine activity. But
places being visited by a person may change at any time especially if it is not
actually part of his routine. But with respect to value in investigation, this may
serve a certain importance.

4. Grade or profession
The Degree of one’s Grade or Profession is definitely another
important attributes that may lead to a person’s identity. The place of work,
the kind of clothing used and other paraphernalia are all contributory factors in
determining one’s grade or profession and such may give a strong basis as to
the identity of the suspect based on the analysis and evaluation of the scene
of the crime and the evidences presented. The problem that we may also
have with respect to Grade and Profession is that many persons belongs to
same profession and grade as it is a class characteristics, thus it may not be a
conclusive evidence for identification but nevertheless, it can be a good basis
in narrowing down the search for a particular person thus, making an
investigator focus on a more probable suspect. There are also possibilities
that grade and profession can be used as a disguise which may serve to
mislead the investigator.

5. Body Ornamentation such as earrings, necklace, rings, bracelets,

watch and others.

Body ornamentation such as earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets,

watches, and other paraphernalia play also an important role in forensic
science. Once there is positive identification of the person, these
paraphernalia may have no significant value as regards to the identification of
the said person but for unidentified dead body whose identity has not been
established/ or may not easily be established for some reasons.
Paraphernalia may give clue or basis to further the identification.
The usual value of body ornamentation is to serve as circumstantial
evidence both for the identity of the victim and the possible perpetrator if such
paraphernalia was taken from the victim (tracing evidence).
The problem with body ornamentation is that they can easily be worn or
removed thus It does not passed the principle of permanency. Another
problem is that paraphernalia are manufacture in bulk just like in the case of
clothing making them common. But there are also some paraphernalia with
certain distinct characteristics since they have been made to order or special
work. They have distinct properties be it physical or chemical which serves as
unique distinguishing characteristics.
B. Characteristics that may not easily be changed.
1. Mental memory = memories are something that really last in our mind
both good and bad. Something that are related to our first experiences
and something that are very uplifting happenings in our life are so
unforgettable. But life is not always happiness; there are things that are
unforgettable for they have brought misery or even disaster in our lives.
Our brain is one of the most mysterious parts of our body. It is capable
of making a person extra-ordinary. It can function beyond our
expectations. But it may also be subjected to some limitation brought
by our condition such as in the case of those suffering from mental
illness and mental retardation. Those with Alzheimer’s and Amnesia
have such mental condition which memory recollection may not be
possible.

2. Speech = the expression of or the ability to express thoughts and

feelings by articulate sounds. Language is a basic component of
speech and there are roughly 6,500 languages used worldwide.
Language and the way they were spoken are significant distinctions in
every person. Initially the language used is a common characteristic
with people leaving in the same place, community or society. Thus, it
may give initial clue on the possible race or class of people a certain
person belongs. In a more scientific approach there is a scientific
process called “voice print Identification”.
In the Philippines aside from the usual English and Filipino there
are various dialects and variety of intonation in pronouncing words.
Such characteristics may also be a relevant basis in determining the
province of origin of a certain person.

3. Gait = refers to the characteristics way or manner of walking. Face

recognition may not be accurate at long distance due to the limitation of
one’s vision. But people may also be recognized through the way they
walk, especially people with distinct manner of walking and those who
are acquainted to us.
Gait line = line measured from heel to heel of a walking man.
Kinds of Gait
a. Ataxic = the foot is raised high, thrown forward and brought down
suddenly.
b. Cerebellar = gait associated with staggering movement.
c. Cow’s Gait = a swaying movement due to knock-knee.
d. Paretic = gait in which steps are short the feet dragged, the legs
held more or less widely apart.
e. Spastic = leg are held together and moves in a stiff manner, and the
toes to drag and catch.
f. Waddling = a gait resembling duck.
g. Frog’s = hopping gait in infantile paralysis.
4. Mannerism = a habitual gesture or way of speaking or behaving; an
idiosyncrasy. This is somewhat a unique characteristic that may be
observed with some people. The more unique their mannerism the
 more it became a distinguishing characteristics that would add on to
his/her identification.
5. Hands and feet = the hands and feet may also serve as a
distinguishing characteristics especially when there are some
irregularities or such as being polydactyl (person with more than the
regular number of fingers), amputation, dislocated bones or fractures.
6. Complexion = skin tones can said to be one of the basic basis in
determining races. Together with the shapes of the eyes, and face,
classification of persons according to race becomes more probable.
But still these characteristics or attributes may lead us to the
classification or grouping of individual but with respect to positive
identification we need more conclusive proof. With the advancement in
cosmetics, complexion became less probable basis for identification.

7. Face

Indeed, face is the very fundamental basis of identification. In fact,

aside from one’s name and signature, it is the face that is used to signify
the genuineness of an identification card. In dealing with people we may
easily forget their names especially when we meet only once and it took a
number of days before it was followed. But somehow we still remember
the face of the person. Our face is the representation of us in all aspects of
our life. But there are people with certain degree of resemblance and
some are even almost completely the same just like in the case of identical
twin (Homogeneous twin). In addition, there are technologists being used
to enhance or change one’s face such as surgery which are somehow
being used by wanted criminals as a disguised. Below are some of the
general shapes of the face.

(https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/480407485247817336/)

There are available soft wares now being used by different law
enforcement agencies for purposes of faster reconstruction of the suspect’s
face which ultimately replaces the traditional cartographic sketch technique.

8. Eyes = There is a saying that - “the eye is the mirror of our soul”. This
saying is made due to the fact that the eye is a reflection of one’s
 emotion in the same way that it may also reflect our health condition.
Every time we talk to a person it is natural that we look straight to their
eyes. The shape of the eyes has a very strong bearing to the human
face and it may also be consider as reference to once race.

In some states they even have the system called iris

identification which is being utilized for biometrics in order to provide
security access over some confidential or exclusive area of a certain
establishment.

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Ewi23ZbaieftAhVtyIsBHTQhBewQr4kDegUIARCsAQ

9. Body built or somatotype

There are various body forms or body built. Just like what was
studied by William Sheldon and Ernst Kretchmer. They even associated
body built with one’s personality and criminal tendencies.

(https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F
%2Fwww.precisionnutrition.com%2Fall-about-body-type-
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 10. Left or right handedness
Being either left or right handed is also an attributes that contributes
to the identity of an individual.
There are certain cases that being either a left or right handed can
help in determining truth about suspicious cases be it on the part of the
victim or on the part of the perpetrator. A good example of this was the
issue raise in the case of the death of the wife of the famous news reporter
in the Philippines who committed a suicide. An issue was raise as to the
fact f her being a left handed but fired a gun using the right hand. But a
certain medico-legal attested that the woman is an ambidextrous, she
uses left hand in writing and doing other things but with respect to hard
works she used her right hand. Thus, clears the issue of why it was the
right hand that was used in committing suicide.
Ambidextrous is a condition at which a man/woman is capable of
using both right and left hands equally well.

11. Degree of nutrition

Introduction:

Personal Identification is the process of identifying a particular individual base

on characteristics that distinguishes him from others. The principles of
personal identification basically depend on recognition, comparison and
evaluation of characteristics or identifying details. Every person just like
everything has his/her/its characteristics. Characteristics that are found in
group which serve as a basis for classifying persons or things which are
called Class characteristics such as gender, race, status, height, weight, age,
educational attainment and others; and those that are highly unique, unusual,
peculiar or personal which serve as an individuality or the ultimate basis for
identification such as fingerprint, Iris Identity and DNA (Individual
Characteristics).

There are several methods of identifying a particular persons from simple

description of the face to a more complicated and yet very efficient methods
such as DNA fingerprinting and Fingerprint identification [Automated
Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS)].

I. Identification applicable to both living and dead person.

1. Occupational Mark

The nature of one’s job somehow can be traced based on the kind of scars,
injuries or wounds that they have in their hands, arms, feet and body.
Although this may not be a conclusive means of identification for certain
marks left by wounds or injuries may be cause by accidents not in the work
place but at home or other places. Nevertheless, marks left by wounds or
injuries may serve as an additional attributes for possible identification of a
person or his field of works. Aside from marks left due to wounds or injury, the
work of a person may also be reflected on the kind of skills that may be
observed from his commission of a certain crime. Like for instance in the case
of the Philippine Chop-chop lady “Lucila Lalu case”. The victim’s body was
mutilated. When the medico-legal examine the cuts made on the body parts of
the victim, he made a conclusion that the perpetrator is someone who is
skilled in human anatomy for the manner by which the body was cut is done
with precision thus leading the case to one of the suspects who is taking a
medical course. Circumstantial evidence such as this maybe overlook but
unskilled investigator.

2. Race = from the completion, face and other

features a man may be classified according to race
of origin. This could be valuable clue in
determining possible identity of an unidentified
person. This was actually applied in the case of a
body found in a suitcase in Yorkshire, England in
the morning of 2001. Inside the suitcase was an
almost naked body of a woman with her face
bound with tape (masking tape). The police has
limited basis as to the identity of the victim but
based on the over-all appearance the police
believed that the victim was of Asian origin most
likely from East-Asia due to eyes, face and skin
tone and others. Even though the police took a
sample of her fingerprint, DNA and dental structure
still they have so sufficient basis for her positive
identification. Luckily, with the help of the Interpol
information about her fingerprint leads to her
identity when it was sent to Asian countries and
the Government of Korea responded. The victim is
Hyo Jung Jin, a 21 year old student at Lyon
University, France. The reason for her being in
London is for sightseeing trip which only last very
short due to her immediate disappearance. Hyo
Jung Jin’s death was later was link to another
Korean student which happened On March 2002,
The body of Hea Song which was found hidden in
a concealed cupboard at a London address. Both
appeared to have suffocated. The Landlord of the
property named Soo Kyo Kim was imputed to
these cases. Evidence such as roll of tape, blue
paint, blood stain found both in the trunk of the
landlord’s car and in the room were all pointed out
to the suspect. Fingerprints, DNA Analysis truly
 played a very important role in these two cases but
it would be observed that the facial features of the
victim leading to possible traced of their race of
origin plays an essential role in building up the
case. (The Forensic Handbook,Pete Moore, 2004,
New York)

3. Forensic Anthropology

It is a special sub-field of physical anthropology which focuses on the

scientific study of skeletal remains for law enforcement and criminal
investigation.

The bone structure of man is very durable that it plays a very important role in
identification of remains specially those who are beyond recognition.

Anthropology alone is simply the study of man. It is not an exaggeration to say

that early investigators are the archeologist for they traces, dig and examine
skeletal remains in order to study and discover things that happened long time
ago and to be able to look for solution to many questions about the people of
the past. Some of the common questions that they would like to be answered
are: (1) Is the skeletal remains a man or a woman? (2) How old the remains
or how old the man/woman died?,(3) What could have caused his/her death?,
and How tall is that remains?. These are only some of the questions that
archeologist would like to be answered which if we compare it with criminal
investigation these questions are very much relevant and material.

Victims of either man made crime or calamity requires identification. But one
of the great challenges to this is when the victim is already at the stage of
decomposition or worst skeletonized. The bone structure of every man is said
to be unique although the problem is that who has complete records of one’s
skeletal structure and characteristics that would lead to his/her positive
identification? Forensic Anthropologist helps law enforcement works in
identifying unidentified remains by profiling. Some of the basic profiles
Anthropologist take into accounts are: gender, age, race, height, length of
time since the death occur, and the trauma observed from the bone.

The following consideration may be taken in relation to identification of

skeleton:

1. Is the skeletal remains

belongs to a man or an
animal?

=oval or round shape of the skull

=less prominent lower jaw and nasal bone

 2. Whether the remains come
from a single individual or not?

Complete layout of the bones on a table in their exact locations in the human
body is necessary. The average number of bone an adult has is about 206. At
childhood there are about 200 bones. The Source of the additional six (6)
bones: 3 pairs of icicles or tiny bones found in both middle ears.

Any plurality denotes that the remains belong to more than one (1) person.

4. Whether the remains is a man or a woman?

In the determination of sex based on skeletal remains reference should be

made with respect to large and elongated bones.

The following bones maybe considered for this purposes:

 pelvis

 skull

 sternum

 femur

 humorous

5. Teeth or dentures

A complete set of denture is about 32 pieces. Although it may varies to one’s

age especially to children where dentures are at its temporary condition.

Forensic Odontology is identification through dental record. It is the

application of dental science to legal investigation which primarily focus on
identification of person such as suspect through bite marks and victims as
well as unidentified human remains based on dental records.

The denture is one of the most durable parts of the human body and its
growth and development is also considered unique to every individual.

Bite marks can possible be found at the crime scene in surface such as the
hand, shoulder, arm or other parts of the body of the either victim or suspects.
It may also possibly be found on found chewing gums or other materials
which a person might intentionally or accidentally bite. Bite mark can be
reproduced through mold or casting and later compared to the suspect’s
denture. Just like in the case of an American serial killer and rapist Ted
Bundy. He was branded as one of the most notorious criminals of the late
20th century having known to have killed about 36 women in the 1970s.The
most damning evidence connecting Ted Bundy to the two Chi Omega
murders at FSU were bite marks on one of the bodies of the victim that serves
as a definite match to Ted Bundy.

Bite marks may also be classified into seven types namely: (1) Haemorrhage:
A small bleeding spot; (2) Abrasion: Undamaging mark on the skin; (3)
Contusion: Ruptured blood vessels, bruising; (4) Laceration: Punctured or torn
skin; (5) Incision: Neat puncture of the skin; (6) Avulsion: Removal of the skin;
and (7) Artefact: Bitten off piece of body.

In cases of unidentified human remains, a need for dental records is

necessary in order to have a standard basis for comparison which somehow
serves some problem since there are people who do not have dental records.
In the absence of dental records some dental characteristics of the victim may
give clue to some details. Age of a person may possible be estimated based
on their dental characteristics especially young victims, the presence of
raptured teeth, false teeth, growth of wisdom tooth. Health care of one’s
denture may also serve as a reference to one’s eating habits and vices. Other
attachment used to enhance one’s denture may serve as clue also serves as
additional basis for identification.

For purposes of comparison, one of the most common methods being used
with respect bite marks is the application of transparent overlays. The record
of the bite marks which was traced on a sheet of acetate will be place to the
crime scene sample. The other way is to develop mold or cast impression to
serve as basis for comparison.

There are some challenges that examiner may encounter with regard to bite
marks especially those that were left on the skin or other elastic materials for
there they are not very good medium for developing dental impression for
they may be subjected to stretching, movement or alteration due to
environmental condition thus may create a clouds of doubt as to its reliability.

(https://aboutforensics.co.uk/forensic-odontology)

6. Tattoo Marks- tattoo during the early tribes

symbolizes membership in a certain clan or group
of people. Later it has been a practice among
inmates and convicts to put tattoo on their co-
inmates. Now, some people put tattoo as an
expression of their personality or feeling. There are
temporary and permanent tattoos which can be a
basis for identifying a particular person.
 7. Scar marks – scars may varies in location, size
and appearance. Scars due to accidents are
usually irregular in shape and easily noticeable
while scars due to surgical operation may appear
regular in shape and even unnoticeable.

8. Blood Grouping (A-B-AB-O System) and Typing

(M-N-MN)

Prior to the discovery of blood group in 1901 by Karl Landsteiner scientist

attempt at rescuing patients’ life by blood transfusion, some were successful
but there were cases of failure. These results in attributed to the fact that not
all blood are compatible for transfusion. Due to the discovery of ABO system
physician was able to realize that man has four blood groups namely A, B, AB
and O. The most common of these blood groups is the group “O” while the
rarest is the “AB”, and not all of them can be transfused with the other for
such would cause death due to blood clotting. Blood group is determine by
taking a small amount of blood sample from a subject and place it in a small
glass slide into two separate samples. Each sample will be dropped with an
Anti-Serum A (blue) and Anti Serum B (Yellow). Mixture is observed either
with the aid of magnifying lens or just the naked eye. Once the blood sample
agglutinated or clotted it is a sign of a positive result. As shown below.

Anti -A Anti – B Blood Group

+ - A

- + B

- - 0

+ + AB

Blood type on the other hand is often erroneously used by layman when
referring to Blood Group. There are only three (3) blood types namely: Type
M, N and MN.

Blood Grouping the Blood typing are very useful in identifying probability of
paternity. Although it may be of great help in determining that a certain child is
not a possible child of a certain couple. It is definitely not conclusive evidence
that a certain child is surely that of a certain couple. At present, a conclusive
test to prove paternity or maternity is the DNA fingerprinting.

Blood Grouping and Blood typing was first applied in criminal investigation by
Leone Lattes of Turin Italy in 1913.
 9. Birth marks = birth marks can also be a good basis
of identification although modern technology offers
ways and means of removing or altering these
birth marks.

10. Deformities

11. Moles = commonly known by Filipinos as “Nunal”

may also be a basis for identification. To some it
symbolizes something in relation to one’s
character. But just like other birth marks, mole can
now easily be removed with the aid of cosmetic
surgery.

12. Injuries living a permanent result

13. Tribal marks

14. Sexual Organs (Presence of Testes and Ovaries) = Sexual organs can
be a basis in determining gender of a person as to whether a person is
a boy or a girl. The presence of the testes signifies a male gender while
the ovaries to that of a female. But nowadays, technology has changed
a lot not only in the lifestyle of man but also in their sexuality.
Sometimes it is difficult to distinguish a man from a woman by merely
observing their physical outlook.

15. Handwriting and signature = Many cases involving forgery, suicide

notes and anonymous letters deal with examination of either
handwriting or signature. These require certain degree of skills,
knowledge and experience to distinguish a genuine from that of a
forged.

16. Anthropometry = a system of identification which was first used prior to

the admissibility of fingerprint identification. This is done by measuring
the various bony structure of the human body which was developed by
Alphonse Bertillon. Bertillon, an Scotland Yard Police Officer is known
to be the father of personal identification having devised the first
scientific method of criminal identification using anthropometry
supplemented by Photography.

17. Fingerprint Identification

18. DNA fingerprinting = discovered by Alec Jeffreys around 1981.

(Guanine, Cytosine, Adenine & Thymine)

Sources of DNA Specimen

1. Semen (Sperm Cell) – rich source

2. Blood (WBC) – good source

3. Hair w/ roots (hair follicle cells) – good source

4. Vaginal Fluid – good source

5. Nasal Secretion – good source

6. Sweat stains – can be good source

7. Skin, dandruff – not good source

Anthropometry= (1890’s) the first scientific method of identification which

was established by Alphonse Bertillon Alphonse Bertillon is considered the
Father of Personal Identification due to his development of Anthropometry
supplemented by the application of photography or the so called “mug shot
photography”. He is the police officer who first used the concept of mug-shot
photography as part of the criminal records of a person. It is in this view, that
he is also considered as the father of mug-shot photography. It is a system
of identification done through measuring various bony structure of the human
body. It was first used in England for almost two decades (20 years) before
fingerprint was used.

Records shows that Anthropometry was questioned due to the famous “West
Case” at U.S. Penitentiary at Leavenforth, Kansas, a case of two persons
(Will West and William West) of the same face and almost exactly the same
height.

Course Code : CRM 202

b.
 Fingerprint had been considered as one of the most infallible means of
identification. It has been utilized at presents into large extent both in public
and private documents from simple clearance to very important documents
such as wills and contracts. For every person studying the science of
fingerprints and those who are practitioner in this field, it is a must that they
should have to be acquainted with historical development. Every scientific
principle basically lies its evidentiary value and credibility to its discovery and
the facts behind its development and distinction. Think of a scenario inside a
trial court, a situation in which the defense lawyer looking for a way to discard
the credibility of the expert witness, they sometimes resort to asking of
question which are relative to the historical basis and basic principles of the
scientific evidence presented.

To help the students, professors, technicians, practitioners and other

interested persons be familiarized to the historical development of the science
of fingerprints, the author have listed some of the most important events and
personalities behind this.

A. ORIGIN OF FINGERPRINTS

The Chinese are the one noted to be the first user of Fingerprints. They use
fingerprints as symbolism in the early part of the history as a part of their
rituals, until they utilize it in the signing of a contract on the part of illiterate.
The thumb mark of the destitute is place on the slip of bamboo were the
contract was written. Infants at that time were taken fingerprint for possible
identification and every mother is familiar with the fingerprint of their newborn.

The Chinese were well acquainted with the essential characteristics of

fingerprint. They call the Arches and Whorls “LO” (snail); Loops are “KI” (sieve
or winnowing basket). The loops are loop upon as presages of luck.

Emperor Te’in Shi, (246 – 210 BC) was the first Chinese ruler who devised a
seal carved from white jade. On one side of it was the name of the owner, and
on the other side the impression of the thumb. Such seal were used in sealing
documents as a sign of authenticity. Through the Chinese were well familiar
with the types of fingerprint patters, they did not make any system to develop
a classification system.

B. SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERY AND DEVELOPMENT OF FINGERPRINT

1. Dr. Nehemiah Grew (1641-1712). He made the

first written description of the friction skin in the
late 17th century to the Royal Society in London in
1684.
 2. Marcelo Malpighi (1628- 1694). An Italian
professor of Anatomy in the University of Bologna,
Italy who published a book entitled “De Externo
Tactus Organo” depicting the construction of the
layers of the human skin, particularly the friction
skin namely the Epidermis and the Dermis. He
originated the term “loops and spiral” and dacause
of his contribution one of the thin layer of the
friction skin was named after him, the Malphigian
layer.

3. Johann Cristoph Mayer (1788). A German Doctor

and Anatomist who stated in his book (Anatomiche
Kuphertafein Nebst dazu Gehorigen) “Although the
arrangement of ths skin ridges is never duplicated
in two persons, nevertheless , the similarities are
closer among some individuals.

4. Johannes E. Purkenjie (1823). A professor in the

University of Breslau, Germany, who discovered in
his study of physiology, that the skin on the inner
surface of the hands bore patterns, which he later
named and set rules governing their classification
and even identify nine (9) types of patterns, but he
did not associate it with identification. Known to be
the Father of Dactyloscopy.

5. Herman Welcker (1856). He took the prints of his

own palms and after forty-one (41) years (1879) he
printed the same palms to prove that prints do not
change, except for some scratches due to old age.

C. FINGERPRINT AS A METHOD OF IDENTIFICATION

1. Sir William J. Herschel (1858).

German-born British
Astronomer. He works in
Hooghly, District of Bengal,
India, as acting official
representative of English
government in Bengal, India,
 he utilized fingerprints as a
substitute for signature to
avoid impersonation among
the natives. Rajyadhar Konai
was the first person Herschel
printed the palm. In spite of
his success in this operation
the government ignored his
request for the adoption of
officially of this system.

Credit should be given to him for the establishment of the present fingerprint
system of identification for he gave way for the first actual tryout in
establishing individuality using fingerprint. He is also credited for the discovery
of infra-red radiation.

2. Dr. Henry Faulds (1877) .

Scottish Physician, A surgeon
at Tsukiji Hospital, Tokyo,
Japan. He wrote the English
Journal “Nature dealing with
latent prints found at the
scene of the crime. He
claimed that the impression
would provide positive
identification of offenders
when apprehended. He also
wrote ‘A Manual of Practical
Dactylography” based on skin
ridges of the fingers and toes.
He accomplished the Stratton
brothers’ case for murdering
Farrow couple.

3. Sir Francis Galton (1892-

1911). British Anthropologist,
a cousin of Charles Darwin,
who is credited for being the
first scientist of friction skin
identification who established
the first civil Bureau of
Personal Identification in
London, England; and
discover the three (3) families
of fingerprint patterns –
Arches, Loops and Whorls (A-
L-W- Methods). Later devised
a system of classification that
 was officially adopted o
February 12, 1894. He said
that the possibility of two
prints being alike was
1:64,000,000,000. He
successfully identifies the
fingerprint characteristics
known as “Galton’s Details”.

4. Edward Richard Henry (1859

1931). Inspired by various
predecessors in the sudy of
fingerprint he developed his
own system of classification
while working in Scothland
yard. His system of
Classification (Henry System)
was established with the help
of two Hindu police officer
namely Khan Bahadur Azizul
Hague and Rai Hem Chandra
Bose and it was widely
accepted by almost all English
Speaking Country making hi
known as the “Father of
Fingerprint”. His system of
idenitification finally replaced
the Bertillionage system of
identification in France.

6. Juan Vucetich (1891) . – A Spanish counterpart of

Henry who developed his own system of
classification in Argentina and was accepted in
almost all Spanish Speaking country. He is an
Argentine Police Official who made the 1st criminal
fingerprint identification in 1892. He Identified
Francis Rojas, woman who murdered her two sons
and cut her own throat in an attempt to place
blame on another.

D. FINGERPPRINT IN UNITED STATES

 1. Gilbert Thompson = a
geologist in New Mexico,
adopted the first individual use
of fingerprint in August 8,
1882 as a protection to
prevent tampering with the
pay order.

2. Isaiah West Tabor =

Photographer in San
Francisco who advocated the
use of the system for the
registration of the immigrant
Chinese.

3. Samuel Langhorne Clemens =

An Englishman who informally
introduced Dactyloscopy in
the United States in his book
“Life in the Mississippi” and “
Pupp n Head Wilson”.

4. Dr. Henry p De Forest =

Utilized the first Municipal Civil
use of fingerprint for Criminal
Registration on December
1902 (Mun. Civil Service
Comm., New York).

5. Capt. James L. Parke =

Advocate th first state and
penal use of fingerprint
adopted in SingSing prison on
June 5, 1903 later on Auburn
Napanoch and Clinton
Penitentiaries.

7. Sgt. John Kenneth Ferrier = First fingerprint

instructor at St. Louis Police Dept. Missouri.

8. Maj. R. Mc Cloughry = warden of the Federal

Penitentiaries of Leaven Worth. Established the
first official National Government use of
fingerpprint.

9. Mary K. Holand = first American instructrees in

dactyloscopy.
 10. FBI = identification unit herein was officially
established by an act of congress in 1924.

11. Institute of Applied Science = First private school

to install laboratories for instruction purposes in
dactyloscopy.

12. People vs. Jenning, Dec. 21, 1911 = United States

leading case wherein the first conviction based on
fingerprint was recognized by the judicial
authorities (14 points).

D. FINGERPRINT IN THE PHILIPPINES

1. Mr. Jones = one who first

taught FP in the Phils. (1900)

2. Bureau of Prison = (1968)

CARPETAS fingerprint was
used.

3. Generoso Reyes – 1937, First

Filipino Fingerprint Technician
employed by Phil.
Constabulary.

4. Isabela Bernales – first filipina

Fingerprint Technician

5. Capt. Thomas Dugan, New

York Police Dept. and
Flaviano Guerrero, FBI
Washington – gave the first
examination in FP in 1927 and
Agustin Patricio of the Phils.
Top the Examination

6. People of the Phils. Vs.

Medina- First conviction base
on Fingerprint and leading
case decision in the Phil.
Jurisprudence (10 points).
7. Plaridel Education Institute
(PEI) now known as Phil.
College of Criminology, first
government recognized
school to teach the Science of
Fingerprint and other Police
Sciences.