FingerprintsFingerprints

Chapter 7Chapter 7

HistoryHistory Alphonse Bertillon: Alphonse Bertillon: -anthropometry/father of criminal identification-anthropometry/father of criminal identification

1892 Francis Galton published classic textbook 1892 Francis Galton published classic textbook Finger PrintsFinger Prints

-British government adopted fingerprinting as a -British government adopted fingerprinting as a supplement to Bertillon systemsupplement to Bertillon system

-classification systems needed to file thousands of -classification systems needed to file thousands of prints in logical/searchable sequenceprints in logical/searchable sequence

HistoryHistory Dr Juan Vucetich (Arentina): Dr Juan Vucetich (Arentina): -classification system-classification system-used in most Spanish-speaking countries-used in most Spanish-speaking countries-1892 single f/p solved homicide -1892 single f/p solved homicide

Sir Edward Henry (UK): Sir Edward Henry (UK): -classification system using the fingerprint -classification system using the fingerprint

pattern/ridge countspattern/ridge counts-Henry system used in English-speaking countries-Henry system used in English-speaking countries-uses a formula to assign numerical values to types -uses a formula to assign numerical values to types

of print patternsof print patterns-filed under that numeric system-filed under that numeric system

HistoryHistory 1850’s: 1850’s:

-photographing inmates for ID purposes-photographing inmates for ID purposes

Allan Pinkerton: Allan Pinkerton:

-rogues gallery-rogues gallery

NYPD Detective Thomas Byrnes:NYPD Detective Thomas Byrnes:

-NYPD gallery-NYPD gallery

-“mug” shots-“mug” shots

HistoryHistory Will West/William West (1903)Will West/William West (1903)-Leavenworth prison-Leavenworth prison-2 inmates/same name/same -2 inmates/same name/same

anthropometrical measurementsanthropometrical measurements-fingerprints distinguished them-fingerprints distinguished them

1904 World’s Fair: 1904 World’s Fair: -Scotland Yard introduces fingerprinting to -Scotland Yard introduces fingerprinting to

US PoliceUS Police

Mug shotsMug shotsNYPD: original NYPD: original

collection of mug collection of mug shotsshots

Mug shotsMug shotsCollection of mug Collection of mug

shotsshots

Mug ShotsMug ShotsJohn DillingerJohn Dillinger

Mug ShotsMug ShotsAlphonse CaponeAlphonse Capone

Mug ShotsMug ShotsJames BrownJames Brown

Mug ShotsMug ShotsNick NolteNick Nolte

What are fingerprints?What are fingerprints?

Friction ridge skin pattern

Found on fingers, palms, toes, soles of feet.

Composed of ridges (hills) and furrows (valleys)

Black = RidgesWhite = Valleys

Fingerprints

What are 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

1. Visible – left by dirt, grease, blood, etc. Does not need processing

Fingerprints

There are 3 types of fingerprints

2. Impression – indentation in soft material (butter, putty, tar, etc.)

Does not need processing

Fingerprints

There are 3 types of fingerprints

3. 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 printsVisible prints

Fingerprint PrinciplesFingerprint Principles Fingerprints: Fingerprints:

-reproduction of friction skin ridges found on the -reproduction of friction skin ridges found on the palm side of the fingers/thumbspalm side of the fingers/thumbs

3 principles: 3 principles:

1.1. Uniqueness:Uniqueness:

2.2. Permanence:Permanence:

3.3. Patterns:Patterns:

Principle OnePrinciple One Millions of fingerprint comparisons:Millions of fingerprint comparisons:

-no two fingerprints have been found to be -no two fingerprints have been found to be identicalidentical

-identification is based on ridge characteristics -identification is based on ridge characteristics (minutiae)(minutiae)

-identity/number/relative location of minutiae-identity/number/relative location of minutiae

-imparts individuality to a fingerprint-imparts individuality to a fingerprint

-as many as 150 minutiae on the average finger-as many as 150 minutiae on the average finger

Principle OnePrinciple One Points? How many required for ID in US Courts?Points? How many required for ID in US Courts?

-“no valid basis exists for requiring a predetermined -“no valid basis exists for requiring a predetermined minimum number of friction ridge characters minimum number of friction ridge characters which must be present in two impressions in which must be present in two impressions in order to establish positive identification”order to establish positive identification”

-sufficient number of friction ridge details present -sufficient number of friction ridge details present for conclusion 100%for conclusion 100%

Principle OnePrinciple One Conclusions: Conclusions: -Subject made the print-Subject made the print -Subject could not have made the print-Subject could not have made the print -Print had insufficient detail to be evaluated-Print had insufficient detail to be evaluated In a judicial proceeding, an expert must In a judicial proceeding, an expert must

demonstrate a point-by-point comparison in order demonstrate a point-by-point comparison in order to prove the identity of an individual.to prove the identity of an individual.

Principle TwoPrinciple Two Epidermis: Epidermis: -outer layer of the skin-outer layer of the skin Dermis:Dermis:-inner layer of the skin.-inner layer of the skin. Dermal papillae: Dermal papillae: -layer of cells between the epidermis and -layer of cells between the epidermis and

dermis/determines form and pattern of the ridges on dermis/determines form and pattern of the ridges on the surface of the skin.the surface of the skin.

-develops in the fetus/remains unchanged-develops in the fetus/remains unchanged-skin ridge is populated with pores leading to sweat -skin ridge is populated with pores leading to sweat

glands from which perspiration is deposited on the skin.glands from which perspiration is deposited on the skin.-finger touches a surface,-finger touches a surface,-perspiration transferred onto that surface, leaving the -perspiration transferred onto that surface, leaving the

finger’s ridge pattern (a fingerprint). finger’s ridge pattern (a fingerprint).

Principle ThreePrinciple Three

Fingerprints Fingerprints classified classified based on based on patterns:patterns:

Loop: Loop: -60 %-60 %

Principle Principle ThreeThree

Whorls:Whorls:

35%35%

WhorlsWhorlsDouble Loop WhorlDouble Loop Whorl

Accidental WhorlAccidental Whorl

Principle ThreePrinciple Three ARCHES:ARCHES: Least common type of patternLeast common type of pattern

Only 5% of all patternsOnly 5% of all patterns

2 subcategories:2 subcategories: a. Plaina. Plain b. Tentedb. Tented

ArchesArches

PlainPlain TentedTented

Developing PrintsDeveloping Prints Latent prints hard/nonabsorbent Latent prints hard/nonabsorbent

surfaces (substrates):powdersurfaces (substrates):powder

Latent prints on porous surfaces: Latent prints on porous surfaces: chemicalchemical

Detecting PrintsDetecting Prints Reflected Ultraviolet Imaging System (RUVIS):Reflected Ultraviolet Imaging System (RUVIS):-no chemicals or powder.-no chemicals or powder.

Powders:Powders:-variety of colors-variety of colors-brush/magnetic wand-brush/magnetic wand-adhere to perspiration and/or body oils-adhere to perspiration and/or body oils

Iodine fuming: Iodine fuming: -heating iodine crystals release vapors-heating iodine crystals release vapors--not permanent and will fadenot permanent and will fade

Detecting PrintsDetecting Prints Ninhydrin:Ninhydrin: -reacts to amino acids-reacts to amino acids-produce a purple-blue color-produce a purple-blue color

Physical Developer :Physical Developer :-reagent used when other chemical methods are -reagent used when other chemical methods are

ineffective.ineffective.

Super GlueSuper Glue®:®:

--cyanoacrylate estercyanoacrylate ester-fuming chamber (for up to six hours)-fuming chamber (for up to six hours)-handheld wand-handheld wand

Developing PrintsDeveloping Prints Fluorescence:Fluorescence:

-prints treated with chemicals that induce -prints treated with chemicals that induce fluorescence when exposed to lasers/high-intensity fluorescence when exposed to lasers/high-intensity light sources light sources

-permanently preserve comparison/court evidence-permanently preserve comparison/court evidence

-photographs must be taken before attempts at -photographs must be taken before attempts at lifting 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

PowderPowderLatent print Latent print

developed with developed with powder powder

PowderPowder Print in dust:Print in dust:

Left-actual printLeft-actual print

Middle-developed Middle-developed with powderwith powder

Right-photographedRight-photographed

PowderPowder Shell casingShell casing

Chemical Development:

2. 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:

3. Ninhydrin Reacts with amino acids; purple color Painted or sprayed on area Heated to react

Fingerprints > Analysis

Chemical Development:

4. 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

DevelopmentDevelopmentFingerprints on the Fingerprints on the

inside of a rubber inside of a rubber gloveglove

Development Development Fingerprints Fingerprints

developed on developed on plastic bagplastic bag

DevelopmentDevelopmentInside of rubber Inside of rubber

gloves treated with gloves treated with ninhydrinninhydrin

DevelopmentDevelopment NinhydrinNinhydrin

DevelopmentDevelopment Ninhydrin-Note Ninhydrin-Note

initials at top-initials at top-CHAIN OF CHAIN OF CUSTODYCUSTODY

DevelopmentDevelopmentSuper glue Super glue

developed printsdeveloped prints

Super glueSuper glue Heating unitHeating unit

Super GlueSuper Glue Drops of glue Drops of glue

added and heatedadded and heated

Super GlueSuper Glue Do it yourself super Do it yourself super

glue chamberglue chamber

DevelopingDevelopingLatent prints Latent prints

visulaized using visulaized using fluorescent powderfluorescent powder

DevelopingDevelopingDifferent colored Different colored

fluorescent powderfluorescent 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 CollectionDevelopment and Collection Small objects:Small objects:-preserved/transported in entirety-preserved/transported in entirety

Large immovable objects:Large immovable objects:-develop prints with powder-develop prints with powder-“lifting” with a broad adhesive tape-“lifting” with a broad adhesive tape-tape is placed on labeled card -tape is placed on labeled card

providing good background contrast providing good background contrast with the powderwith the powder

Digital ImagingDigital Imaging Digital imaging:Digital imaging:-picture converted into a digital -picture converted into a digital

computer filecomputer file-fingerprints enhanced for the most -fingerprints enhanced for the most

accurate/ comprehensive analysisaccurate/ comprehensive analysis Compare function:Compare function:-two images side by side-two images side by side-allows the examiner to chart the both -allows the examiner to chart the both

images simultaneouslyimages 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 KitFingerprint Kit

How are fingerprints analyzed?How are fingerprints analyzed?

Categorized by pattern and minutiae

Fingerprints

How are fingerprints analyzed?How are fingerprints analyzed?

Patterns

Loop Whorl Arch

Fingerprints

How are fingerprints analyzed?How are fingerprints analyzed?

Minutiae

Dot

Bifurcation

Island

Ridge Ending

Fingerprints

AFISAFIS Computer scans/digitally encode fingerprints Computer scans/digitally encode fingerprints

-aids in classifying and retrieving fingerprints -aids in classifying and retrieving fingerprints

-converts image of fingerprint into digital minutiae-converts image of fingerprint into digital minutiae

-contain data showing minutia -contain data showing minutia

-produces a list of file prints-produces a list of file prints

-must be examined by a trained fingerprint expert-must be examined by a trained fingerprint expert

Old system of fingerprintsOld system of fingerprints

AFISAFIS

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

AFISAFISAFIS highlights all AFIS highlights all

the identifiable the identifiable minutia.minutia.

Madrid Bombing TimelineMadrid Bombing Timeline

March 11, 2004March 11, 2004– Terrorists bomb several trains in Madrid, SpainTerrorists bomb several trains in Madrid, Spain

March 13, 2004March 13, 2004– LPU receives electronic transmission of digital LPU receives electronic transmission of digital

images (no info, scale, etc.) images (no info, scale, etc.) 8 latent prints8 latent prints Known exemplars Known exemplars

March 19, 2004March 19, 2004– LPU identifies/verifies one latent LPU identifies/verifies one latent

fingerprint as a result of an automated searchfingerprint as a result of an automated search

April 13, 2004April 13, 2004– Spanish National Police (SNP) issues Spanish National Police (SNP) issues

‘negativo’ report regarding latent print‘negativo’ report regarding latent print April 21, 2004April 21, 2004

– LPU rep travels to Spain to provide basis LPU rep travels to Spain to provide basis of identification to SNPof identification to SNP

MadridMadrid

May 6, 2004May 6, 2004– Brandon Mayfield arrested by FBI Brandon Mayfield arrested by FBI

PortlandPortland May 19, 2004 (in California)May 19, 2004 (in California)

– Defense expert verifies FBI identificationDefense expert verifies FBI identification May 19, 2004May 19, 2004

– SNP informs FBI they have identified the SNP informs FBI they have identified the latent fingerprint with another individuallatent fingerprint with another individual

May 20, 2004May 20, 2004– Judge releases MayfieldJudge releases Mayfield

MadridMadrid

MADRID BOMBINGMADRID BOMBING