DACTYLOSCOPY

CRIM. 509 Science of Criminalistics

NICOLE DAN D. FULIENTE

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 I. INTRODUCTION

 Fingerprints are unique impressions formed by the ridges on human fingers and thumbs. They provide a foolproof method
of personal identification, remaining constant over a person's lifetime. The practice of using fingerprints, called
dactyloscopy, is crucial in contemporary law enforcement. Sweat pores and dermal anchoring create a distinctive pattern
on the epidermis, which persists even as the skin regenerates. Although fingerprints can be obtained from various ridged
areas, those from fingers are preferred due to their distinctiveness and ease of collection.

 Fingerprints are crucial for identifying criminals, as they serve as evidence in various types of crimes. They
can act as silent witnesses and testify against the perpetrators. Collecting fingerprints requires careful
handling to ensure an accurate match with the suspect's standard fingerprint, relying on the presence of
unique ridge characteristics.

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 I. INTRODUCTION

 The study of fingerprints gained interest in 1880 when their uniqueness and permanence were
highlighted by Faulds, Herschel, and later verified by Galton. Galton proposed the first
classification system, followed by Henry and Vucetich. Fingerprint classification is based on
patterns, positions, and sizes. The FBI recognizes eight pattern types, and latent fingerprinting
involves locating and preserving evidence. Computerized techniques enable faster identification,
while voiceprinting and DNA fingerprinting are alternative methods.

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 II. TERMINOLOGIES

DACTYLOSCOPY
• Is the branch of criminalistics or forensic science that studies the structure of fingerprints for the purposes of
criminal identification, registration, and investigation. It derives from the words “dactyl” which means fingers,
and “skopien” which means to examine.

FINGERPRINT
• Is an impression left by the friction ridges of a human finger. In a wider use of the term, fingerprints are the
traces of an impression from the friction ridges of any part of human or other primate hand.

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 II. TERMINOLOGIES

RIDGES
• Are the elevated area or hill like structures found in a fingerprint of human being it appear as black lines in a
fingerprint impression.

SWEAT PORES
• Tiny openings on the ridges of the skin that releases sweat.

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 II. TERMINOLOGIES

RIDGE CHARACTERISTICS
• Are the little details in the ridges of fingerprint patterns which are used in comparing and identifying
fingerprints. Sir Francis Galton called them “minutiae” but the principal one is called “Galton’s details”.

FINGERPRINT CLASSIFICATION
• The categorization of fingerprints based on their pattern and characteristics.

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 II. TERMINOLOGIES

LATENT FINGERPRINTS
• Impressions left on surfaces by the natural oils and sweat on fingers, often invisible and requiring development
techniques for visibility.

AUTOMATED FINGERPRINT IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM (AFIS)

• Is a type of biometric system that uses digital imaging to capture a fingerprint, which then can be compared to
a database of fingerprint records to help determine the identity of an individual.

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 III. HISTORY, KEY CONCEPTS AND PRINCIPLES
 Historical Development: Dactyloscopy was first used in India by Herschel for pension identification and later
applied to criminal management. Its use expanded globally, leading to the first murder case solved with
fingerprints in Argentina.

 Unique and Permanent Nature of Fingerprints: Sir William Herschel and Henry Faulds recognized the
uniqueness and permanence of fingerprints, with Francis Galton confirming the variation between individuals.

 Development of Fingerprints: Fingerprint ridges develop during prenatal development and remain unchanged
throughout a person's life, except in cases of burns or scarring.

 Minutiae and Identification: Minutiae are distinct characteristics of fingerprint ridges, such as ridge endings
and bifurcations, used for detailed comparison and identification. The number of matching characteristics
required for identification varies across jurisdictions.

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 III. HISTORY, KEY CONCEPTS AND PRINCIPLES
 Roles of Dactyloscopy in Criminal Justice: Dactyloscopy serves essential functions in personal
identification, criminal investigation, maintaining criminal records, presenting evidence in court, exoneration,
database management, and international cooperation.

 Evidence and Exoneration: Fingerprint evidence obtained through dactyloscopy can link a suspect to a crime
scene or exonerate innocent individuals by comparing fingerprints and establishing their innocence.

 Computerized Databases: Computerized fingerprint databases have improved the efficiency of dactyloscopy,
enabling quick identification and tracking of individuals involved in criminal activities.

 International Cooperation: Dactyloscopy facilitates international cooperation among law enforcement

agencies through platforms like Interpol's global fingerprint database, aiding in the identification and
apprehension of international criminals.

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IV. NOTABLE PERSONALITIES
William James Herschel Henry Faulds Francis Galton

A britishman who introduce A British physician who A british scientist who

the use of fingerprints for confirmed the
discovered the
identification purposes in permanence and
uniqueness of variations of fingerprints
india and applied them to
manage prisons. He fingerprints while in the late nineteenth
proposed the uniqueness and working in Japan. He century. He proposed the
permanence of fingerprints. proposed the use of first fingerprint
fingerprints for criminal classification system based
identification. on grouping patterns into
arch, loops, and whorls
IV. NOTABLE PERSONALITIES
EDWARD R. HENRY JUAN VUCETICH MARCELLO MALPHIGI

An argentine police He was an Italian biologist and

A british police official
official who develop a physician, who is referred to as
who developed the
fingerprint identification the “Father of Microscopical
Henry Classification
system in 1892. His anatomy. He was noted for his
system for fingerprint
system, known as the discovery of the inner and
in 1901. His system
Vucetich system, is still outer structures of the skin a
became widely used
employed in Spanish- layer of skin was named after
and formed the basis
speaking countries. him; “Malphigian Layer”, which
for modern fingerprint
classification is approximately 1.8 mm thick.
methods.
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 V. SIGNIFICANCE AND APPLICATION
 The use of fingerprints for identification, is crucial in the criminal justice
system. It serves as a personal identification by linking individuals to crimes
through their unique, unchanging fingerprints. In criminal investigations,
latent fingerprints are collected and compared to known records.
Dactyloscopy establishes and maintains criminal records, aiding in tracking
repeat offenders and preventing future crimes. Fingerprint evidence
obtained through dactyloscopy is admissible in court, providing compelling
evidence of involvement in a crime. It also helps exonerate the innocent by
comparing crime scene prints to potential suspects. Computerized
fingerprint databases enhance efficiency, while international cooperation
through organizations like Interpol aids in identifying and apprehending
global criminals.
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 VI. ISSUES AND CHALLENGES

 Quality and Condition of Fingerprints- Fingerprint quality and condition vary due to factors like
age, genetics, injuries, and environment, affecting accuracy of identification.

 Latent and Partial Prints- Sometimes, only partial or latent prints are available at crime
scenes, making it more challenging to extract and match them accurately. Latent prints may be
faint or smudged, requiring advanced techniques for enhancement and analysis.

 False positives and False negative in fingerprint identification occur when two different
individuals have fingerprints that appear similar, leading to a potential misidentification. For
example, if two people have similar ridge patterns, it could result in a false positive match. On
the other hand, false negatives happen when the system fails to match fingerprints from the same
individual, leading to a misidentification or failure to identify a known person. This can occur due
to factors like poor fingerprint quality or technical limitations in the matching process.
 VI. ISSUES AND CHALLENGES

 Cross-Matching and Interoperability- Cross-matching fingerprints across systems and

agencies is challenging due to variations in data formats and interoperability, requiring
seamless integration for effective identification.

 Vulnerability to spoofing - Biometric systems must guard against spoofing, where artificial
materials or techniques are used to forge fingerprints, requiring robust anti-spoofing measures.

 Lack of Standards and Quality Control - In some jurisdictions, the absence of standardized
procedures and quality control measures in fingerprint analysis can lead to inconsistencies,
impacting the reliability and admissibility of fingerprint evidence.
VI. ISSUES AND CHALLENGES

 Human Error and Bias - Human error and biases in fingerprint

analysis can introduce inaccuracies. Factors like fatigue, training,
and biases can influence interpretation. Minimizing errors requires
training, proficiency testing, and independent verification.

 Training and Expertise - Fingerprint analysis requires specialized

training and expertise. Ensuring a sufficient number of skilled
professionals who can accurately analyze and interpret fingerprints
is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the identification process.
VII. CONCLUSION/RECOMMENDATION

 Dactyloscopy, the study of fingerprints, is a fundamental

aspect of forensic science. It provides a reliable means
of personal identification, links individuals to crime
scenes or criminal activities, and aids in solving cold
cases and exonerating the innocent. Technological
advancements and international cooperation enhance its
effectiveness, making it a cornerstone of criminal
investigations worldwide.
 RECOMMENDATION

 TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT - Prioritize professional development and investment

in advanced technology for dactyloscopy. Regular training, education, and access to
state-of-the-art tools improve accuracy and efficiency, enhancing criminal
investigations and identification processes.

 ADVANCING MATCHING ALGORITHMS - Improve fingerprint matching algorithms

through research and development to enhance speed, accuracy, and reliability of
identification processes.

 STRENGTHENING SECURITY MEASURES - Implement strong security measures,

including encryption, access controls, and audits, to safeguard fingerprint data and
comply with privacy regulations.
 RECOMMENDATION

 ADDRESSING LEGAL AND ETHICAL CONSIDERATION - Maintain public trust and

ensure responsible use of fingerprint data by addressing legal and ethical
considerations, including regular legal framework review, transparency, and
adherence to ethical guidelines.
 CONTINUOUS TRAINING AND EDUCATION - Continuous training and education
for law enforcement and forensic experts enhance their proficiency in using
AFIS, minimizing errors and improving system efficiency.
THANK YOU