Fingerprinting

Part II

Primary classification: The Henry

0 This classification method was developed in 1899

as a way to classify 10 card fingerprint records.

0 Allows for quick exclusion of candidates for a
crime.
0 The system assigns each finger a number based
on where it is located (1 for thumb, 5 for pinky)
AND assigns a point value to each finger. If a
finger has a whorl, then it gets those points, if not,
then it gets 0 points.
0 These numbers are then plugged into an equation
which gives the 10 card a fraction value between
1/1 to 32/32.
0 This method has been influential in the
development of AFIS.

The Henry
0 Each finger is given a point value

0 Using a 10 card print, examine each of the

prints as to whether they areloops,arches,

orwhorls.
0 If there is a whorl present, then those points
are given for that finger.

Primary classification
0 The presence of a whorl, earns the value for that

finger.
0 Insert the number point for each finger that has a
whorl and substitute into this equation:
right
right
index + ring
+
+1
right
right
left
thumb + middle +
ring
+1

left
left
left
thumb + middle + little
right

left

little

+ index +

0 The sum of the even finger values are calculated and

placed in the numerator of the fraction. The sum of

the odd finger values are placed in the denominator.
0 This number is your primary classification number

Your turn:

Secondary classification
0 Fingerprint minutiae are examined.
0 Generally courts will accept 8-12 points of

similarity on one print.

0 This is considered an individual classification.
0 This is what AFIS (Automated Fingerprint
Identification Systems) does it matches
minutiae points.
0 The latest technology creates a mathematical
polygon based on X number of minutiae
identified. This supposedly is less vulnerable to
distortion than a typical examination for
minutiae.

Types of Fingerprints
There are 3 types of prints that investigators
look for at crime scenes:
1. Patent fingerprintsvisible prints

transferred onto smooth surfaces by blood or

other liquids
2. Plastic fingerprintsindentations left in soft
materials such as clay or wax
3. Latent fingerprintsmade visible by dusting
with powders or the use of chemicals

Developing Latent Prints

Developing a latent print requires substances that interact with

skin secretions that cause the print to stand out against its
background. It may be necessary to attempt more than one
technique, done in a particular order so as not to destroy the print.
Powdersadhere to water and fatty deposits (from sweat and oil). Choose a

color to contrast the background.

Iodinefumes react with oils and fats to produce a temporary yellow brown
reaction.

Developing Latent Prints

Ninhydrinreacts with amino acids to produce a

purple color.
Silver nitratereacts with chloride to form silver
chloride, a material which turns gray when exposed
to light.
Cyanoacrylatesuper glue fumes react with
water and other fingerprint constituents to form a
hard, whitish deposit.
In most labs lasers and alternative light sources can
be used to view latent fingerprints.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6D9JS972_4

Iodine fuming

Ninhydrin Fingerprint

Cyanoacrylate
(superglue)
1. **View movie clip from BHC 2
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0e8WXkFA64

Other Prints
Earsshape, length and width
Voiceelectronic pulses measured on a

spectrograph

Other Prints
Lipsdisplay
several common
patterns

Short vertical lines

Short horizontal lines
Crosshatching
Branching grooves

Other Prints
o Bite marks are unique and can be used to

identify suspects.
o We will investigate this more in unit 10.

Other Prints
The blood vessel
patterns in the eye
may be unique to
individuals. They
are used today for
various security
purposes.

Fingerprint Forensic FAQs

0 Can fingerprints be erased?
0 Only temporarily; they will grow back if removed with chemicals
0 John Dillinger attempted to remove his fingerprints with acid, but

they grew back as the skin healed/regenerated.

0 Is fingerprint identification reliable?

0 Yes, but analysts can make mistakes
0 In 1995 as part of an experimental test, 156 fingerprint examiners

were given several sets of prints to analyze. 1 in 5 made at least

one false positive.

0 Can computers perform matches in seconds?

0 No, but the FBIs Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification

System (IAFIS or AFIS) can provide a match in 2 hours. However

prints are generally not compared out of state lines unless there is
reason to believe that is necessary. (this can take longer).

Any questions?

Activity:
0 Prepare a 10 card on your partner.
0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7N-

4UNAzsw