http://fingerprintid.weebly.

com/

Fingerprinting: The Philippine

Perspective and its Significance to
Forensic & Criminology Education
(A Module)
ALFIE P. SARMIENTO, Ph.D.
Topics:
• Core Competencies
• Basic Terminologies
• Principles of Fingerprint Identification
• The First? (History)
• Fingerprint Patterns
• Systematic Use of Fingerprints in the Philippines
• Myth About Fingerprints
• Fingerprint Processing Techniques
• Henry, Galton & NCIC Classification
Core competencies:
• Know the historical background and basic principles and
significance of fingerprint identification as one of the
methods of identifying persons;
• Explain/analyze the different ordinary and scientific
methods of personal identification in relation to crime
detection and investigation and investigation;
• Identify/classify/illustrate the various ridge characteristics
and patterns including DNA fingerprinting; and
• Describe the recognition, development, and lifting and
preservation of latent prints and fingerprint impressions.
Background
Prehistoric

Picture writing of a hand with ridge patterns

was discovered in Nova Scotia. In ancient
Babylon, fingerprints were used on clay
tablets for business transactions. In ancient
China, thumbprints were found on clay seals.
DACTYLOGRAPHY

“Study of fingerprints”
-Henry Faulds
Derived from the Greek word
“dactylos ”
meaning finger
Henry Faulds – Father of Fingerprints
Source: onin.com/fp/wwwbd/messages/4/1862.html?1345789504
Icnofalangometrica
Devised by Juan Vucetich based
on the Galton system which
literally means “finger track
measurements” that was later on
renamed “Dactyloscopia”
DACTYLOSCOPIA
The term dactyloscopia
means finger description
(Rodriguez, 2004)
• ECTRODACTYLY
Congenital absence of all or part of a
digit(s).
DACTYLOSCOPY
The science of fingerprint identification
- Encyclopedia Britanica

The examination of fingerprints in order to

establish identity (www.criminalcle.net)
Dactylos – finger
Sckopien – to watch
RIDGEOLOGY
• The study of the uniqueness of
friction ridge skin and its use for
personal identification
(individualization)
• Combination of poroscopy, edgeoscopy
and friction ridge analysis.
• 1963, India- Salil Kumar Chatterjee devised edgeoscopy

According to R. Olsen - One cm ridge : 9-18 pores;

small pattern : 1611 pores and large patterns : 2658
pores
• RIDGE APLASIA
Congenital absence of friction ridge skin.
Poreoscopy or Poroscopy
• The process of identifying fingerprints and
its source that relies heavily with the
examination of the visible markings of the
opening of the pores situated on the ridges
• This process was introduced by Edmond
Locard
Podoscopy
Cheiloscopy
Fingerprints defined
• refers to the friction ridge record of an
individual, recorded electronically,
photographically, by ink or other medium
(SWGFAST)
• refers to any mark created by friction
ridges that are found on the surface of the
thick skin
Friction Ridges defined
refers to the raised portion of the epidermis
on the palmar or plantar skin, consisting of
one or more connected ridge units

“Let no one despise the ridges on account of their

smallness, for they are in some respects the most
important of all anthropological data”
- Francis Galton
Uniqueness and Permanence
 What is the basis of the persistence of
friction ridges?

• The basis of the persistence

is found in morphology and
physiology
In 1952, Dr. Alfred R. Hale, also of Tulane University,
published a thesis titled “Morphogenesis of the Volar
Skin in the Human Fetus”.
 What is the basis of uniqueness?

• The basis of uniqueness

lies on embryology
By studying cross sections of
fetal skin, Hale was able to
describe the formation of
friction ridges during fetal
development and the
differential growth of friction
ridges, which is the major
premise of friction ridge
identification (Ashbaugh, 1999,
p 53)
Minutiae Formation

Mechanical Fusion Theory: As existing ridges separate, a demand

for new ridges is created because the surface has a tendency to be
continually ridged
Large Medium Small
Anatomy, Physiology & Morphology
 The outermost layer. Flat, arranged in rows as dead cells.
• Horny Layer
Desmosomes undergo degradation.

Consists of flat and translucent dead cells that contain protein

• Hyalin Layer
called eleidin. Appears only on palms and soles.

Initiates the process of keratinization associated with the dying

• process of cells.
Granular The last of the living cells.
Layer
Called the “pickle cells” because of the many-sided cells that
• Spinous Layer
have “spines” protruding from their surface.

Produces cells to replaced those being shed in the exposed

• Generating
superficial layer.Layer
The deepest layer; parallel to the basement
membrane.
SKIN STRUCTURE OF THE
RIDGE SYSTEM

Ninety five percent (95%) of

the body skin is smooth and
relatively featureless, apart
from hairs, pores and
creases.
The remaining 5% covering
the palms of the hands and
soles of the feet is marked
differently.
Hepburn’s paper, “The Papillary Ridges on the Hands and Feet of
Monkeys and Men”, published in 1895 (Hepburn, 1895, pp 525–537),
dealt with the evolution of the volar pads and named two of the volar
pads found in the palm: the hypothenar and thenar.
The ridged areas of the skin apparently have two
main biological functions namely:

1. designed to grip or create friction

(David Hepburn, 1895)

2. To heighten the sense of touch

Law Enforcement Use
• Investigation of crimes (identification of
suspects)
• To help identify:
– Amnesia victims
– Missing persons
– Abducted children
– Casualties of war
– Victims of disasters (DVI)

•
Milestone in Friction Ridge Examination
 THE FIRST?
• What is the FIRST CULTURE known to
have used friction ridge impressions as a
means of identification?
• Answer: Chinese
• Reference: “The Volume of Crime Scene
Investigation – Burglary”, from the Qin
Dynasty (221 to 206 B.C.)
Early Use of Friction Ridge impressions
Qin Dynasty 221 to 206 BC
 Volume of Crime Scene Investigation (fingerprint evidence described in
the book)
 Han Dynasty 221 B.C. to 220 A.D.
 Used in clay seal to symbolized authorship
 A.D. 105
 When paper was invented, fingerprints was used to sign
documents
 Tang Dynasty A.D. 617-907
 Fingerprints are seen on land contracts, wills and army rosters
Early Use of Friction Ridge impressions

• Japan in A.D. 702 - index finger was used

to sign certain divorce papers as part of
their Domestic Laws
• India in A.D. 1637 – written treaties
between nobilities are stamped with the
impression of hands
 THE FIRST?
• Who is the FIRST SCIENTIST that
described in detail friction ridges?
• Answer: Dr. Nehemiah Grew
• Reference: 1684 Paper entitled
Philosophical Transactions of the Royal
Society of London
 THE FIRST?
• Who was the FIRST to use the newly
invented microscope for medical studies in
observing details of friction ridges?
• Answer: Dr. Marcello Malpighi (Italian Physiologist)
• Reference: “Concerning the External
Tactile Organo”
 THE FIRST?
• Who was the FIRST TO WRITE that
friction ridge skin is Unique?
• Answer: Dr. J.C.A Mayer (German doctor
and anatomist)
• Reference: Book entitled: Anatomical
Copper-plates with Appropriate
Explanations, 1788
 THE FIRST?
• Who was the FIRST SCIENTIST that
named nine fingerprint pattern types which
were the precursor to the Henry
Classification System?
• Answer: Dr. Johannes Purkinje (Czech Physiologist)
• Reference: 1823 Thesis entitled: Commentary
on the Physiological Examination of the Organs of Vision
and the Cutaneous System
 THE FIRST?
• Who was the FIRST PERSON to start a
permanence study of friction ridge skin
details?
• Answer 1: Herman Welcker (German Anthropologist)
– Reference: 1898 Paper
• Answer 2: William James Herschel
– Note: Credit for being the first person to study
persistence of friction ridge skin goes to Herschel (1858)
 THE FIRST?
• Who was the FIRST PERSON to publish in
a journal the value of friction ridge skin for
individualization, especially its use as
evidence?
• Answer: Henry Faulds (Scottish Physician)
– Reference: 1880 Nature Journal
 THE FIRST?
• Who was the FIRST to identify the presence
and locations of volar pads on the hands
and feet?
• Answer: Dr. Arthur Kollman (German Scientist)
– Reference: 1883 Paper entitled: The Tactile
Apparatus of the Hand of the Human Races and Apes
in its Development and Structure
 THE FIRST?
• Who was the FIRST PERSON to author a
book on fingerprints?
• Answer: Francis Galton (German Anthropologist)
– Reference: 1892 Book Finger Prints
– Note: Galton established that friction ridge skin was
unique and persistent; there were no link between
friction ridge skin and the character of the individual with
that skin
• He attempted to calculate the probability of
two persons having the same fingerprints
(1 case in every 64 billion)
 THE FIRST?
• What were the FIRST PRACTICAL uses of
the fingerprint science by law enforcement
personnel?
• Answer: Vucetich’s Classification System
and individualization of prisoners
– Reference: 1891 study of fingerprints; 1892
murder case (Rojas murder solved by La Plata
Inspector Eduardo Alvarez)
JUAN VUCETICH (1891)

“icnofalangometrica”

Argentinian police officer evolved his own

system of fingerprint classification and in 1891
founded in La Plata, Argentina, the worlds first
fingerprint Bureau.
THE FIRST?
First Fingerprinting Practice in
North America (1877 -1900)
• Isaiah West Taber (1880)
In 1880, a photographer in San Francisco who
suggested that fingerprinting be adopted for the
registration of Chinese immigrant laborers.

• Gilbert Thompson (1882)

He used his thumbprint to ensure that the amounts
were not changed or altered on payroll cheques. When
issuing a payroll cheque, he would put an inked
thumbprint over the amount. This is to prevent fraudulent
cheque alternations.
• Mark Twain – 1883 (Real Name: Samuel Clemens)
An American author and lecturer, Twain enhanced
the position of fingerprints when he included their use in
the plot of a novel entitled Pudd’n Head Wilson. In the
novel, a bloody fingerprint is found on the murder
weapon and Pudd’n Head, the defense attorney, has
the whole town fingerprinted. He lectured the court
and jury on the basics of fingerprinting, how
fingerprints are immutable, and that two fingerprints
will never be found to be the same. He also
commented on how identical twins can be
indistinguishable in appearance, at times even by
their parents, but their fingerprints will always be
different.
• Dr. Henry P. De Forest
• Capt. James I. Parke
He advocated the first state and penal
use of fingerprint which was officially
adopted in Sing-sing Prison on June 5,
1903 and later at Auburn, Napanoch and
Clinton Penitentiaries.
He introduced the unpopular American
Classification System.
• Sgt. John Kenneth Ferrier
An Englishman and first fingerprint
instructor at the St. Louis Police
Department, Missouri. He was one of the
pupils of Sir Edward Richard Henry and
through personal contact during the
Worlds Fair Exposition held in St. Louis, a
fingerprint bureau was established on
April 12, 1904.
• Maj. Robert Mccloughry
He was the Warden of the Federal
Penitentiary of Leavenworth when the
office of the Atty General of the US granted
permission to establish a fingerprint
bureau thereon on November 2, 1904. It
was the first official National Government
use of fingerprints.
A. USA CASES
THE FIRST?
1. PEOPLE VS. JENNINGS, Illinois (1911). Illinois Appellate Court first
court to pass upon the admissibility of fingerprint as evidence.
THE FIRST?
THE FIRST?
 THE FIRST?
• First Disaster Victim Identification
Galton’s Fingerprints
ALPHONSE BERTILLON (1853-1914)

Near the end of 19th century, a Frenchman

named Alphonse Bertillon devised an
identification system based on the theory that
every individual has unique body measurements
(anthropometry).
 WILLIAM WEST WILL WEST

177.5/188.0/91.3/19.8/15.9/14.8/6.5/27.5/12.2/9.6/50.3 178.5/187.0/91.2/19.7/15.8/14.8/6.6/28.2/12.3/9.7/50.2

Portrait Parle – “speaking likeness”

Rogues Gallery – Photographs of known Criminals
 THE FIRST?
FIRST SYSTEMATIC CLASSIFICATION OF FINGERPRINT
RECORDS

SIR EDWARD HENRY (1859-1931)

HENRY was Inspector General of Police in India and as a result of a

visit to GALTON he instituted the use of fingerprints as an aid to
identification on a national level. He devised a simple and viable
classification system which he describes in his book
“Classification and Uses of Fingerprints” – 1900.
 THE FIRST?
THE FIRST TO INTRODUCE A CRITERION FOR POSITIVE
IDENTIFICATION OF FINGERPRINTS BASED ON SUFFICIENT NUMBER
OF MATCHING RIDGE CHARACTERISTICS

Edmond Locard wrote that if 12 points (Galton's Details) were the same
between two fingerprints, it would suffice as a positive identification.

In the past, different countries used different standards. In Spain 10 to

12 points were required; in Switzerland, 12 to 14; in Austria, 12; in
England, 16; in France, 17; in Germany, 8 to 12; and in most Asian
countries, 12.
 Edmond Locard’s Tripartite Rule in 1914
Source of North Americans’
• If more than 12 concurring points is sharp, then the certainty of
identity is beyond debate;
• If 8 to 12 concurring points are involved, will depend on: the
sharpness of the fingerprint; the rarity of its type; the presence of the
center of the figure (core) and the triangle(delta) in the exploitable part
of the print; the presence of pores; the perfect and obvious identity
regarding the width of the papillary ridges and valleys, the direction of
the lines, and the angular value of the bifurcations;
• If a limited number of characteristic points are present, the fingerprint
cannot provide certainty for an identification, but only a presumption
proportional to the number of points available and their clarity.
POSITIVE IDENTIFICATION
• Experts with years of specialized training,
experience and proven ability (proficiency
tested) can positively identify persons
using fingerprints by comparing various
levels of detail (Levels 1, 2 and 3) present
in the known fingerprints (on file) and
questioned fingerprints (of the person just
printed).
POSITIVE IDENTIFICATION
• Positive identification occurs when a
qualified expert determines that the
questioned and known prints contain
sufficient quality (clarity) and quantity of
friction ridge detail in agreement with no
unexplainable differences.
• Because the skin on fingers and palms is very flexible,
no two fingerprints (even one recorded immediately after
another) are exactly alike. Fingerprint experts study for
years to understand the normal variations caused by
flexible skin, by finger movement, by temporary skin
damage, and by other factors such as dirt or liquid
present on a finger or surface. Even one unexplainable
difference means that the fingerprints are not from the
same person.
• There is no minimum number of
matching points (Level 2 detail)
required for positive identification
because fingerprint experts also use
the actual ridge shapes (Level 3
detail) during the identification
process.
• Because Levels 1, 2 and 3 are used, the amount
of area required to effect an identification, such
as just a portion of one fingerprint, depends on
the quality (clarity) and quantity of friction ridge
detail present in the questioned and known
prints being compared. In many situations, a tiny
piece of a fingerprint with good quality ridge
detail from a crime scene may be positively
identified.
• Positive identification of a fingerprint to a
person means a qualified expert has
determined the chances the fingerprint
was made by someone else are so small
as to be considered a practical
impossibility.
AUTOMATIC FINGERPRINT RECOGNITION
(AFR)

In the mid 1960’s a Research and Development

Programme commenced to produce an A. F. R.
System which would minimize problems evident
in manpower intensive fingerprint bureau.
In 1973, the International Association for
Identification, after a three-year study of the
question of the minimum number of points
which should be required for matching,
concluded that no valid basis existed for
requiring any predetermined minimum number
of points to be present before a positive
identification could be made.
In 1995, members of the international
fingerprint community at a conference
in Israel issued the Ne’urim Declaration,
which supported the 1973 International
Association for Identification resolution.
1999
The FBI upgrades its computerized
fingerprint database and implements the
Integrated Automated Fingerprint
Identification System (IAFIS), allowing
paperless submission, storage, and search
capabilities directly to the national database
maintained at the FBI.
Systematic Use
of Fingerprint in
the Philippines:
A TIMELINE
Systematic Use of Fingerprint
in the Philippines
According to unverified
accounts practical use of
fingerprints was introduced in
the country by Chinese traders
around 1800s
 Systematic Use of Fingerprint
in the Philippines
The presentation will start on the year 1904.
This year is considered remarkable for the
rest of the world when various delegates
and people around the world meet together
in a common ground. The St. Louis World's
Fair was the largest of them all occupying
1292 acres and with 12 million paid visitors,
and a total of 20 million visitors.
 Systematic Use of Fingerprint
in the Philippines
1900s – Philippines Constabulary personnel
were oriented about the practical use of
fingerprint while the Criminal Records and
Identification Division of Manila Police
Department sought the use of the Bertillon
System of identification.
1904
• At the 1904 World’s Fair apart from the
international exhibits of the world’s new
inventions and discoveries, were three booths
demonstrating identification methods. One booth
displayed the anthropometric method and was
run by Emerson E. Davis from New York.
Captain James J. Parke, from New York, and
Inspector John Kenneth Ferrier, of New Scotland
Yard, each set up a booth displaying the
fingerprint method of identification. (Myers, 1938, p 19).
 1910
The Bureau of Prisons (BuCor)
through a certain Generoso La Torre,
adopted a fingerprint identification
system for inmates which he learned
from Lt. George M. Wolfe (1st Director of
the Bureau of Prisons 1904-1910 and 1st
Superintendent of Iwahig 11/06/04)
http://www.bucor.gov.ph/gallery/gallery%201.html
1930
• Estate of the deceased Paulino Diancin.
TEOPISTA DOLAR, proponent-appellant,
vs. FIDEL DIANCIN ET AL., oppositors-
appellees.1930 Dec 201st DivisionG.R.
No. 33365D E C I S I O N
• The will in question is alleged to have been executed by
Paulino Diancin at Dumangas, Iloilo, on November 13,
1927.

• One, Carlos J. Jaena, attempted to qualify as an

"expert," and thereafter gave as his opinion that the
thumbmarks had not been made by the same person.
One, Jose G. Villanueva, likewise attempted to qualify
as an "expert" and gave as his opinion that the
thumbmarks were authentic.
(Emperor vs. Abdul Hamid [1905], 32 Indian L. Rep., 759, cited in 3
Chamberlayne on the Modern Law of Evidence, sec. 2561, note 3.)

• The court stated in their decision: Expert testimony as to

the identity of thumbmarks or fingerprints is of course
admissible. The method of identification of fingerprints is
a science requiring close study. The court justified
however and refused to accept the opinions of alleged
experts and cited the you need not be an expert to see
the similarity in some respects between the
admittedly genuine thumbmark and the questioned
thumbmarks citing the case Emperor vs Abdul Hamid.
1933
G.R. No. L-38434 December 23, 1933
THE PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS, plaintiff-appellee,
vs. MARCIANO MEDINA y DIOKNO (alias MARIANO MEDINA, alias
ALEJANDRO DOLA), defendant-appellant.

Agripino Ruiz made an impression as the first expert

witness whose expert opinion receives merit in Philippine
judicial history. This could be considered a landmark case
where fingerprint evidence serves as basis in the conviction
of Marciano Medina.
1936

November 13, 1936. The National Bureau of

Investigation was born patterned after the
Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was the
brainchild of the late President Manuel L.
Quezon and Jose A. Yulo, then secretary of
justice.
Flaviano C. Guerrero, the only Filipino
member of the Federal Bureau of
Investigation together with Thomas Dugan*
helped in the selection and training of
forensic specialists for the country including
fingerprint technicians.
*Veteran Police Captain of the Ney York Police Department
According to local crime laboratory
monographs and manuscripts, the name
Agustin C. Patricio was specifically
mentioned topping the first examination on
fingerprint given by Flaviano C. Guerrero.
In March 31, 1948 he hurdled the bar
examination and was included in the roll of
attorneys (PhilippineLaw.info).
1946
RA 0036 “CENSUS ACT OF NINETEEN
HUNDRED AND FORTY-SIX”, 1946 Sep 30
Sec. 13. Of the law specifically mentioned
the taking of fingerprints of both hands of
every resident as part of the census
procedures.
1947
Pursuant to EO No. 94, series 1947, the Philippine
Constabulary was placed under the administrative
and operational control of GHQ, AFP with a very
extensive range of diversified missions that do not
fall under its primary responsibilities. By express
provision of law, the PC enforced the motor
vehicles law, fishing and games law, the alien law
for registration and fingerprinting.
1954
Former Supreme Court Justice Felix Angelo
Bautista founded the Philippine College of
Criminology, the pioneer school of
Criminology for scientific crime detection.
This higher educational institution is formerly
known as Plaridel Educational Institute. The
subject Personal Identification was
included in the Criminology curriculum.
1966
RA 4731 “AN ACT TO AMEND REPUBLIC ACT
NUMBERED THREE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED
EIGHTY-EIGHT, PROVIDING FOR A PROCEDURE FOR
VALIDATING THE PERMANENT REGISTRATION OF
VOTERS APPROVED BY ELECTION REGISTRARS AND
TO PROVIDE FOR REGISTRATION BOARDS, AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES” 1966 Jun 18
"Sec. 17. Voter's Identification. - The voters identification
card shall serve and be considered as document for the
identification of each registered voter.
1967
May 14, 1967 Lucila Lalu, the first Filipina
chop-chop lady was identified through
systematic classification of her fingerprint.
Her identification served as investigative
lead towards the identification of the
possible culprits.
1968
According to the Bureau of Prisons, fingerprints
was first systematically used as part of the carpeta
or also known as prisoner’s record. Famous
criminal personalities include Marcial Ama alias
Baby Ama (leader of the sige-sige gang) and
Leonardo Manecio alias Nardong Putik (notorious
gang leader in Cavite). To add more personalities
such as Jaime Jose, Basilio Pineda, and Edgardo
Aquino who were accused of raping the actress
Magie Dela Riva in 1967.
1985
BP 881 “OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE OF THE
PHILIPPINES” 1985 Dec 3, Batas Pambansa

Sec. 199. Challenge of illegal voters. (a) Any voter, or

watcher may challenge any person offering to vote for not
being registered, for using the name of another or suffering
from existing disqualification. In such case, the board of
election inspectors shall satisfy itself as to whether or not
the ground for the challenge is true by requiring proof of
registration or the identity of the voter; and
(b) No voter shall be required to present his voter's
affidavit on election day unless his identity is challenged.
His failure or inability to produce his voter's affidavit upon
being challenged, shall not preclude him from voting if his
identity be shown from the photograph, fingerprints, or
specimen signatures in his approved application in the
book of voters or if he is identified under oath by a member
of the board of election inspectors and such identification
shall be reflected in the minutes of the board.
1989
Executive Order No. 386 December 19, 1989
ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL CRIME INFORMATION SYSTEM
(NCIS), PROVIDING THE MECHANISMS THEREFOR AND FOR
OTHER SIMILAR PURPOSES
This system was created to fulfill the following major purposes:
• improved public safety and effective administration of justice require
comprehensive, adequate and timely information on crimes,
criminals and the operations of the Criminal Justice System; and
• the identification and apprehension of criminals, improve the
efficiency of criminal justice agencies, and ultimately help reduce
crimes through better planning and use of manpower, equipment
and government resources
1995
RA 7919 “AN ACT GRANTING LEGAL RESIDENCE STATUS TO
CERTAIN ALIENS THROUGH A SOCIAL INTEGRATION PROGRAM
IN THE PHILIPPINES UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS” 1995 Feb 24
4.2. The registration forms shall contain the applicant's full
name and one alias by which he may be known; proof of his
identity, good moral character and financial capacity through
affidavits from two (2) Filipino citizens of good reputation in
his/her place of residence; history of stay in the Philippines;
residential address for the immediate past five (5) years; four (4)
passport size pictures and a complete fingerprint card for each
of the agencies mentioned in 4.1, including his/her most recent
dental records which shall be submitted to the NBI.
2003
April 11, 2003
Philippine National Police officials unveiled the
automated fingerprint identification system (AFIS),
the first electronic and scientific method capturing
fingerprint images and textual information. PNP
Chief, Director General Hermogenes Ebdane Jr.
expressed hope that the new technology will help
investigators in establishing the identities of
suspects involved in crimes.
However, this similar government initiative was long
realized by the United States in 1965. The FBI reinitiated its
research into the complete automation of its criminal
known-print repository. The National Crime Information
Center was also established for this purpose. In the mid-
1960s, initial research confirmed the feasibility of the
project and, by the late 1960s, Cornell Laboratories was
chosen to build a prototype automatic fingerprint reader
(Stock, 1987, p 55). In 1972, this prototype, known as AIDS
(Automated Identification System), was installed in the
Identification Division in Washington, DC.
2010
Senate Bill 1020 10 July 12
AN ACT ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL CRIME
DATABASE
Introduced by Sen. Manny Villar

SECTION 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known

as the "National Crime Database Act."
SECTION 2. Purposes. The purposes of this Act are:
(a) to create a complete and accurate national criminal
record database that is an essential element in fighting
crime; and
(b) to require the National Bureau of Investigation and the
Philippine National Police to provide information and
records for the National Identification Index and the
National Fingerprint File and to provide criminal-history
records, in a timely fashion, to criminal-history record
repositories and for non-criminal justice purposes, to
update existing criminal record systems that are currently
outdated and contain incomplete or incorrect information
III. Conclusion
Therefore, it is the intention of this article to present some accounts
regarding the early use of fingerprint in the country. Being a Filipino
Criminologist, I feel obligated to share information no matter how
limited to encourage other scholars to explore further on this topic. It is
our high hopes that in the future, the Philippine government will
recognize the importance of creating a commission that will explore the
history of the systematic use of fingerprints in our own country. The
humble presenter will welcome any collaborative study or any joint
venture anchored on the exploration of the past transactions of Filipinos
using one of the significant details of our human persona, our
“fingerprints”.
References:
• Clevenger, Martha. (2000) The Igorots in St. Louis Fair 1904 retrieved from
http://www.oovrag.com/essays/essay2004a-1.shtml on Oct. 11, 2013
• Villar, Manny. (2010) Senate Bill 1282, National Crime Database Act
• US Department of Justice. (2005) Fingerprint Sourcebook. National Institute
of Justice
• http://www.nbi.gov.ph
• http://www.video48.blogspot.com
• http://www.philstar.com/headlines/202415/pnp-unveils-automated-
fingerprint-id-system
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippine_Constabulary#Camp_Cram.C3.A9
• http://www.lawphil.net/executive/execord/eo1989/eo_386_1989.html
 Myth About Fingerprints
• You can tell when the print was left
• You can tell the physical description of the
person who left the print
• Touching something means a fingerprint
was left
• Fingerprints at the crime scene are always
of sufficient quality to be identified
• The print from the crime scene will look
exactly like a known print on file
• All prints are left at crime scene will be
recovered
• The print always belong to the individual
who committed the crime
Principles of Fingerprint Identification
Fingerprints can now be found on fabric thanks to a breakthrough in
forensics. Image: Shutterstock
Deposition Factors
1. Pre-Transfer Conditions – affected by age,
gender, stimuli, occupation, disease, & any
substances touched prior to deposition.
2. Transfer Conditions – also dictate whether
suitable impression will be left
3. Post-Transfer Conditions – a.k.a.
environmental factors; forces that affect the
quality of latent prints after deposition.
22.06.2016
Surface Types
1. Porous Substrate – absorbent
- Paper, cardboard, wood, & other forms of
cellulose
- Fingerprints absorb into substrate & are
durable
- Amino acids: stationary & not migrate;
amino acid based developing techniques
22.06.2016
more useful
Surface Types
2. Nonporous surfaces – not absorbent; repel
moisture & appear polished
- Glass, metal, plastics, lacquered or painted
wood, and rubber
- Susceptible to damage; FP residue on outermost
surface
- Best developing techniques: Cyanoacrylate (CA),
dye stains, powders, & vacuum metal deposition
22.06.2016
Surface Types
3. Semiporous surfaces – resist &
absorb FP residue
- Glossy cardboard, glossy magazine
covers, some finished wood, and some
cellophane
- Treatment: processes intended for both
nonporous & porous surfaces
22.06.2016
Surface Types
4. Textured surfaces – problem of
incomplete contact between friction
ridge skin & surface being touched.
- Fingerprints being discontinuous &
lacking fine detail when developed
- Ex: pebbled plastic
- Treatment: very fine powder or flexible
22.06.2016 lifting media

Chapter 7: Latent Print Development

Techniques by Yamashita and French
Skin Glands
Legal Status of Fingerprinting

It is a universal knowledge that fingerprints is the most

positive means of personal identification. As much
fingerprint as evidence is accepted in every court of
justice in any part of the globe.

It is a fact generally accepted by scientists that “Nature

never duplicates itself in its smallest details” (Kirk,
1963; McRoberts,1996).
HENRY AND NCIC
CLASSIFICATION
Classification Line

22.06.2016

Next Question
Classification Formula
• Blocking out – 1st step in classifying;
identifying pattern types of all 10 fingers
a. Index Fingers (2 & 7): capital letter; ulnar
loop – diagonal line slanting in direction
of loop
a. Arch: A
b. Tented Arch: T
c. Radial Loop: R
22.06.2016
Classification Formula
• Blocking out
b. Other fingers: small letter; ulnar
loops – diagonal line slanting in
direction of loop (arch – a; tented
arch – t; radial loop – r)
c. All types of whorls: “W”
22.06.2016
Primary Classification
#1 #2 #3 #4 #5

+1
See Example
#6 #7 #8 #9 #10

+1
1. A.k.a.
22.06.2016 whorl division 3. EveNumerator (M) _+ 1
(appearance of whorl) OdDenominator(W) + 1
2. Constants: (1) Numerical 4. Possible Primary
value; (2) +1 combinations: 1,024
5. No whorls in N = value: 1; no whorls in D =
value: 1
1,024
The total possible primary
classifications from 1 over 1 to
32 over 32.

22.06.2016

Next Question
Example: Primary
Classification
#1 #2 #3 #4 #5

#6 #7 #8 #9 #10

EveNumerator
22.06.2016 = (#6) 0 + (#2) 16 + (#8) 0 + (#4) 8 + (#10) 0 = 24 + 1 = 25

OdDenominator =(#1) 0 + (#7) 2 + (#3) 0 + (#9) 0 + (#5) 0 = 2 + 1 = 3

25

3
Secondary Classification

Capital Letter
a. Type of pattern on #s 2 & 7
b. 25 possible combinations
c. Right of Primary in
classification formula
d. Right hand over left hand

22.06.2016
Secondary Classification:
Small Letter Group
• Small letter patterns of ART: arches, radial loops, &
tented arches on fingers No. 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10
• Dash (-): absence of ART/between 2 small letters
• No dash (-) in thumbs if they are not ART
• If 2 or + small letter patterns exist consecutively,
number used indicating series
• Important to classification system: rarity of
occurrence (approx. 7–10% of all patterns)
• Presence: sub-secondary classification & major
22.06.2016
division no longer taken
Example: Secondary
Classification (Capital Letter)
#1 #2 #3 #4 #5

#6 #7 #8 #9 #10

22.06.2016

Right Index (#2) = A

Left Index (#7) = W

Example: Secondary
Classification (Small Letter)
#1 #2 #3 #4 #5

#6 #7 #8 #9 #10

22.06.2016

Right Hand = rTr2a

Left Hand = tWrta

Subsecondary Classification
• a.k.a. grouping of loops & whorls
• Subdivision of secondary classiffication when no
small-letters appear
• FBI system: use this division in cumbersome small-
letter groups
• Concerned fingers: 2,3,4,7,8,&9
• Loops = ridge counted
• Whorls = ridge traced
22.06.2016
Subsecondary Classification

Table for Loop

Symbol Index (2 & 7) Middle (3 & 8) Ring (4 & 9)
I = Inner 1–9 1 – 10 1 – 13
O = Outer 10 or + 11 or + 14 or +

Table for Whorl

Symbol
22.06.2016 Tracing
I = Inner RT going inward right delta; 3 or + intervening ridges
O = Outer RT going outward right delta; 3 or + intervening ridges
M = Meeting RT going in & out right delta; ↓3 intervening ridges
Subsecondary Classification

OOO
MOI

22.06.2016

Right Hand = # 2 (RC:12=O) # 3 (RT:O) # 4 (RC:17=O)

Left Hand = # 7 (RT:M) # 3 (RC: 18=O) # 4 (RT:I)

Ridge counting

Ridge Counting = It refers to the process of counting

the ridges that touch or cross an imaginary line drawn
between the core and the delta.

12 Counts
22.06.2016
Ridge Tracing = It is the process of tracing
the ridge that emanates from the lower side
of the left delta to the right delta to see where
it flows in relation to the right delta.
Ridge Tracing
1. Tracing always on left delta;
not on type line.

2. Exception: type line – next

lower ridge after RT breaks

3. Delta: 1st recurve – continue

toward right delta

4. RT ends abruptly & definitely:

22.06.2016 next lower ridge

5. Short breaks: not definite

ridge endings
Major Division

• Concerns: thumbs, loops & whorls

• Whorls: RT=I, O, & M
• Loops: RC=S, M, & L
• Both thumbs loops = consider left
thumb 1st; RC of left thumb determines
table
22.06.2016
for right thumb.
Major Division Table 2
Table 1

Symbol Ridge Symbol Ridge

Count Count
S = Small 1 – 11 S = Small 1 – 17
M = Medium 12 – 16 M = Medium 18 – 22
L = Large 17 or + L = Large 23 or +
1. Always for left thumb 1. Right thumb: RC of Left 17 or +
2. Right thumb: RC of Left
Thumb ↓17

22.06.2016
Major Division
1.
2.
3. Consider
Refer
RC first
fortoLeft
the left (1)
Thumb:
table thumb:
17oror RC
left
+, = 18 2 for Right Thumb
thumb
Table

Symbol
Symbol Ridge
Ridge
Count
Count
S
S= Small
= Small 1
1–– 17
11
M
M== Medium
Medium 18
12 –
– 22
16
L
L== Large
Large 23
17 or
or +
+

22.06.2016

L
L
Final Classification
• RC of loop of right little finger
• Things to remember:
– L/L = # 5
– L/W= # 5
– W/L = # 10
– W/W= # 5; whorl treated as Ulnar Loop
– Use of whorl for final: only in large group or collection of
prints = 32/32 primary
– No L or W = no final
22.06.2016
Final Classification
• Rules: Whorl Treated as Ulnar Loop
– RC: left delta to core (right hand)
– RC: right delta to core (left hand)
– RC (X): left delta (right hand) to core w/ least # of
ridges distant from delta.
– RC (X): right delta (left hand) to core w/ least # of
ridges distant from delta.
– RC (d): delta to core of upright loop.
– RC (d): horizontal loop; nearest core
22.06.2016
Whorl Treated as Ulnar Loop
(Right Hand)

22.06.2016
Whorl Treated as Ulnar Loop
(Left Hand)

22.06.2016
Accidental whorl: count from
delta to the nearest core

22.06.2016
Accidental whorl: count from
delta to the nearest core

22.06.2016
Double Loop whorl : Consider the upright
loop

22.06.2016
Double Loop: (consider the
upper loop or the upright
loop)

22.06.2016
Key Classification

• First loop appearing from #1 except # 5 & #

10
• Always placed to extreme left of numerator
of classification formula

22.06.2016
Extensions
• used only when filing systems become
– too large or
– Cumbersome
• WCDX Extension: Used for large Whorl Groups such as:
32/32
– W,C,D,X (capital letters) – whorl pattern on index
fingers.
– w, c, d, x (lower case letters) – whorl pattern on all
other fingers.
– Placed above the sub-secondary (instead of using a
22.06.2016
second sub-secondary).
Extensions
• 2nd Subsecondary: used when a group of
fingerprints becomes too
– cumbersome and
– unwieldy.
– Placed directly above the Sub-Secondary.
– Use the following chart (based on ridge counts):
Index – 1-5=S, 6-12=M, 13 or +=L; Middle – 1– 8 =
S, 9–14 = M, 15 or + = L; Ring – 1–10=S, 11–18=M,
19 or more=L
22.06.2016
Classification of Amputations
& Fingers Missing at Birth
• Rule # 6: Missing at birth (MAB), same
treatment with AMP.
• Rule # 7: 10 fingers MAB/AMP -

AMP/ AMP/ AMP/ AMP/ AMP/

MAB MAB MAB MAB MAB

22.06.2016

AMP/ AMP/ AMP/ AMP/ AMP/

MAB MAB MAB MAB MAB
Classification of Amputations
& Fingers Missing at Birth
• Rule # 8: Both hands AMP/MAB,
FOOTPRINTS taken

AMP/
MAB

22.06.2016

AMP/
MAB
Classification of Amputations
& Fingers Missing at Birth
• Rule # 9: Partially AMP (1/2 or ↑ of Pattern
Missing), classif of opp. finger. Filed in
amputation group

Partially
AMP

22.06.2016
Classification of Amputations
& Fingers Missing at Birth
• Rule # 10: Tip AMP or ↓1/2 of 1st joint AMP,
classif of opp. finger. Filed in nonamputation
group.

Partially
AMP

22.06.2016
Classification of Bandaged or
Imprinted Fingers
• Rule # 1: Temporary injury, if possible not taken until
after healing
• Rule # 2: Injured fingers (inked impressions
impossible to secure): classifs of opp. fingers
• Rule # 3: Only 1 finger lacking, reference searches
conducted in every possible classif
• Rule # 4: ↑ one finger lacking, classifs of opp.
fingers; no reference searches
• Rule # 5: 2 lacking opp. fingers, whorls with meeting
tracings 22.06.2016
NCIC Classification
• Eliminates person as suspected wanted
person
• Less subject to error in transmission than
Henry Classification
• Convertible to Henry Classification for
searching fingerprint files
• Printed in straight line of 20 alphabetic &
numeric characters (from #1 - #10)
• 2 characters each finger

22.06.2016
 Pattern Subgroup Code
Arch Plain Arch AA
Tented Arch TT
Loop Radial Loop RC + 50
Ulnar Loop RC; if less than
10: precede w/
0.
Whorl Plain Whorl P + RT
Central Pocket C +RT
Loop
Double Loop d + RT
Accidental X + RT
Missing or XX
Amputated
22.06.2016 Finger
Completely SR
Scarred or
Mutilated
Pattern
 The NCIC Fingerprint
Classification Code
consists of 20 characters.
Two characters represent each finger as
follows:
Block Block Finger
1 2 Right thumb
3 4 Right index
5 6 Right middle
7 8 Right ring
9 10 Right little
11 12 Left thumb
13 14 Left index
15 16 Left middle
17 18 Left ring
19 20 Left little
 Thus, a fingerprint card with the
following Henry Classification:

Right Thumb Right Index Right Middle Right Ring Right Little
Double Loop
Ulnar Loop Ulnar Loop Radial Loop Ulnar Loop
Whorl
Ridge Count 12 Ridge Count 11 Ridge Count 16 Ridge Count 14
Outer Tracing

Left Thumb Left Index Left Middle Left Ring Left Little
Central Pocket
Ulnar Loop Amputated Ulnar Loop
Tented Arch Loop Whorl
Ridge Count 27 Finger Ridge Count 17
Inner Tracing

NCIC Fingerprint Code: 12DO11661427TTXX17CI

 Patterns NCIC IAFIS
Plain Arch AA AU

Tented Arch TT AU

Ulnar Loop Two numeric LS or RS depending

characters on the slant of the
1 to 9 add zero loop
Otherwise ridge LS has delta on right
count RS has delta on left
01-09
10-49
Radial Loop Two numeric LS or RS depending
characters Add on the slant of the
Arbitrary “50” loop
LS has delta on right
RS has delta on left
 Patterns NCIC IAFIS
Plain Whorl “P” followed by WU
tracing
“I”, “M”, “O”
Central Pocket “C” followed by WU
Loop Whorl tracing
“I”, “M”, “O”
Double Loop Whorl Small “d” followed WU
by tracing
“I”, “M”, “O”
Accidental Whorl “X” followed by WU
tracing
“I”, “M”, “O”
 Patterns NCIC IAFIS

Amputations XX XX

Complete Scars SR SR

Unable to Classify “None” UC

Rejected back to
contributor

Unable to Print “None” UP

Rejected back to
contributor
NCIC CLASSIFICATION
IAFIS CLASSIFICATION
The letters for the right hand’s index, middle, and ring
fingers were grouped together, followed by the letters
for the left hand’s index, middle, and ring fingers. After
this string of letters, the letters for the right thumb and
right little finger were recorded, followed by the letters
for the left thumb and left little finger.
Right Thumb Right Index Right Middle Right Ring Right Little

Double Loop Central Pocket

Double Loop Ulnar Loop
Whorl
Whorl Loop Plain Whorl
Whorl

Left Thumb Left Index Left Middle Left Ring Left Little
Central Pocket
Ulnar Loop Ulnar Loop
Radial Loop Radial Loop Loop Whorl

WWWLLLWLLW
GALTON
CLASSIFICATION
Fingerprint Comparison
ACE-V Methodology

22.06.2016
 Fingerprint Comparison
ACE-V Methodology

22.06.2016

ANALYSIS – whether sufficient information exists to proceed to next phase

 Fingerprint Comparison
ACE-V Methodology

22.06.2016

2. Determine
COMPARISON
Another
1. SelectANALYSIS:
keygeneral
focal
– known
determine
characteristics
ridge
exemplar
flowsuitability
& introduced
shape
(Level
(Level
for2achieving
toDetail);
1compare
Detail)understand
conclusion
w/ LP; their: position,
direction & relationship; compare this to known exemplar
 Fingerprint Comparison
ACE-V Methodology

22.06.2016

EVALUATION
Formulation
Guidelines: of(1)
– conclusion
a.k.a. making
agreementbased
conclusion;
of on A&1
only st level
Cresult of comparison
details – not sufficient for
evaluation of individualization, (2) agreement of 1st-2nd or 1st-3rd level details –
sufficient for evaluation of individualization
Fingerprint Comparison
ACE-V Methodology
• Verification – independent application
of ACE process by subsequent
examiner.
– PURPOSE: Support or refute conclusions
of original examiner
– NATURE: Blind verification (no
expectation or knowledge of prior
conclusion)
22.06.2016
Fingerprint Comparison
Hypothesis & Conclusions

22.06.2016
FINGERPRINT COMPARISON

DELTA
FORMS OF IDENTIFICATION
Facial Characteristics
Voice Recognition
DNA / Genetic Profile
Osteology (bones)
Odontology (teeth)
FORMS OF IDENTIFICATION

“Fingerprints”
 WHY FINGERPRINTS?
Fingerprint evidence is the most positive
investigative means for identifying people.

Fingerprints form on a person before birth and

remain unchanged until the body
decomposes after death.

Every fingerprint is unique!

WHAT IS A FINGERPRINT?

A fingerprint is a pattern of friction ridge

details, that are comprised of ridges and
valleys.
A Ridge – is a high.
A Valley – is a depression or low.

Friction ridges are also found on our palms,

feet and toes.
 Valley
Ridge
THE PATTERN
The pattern is the unique characteristics of the
ridges and valleys that make up the print. It is
defined by the spatial relationship of lines with
each other, their beginning and terminating
points, and the unique pattern they make. The
genes from our parents determine the general
characteristics of the patterns.
 FINGERPRINT IDENTIFICATION
1. What are fingerprints?
Recorded impressions of the friction ridges located on
the surface of the finger.

2. What is the purpose of

fingerprint identification?
To establish the identity or non-identity of two sets of
fingerprints.
 FINGERPRINT IDENTIFICATION
3. What are fingerprint
characteristics?
These are also known as ridge detail, points of
identification, or identifying characteristics.

A. Ending Ridges
B. Bifurcations
C. Dots
D. Enclosures
E. Short Ridges
 FINGERPRINT IDENTIFICATION
5. How many points of identification
(characteristics) are sufficient to
establish an identification?

A. No set standard number required.

B. Left to each individual fingerprint examiner.
C. Deciding factors:
1. Clarity of impressions
2. Uniqueness of formations
3. Fingerprint examiners experience
and ability
POINTS OF
IDENTIFICATION
• United States No Set Number

• England 16

• France 17

• Germany 12
 FINGERPRINT IDENTIFICATION
6. Be extremely cautious!
The integrity of the identification process depends on the
fingerprint examiner devoting his or her attention to
comparison work at all times.

A. Always be certain that the fingerprints have been

printed in the proper finger blocks.
B. Be absolutely certain of your decision

NOTE: As many as 150 ridge

characteristic can be noted in the
average fingerprint.
 RIDGE CHARACTERISTICS

COMMON OCCASIONAL RARE

Ending Ridge
Enclosure Trifurcation

Bifurcation “T” Junction Ridge Crossing

Dot Short Ridge Row of Dots

 RIDGE CHARACTERISTICS MAGNIFIED
11 1
10
2

9
3
8

5
7
Points 1, 2, 4, 5 are Ending Ridges Points 3 and 9 are Dots
6
Points 8, 10, 11 are Bifurcations Point 6 is an Enclosure
(ISLAND)
Point 7 Short Ridge
 HOW TO COMPARE FINGERPRINTS
• By noting the ridge characteristics in two fingerprint
impressions to determine whether or not they match.

• An identification is established when a number of

characteristics occupy the same relative position in the
two fingerprint impressions.

• First observation should be the pattern type.

A. Loops - 65%
B. Whorls - 30%
C. Arches – 5%
 HOW TO COMPARE FINGERPRINTS
• Second observation should be to examine the line of
flow.
A. Right
B. Left

• Third observation should be fingerprint

characteristics. Looking for the most obvious
point(s) of identification (i.e., what captures your eye
first).
 HOW TO COMPARE FINGERPRINTS
• Fourth observation is to ensure the characteristics are in
the same relative position.
A. Count from one characteristic to another.
B. Look for characteristics that are alike. Remember
that inking, pressure, occupation, failure to roll
fingerprints nail to nail and scars can change the
appearance of characteristics.
 HOW TO COMPARE FINGERPRINTS
• Fifth observation is to ensure that the fingerprints are in
sequential order by checking the plain impressions with
the rolled impressions.

• Never non-ident fingerprints using only one finger.

This will help eliminate errors.

• Flat or Plain impressions taken simultaneously give a

true or better reading of how the ridges actually appear.
Not Fully Inked or Rolled
FINGERPRINT COMPARISON
Plain or Flat Impressions
FINGERPRINT COMPARISON
FINGERPRINT COMPARISON
FINGERPRINT COMPARISON
FINGERPRINT COMPARISON
 “THINGS TO REMEMBER”
• Look for the obvious characteristics
• Utilize the entire fingerprint
• Never base your decision on a scar
• Never non-ident by one finger only
• Ensure sequence is correct
• Unable when not 100% positive of decision
• Utilize existing enhancement tools
• Take sufficient time to process
• Avoid distractions & beware of complacency
• Maintain good work habits
Thank you!
Good Luck
Guys!!!!
Picture taken at City University of
Hong Kong, 7th ACS Conference 2015
6th Asian Criminological Society
Osaka, Japan (June 27-29, 2014)
BE AMONG US. PASS THE
BOARD & BE LICENSED