SCHOOL OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY​

General Luna Road, Baguio City Philippines 2600​

APIL, CLARENCE B
BACAYAN, NIÑO ARON A.
MERIS, CHARLES
NAMES PACRAY, JORDAN
PADUA, DAVIES
QUEYQUEP, JOHN REEVE
TOMILAS, DAVE ANGELO

COURSE CODE &

FORSEM7-BDB
SECTION

TOPIC SEMINAR ON FORENSIC SCIENCE

DATE AUGUST 27, 2024

INSTRUCTOR MS. GLENA ALOS

1.1 Discuss the other methods of personal identification (DBA, forensic

odontology), Henry FBI classification formula and filing system of classified
fingerprint
Personal identification information includes a person´s important documents,
such as birth certificates, driver´s licenses, and social security cards. It also includes
documents like visas, firearms licenses, passports, government and employment I.D.
Some of the most common are DNA and other biological footprints, dental
records, and fingerprints.

Personal identification Techniques- the determination of the individuality of a

person. It also refers to the process of linking an unknown personal object or material
(which may be a whole body, a skeleton, a finger print, a biological fluid, etc.)

"Database Administrator" (DBA) who specializes in managing fingerprint databases.

This role involves overseeing systems that store and manage biometric data, such as
fingerprint records.

Database Design and Implementation: Creating and maintaining the structure of

databases that store fingerprint data. This involves designing schemas that efficiently
handle large volumes of biometric information.
 SCHOOL OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY​
General Luna Road, Baguio City Philippines 2600​

Data Security: Ensuring that fingerprint data is protected against unauthorized access
and breaches. This includes implementing encryption and other security measures to
safeguard sensitive information.
Performance Optimization: Tuning database performance to handle queries and
transactions efficiently, especially given the large size of biometric datasets.
Backup and Recovery: Establishing and managing backup procedures to protect
against data loss and implementing recovery processes in case of system failures.

Forensic odontology (FO) can be defined as a branch of dentistry that mainly

deals with the identification of an individual by assessing the unique structures of the
oral cavity

What is odontology the study of?

Odontology is the study of teeth or other human remains to analyze their
structure or any abnormalities, such as disease. This field is a specialty of dentistry that
helps to identify unknown remains and connect bite marks to a specific individual

Forensic dentistry or forensic odontology involves the handling, examination, and

evaluation of dental evidence in a criminal justice context. Forensic dentistry is used in
both criminal and civil law.

Responsibilities of forensic odontologist include[3]:

Identification following mass fatalities.
Assessing bite mark injuries.
Assessment abuse cases (child, spousal, elder) Civil cases involving malpractice.

The Henry Classification System is a long-standing method by which fingerprints are

sorted by physiological characteristics for one-to-many searching.

THE SIX CLASSIFICATION GROUPS

1. PRIMARY CLASSIFICATION (PC) = (all fingers) This is the result of the summation
of all the numerical values. Nos. 16,16,8,8,4,4,2,2,1,1 = are the numerical values Nos.
1,2,3-10 = are the standard sequence of fingerprints of a person. Whorls have
numerical values Loops and Arches don’t have numerical values

2. SECONDARY CLASSIFICATION
 SCHOOL OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY​
General Luna Road, Baguio City Philippines 2600​

-Indicate the type of fingerprint pattern of the index fingers using their symbols in capital
letters (A T R U W C D X).
-The thumb, middle, ring and little fingers of both hands having fingerprint pattern of
ARCHES and LOOPS constitute the Small Letter Group (a, t, r) written at the adjacent
of the index fingers of both hands.
-When 2 or 3 of the same fingerprint appear, 2 or 3 as the case may be, preceding such
pattern is written.

Fingers involved: 1. Index Fingers - Serve as the main fingers 2. Four other fingers - to
be classified using the Small Letter Group (a, t, r)

3. SUB-SECONDARY CLASSIFICATION (SSC)

- Index, Middle, & Ring = are the Fingers involved in this classification.
- The ANSWER is placed at the right side of the Secondary Classification.

Rules for Sub-Secondary Classification (SSC)

A. Rules applied to loop patterns
1. INDEX FINGER: 1-9 ridge count = I (inner) 10 and above = 0 (outer)
2. MIDDLE FINGER:1-10 ridge count = I (inner) 11 and above = 0 (outer)
3. RING FINGER: 1-13 ridge count = I (inner) 14 and above = 0 (outer)
B. Rules Applied to Whorl Patterns
-Ridge count of 3 or more above the right delta = I
-Ridge count of 3 or more below the right delta = O
-Ridge counts of 0,1,2 either above or below the right delta = M

C. Arches are represented by dash (-).

4. MAJOR CLASSIFICATION (MC)
a. Thumbs of both hands shall be the ones to be classified.
b. Loops are ridge counted.
c. Whorls are ridged traced.
d. Answer for Major Classification is placed at left side of Primary Classification.

Steps:
1. Classify the left thumb. The result of the classification will determine what rule is to be
used for the right thumb.
 SCHOOL OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY​
General Luna Road, Baguio City Philippines 2600​

2. Classify the right thumb. Use the rule that corresponds to the rule used in classifying
the left thumb.

Rules for Major Classification (MC):

A. Applied for loops or a combination of loop and whorl
-Ridge count the loops
-Ridge trace whorls

LEFT THUMB RIGHT THUMB

1-11 = Small (S) 1-11 = Small (S) 12-16 = Medium (M) 17

& above = Large (L)

12-16 = Medium (M) 1-11 = Small (S) 12-16 = Medium (M) 17

& above = Large (L)

17 & above = Large (L) 1-17 = Small (S) 18-22 = Medium (M) 23
& above = Large (L)

B. Rules When the 2 THUMBS are Whorls (Use I.M.O)

Ridge count of 3 or more above the right delta ……………...…. = I
Ridge count of 3 or more below the right delta …………...……. = O
Ridge counts of 0, 1, 2 either above or below the right delta …. = M

C. Arches are Represented by Small Dash (-)

5. FINAL CLASSIFICATION (FC)

a. This is the exhibition in a numerical figure of the ridge count of loops and/or whorls
from the two little fingers.
b. Fingers involved are the little fingers of both right and left hands.
c. Loops are to be ridge counted.
d. Whorls are to be “ridge counted,” treating them as loops for counting purposes.
e. Answer is placed at the extreme right of the classification line.
f. Arches are represented by small dash (-).

6. KEY CLASSIFICATION (KC)

 SCHOOL OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY​
General Luna Road, Baguio City Philippines 2600​

a. The classification that is derived by ridge counting the first loop in a set of prints. The
ridgecount of the first loop may come from the right thumb or any other finger except the
little fingers. If no loop, look for the first whorl. If no loops and whorl, it shall be
represented by dash (-).
b. All fingers except little fingers are involved in KC.
c. The answer is placed above the classification line, left side of MC.

1.2 Analyze the principles of fingerprint identification, fingerprint identification,

fingerprint characteristics and patterns

Principles of Fingerprint Identification:

1. Uniqueness:
- Every individual has unique fingerprints, even identical twins. The specific
arrangement of ridges and minutiae points (small details in the ridges) makes
each fingerprint distinct.

2. Permanence:
- Fingerprints remain unchanged throughout a person's life. The ridges on the
skin are formed during fetal development and remain consistent, barring any
severe scarring or skin diseases.
3. Classification:
- Fingerprints can be categorized into specific patterns, allowing for systematic
classification. This makes it easier to compare and identify fingerprints across
large databases.
4. Individualization:
- The process of fingerprint identification is about matching an unknown print
to a known print. The goal is to determine if two prints were made by the same
finger.
5. Pattern Recognition:
- The identification relies on recognizing and comparing specific patterns and
minutiae points in the fingerprints.

Fingerprint Characteristics:
1. Ridge Patterns:
 SCHOOL OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY​
General Luna Road, Baguio City Philippines 2600​

- Loops: These are the most common patterns, where ridges enter from one
side, curve around, and exit on the same side. Loops are further classified into
ulnar loops (towards the little finger) and radial loops (towards the thumb).
- Whorls: These patterns have circular or spiral ridges, with two deltas
(triangular points) on either side.
- Arches: The ridges enter from one side and exit on the opposite side without
making any significant turns. They can be plain arches or tented arches.
2. Minutiae Points:
- Ridge Ending: Where a ridge ends abruptly.
- Bifurcation:bWhere a single ridge splits into two.
- Dot or Island: A very short ridge that appears as a dot.
- Lake or Enclosure: A single ridge that bifurcates and then rejoins to form a
loop.
- Delta:A Y-shaped ridge meeting point.
- Core:The central point of a loop or whorl.
3. Other Features:
- Ridge Counts:The number of ridges between certain points on the fingerprint.
- Pores:The sweat pores along the ridges, which can also be used for more
detailed identification.

Pattern Recognition in Fingerprint Identification:

- Global Patterns: The overall type of pattern (loop, whorl, arch) helps narrow
down the comparison to a specific category.
-Local Features:The minutiae points are crucial for making an exact match.
Forensic experts often compare several minutiae points to ensure a positive
identification.
- Quantitative Analysis: The number and location of matching minutiae points are
critical in forensic contexts. Different jurisdictions have varying standards for
how many matching points are required for a match.

1.3Explain the taking and recording of friction skin (live and post Morten), latent
print detection methods and latent print preservation techniques
 SCHOOL OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY​
General Luna Road, Baguio City Philippines 2600​

1. Live Friction Skin Prints:

-Process: Friction skin prints, also known as fingerprints, are typically collected using ink
and paper or electronically. The person’s finger is rolled or pressed onto an inked pad,
and then onto a paper card or digital scanner.

- Ink and Paper Method: Involves rolling each finger in ink and then pressing it onto a
paper card to create a clear print.

- Electronic Method: Uses a digital scanner to capture the ridges and valleys of the
fingerprints directly into a computer system.

2. Post-Mortem Friction Skin Prints:

-Process: These are collected from deceased individuals and can be challenging due to
decomposition or skin changes.

- Method: Often involves using a technique similar to live fingerprinting but may require
specialized tools or methods to handle the condition of the skin, such as lifting prints
from the body or using chemical treatments to enhance them.

Latent Print Detection Methods

1. Physical Methods:

-Powder Dusting: Fine powders are brushed over surfaces to adhere to the oils and
residues left by fingerprints. The powder is then lifted using tape and transferred to a
contrast card for examination.

-Brushes: Special brushes are used to apply the powder evenly to avoid damaging the
print.

2. Chemical Methods:

-Ninhydrin: Reacts with amino acids in sweat to produce a purple-blue color, useful for
prints on paper and porous surfaces.
 SCHOOL OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY​
General Luna Road, Baguio City Philippines 2600​

- Cyanoacrylate (Super Glue) Fuming: Fumes from cyanoacrylate adhere to the print
residues, making them visible. Often followed by powder dusting or staining to enhance
the print.

-Silver Nitrate: Reacts with salts in fingerprints, producing a dark brown or black print,
mainly on paper.

3. Alternate Light Sources:

-Ultraviolet (UV) Light: Highlights latent prints by causing chemical residues to

fluoresce, making them easier to see.

- Infrared Light: Can reveal prints on surfaces where traditional methods might fail, such
as certain plastics.

Latent Print Preservation Techniques

Lifting Prints:

[Link] Lifting: Using clear adhesive tape to lift prints from surfaces after they
have been developed. The tape is then placed on a contrasting card for analysis.
Gel Lifting: Utilizes a soft gel pad to lift prints from uneven or delicate surfaces,
which is then transferred to a card for preservation.

2. Photography: High-Resolution Imaging: Photographs of the developed prints are

taken to create a permanent record. This is crucial for documentation and further
analysis.

3. Casting:

Casting Materials: Used for 3D prints or impressions, such as those found in dust or soft
surfaces. Materials like dental stone or silicone are used to make a mold of the print.
 SCHOOL OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY​
General Luna Road, Baguio City Philippines 2600​

1.4 APPLY THE ACE-V METHODOLOGY IN PROCESSING LATENT PRINTS

1. Analysis – The unknown item must be reduced to a matter of its properties or

characteristics, which may be directly observable, measurable, or otherwise
perceptible qualities.

Initial Assessment: The examiner begins by carefully examining the latent print,
evaluating its quality and suitability for comparison. This involves assessing
factors like:
a. Clarity and Completeness:
Is the print clear, sharp, and complete, or is it distorted
(deformed/bangking), fragmented (putol-putol), or obscured (nakatago)?
b. Surface Type:
What type of surface is the print on? (e.g., glass, metal, paper) This
influences the quality of the print and the potential for distortion
(bangking).

c. Print Type:
Is it a latent print (invisible to the naked eye and requiring development)
or a patent print (visible due to the presence of a substance like blood,
ink, or dirt)?
d. Presence of Distortion:
Are there any distortions or imperfections in the print that might affect the
comparison process?
Levels of Detail: The examiner then analyzes the print based on the three
levels of detail:
o Level 1 Detail: This refers to the general ridge flow pattern (e.g., loop,
whorl, arch).
o Level 2 Detail: This encompasses the ridge path deviations, including
minutiae like ridge endings, bifurcations, and dots.
 SCHOOL OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY​
General Luna Road, Baguio City Philippines 2600​

o Level 3 Detail: This involves the most detailed features, such as ridge
shape, pore structure, and ridge edges.

2. Comparison – The properties or characteristics of the unknown determined through

Analysis are now compared with the familiar or recorded properties of known items.

This means that the examiner had already a copy or any recorded files that may be
used to compare on the collected fingerprint

Modes of comparison:

· Pairing Prints:
The examiner compares the latent print with known prints (e.g., fingerprints from
a suspect or database) to identify potential matches.
· Minutiae Matching/Details Matching:
The comparison focuses on matching the minutiae (Level 2 detail) between the
latent print and the known prints.
This involves identifying corresponding ridge endings, bifurcations, and other
unique features and their relative positions within the prints.
· Ridge Flow and Level 3 Detail:
The examiner also considers the overall ridge flow pattern (Level 1 detail) and
any discernible Level 3 details to further support the comparison.

3. Evaluation – Similarities or dissimilarities in properties or characteristics will each

have a certain value for identification purposes determined by its likelihood of
occurrence. The weight or significance of each must therefore be considered.”

· Decision Making: Based on the analysis and comparison, the examiner makes
a decision regarding the prints:
 SCHOOL OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY​
General Luna Road, Baguio City Philippines 2600​

o Individualization: If the examiner finds a sufficient number of matching

minutiae and other features in the correct spatial relationship, they
conclude that the prints originated from the same source. This is
known as individualization.
It means that if there is sufficient similarity which is 12-16 points it will now
be concluded as the fingerprint of the subject.
o Exclusion: If the examiner finds significant discrepancies between the
prints, they conclude that they did not originate from the same source.
This is known as exclusion.
It is now the opposite of the individualization
o Inconclusive: If the quality of the prints is insufficient or the
comparison yields ambiguous (unclear) results, the examiner may
conclude that the comparison is inconclusive.
Inconclusive means questionable/unconvincing

4. Verification - It is the final step in the process, where an independent

examiner reviews the initial analysis, comparison, and evaluation to ensure
accuracy and objectivity. It's a crucial step in ensuring the reliability of
fingerprint identification.

Types of Verification:
· Blind Verification: The second examiner is completely unaware of the first
examiner's conclusion. This approach provides the most independent and
objective review, as the examiner is not influenced by any prior assumptions
or interpretations.
It is somewhat being neutral on something which cannot be affected by being
biased
· Non-Blind Verification: The second examiner is aware of the first examiner's
conclusion. This approach can be useful for identifying potential errors or
inconsistencies in the initial analysis, but it may also introduce bias if the
second examiner is influenced by the first examiner's opinion.
Of course, knowing about something can change your point of view and might
change your decision.
 SCHOOL OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY​
General Luna Road, Baguio City Philippines 2600​

Verification Process:
· Independent Analysis and Comparison: The second examiner independently
analyzes the latent print and compares it with the known prints using the
ACE-V methodology.
This is the blind verification which the examiner only uses all his knowledge on
ACE-V method without any help or ideas from others.
· Evaluation of Findings: The second examiner evaluates the findings of the
comparison and makes a decision about the prints:
This is the latter which is the Non-Blind Verification which both examiners
compared their examination
o Confirmation: If the second examiner agrees with the first examiner's
conclusion, the verification is successful, and the identification is
confirmed.
o Disagreement: If the second examiner disagrees with the first
examiner's conclusion, the case may be referred for further
investigation or a third opinion.
This might require for another trial of examination
o Inconclusive: If the second examiner finds the comparison
inconclusive, the case may be referred for further analysis or additional
evidence.
Means that the collected fingerprints can’t be examined properly and
which needs clearer sample to be collected