FINGERPRINTS : An Introduction
Introduction to Fingerprints , Forensic Science
Prepared by Mr. Milik Ahmed (MS. Forensic Science, NFSU)
OVERVIEW & PURPOSE
This module is basically to make students familiar with the Fingerprints from the Forensics perspective. In this module, basic introduction to fingerprints, fundamental principles and history of fingerprints are discussed in brief.
OBJECTIVES
To introduce with Fingerprints
Fundamental Principles of Fingerprints
History of Fingerprints
FINGERPRINTS:
Fingerprint is an imprint made by the pattern of ridges on the pad of a human finger.
These ridges are also known as friction ridges.
They allow the finger to grips and hold
Formation of these friction ridges are 3rd to 4th month of foetal development (10th to 16th weeks)
Fingerprints are the most widely used human characteristics for the identification of an individual. Although loops, whorls, and arches, together with deltas and cores, provide an effective means for classification of fingerprints, the identification of the impression depends on the finer aspects confined in ridge patterns.
The innumerable lines present in the palmar surface that constitutes a fingerprint are commonly referred to as the ridge characteristic of minutae.
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Fundamental principles of fingerprint science:
Friction ridges develop their unique form in foetus
Fingerprint remains largely unchanged during an individual‘s life
Friction Ridge patterns and their details are unique
No two fingerprints have yet been found to possess identical ridge characteristics even in identical twins.
Fingerprints can be systematically classified by general ridge character.
This pattern of friction ridges contains rows of sweat force that allows sweat and oil to secret from glands. Sweat mix with other body oils and dirt produces fingerprints on smooth surfaces.
Fingerprints are left by the transfer of oil or amino acid to a surface from the transfer of substances on the fingers like paint or blood or by leaving an impression print on a soft surface.
Fingerprints are not inherited
Individuality and uniqueness of fingerprint is not only supported by theoretical calculation but just as important it is verified by the millions of individuals who have had their prints classified during the past 120 years, no two have ever been found to be identical. The FBI has nearly 101 million fingerprint records in its computer database and has yet to find an identical image belonging to 2 different people.
History of fingerprint Science :
Friction ridge skin impression were used as proof of person’s identity in China as early as 300 BC; in Japan as early as 702 A.D. and in United States 1902
These prints are considered as oldest friction ridge impression found at that time
The Chinese were the first culture known to have used friction ridges as a means of identification.
The use of these impressions continued over the years for individualisation purpose
In India, the use of these impressions was only reserved for royalty and documentary.
References:
Class Notes (LNJN-NICFS, Delhi)
EpgP: Fingerprints and Other Impressions.
Criminalistics : an introduction to Forensic Science
