Fingerprint Identification Flashcards
What are current applications of fingerprint identification unrelated to the criminal realm? (4)
Biometric security features for building clearance
Laptop fingerprint reader
Smartphone locking systems
Job clearances/checks
Define ridgeology.
The study of the uniqueness of the friction ridge structures and their use for personal identification.
Who was Sir William Herschel?
Promoted fingerprint use to prevent frauds and impersonation of contracts.
Credited with being the first European to recognize the value of friction ridge prints and to actually use them for identification purposes.
Conducted persistency tests
What are persistency tests?
Tests to show prints remain the same over time.
Who was Dr. Henry Faulds?
Commented about locating fingerprints at a crime scene and using them to apprehend the criminals responsible.
First to use fingerprints in criminal cases.
What did Alphonse Bertillon invent?
Bertillon System (Anthropometry)
What is the Bertillon System/Anthropometry?
A method of personal identification through a series of body measurements, typically including one print
Full face and profile photographs of perpetrator now commonly known as mugshots
What type of information was included in the Bertillon System?(6)
Head length and breadth
Finger and foot measurements
Eye and hair colour
Weight
Complexion
A single fingerprint
What were the flaws with the Bertillon System?
Characteristics being measured are dynamic and can change, therefore not 100% reliable.
Describe the case of the West Brothers in Leavenworth Penitentiary in Kansas.
William and Will West
1 twin was already incarcerated, the other was charged with a crime
Took Bertillon measurements and concluded he was already there
Who was Sir Francis Galton?
First person to define and name specific minutiae known as Galton Details
What was Sir Francis Galton responsible for?
Acceptance of the use of fingerprints for personal identification
What was the Troup committee?
A committee appointed under Charles Troup of the Home Office in England to look at two areas.
When was the Troup Committee established?
1893
What were the two areas to be looked at under the Troup Committee?
Current method for registering and identifying criminals in England (Bertillon)
The suggested system of identification by means of a record of fingerprints only (Galton)
What were the results of the Troup Committee?
Anthropometry and fingerprints were both considered to be effective means of identification, but fingerprints did not have an adequate classification system at the time.
Committee felt compelled to not implement one system over the other but to implement both.
What was the suggested system of the Troup Committee?
Five major anthropometric measurement to be taken for primary classification and fingerprints to be attached as an additional component to the classification system.
Who was Sir Edward Henry?
Learned of Troup Committee and in response developed a classification system for fingerprints (Henry Classification System)
Is the Henry Classification System still used?
Yes, but with modifications
What was the Belper Committee?
A new committee appointed to revisit registering and identifying of criminals in England
When was the Belper Committee established?
1900
What were the recommendations/findings of the Belper Committee?
Recommended that all criminal identification records be classified by the fingerprint system.
The Henry Classification System and the individualization of criminals by means of fingerprints became standard practice in England
What did Dr. Nehemiah Grew contribute to the science of fingerprints?
Described friction ridge skin in detail (ridges, furrows, pores)
What did Marcello Malpighi contribute to the science of fingerprints?
Described several layers of the epidermis
What did Inez Whipple contribute to the science of fingerprints?
Provided insight to a possible evolutionary theory on the development of volar skin (ridges allow us to grasp)
What did Harris Hawthorne-Wilder contribute to the science of fingerprints?
Provided research supporting third level detail as permanent and highly discriminating
What did Harold Cummins contribute to the science of fingerprints?
Examined fetuses and described volar pad regression in conjunction with friction ridge formation.
What did Alfred Hale contribute to the science of fingerprints?
Examined cross sections of fetal skin and described the differential growth of friction ridge skin.
What are the four premises of friction ridge skin?
Friction ridges develop on the fetus in their definitive form prior to birth (embryology)
Friction ridges are persistent throughout life except for scarring, disease, or decomposition after death (Histology)
Friction ridge paths and the details in the small area of the friction ridges are unique and never repeated
Friction ridge patterns vary within limits therefore allowing for classification
At what time of embryological development are the hands paddle-like and volar pads can be seen?
6 weeks
At what time of embryological development do fingers separate?
8 weeks
At what time of embryological development are the digital pads distinct?
10 weeks
At what time of embryological development do friction ridges start to develop and volar pads start to regress?
12 weeks
What determines your fingerprint pattern?
Position of volar pad