Fingerprints

Analysis and Understanding the Science

Mark Hawthorne, Sharon Plotkin, Bracey-Ann Douglas, Mark R. Hawthorne

• Publisher: CRC Press
• Year: 2021
• Print ISBN: 9780367479503
• eBook ISBN: 9781000336443
• Edition: 2
• Topic: Law
• Subtopic: Criminal Law
• Index: Law

Fingerprints: Analysis and Understanding the Science, Second Edition is a thorough update of Mark Hawthorne's classic written by two professionals with combined experience not only in crime scene investigations but also as court-recognized experts in latent print examination. Designed as a concise text to cover the fundamental techniques and principles of obtaining and analyzing latent fingerprint evidence, the book is laid out and written in an easy to understand format for those front-line professionals collecting and analyzing fingerprint evidence.

Over time, the degree of sophistication and education on fingerprints and friction ridge analysis has increased. Ultimately, through scientific study by pioneers in the field, the composition of friction skin soon became evident: that it could be used as a unique identifier of individuals. Now, fingerprints and footprints as unique identifiers—and their use in criminal cases—have become commonplace and an essential component of criminal investigation with most cases involving some component of fingerprint evidence.

Divided into two parts, the book begins with the basics of analysis, providing a brief history, systematic methods of identification, fingerprint pattern types and their associated terminologies and current classifications. The second part of the book discusses the identification and presentation of evidence in the courtroom, demonstrating both the traditional, manual method of lifting prints and the newer techniques for automated and live scans. Coverage provides instruction on searching and developing latent prints, storage, and comparison of prints.

New to this edition are updated techniques on collecting and preserving fingerprint evidence—including packaging and maintaining chain of custody. More detailed documentation processes, and additional chemical and lifting techniques, are described including use of light sources, latent backing cards and lifting material, casting material, ten print cards, and the enhancement of prints in blood. A discussion of laboratory equipment and comparison tools, the addition of photography techniques, and recent courtroom challenges to fingerprint evidence is also presented.

Fingerprints, Second Edition will provide a hands-on, fresh look at the most commonly utilized evidence found at crime scenes: fingerprints. The book will provide law enforcement, crime scene personnel and students just such an opportunity to easily understand and grasp the concepts, and relevant issues, associated with friction skin and fingerprint evidence.

Part I

Fingerprint Analysis

The History of Fingerprints

1

Fingerprints have been a constant since the birth of mankind. Over several thousand years, man has been in existence, fingerprints have not changed. Evolution has simply necessitated the analysis and understanding of the skin we possess on our hands and feet. What was once viewed simply as a covering for our skeletal/musculature mass, with distinct characteristics and configuration, we now know has a specific definition and application. As with all things in nature, we possess uniqueness within each of us. This uniqueness is not limited to mankind, but to all primates as well, which was first observed and documented by Johannes (John) Evangelista Purkinje in 1823. Prior to that time, there are documented instances where finger and palm prints were observed but no formal study or analysis was undertaken. The uniqueness of the impressions was captured, but the specificity as to the individualization was not pursued. There are documented instances within various prehistoric sites, as well as other discoveries throughout the world, that indicate fingerprints were somehow used as a method of identity most probably for psychological or superstitious purposes. There has been no supporting documentation of a formula that may have been used with those findings. Assumptions, simple or complex, must be utilized in an attempt to explain the presence of the fingerprints.

It has been well documented that fingerprints have been discovered on mummies in Egypt as well as other artifacts from Mesopotamia and in cave drawings in Nova Scotia. Further examples of the use of fingerprints can be found in Chinese documents from the Tang dynasty, which allude to fingerprints impressed on business contracts. Prehistoric carvings of fingerprints have been noted in France, and finger imprints discovered on broken pottery in Palestine as well. One can see that in one form or another, fingerprints or the fascination with fingerprints is nothing new. One is looking at thousands of years of viewing, in one fashion or another, the fingerprints we all possess. Why then today do we have such a command of fingerprints? What factor(s) can be cited that instigated, in earnest, the research that has laid the foundation for interpretation and analysis of fingerprints? The answer to those questions is multifaceted. However, I believe the main focal point to the equation may be said to coincide with the study of other aspects of the human anatomy, science, and medicine. These disciplines, by their very nature, necessitate that a meticulous methodology is utilized and documented. Theories must be postulated and proved or disproved. With the earliest developments of fingerprint study, practitioners became immersed in the research. As the field became more deeply understood, and the practices more widespread, those practitioners who took up the research and training rose to the level of scientists. The science of fingerprints began with professionals of the day and has expanded to the much more technical application we now know. Does the more technical nature of fingerprint analysis negate the science? Absolutely not. The technical applications serve only to enhance the knowledge that has been established throughout more than four hundred years of research, all of which have contributed to the science. Principles and theories that have been well established will not be diminished. But as with all scientific practices, we must remain vigilant and open to new ideas and theories that may have application to the science of fingerprints.

A brief history of the development of the science and of those who have contributed to this development is outlined. This outline is not all-inclusive but rather foundational. As new research is undertaken and discoveries are made, modification of the outline will be needed. What follows is an overview of the timeline of significant developments, as well as individuals and their contributions to the science.

Outline of the History of Fingerprints

7000 BC Jericho: Neolithic bricks from the ancient city were discovered to contain thumbprints of bricklayers. This information was reported in a modern publication in Archaeology of the Holy Land, a book researched and written by Dame K. Kenyon.

3000 BC Northwest...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half Title
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Contents
• Preface
• Acknowledgements
• About the Authors
• Part I: Fingerprint Analysis
• Part II: Development, Identification, and Presentation of Fingerprints