FRS 531
FRS 531
FRS 531
PHYSICAL EVIDENCE
EXPERIMENT 2 :
A LAB ON FINGERPRINTS
Fingerprints are a reproduction of friction skin ridges found on the palm side of the fingers and thumbs.
The basic principles underlying the use of fingerprints in criminal investigations are that a fingerprint
is an individual characteristics because no two fingers have yet been found to possess identical ridge
characteristics, a fingerprint remains unchanged during an individual’s lifetime and fingerprints have
general ridge patterns that permit them to be systematically classified. All fingerprints are divided into
three classes on the basis of their general pattern: loops, whorls and arches.
Fingerprint classification systems are based on knowledge of fingerprint pattern classes. The
individuality of a fingerprint is not determined by its general shape or pattern, but by a careful study of
its ridge characteristics. The expert must demonstrate a point-by-point comparison in order to prove
the identity of an individual. AFIS aids this process by converting the image of a fingerprint into
digital minutiae that contain data showing ridges at their points of termination (ridge endings) and their
branching into two ridges (bifurcation).
OBJECTIVES
METHODOLOGY
i. Our own fingerprint was transferred to a A4 paper and the type of fingerprint was identified.
ii. The fingerprint was slightly rolled across the A4 paper that has been provided.
iii. The procedure was repeated by using left and right thumbs of fingers.
iv. The procedure was also repeated by magnetic powder and charcoal powder.
i. A clean, flat lightly colored surface was chosen to apply the fingerprint. The surface was wiped
clean by using ethanol before apply the fingerprint.
ii. The print was applied with firm pressure to the surface.
iii. The powder of brush was gently dip into the fingerprint powder and the surface of the object
printed with fingerprint was lightly brushed.
iv. The print was lifted and transferred to a white cue card as evidence.
DATA/RESULTS
1. Ink
2. Charcoal Powder
3. Magnetic Powder
4. Latent Print
1
2
1
3 2
4
3
5
4
6
5
7 6
7
8
8
12 10 9 9
11 12 11 10
1. Bifurcation 5. Island 9. Island
2. Bridge 6. Ridge ending 10. Bifurcation
3. Bridge 7. Delta 11. Ridge ending
4. Bridge 8. Island 12. Bifurcation
CALCULATIONS
CONCLUSIONS
To conclude, in this experiment we were able to become familiar with the main features of human
fingerprints. Apart from that. we were also able to develop skills in dusting and lifting latent
fingerprints and compare the fingerprints of suspects to fingerprints lifted from a simulated crime
scene.