FS 2 – PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION
CHAPTER 2
DACTYLOSCOPY
- Latin words Dactyl = finger + Skopein – to study or examine
- Is the practical application of the science of fingerprints.
- Classification of FP
DACTYLOGRAPHY
- Is the scientific study of fingerprint as a means of identification.
DACTYLOMANCY
- Is the scientific study of fingerprint for purposes of personality identification.
DERMATOGLYPHICS
- Is the science which deals with the study of skin pattern.
- It is derived from two Greek Words, Derma which means Skin and Glype which means
Carve.
BASIC PRINCIPLES OF FINGERPRINT
1. INDIVIDUALITY
- No two persons have the same fingerprint (based on Statistic Probability)
2. INFALLIBILITY
- that fingerprint is a positive and reliable means of identification.
- it cannot be easily forged.
3. CONSTANCY OR PERMANENCY
- that the friction ridge once fully developed its arrangement will remain the same
throughout man’s life.
FS 2 – PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION
FINGERPRINT
- Is an impression design by the first joint of the fingers and thumb on smooth surface
through the media of ink, sweat or any substance capable of producing visibility.
RELATED SCIENCE TO THE STUDY OF FINGERPRINT:
1. CHIROSCOPY – (Greek Word “Cheir” – a hand, “Skopein” – to examine)
- is the science which deals with the study of the prints of the palms of the hand.
2. PODOSCOPY – (Greek word “Podo” – the foot, and Skopein – to examine)
- is the science which deals with the study of footprints.
3. POROSCOPY – (Greek word, “poros” – a pare, and Skopein to examine
- is the scientific study of the arrangement of the sweat pores
(Edmond Locard – Father of Poroscopy)
PHALANGE – Is the skeletal finger covered with friction skin. It is made up of three bones.
a. Basal or Proximal Phalange
- it is located at the base of the finger nearest the palm.
b. Middle Phalange
- the next and above the basal bone.
c. Terminal Phalange
- the particular bone covered with friction skin, having all the different types of
fingerprint patterns and it is located near the tip of the finger.
FS 2 – PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION
FRICTION SKIN
- Is an epidermal hairless skin found on the ventral or lower surface of the hands and feet
covered with ridges and furrows.
FS 2 – PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION
COMPONENTS OF THE FRICTION SKIN
1. Ridge Surface
a. Ridge – the elevated or hill like structure/ the black lines with tiny white dots.
b. Furrows – the depressed or canal like structure/ the white space between ridges.
2. Sweat Pores – tiny opening/ the tiny white dots.
3. Sweat Duct – the passageway.
4. Sweat Glands – the producers of sweat.
FUNDAMENTAL LAYERS OF THE SKIN
1. Epidermis – the outermost layer
a. Stratum Corneum
b. Stratum Mucosum
2. Dermis – the inner layer containing the blood vessel, dermal papillae, various glands and
nerves.
FS 2 – PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION
RIDGE FORMATION
- Ridges start to form in the fingers and thumb during the 3rd to 4th months of the fetus life.
DERMAL PAPILLAE
- Are irregular pegs composed of delicate connective tissue protruding and forming the
ridges of the skin on the fingers, palms, toes and soles of the feet.
RIDGE DESTRUCTION
- Can either be temporary or permanent
General Rules on Ridge Destruction
a. Destruction of the Epidermis – temporary, dermis – permanent damage
b. Cut – depth of more than 1mm will constitute permanent scar.
