Course Introduction

FSP 102 : Fingerprint Examination & Analysis

  • Course Outline
  • Curriculum
  • FAQ
  • Case Studies
  • Reviews

    Fingerprint Science is one of the very primitive disciplines, which has been used by human civilization since ages. This discipline is considered very reliable and accurate due to the principles of individuality, uniqueness, and permanence, which are the factors on which this entire science rests. Now one may ponder on the fact that why is fingerprint said to be individual, unique, and permanent in nature? The fingerprints are known to be individual because, since the day, no two individuals have been spotted bearing alike fingerprints. They are even said to be unique because the minutiae or the ridges and their positions are unique to every single human being. Lastly, they are considered permanent because- during the fetal development, the ridges and the minutiae start developing at the third month and gets finished by the sixth month, and remains the same for the entire life.

     

    Fingerprints possess certain calculable characteristics which on consideration and examination, help the examiner reach a conclusion. On the basis of Locard’s exchange principle, fingerprints are one of the invisible and prominent clues that are left behind by the perpetrator or the criminal accidentally at a scene of crime. That’s why it is the prime duty of the investigator conducting the investigation to check and apply the technical skills in order to reveal what actually remains hidden.

     

    Fingerprint impressions have often been and still are considered one of the most valuable types of physical evidence to aid a crime scene investigation. A comprehensive discussion of fingerprint history, development, classification, and their use in identification is the core content of this course. In general, three types of fingerprint are found at a crime scene i.e. latent fingerprints which generally suggests invisible prints, patent fingerprints or visible prints and plastic prints, those which are found on surfaces as soap, wax, etc. Latent prints are commonly found at the crime scene and thus require certain means for the development or enhancement in order to get visualized.

      

    A transitory discussion will be on other impressions like footprints, palm-prints, skid-marks, and their developing methods with different types of tools and techniques. Recording and preservation of marks and its admissibility in the court-room will also be a major concern of the given course structure

     

    Fingerprints are majorly one of the most vital factors in crime deciphering because they may be the only means of ascertaining the people present at a crime scene or involved in a crime. Thus, offering one of the most apposite and acceptable methods of establishing one’s identification. This is the only cause why it is also universally used and recognized for the purpose of visa/ immigration services, identifying missing persons, etc.

     

  • Level - I : Fingerprint Examination & Analysis

    MODULE 1 – INTRODUCTION TO FINGERPRINTS

    A fingerprint in its narrow sense is an impression left by the friction ridges of a human finger. History and pattern of fingerprint would make the students aware about the general introduction of fingerprint science, history and its development, theories behind the identification of fingerprint, importance of fingerprint in crime scene investigation and personal identification in other aspects, laboratories of fingerprint investigation. This module will introduce you to the lasting knowledge of introduction to fingerprint discipline.

    MODULE 2 – FINGERPRINT CLASSIFICATION

    Classification of fingerprints would assist the students in the basics of friction ridges, development of friction ridges, the divisions of three primary fingerprint patterns and their subdivision-

    1. 5% Arch (Simple Arch and Tented Arch)

    2. 60% Loop (Ulnar Loop and Radial Loop) and

    3. 35% Whorl (Plain Whorl and Composites – Twinned Loop, Central Pocket Loop, Lateral Loop and Accidental)

    The examination and procedure of fingerprint examination. It will familiarize you with single digit classification, Henry classification system, computerization of ten digit fingerprint classification, and its usefulness in fingerprint science.

    MODULE 3 – TYPES OF FINGERPRINTS

    This module detailed the different types of fingerprints found at the scene of crime named as chance or latent print, visible print, and plastic print. For each type of the fingerprint suitable development method is applied for the type of print present at the crime scene.

    MODULE 4 – DEVELOPMENT OF LATENT FINGERPRINTS

    This module explains all about the methods and development of fingerprints. In this module, the student will be taught about the pattern of fingerprints and methods of comparison of papillary ridge counts.

    Fingerprints and their methods of development like powder dusting, cyanoacrylate method, chemical method, laser method, and metal deposition method –

    Physical Development Methods – Powder Techniques; Black Powder, Fluorescent Powders, Magnetic Powder, Cyanoacrylate Method, etc.

    Chemical Development Methods – Iodine Fuming (Non-permanent visualization), Ninhydrin (Reacts with proteins), AgNO3 (Reacts with salt), etc. It will also cover the advanced enhancement of fingerprint, digital imaging and enhancement, application of laser, and other radiations to develop latent fingerprints and metal deposition method and development of latent prints on skin.

    MODULE 5 – RECORDING AND COMPARISON OF FINGERPRINTS

    The module will be covering the important factors of collection and preservation of fingerprint, taking of fingerprints from living and dead person, preserving and lifting of fingerprints, role, and importance of photography in recording those prints, digital transmission, and comparison of fingerprints and basis of comparisons- class and individual characteristics, various types of ridge minutiae.

  • Level - II : Fingerprint Examination & Analysis

    MODULE 1 – INTRODUCTION TO FINGERPRINTS

    A fingerprint in its narrow sense is an impression left by the friction ridges of a human finger. History and pattern of fingerprint would make the students aware about the general introduction of fingerprint science, history and its development, theories behind the identification of fingerprint, importance of fingerprint in crime scene investigation and personal identification in other aspects, laboratories of fingerprint investigation. This module will introduce you to the lasting knowledge of introduction to fingerprint discipline.

    MODULE 2 – FINGERPRINT CLASSIFICATION

    Classification of fingerprints would assist the students in the basics of friction ridges, development of friction ridges, the divisions of three primary fingerprint patterns and their subdivision-

    1. 5% Arch (Simple Arch and Tented Arch)

    2. 60% Loop (Ulnar Loop and Radial Loop) and

    3. 35% Whorl (Plain Whorl and Composites – Twinned Loop, Central Pocket Loop, Lateral Loop and Accidental)

    The examination and procedure of fingerprint examination. It will familiarize you with single digit classification, Henry classification system, computerization of ten digit fingerprint classification, and its usefulness in fingerprint science.

    MODULE 3 – TYPES OF FINGERPRINTS

    This module detailed the different types of fingerprints found at the scene of crime named as chance or latent print, visible print, and plastic print. For each type of the fingerprint suitable development method is applied for the type of print present at the crime scene.

    MODULE 4 – DEVELOPMENT OF LATENT FINGERPRINTS

    This module explains all about the methods and development of fingerprints. In this module, the student will be taught about the pattern of fingerprints and methods of comparison of papillary ridge counts.

    Fingerprints and their methods of development like powder dusting, cyanoacrylate method, chemical method, laser method, and metal deposition method –

    Physical Development Methods – Powder Techniques; Black Powder, Fluorescent Powders, Magnetic Powder, Cyanoacrylate Method, etc.

    Chemical Development Methods – Iodine Fuming (Non-permanent visualization), Ninhydrin (Reacts with proteins), AgNO3 (Reacts with salt), etc. It will also cover the advanced enhancement of fingerprint, digital imaging and enhancement, application of laser, and other radiations to develop latent fingerprints and metal deposition method and development of latent prints on skin.

    MODULE 5 – RECORDING AND COMPARISON OF FINGERPRINTS

    The module will be covering the important factors of collection and preservation of fingerprint, taking of fingerprints from living and dead person, preserving and lifting of fingerprints, role, and importance of photography in recording those prints, digital transmission, and comparison of fingerprints and basis of comparisons- class and individual characteristics, various types of ridge minutiae.

    MODULE 6 – IDENTIFICATION, EVALUATION, AND COMPARISON OF FINGERPRINTS THROUGH AUTOMATED FINGERPRINT IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM (AFIS)

    Nowadays digital techniques play a vital role in investigations. In this module, you will be guided on Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS) and its stages of operation such as-

    1. Enrollment phase and

    2. Identification phase.

    It will contain digital imaging and enhancement, data compression, image processing techniques, legal necessities, standard procedures for fingerprints imaging, case examples, etc.

    MODULE 7 – LEGAL PERSPECTIVES OF FINGERPRINT

    Fingerprints are the unique pattern of friction skin ridges and are used for individualization with absolute and concurrent assurance. Such identification by fingerprint evidence is presented to the court of law by a well-qualified forensic (fingerprint) expert during the trial. In this module, it is discussed about the majority of the jurisdictions, the Fingerprint Expert is allowed to testify as to the decisive fact whether two fingerprints are identical instead of submitting an opinion of identity or non-identity.

  • Level - III : Fingerprint Examination & Analysis

    MODULE 1 – INTRODUCTION TO FINGERPRINTS

    A fingerprint in its narrow sense is an impression left by the friction ridges of a human finger. History and pattern of fingerprint would make the students aware about the general introduction of fingerprint science, history and its development, theories behind the identification of fingerprint, importance of fingerprint in crime scene investigation and personal identification in other aspects, laboratories of fingerprint investigation. This module will introduce you to the lasting knowledge of introduction to fingerprint discipline.

    MODULE 2 – FINGERPRINT CLASSIFICATION

    Classification of fingerprints would assist the students in the basics of friction ridges, development of friction ridges, the divisions of three primary fingerprint patterns and their subdivision-

    1. 5% Arch (Simple Arch and Tented Arch)

    2. 60% Loop (Ulnar Loop and Radial Loop) and

    3. 35% Whorl (Plain Whorl and Composites – Twinned Loop, Central Pocket Loop, Lateral Loop and Accidental)

    The examination and procedure of fingerprint examination. It will familiarize you with single digit classification, Henry classification system, computerization of ten digit fingerprint classification, and its usefulness in fingerprint science.

    MODULE 3 – TYPES OF FINGERPRINTS

    This module detailed the different types of fingerprints found at the scene of crime named as chance or latent print, visible print, and plastic print. For each type of the fingerprint suitable development method is applied for the type of print present at the crime scene.

    MODULE 4 – DEVELOPMENT OF LATENT FINGERPRINTS

    This module explains all about the methods and development of fingerprints. In this module, the student will be taught about the pattern of fingerprints and methods of comparison of papillary ridge counts.

    Fingerprints and their methods of development like powder dusting, cyanoacrylate method, chemical method, laser method, and metal deposition method –

    Physical Development Methods – Powder Techniques; Black Powder, Fluorescent Powders, Magnetic Powder, Cyanoacrylate Method, etc.

    Chemical Development Methods – Iodine Fuming (Non-permanent visualization), Ninhydrin (Reacts with proteins), AgNO3 (Reacts with salt), etc. It will also cover the advanced enhancement of fingerprint, digital imaging and enhancement, application of laser, and other radiations to develop latent fingerprints and metal deposition method and development of latent prints on skin.

    MODULE 5 – RECORDING AND COMPARISON OF FINGERPRINTS

    The module will be covering the important factors of collection and preservation of fingerprint, taking of fingerprints from living and dead person, preserving and lifting of fingerprints, role, and importance of photography in recording those prints, digital transmission, and comparison of fingerprints and basis of comparisons- class and individual characteristics, various types of ridge minutiae.

    MODULE 6 – POROSCOPY AND ISSUES IN FINGERPRINT SCIENCE

    This module is all about methods of fingerprint examination. This course would familiarize the students with the measurable characteristics of the fingerprint which are used to tag and define an individual’s uniqueness.

    It will acquaint you with the detail of the third level study of fingerprint - introduction of poroscopy, forgery of fingerprints, and fingerprint expert in court, fingerprints, and paternity, fingerprint problems in legal aspects.

    MODULE 7 – IDENTIFICATION, EVALUATION, AND COMPARISON OF FINGERPRINTS THROUGH AUTOMATED FINGERPRINT IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM (AFIS)

    Nowadays digital techniques play a vital role in investigations. In this module, you will be guided on Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS) and its stages of operation such as-

    1. Enrollment phase and

    2. Identification phase.

    It will contain digital imaging and enhancement, data compression, image processing techniques, legal necessities, standard procedures for fingerprints imaging, case examples, etc.

    MODULE 8 – OTHER IMPRESSIONS

    In this module, you will be introduced to the techniques of personal identification through other impressions-

    Footprints – Importance, gait pattern, casting of footprints in a different medium, electrostatic lifting of latent footprints, and taking of control samples.

    Lip print – Classification, recording of lip print, and examination of lip print.

    Palm Print – Division of Palm Print, forensic significance of palm print.

    MODULE 9 – LEGAL PERSPECTIVES OF FINGERPRINT

    Fingerprints are the unique pattern of friction skin ridges and are used for individualization with absolute and concurrent assurance. Such identification by fingerprint evidence is presented to the court of law by a well-qualified forensic (fingerprint) expert during the trial. In this module, it is discussed about the majority of the jurisdictions, the Fingerprint Expert is allowed to testify as to the decisive fact whether two fingerprints are identical instead of submitting an opinion of identity or non-identity.

  • What is Fingerprint Science & Identification?

    Fingerprint Science & Identification is all about making the students understand the fundamentals, principles, and its usefulness in the criminal investigation. This subject would acquaint the students with the various patterns of fingerprint, the parameters that are to be considered in fingerprint identification and examination, and lastly the utility of this science for visa and immigration purposes.

  • How can I become a Fingerprint Expert?

    The course has been framed for the learner to impart various aspects of deciphering, lifting, preserving and examining the fingerprint through different perspectives from the crime scene. Enroll yourselves, learn and stand out from the crowd. 

  • What are the responsibilities of a Fingerprint Expert?

    A Fingerprint Expert analyse the fingerprints and focuses on details that make the print individual in nature. The same are being framed into an opinion for those who seek expert’s advice. 

  • What are the scope and the opportunistic aspects of the course?

    Learners for Fingerprint Expert profile are open to work with various Government Forensic Science Laboratories. One can also practice as a Private Forensic Fingerprint Examiner and present yourself in any Indian Court of Law as an Expert Witness under Section 45 of Indian Evidence Act.

  • Where can I contact in case of any queries?

    You can write to us at education@sifs.in or call us at +91-1147074263 or WhatsApp us +91-7303913002 or +91-7303913003.

The Night Stalker  

Between June 1984 and August 1985, a Southern California serial killer dubbed the Night Stalker broke into victims’ houses as they slept and attacked, murdering 13 and assaulting numerous others. With citizens on high alert, an observant teenager noticed a suspicious vehicle driving through his neighborhood on the night of August 24, 1985. He wrote down the license plate and notified the police. It just so happened that the Night Stalker’s latest attack took place that night in that area, so police tracked down the car. It had been abandoned, but police found a key piece of evidence inside: a fingerprint. Using a new computer system, investigators quickly matched the print to 25-year-old Richard Ramirez and plastered his image in the media. Within a week, Ramirez was recognized and captured by local citizens. He was sentenced to death and currently sits in prison on death row.


Machine Gun Kelly 

George “Machine Gun” Kelly was a notorious criminal during the Prohibition era, taking part in bootlegging, kidnapping, and armed robbery. On July 22, 1933, he and another man kidnapped wealthy Oklahoma City oilman Charles Urschel. After a series of ransom notes and communications, a $200,000 ransom was paid — the largest amount ever paid in a kidnapping to date. Urschel was released nine days later, unharmed. The oilman had shrewdly paid close attention to every detail during his ordeal and was able to relate it all to the police. Although he was blindfolded, he could tell day from night and was able to estimate the time of day that he heard airplanes fly above. He also noted the date and time of a thunderstorm and the types of animals he heard in what he presumed to be a farmhouse. Using his memories, the FBI pinpointed the likely location in which Urschel was held to a farm owned by Kelly’s father-in-law. What truly linked Kelly and his gang to the kidnapping, though, was Urschel’s fingerprints, which he made sure to place on as many items in the house as possible. Kelly was sentenced to life in prison, where he died in 1954.

Kealeboga Cosmos Mokwena

5

I would like to thanks SIFS INDIA for providing us a platform to learn new techniques in the field of fingerprint examination through online learning platforms. One should definitely join SIFS INDIA as they are really taking great initiatives in making people aware of what forensics is and helping us to get better in the different aspects of forensic science. 

Ikageng Changane

4

Learned a lot from this course, and I believe this was the best choice I had made.

Thanks a lot for this opportunity!!!

Yasmine Valentina v

4

Wonderful learning course.

Mohd. Zafar Shadab

4

It was very wonderful course learned from a very knowledgeable instructor who is very down to earth and I would like to opt for more courses to increase my knowledge.

Prajwal H. S.

5

It was a very good and informative course with Sir as an instructor and learnt a lot from him.

 

Instructors

Ashi Yadav

Ashi Yadav

Scientific Officer
Dr. Ranjeet Singh

Dr. Ranjeet Singh

Managing Director
Ruchika Dwivedi

Ruchika Dwivedi

Scientific Officer

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