Fingerprint Whorld

FINGERPRINT WHORLD

The Fingerprint Society online http://www.fpsociety.org.uk

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Fingerprint Whorld is a quarterly peer-reviewed journal that reflects the aims of

the ,

It is devoted to the theory and practice of fingerprint identification science and its

associated disciplines. To assist the aims, recognises that its

membership is international and multi-disciplinary and as such sees a need for both

new and review articles across a spectrum of forensic science evidence gathering

topics to assist in the continual professional development of all stages of the

profession.

36817_Oct2010.indd 2 27/10/2010 13:20 CONTENTS

October 2010 Vol. 36 No 141

NEW CHAIRPERSON Introducing the new Society 148 Chairperson Bob Doak

RESEARCH I Fluorescent Small Particle Reagent. Part I: 150 A novel composition for detecting

latent fingerprints on wet non-porous items

G.S. Sodhi and Jasjeet Kaurb

RESEARCH II Fluorescent small particle reagent 154

G.S. Sodhi; Jasjeet Kaur

ARTICLE Derbyshire Facial Identification Unit 159

Beverley Hunt

SOCIETY AWARDS 163

BENEFITS Wiley Books & Bond Solon 169

CONFERENCE The Annual Society Conference 2011 171

SOCIETY NEWS Vacancies, Proposals, Committee meetings Article submission dates, One day seminar Book review, Contacts 173 ARTICLE Facial Recognition: Sagem 177

PRACTITIONER A Cautionary Tale 184

Bob Doak

36817_Oct2010.indd 3 27/10/2010 13:20 To advance the study and application of fingerprints and to facilitate the cooperation Quaerite et invenietis among persons interested in this field of personal identification.

D.R.Brooker; S.E.Haylock & Kevin Kershaw, FFS M.J. Leadbetter

:Vacant Dr Karen Stow, BSc (hons), MSc, MBA

Dr Karen Stow, BSc (hons), MSc, MBA Ron Cook, FFS, Rosemary Kershaw, FFS, Dr Fred Preston, Dr Raul Sutton, Luke McGarr, FFS F Rodgers, FFS (USA) B Daylrymple (Canada) G Farncomb, FFS (Australian Federal Police) Dr Julian Verbov MD, FRCP, R Plummer, FFS (Southern Australian FRCPCH, FiBiol Police), Dr GS Sodhi (India)

DC Mount (USA) Mr Robert JS Doak, FFS

G Lambourne, (UK) M Carrick (USA) Vacant at this time SG Durret, (USA), F Warboys (UK) T Kent(UK), S Hardwick (UK), K Greer (UK) Cheryl McGowan, FFS

JE Berry (UK), MJ Leadbetter (UK), Richard Case, FFS N Hall (UK), SE Haylock (UK), Robert MacKenzie (UK), Brian Moorcroft (UK). Allison Power, FFS

Fingerprint Whorld Phil Swindells, FFS Quarterly: January, April, July & October

Nick Mitchell, MFS :Vacant

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Change

It is often recorded that nothing ever stays the same and that things move on. We find ourselves at this stage with the Journal. Fiona McBride is no longer editor and we look to find someone who will again bring a different perspective to Fingerprint Whorld. That is why I now find myself covering the hot seat as it were. The editor‟s role is a demanding one, but you will have the support of the committee to assist you.

You will, hopefully, have received your proposal voting papers by now which outlines that of an editor chief. If the membership votes in favour of this, then the new editor will be offered the post first. Please vote this is your Society.

Change: at this moment in time in the UK we are going through very uncertain times due to the economic climate. There are talks of restructuring of salaries, collaborations and job losses. I hope that the cuts to the service will not be as brutal as is being predicted. If they are, then we could lose a lot of highly motivated people who have given their all for the service and its development. It will leave the moral of the ones left at a very low ebb, probably the lowest the service will ever be at. Sarah McLachlan kind of sums it up for me in the line of one of her songs, ‘Hold on, hold on to yourself this is going to hurt like hell….’ It will take time to rebuild and deal with the new environment. I have no doubt that the people within the service can make it work due to their abilities and professionalism. A colleague recently said what a „great hit‟ the NAFIS system had pulled out. I reminded him that it was the skill of the CSI who found that scrappy bit of mark. The work of the Tenprint Technicians for getting the fingerprint forms onto the system and his skill in analysing, enhancing, and plotting the correct minutiae that got the identification. We are the reason for those good hits. We must keep positive and maintain our standards. I am sure we will and maintain the excellent service we provide. Bob Doak

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The new Chairperson

Bob Doak

Hello, I am the new chairperson.

I thought I would take a few moments of your time to introduce myself.

Firstly I would like to say how honoured I am to take up the post as chairperson. I realise the huge responsibility that goes with it and hope I am able to meet the challenge.

I have now been in Fingerprints for 30 years, seems just like yesterday when I walked th into the Scottish Criminal Records Office, fingerprint section on the 30 September th 1980, I was actually supposed to start on the 29 but it was a public holiday. Some have humorously told me I have been on holiday ever since.

In the last 30 years I have also worked for Fife Constabulary and I am presently at Humberside Police, with responsibilities for training and QA. I have been lucky in that I have managed to travel with the job, working in America, France and Canada. I have just completed a year‟s secondment to the National Policing Improvements Agency, Forensic Centre, helping Mike Thompson and his team deliver the National Fingerprint Learning Programme. This was a good experience with some great people.

This year I completed 2 years of service to the Society as its secretary, which is now vacant (What an excellent job please let me know if you are interested).

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36817_Oct2010.indd 6 27/10/2010 13:20 I now take on the role of chairperson, bringing some ideas that I hope will improve the Society and create greater opportunities for involvement, for all members. It is your Society and we can only move forward with your engagement. Some of the areas I will look to explore are:

Publishing the dates for committee meetings, this is to encourage any members with issues to have them aired as soon as possible and an open invite to any member who wishes to attend. I am looking to publish a report of the meetings on-line and in the Journal. Remember that any member who wishes to see the minutes of the meetings can do so by arrangement. Publish submission dates for the Journal, again looking to encourage members to submit articles, be they academic, best practice or significant events happening within the community. I would like to move the website onto the next level, making it more interactive for our members. Promotion of Continual Professional Development (CPD), not only through the seminars we now run, but hopefully through the website to provide our overseas members CPD opportunities.

These things I will not do on my own and I am thankful I have a good committee who give up a lot of their own time to help run the Society. There is room on the committee, if any member would like to join and help develop the Society. We do need you to engage more and together we will have a great future. Enjoy the rest of the journal, and if you have any articles or issues you wish to put forward (remember to reproduce images we need them of a high quality), you can send them to me at: Bob Doak Chairperson of the Fingerprint Society C/O The Fingerprint Bureau, Humberside Police HQ, Priory Road, Hull, East Yorkshire, HU5 5SF. You can also contact me at [email protected]

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Fluorescent Small Particle Reagent. Part I: A novel composition for detecting latent fingerprints on wet non-porous items

G.S. Sodhia (A) and Jasjeet Kaurb (B)

A) Department of Chemistry, S.G.T.B. Khalsa College, University of Delhi, Delhi- 110007, India

B) Department of Chemistry, Shaheed Rajguru College of Applied Sciences for Women (University of Delhi), Jhilmil Colony, Vivek Vihar, Delhi-110095, India

A novel, fluorescent small particle reagent (SPR) based on zinc carbonate hydroxide monohydrate, ZnCO3.2Zn(OH)2.H2O – also called basic zinc carbonate – has been formulated. The other ingredients of the formulation are eosin Y dye and a commercial liquid detergent. The composition develops clear, sharp and detailed fingerprints on a large number of non-porous items, after these were immersed in water for up to 36 hours. The fluorescent nature of the reagent helps enhance weak, fragmented and chance fingerprints that are often found at crime scenes. The raw materials used to prepare the SPR are cost-effective and non-hazardous.

Keywords: Fingerprints; Fluorescence; Forensic; Small particle reagent

Small particle reagent is the commonly used technique for developing latent fingerprints on moist, non-porous surfaces [1]. The base material in conventional SPR formulation is molybdenum (IV) sulfide. Its particles tag the sebaceous components of sweat deposition, imparting it a grey coloration. Molybdenum (IV) sulfide is an insoluble salt that is listed as harmful and a skin irritant [2]. Moreover, this composition is not fluorescent in nature. We report in the present communication a fluorescent SPR version, which uses basic zinc carbonate, in concert with eosin Y stain and a commercial liquid surfactant. Not only is this formulation non-hazardous as compared to the conventional one, but it is cost-effective as well.

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36817_Oct2010.indd 8 27/10/2010 13:20 This follows our interest in the investigation of SPR-based compositions for fingerprint development [3].

Basic zinc carbonate was purchased from Glaxo Laboratories, while eosin Y was procured from Sigma-Aldrich. GenteelR liquid detergent was used as the surfactant. To a suspension of 5.0 g of basic zinc carbonate in 75 ml distilled water, 0.01 g eosin Y stain and 0.3 ml commercial liquid detergent were added. The contents were thoroughly mixed. The suspension was sprayed on the surface bearing latent impression. This surface was earlier immersed in water for zero to 36 hours. After waiting for one minute, the item was washed under a gentle stream of water for 30 seconds and then dried with a hair dryer for 40 seconds. Clear and sharp fingerprints developed. The developed fingerprints were illuminated with radiation having 505-550 nm wavelength. When observed through red goggles, the fingerprints showed yellow fluorescence. Latent fingerprints were detected on the following non-porous items: Glass, plastics, laminates, ceramics, steel, aluminium foil and Bakelite. The test solution remained stable for 5 weeks.

Small particle reagent technique has proved its worth in detecting fingerprints on moist, smooth surfaces. The unique feature of the present formulation was its fluorescent nature. The fluorescence arose because of the incorporation of eosin Y stain in the composition. The other ingredients of the present SPR were basic zinc carbonate and a commercial liquid detergent. The reagent developed clear and sharp finger marks on an array of non-porous items like glass, plastics, Polymers, metallic and ceramics. The colour of the developed prints was pale pink and hence good contrast was not obtained on light-coloured surfaces. However, when illuminated with radiation of 505-550 nm, and observed with red goggles, the developed fingerprints emitted yellow florescence. As a result, the quality of finger marks enhanced in terms of clarity and details. Due to the fluorescent characteristics of the composition, it is possible to detect fingerprints on multi- coloured items as well. The composition had a shelf life of 5 weeks under ambient laboratory conditions. However, a slight reduction in the level of fluorescence emitted by developed fingerprints was observed after the advent of 4 weeks. Representative fingerprints on moist glass and steel surfaces are depicted in Fig. 1.

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(A) (B)

The present innovation has a wide range of applications. Not only does it work on a broad spectrum of moist non-porous items, it detects latent fingerprints on dry surfaces as well. The method is simple and even an amateurish hand may operate it. The raw materials used for preparing the present SPR are cost-effective and easily available. These pose no occupational hazard to the user. Eosin Y is a non-toxic dye which is used for colouring drugs and cosmetics and has been adjudged safe by Food and Drug Administration [4]. Zinc carbonate is an astringent and topical antiseptic. It does cause eye irritation [2]. However, this type of problem is encountered when dry powder is being used. When suspended in a non-volatile liquid like water, it is highly improbable that it would injure the eyes. Moreover, since the user would be wearing red goggles to observe fluorescence, the chances of eye injury are all the more remote. In comparison, molybdenum (IV) sulfide, which is used in conventional SPR formulation, is much more hazardous [2].

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36817_Oct2010.indd 10 27/10/2010 13:20 4. Conclusion

The small particle reagent composition involving basic zinc carbonate, eosin Y stain and a commercial liquid detergent offers a convenient, cost-effective and efficient methodology to detect latent fingerprints on a broad spectrum of moist non-porous surfaces, especially the multi-coloured ones. Its non-toxic nature notwithstanding, the composition has a relatively long shelf life of 5 weeks. Its ability to detect weak and faint fingerprints by virtue of its fluorescent characteristics not only enhances its utility, but also its potentiality in casework investigations.

Acknowledgements

Financial assistance from Department of Science and Technology, New Delhi (to GSS) and University Grants Commission, New Delhi (to JK) is gratefully acknowledged.

References

[1] H.C. Lee, R.E. Gaensslen in Advances in Fingerprint Technology, H.C. Lee, R.E. Gaensslen (Eds.), Elsevier, New York, 1991, 59-101.

[2] www.msds.chem.ox.ac/uk

[3] O.P. Jasuja, G.D. Singh and G.S. Sodhi, Small particle reagents: Development of fluorescent variants, Science and Justice, 48 (2008) 141- 145.

[4] S. Budavari (Ed.), The Merck Index, eleventh ed., Merck & Co., New Jersey, 1989, p. 3560-61.

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Fluorescent small particle reagent. Part II: Detection of latent fingerprints on Compact disks

G.S. Sodhi*, Divya Nigam, Monica, Ritu and Simranjeet Kaur Department of Chemistry, S.G.T.B. Khalsa College, University of Delhi, Delhi-110007, India

Jasjeet Kaur Department of Chemistry, Shaheed Rajguru College of Applied Sciences for Women (University of Delhi), Jhilmil Colony, Vivek Vihar, Delhi-110095, India

A legion of chemical methods is available for detecting latent fingerprints on a legion of surfaces. The method of choice is dictated by the nature, color and texture of the surface on which fingerprints are to be developed. When it comes to detection of latent fingerprints on compact disks, another crucial factor comes into play: It must be ascertained that not only good quality fingerprints are developed but also that the development process does not despoil the existing data or interfere with its retrieval. In this communication we investigate the utility of a novel, fluorescent version of small particle reagent technique for detecting latent fingerprints on a few varieties of recordable and re-writable compact disks, followed by the examination of data stored therein.

Keywords: Compact disks; Fingerprints; Fluorescence; Forensic; Small particle reagent

Introduction Small particle reagent (SPR) is the commonly used technique for developing latent fingerprints on moist (and even dry), non-porous surfaces [1, 2]. We have prepared a novel, fluorescent small particle reagent involving basic zinc carbonate, in concert with eosin Y stain and a commercial liquid surfactant. It detects fingerprints on a host of compact disks, both recordable and re-writable. The detection does not despoil the stored data, nor does it affect its retrieval. Moreover, it does not block the introduction of additional data. This follows our interest in the detection of latent fingerprints on compact disks [3]. ------* Author to whom correspondence may be addressed. Phone: 0091-9891158220; E-mail: [email protected]

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Research Materials and methods

Basic zinc carbonate was purchased from Glaxo Laboratories, while eosin Y was Fluorescent small particle reagent. Part II: procured from Sigma-Aldrich. GenteelR liquid detergent was used as the surfactant. Detection of latent fingerprints on Compact disks To a suspension of 5.0 g basic zinc carbonate in 75 ml distilled water, 0.01 g eosin Y stain and 0.3 ml commercial liquid detergent were added. The contents were thoroughly mixed. The suspension was sprayed on the latent fingerprint impinged on G.S. Sodhi*, Divya Nigam, Monica, Ritu and Simranjeet Kaur the writing side of the compact disk. After waiting for one minute, the item was Department of Chemistry, S.G.T.B. Khalsa College, University of Delhi, washed under a gentle stream of water for 30 seconds and then allowed to dry under Delhi-110007, India natural conditions. Clear and sharp fingerprints developed. The developed

Jasjeet Kaur fingerprints were illuminated with radiation having 505-550 nm wavelength. When Department of Chemistry, Shaheed Rajguru College of Applied Sciences for observed through red goggles, the fingerprints showed yellow fluorescence. Women (University of Delhi), Jhilmil Colony, Vivek Vihar, Delhi-110095, India For elucidating the fate of the stored data and the possibility of adding more data, the developed fingerprint was washed with alcohol-water mixture (1:1 v/v) and then wiped with cotton. The compact was then introduced in the computer system and examined A legion of chemical methods is available for detecting latent fingerprints on a legion for retrieval and addition of data. of surfaces. The method of choice is dictated by the nature, color and texture of the surface on which fingerprints are to be developed. When it comes to detection of latent fingerprints on compact disks, another crucial factor comes into play: It must be Results and Discussion ascertained that not only good quality fingerprints are developed but also that the development process does not despoil the existing data or interfere with its retrieval. The aim of our venture was twofold: Firstly to investigate whether it would be possible In this communication we investigate the utility of a novel, fluorescent version of small to develop fingerprints on compact disks by the novel small particle reagent particle reagent technique for detecting latent fingerprints on a few varieties of composition and secondly, what effect the detection method would have on the recordable and re-writable compact disks, followed by the examination of data stored stored data. therein. We used the following commercial varieties of compact disks. Recordable: Impulse, Moserbaer and Sony. Keywords: Compact disks; Fingerprints; Fluorescence; Forensic; Small particle Re-writable: HP and Samsung. reagent The present formulation proved its worth in detecting fingerprints on all of the aforementioned varieties of compact disks. The colour of the developed prints was Introduction pale pink. However, when illuminated with radiation of 505-550 nm, and observed Small particle reagent (SPR) is the commonly used technique for developing latent with red goggles, the developed fingerprints emitted yellow florescence. As a result, fingerprints on moist (and even dry), non-porous surfaces [1, 2]. We have prepared a the quality of finger marks enhanced in terms of clarity and details. Thus the unique novel, fluorescent small particle reagent involving basic zinc carbonate, in concert feature of this reagent was its fluorescent nature. The fluorescence arose because of with eosin Y stain and a commercial liquid surfactant. It detects fingerprints on a host the incorporation of eosin Y stain in the composition. The other ingredients of the of compact disks, both recordable and re-writable. The detection does not despoil the present SPR were basic zinc carbonate and a commercial liquid detergent. stored data, nor does it affect its retrieval. Moreover, it does not block the introduction Representative fingerprints on recordable and re-writable compact disks are depicted of additional data. This follows our interest in the detection of latent fingerprints on in Fig. 1 and 2, respectively. compact disks [3]. ------* Author to whom correspondence may be addressed. Phone: 0091-9891158220; E-mail: [email protected]

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Fig.1. Fingerprints developed on a recordable compact disk.

Fig.2. Fingerprints developed on a re-writable compact disk.

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After developingAfter developing the fingerprints the fingerprints on compact on compact disks, disks,our next our move next movewas to was ascertain to ascertain whetherwhether the data the stored data stored therein therein could could be retrieved. be retrieved. We were We also were interested also interested to to investigateinvestigate whether whether more filesmore could files becould digitalized be digitalized on those on verythose compact very compact disks. disks. The developedThe developed fingerprints fingerprints were erasedwere erased by washing by washing them unthemder una gentleder a gentlestream stream of of alcoholalcohol-water -water mixture. mixture. Thereafter, Thereafter, the compact the compact disks diskswere allowedwere allowed to dry to under dry under naturalnatural conditions. conditions. On inserting On inserting these thesein the incomputer the computer system system it was it observed was observed that that the storedthe stored data was data neither was neither damaged damaged nor despoiled. nor despoiled. In fact, In the fact, data the co datauld co beuld be retrievedretrieved from all from varieties all varieties of compact of compact disks, disks,both the both recordable the recordable and the and re -thewritable. re-writable. MoreoverMoreover there wasthere no was problem no problem in saving in saving additional additional files on files these on compactthese compact disks. disks. The rawThe materials raw materials used forused preparing for preparing the present the present SPR are SPR cost are-effective cost-effective and eas andily easily available.available. These Thesepose no pose occupational no occupational hazard hazard to the touser. the Eosinuser. YEosin is a Ynon is -atoxic non dye-toxic dye which which is used is for used colo foru ring colo drugsuring drugs and cosmetics and cosmetics and has and been has adjudged been adjudged safe by safe by Food andFood Drug and Administration Drug Administration [4]. Zinc [4]. carbonate Zinc carbonate is an isastringent an astringent and a and topical a topical antiseptiantiseptic. It doesc. It doescause cause eye irritation eye irritation [2]. However, [2]. However, this type this of type problem of problem is is encounteredencountered when drywhen powder dry powder is being is used.being Whenused. Whensuspended suspended in a non in- avolatile non-volatile liquid liquid like water,like water,it is highly it is highlyimprobable improbable that it thatwould it wouldinjure injurethe eyes. the Moreover,eyes. Moreover, since thesince the user woulduser would be we bearing we redaring goggles red goggles to observe to observe fluorescence, fluorescence, the chances the chances of eye of eye injury areinjury all arethe allmore the remote.more remote. In comparison, In comparison, molybdenum molybdenum disulphide disulphide, which, whichis used is used in conventionalin conventional SPR formulation, SPR formulation, is much is moremuch hazardousmore hazardous [2]. [2]. The methodThe method is simple is simple and even and an even amateurish an amateurish hand mayhand operate may operate it. The it.composition The composition had a shelfhad a life shelf of 6life weeks of 6 weeks under ambientunder ambient laboratory laboratory conditions. conditions.

ConclusionConclusion

The smallThe particlesmall particle reagent reagent composition composition involving involving basic zincbasic carbonate, zinc carbonate, eosin Yeosin stain Y stain and a and commercial a commercial liquid detergentliquid detergent offers offers a convenient, a convenient, cost-effective cost-effective and efficient and efficient methodologymethodology to develop to develop latent fingerprintslatent fingerprints on a variety on a variety of commercial, of commercial, recordable recordable and and re-writablere-writable compact compact disks. disks.Further, Further, the stored the storeddata could data becould retrieved be retrieved and additional and additional data coulddata couldbe introduced be introduced after cleaning after cleaning the finger the fingermarks marks developed developed by the by novel the novel reagent.reagent. Its non Its-toxic non nature-toxic naturenotwithstanding notwithstanding, the composition, the composition has a has relatively a relatively long long shelf lifeshelf of life 6 weeks. of 6 weeks. Its ability Its ability to detect to detect weak andweak faint and fingerprints faint fingerprints by virtue by virtueof its of its fluorescentfluorescent characteristics characteristics not only not enhances only enhances its utility, its utility, but also bu t its also potentiality its potentiality in in caseworkcasework investigations. investigations.

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36817_Oct2010.indd 15 27/10/2010 13:20 Acknowledgements

Financial assistance from Department of Science and Technology, New Delhi (to GSS) and University Grants Commission, New Delhi (to JK) is gratefully acknowledged.

References

[1] H.C. Lee, R.E. Gaensslen in Advances in Fingerprint Technology, H.C. Lee, R.E. Gaensslen (Eds.), Elsevier, New York, 1991, 59-101.

[2] www.msds.chem.ox.ac/uk

[3] O.P. Jasuja, G.D. Singh and G.S. Sodhi, Small particle reagents: Development of fluorescent variants, Science and Justice, 48 (2008) 141- 145.

[4] S. Budavari (Ed.), The Merck Index, eleventh ed., Merck & Co., New Jersey, 1989, p. 3560-61.

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36817_Oct2010.indd 16 27/10/2010 13:20 Acknowledgements Article Financial assistance from Department of Science and Technology, New Delhi (to GSS) and University Grants Commission, New Delhi (to JK) is gratefully acknowledged.

References

[1] H.C. Lee, R.E. Gaensslen in Advances in Fingerprint Technology, H.C. Lee, R.E. Gaensslen (Eds.), Elsevier, New York, 1991, 59-101. Derbyshire Constabulary employs 3 full-time Accredited Facial Identification Officers [2] www.msds.chem.ox.ac/uk working within a dedicated Facial Identification Unit which is part of the Forensic Services Unit based at Force Headquarters. The Unit covers the whole of the [3] O.P. Jasuja, G.D. Singh and G.S. Sodhi, Small particle reagents: Derbyshire Force area and recovers images not only for Major Crime but also for Development of fluorescent variants, Science and Justice, 48 (2008) 141- Volume Crime and suspicious incidents. 145. The Unit was implemented in August 2004, initially employing 2 operators and since then has grown not only in establishment but, also, with regard to the number of [4] S. Budavari (Ed.), The Merck Index, eleventh ed., Merck & Co., New Jersey, images recovered and systems used. 1989, p. 3560-61. In the early stages only one Facial Composite System was used - ProFIT. This system relies on the witness being able to recall and describe all the features of the face. Unfortunately, many witnesses were unsuitable to use this system due to the fact they would be able to recognise the perpetrator again, but were unable to describe individual features.

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36817_Oct2010.indd 17 27/10/2010 13:20 During 2007 & 2008 the Unit trialled 2 new systems; EFIT-V and EvoFIT, both of these systems concentrate on a more „holistic‟ approach to the completion of the image. The witness is required to focus on the face as a whole rather than selecting individual features. In contrast to the „feature‟ systems used traditionally, these new „holistic‟ systems only require fairly general information: age, gender, race, hair and the ability to recognise again as a whole.

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The use of these new systems allowed the Unit to increase its attendance to witnesses of crime by 100%. The latest statistics available show success rates of: 43% of images produced lead to a name being put forward, of these 19% lead to an arrest and of these 7% lead to a charge. The success rates have grown year on year and this year they are expected to raise again, these are down to a number of factors: A dedicated unit means the operators become skilled in the programmes they use and also very effective in dealing with witnesses and gathering information. The development of the new „holistic‟ systems has enabled more witnesses to complete images. Due to covering the whole of the county the operators are very adept at identifying crime patterns that may cover more than one force area thereby linking series and raising detections. The operators from the dedicated unit liaise closely with CID and LIO and offer advice in their area of expertise, thus gaining their confidence ensuring they are more likely to use the unit in the future. The Facial ID Unit have input into training courses for all police officers including CID student police officers thereby ensuring officers are equipped with the knowledge to investigate crimes fully. The Facial Identification Officers ensure the images recovered are circulated in the best possible way to ensure a high naming rate. This may include local intelligence bulletins, specialised units (i.e. Child Abuse Unit, DPMU), press releases, Crimestoppers, internal and external websites and television.

The Facial Identification Unit has also been used on a number of occasions to assist Police Officers in proving that offences have not actually happened.

In one instance a female alleged she had been raped by an unknown male. She produced a composite image of the „suspect‟ which officers immediately recognised as her ex-boyfriend. The lady then admitted that the offence had not occurred and she had fabricated the whole story in order to try to get her boyfriend back.

On another occasion a young girl of 8 years alleged that a male had attempted to abduct her as she was leaving school. With the assistance of the Facial Id Officer the girl produced an image of the „suspect‟ which was circulated amongst the teachers at

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36817_Oct2010.indd 19 27/10/2010 13:20 the school. Information was immediately received that the face was that of a teacher at the school. When asked about this by Police, the young girl admitted that no offence had occurred but she was in fact attention seeking.

In both of the above cases the investigation was immediately reduced preventing the waste of valuable resources and police time.

All of the above illustrate how the production of facial images can be an effective tool in supporting Police Investigations, providing valuable evidence and intelligence that can both shape the direction and focus of an investigation and deliver names of suspects where no other evidence is available.

All operators in the Facial ID Unit have received formal training and produced morphed composite images. A morphed image is an additional image produced by a computerised process that combines facial composites of the SAME suspect, giving equal weighting to each. This can help greatly in the identification process.

The Unit also has the capability to carry out the caricaturing of a composite image. This involves marking up points on the image which then leads to a moving image being created. These images are good for use on TV or on websites and research shows that this process makes the image much more recognisable to a higher percentage of people.

The operators in the Unit are due to undertake formal training in the near future on a new style of interviewing – the Holistic approach. The police typically use a specific interview format known as a cognitive interview, which includes a detailed description of the features of a face. It has been found that such detailed descriptions can hamper subsequent composite production and that it can be better to ask for more holistic descriptions, eg; how masculine, how intelligent did the face look, etc, etc. Hopefully the use of this particular kind of interview will contribute towards the production of much better „likenesses‟.

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36817_Oct2010.indd 20 27/10/2010 13:20 Society Awards

The Fingerprint Society is very proud to sponsor a prize at the National Policing Improvement Agency Forensic Centre Awards. The award is presented to the best student attending the Forensic Enhancement Recovery and Recording Techniques (FERRT) course.

Richard Hall of the Metropolitan Police Service received his award at the recent NPIA Forensic Centre Awards day, Held at Durham castle on the 2nd September 2010. Dr Karen Stow, President, presents the award on behalf of the Fingerprint Society. Congratulations Richard.

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36817_Oct2010.indd 21 27/10/2010 13:20 This will be offered to an innovative project in the area of forensic identification with high potential to make an impact in the field.

Aziz Ul Haque and Hem Chandra Bose were two Indian officers recruited by Sir Edward Henry to utilise anthropometry in the advancement of the science. It was Ul Haque who first derived the subdivision of fingerprints records into 1024 different groups that became the basis of the system for fingerprint classification, subsequently credited to Sir Edward Henry and is universally called the Henry system of classification. The role of Haque and Bose has long been recognised within the worldwide fingerprint community. The Fingerprint Society has decided that the contribution of these two pioneers, who were young researchers employed in developing forensic identification methods, should be recognised by encouraging others who are similarly engaged.

In keeping with the aim of promoting a worldwide interest in developing forensic identification amongst today‟s students and practitioners, the prize seeks to encourage those who have an interest in furthering our understanding of the uses of forensic identification. Thus: 1. There will be three categories of prize winner. These are: a. undergraduate student project b. postgraduate student project c. practitioner project 2. The prize will be awarded to the most outstanding piece of original and previously unpublished work by anyone fulfilling the criteria outlined in 1 above that advances any part of our understanding of forensic identification. 3. The person that is awarded the prize must be a member of the Society. 4. Entries to be received by 30th September for consideration for that calendar year.

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36817_Oct2010.indd 22 27/10/2010 13:20 1. Persons wishing to have their project considered for the prize should submit an electronic summary of their project, in clear written English, that is a maximum of four sides of text A4 using an Arial font (size 12 points) electronically. Figures and tables to support the research can also be included, either as appendices or placed in the text. The summary should include introduction, methods, results and conclusions. Details of where to submit will be on the Fingerprint Society website. 2. The project summary should be supported by a signed statement, of no more than a single A4 sheet, from the academic supervisor/line manager, confirming that the project is the person‟s own work and supporting the person‟s consideration for the prize. 3. The work will be considered for publication in the Fingerprint Society journal. 4. No individual may apply for consideration for award for the same piece of work more than once. 5. The prize-winners will be invited to present their work at a Fingerprint Society seminar or conference.

1. The award of the Haque and Bose prize will be decided by an appointed group from within the Fingerprint Society. 2. The appointed group have the right to decide that no project is worthy of the award. 3. The work will be judged on the following criteria: a. Impact b. Innovation c. Quality of the investigative approach d. Presentation e. Ethical considerations

The awards will consist of: 1. An invitation to the Gala dinner to receive the award. 2. A certificate 3. One night‟s accommodation at the annual Spring Fingerprint Society Conference.

Vol 36 No 141October 2010 page 165

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36817_Oct2010.indd 25 27/10/2010 13:20

The Lewis Minshall Award is awarded on an annual basis to an individual who it is agreed has made an outstanding contribution to The Fingerprint Society over the year. This award may recognise service to the Society or perhaps could be awarded as a result of contributions made to the journal. Either way, it will be up to you, the membership to nominate who you feel is a worthy recipient of the Award. If there are no nominations forthcoming, the committee reserves the right to award it to an individual of their choosing.

The nominations can be completed on line in the awards page or sent by post to the Chairperson of the Society.

The Henry Medal will be awarded on an infrequent basis, but could be awarded annually if suitable candidates are submitted. This award will be made to individuals or organisations that have made an outstanding contribution for the good of the Profession. Past winners have included New Scotland Yard for 100 years of the Metropolitan Police Fingerprint Bureau and Michael Baxter, previously Chief Constable of Cumbria and Chair of the National Fingerprint Board.

All that is required for both awards is your nominations and a brief resume of why the st nominee/s should be selected. This should be received by the 1 September; the committee will assess the nominations with a view to making the awards, which will be presented at the Annual Educational Conference.

The nominations can be completed on line in the awards page or sent by post to the Chairperson of the Society.

page 168 Vol 36 No 141October 2010

36817_Oct2010.indd 26 27/10/2010 13:20

Membership promotions

Vol 36 No 141October 2010 page 169

36817_Oct2010.indd 27 27/10/2010 13:20 Membership promotions

page 170 Vol 36 No 141October 2010

36817_Oct2010.indd 28 27/10/2010 13:20 Conference 2011

Vol 36 No 141October 2010 page 171

36817_Oct2010.indd 29 27/10/2010 13:20 Conference Application Member Non-member Early Bird Other Early Bird Other Whole Conference package £180  £205  £205  £235  includes full-board accommodation1 Friday and Saturday, Gala Dinner (Friday), and full attendance.

Non-residential whole £160  £185  £185  £215  Conference package includes lunch and dinner on Saturday, Gala Dinner (Friday), and full attendance.

Speaker whole Conference £160  £185  £185  £215  package includes full-board accommodation1 Friday and Saturday, Gala Dinner (Friday), and full attendance..

Day Delegate2 Friday £45  £55  £75  £85  Gala Dinner Friday £45  £45  £50  £50  Accommodation Friday1 £70  £70  £70  £70  Day Delegate2 Saturday £65 £75 £95 £105 Accommodation Saturday1 £70  £70  £70  £70  Day Delegate Sunday £45  £55  £75  £85  Speaker  yes  no Fingerprint Society Member (Please note that speakers are offered a reduced rate of the full  yes  no conference package) (Please complete as you wish for it to appear on your name badge) Title: First Name: Family Name:

Job Title: Organisation:

Payment: Please invoice:  Cheque attached  Credit Card  Card number …………………………… Security code Card Start Date Month …Year….. Card Expiry Date Month …..Year…..

Address: Telephone:

Email:

1Accommodation is based upon on-site single room with en-suite & includes breakfast 2 Day delegates are entitled to tea lunch and coffee. Email: [email protected] We expect to offer an e-booking facility for this conference via Eventbrite in the near future. Details of this will appear in the conferences section of the Society website.

page 172 Vol 36 No 141October 2010

36817_Oct2010.indd 30 27/10/2010 13:20 Conference Application

Member Non-member Society News

Early Bird Other Early Bird Other Whole Conference package £180  £205  £205  £235  includes full-board accommodation1 Friday and Saturday, Gala Dinner (Friday), At this moment in time there are a number of vacancies within the committee. and full attendance. Non-residential whole £160  £185  £185  £215  Secretary Conference package includes lunch and dinner on Saturday, Editor Gala Dinner (Friday), and full attendance. Advertising Officer Speaker whole Conference £160  £185  £185  £215  package includes full-board accommodation1 Friday and Saturday, Gala Dinner (Friday), These are important roles and we need people to give their time, it is hard work but and full attendance.. can be very rewarding. Day Delegate2 Friday £45  £55  £75  £85  Go on, make a difference to the Society, bring something new and help take the Gala Dinner Friday £45  £45  £50  £50  Society forward. Accommodation Friday1 £70  £70  £70  £70  Day Delegate2 Saturday £65 £75 £95 £105     Accommodation Saturday1 £70 £70 £70 £70 Day Delegate Sunday £45  £55  £75  £85  By now I would hope you have received your voting proposals. Please take the time Speaker  yes  no Fingerprint Society Member (Please note that speakers are offered a reduced rate of the full  yes  no to vote. It is important that we get a large response to this. As said in the document conference package) and as I stated at the AGM, this is your Society, not that of a few committee (Please complete as you wish for it to appear on your name badge) members. Title: First Name: Family Name:

Job Title: Organisation:

Payment: Please invoice:  Cheque attached  Credit Card  If you have any issues you would like aired at the meeting then either write or email Card number …………………………… Security code the chairperson. Card Start Date Month …Year….. Card Expiry Date Month …..Year…..

Address: Telephone: The next committee meetings will take place on the:

Email: th th 20 November, 2010 in Hull; any items to the Chairperson by 7 November please.

1Accommodation is based upon on-site single room with en-suite & includes breakfast th st 12 February, 2011 in Preston; any items to the chairperson by the 31 January. 2 Day delegates are entitled to tea lunch and coffee. Email: [email protected] We expect to offer an e-booking facility for this conference via Eventbrite in the near future. Details of If you would like to attend to air your item, then again contact the chairperson. this will appear in the conferences section of the Society website.

page 172 Vol 36 No 141October 2010 Vol 36 No 141October 2010 page 173

36817_Oct2010.indd 31 27/10/2010 13:20 We welcome all and any article for consideration for the journal, whether it be unpublished research papers, best practice issues to help other practitioners on a daily basis, interesting cases, good identifications, events or discussion items you wish to raise. To help you submit your article in a timely manner, please note submission dates for publications:

st January 2011 1 December 2010

st April 2011 1 February 2011

st July 2011 1 May 2011

st October 2011 1 August 2011

th At the last committee meeting, held on the 24 September, 2010, the committee decided that due to timescales and resources that the one day seminar would be postponed until next year.

We will keep you up to date with the new dates as soon as we can.

In conjunction with Wiley publishing we are looking for volunteers to review the latest books, this review will then become part of a regular feature in the journal where we get you the practitioners to look at what is out there. So if you would like to see the most current books and start a career in being a book critic drop a line or email to Karen Stow Chair of the Education Sub group.

page 174 Vol 36 No 141October 2010

36817_Oct2010.indd 32 27/10/2010 13:20 Committee Contacts

Dr Karen STOW: President: Derbyshire Constabulary, Scientific Support Unit, Butterley Hall, Ripley, Derbyshire, DE5 3RS W – 01773 572 136 [email protected]

Robert DOAK: Chairperson: Fingerprint Bureau, Humberside Police HQ Priory Road Police Station Priory Road, Hull, HU5 5SF: W – 01482 220522 [email protected]

Cheryl MCGOWAN: Treasurer: Fingerprint Bureau, Lancashire Constabulary HQ Saunders Lane, Hutton, Preston, Lancashire, PR4 5SB: W – 01772 416016 [email protected]

Richard CASE; Webmaster; 9 James Street, Droylsden, Manchester.M43 7SZ: Tel: W – 01618566618 M – 07795 655 014: [email protected] [email protected]

Allison POWER: Membership: SPSA, 1 Pacific Quay, Glasgow, G51 1DZ: W- 0141 585 8422 [email protected]

Phil SWINDELLS: Subscriptions: Fingerprint Bureau, Lancashire Constabulary HQ Saunders Lane, Hutton, Preston, Lancashire, PR4 5SB: W – 01772 416036 [email protected]

Nick MITCHELL: Marketing: Scenes of Crime Manager, Leicestershire Constabulary St John's Enderby, LE19 2BX, 0116 248 2560 (Direct), 0116 248 2695 (Fax) [email protected]

Kevin KERSHAW: Media: Greater Manchester Police, Forensic Services Branch, Fingerprint Unit, Bradford Park Complex, Bank Street, Clayton, Manchester M11 4AA W – 0161 8566622; F – 0161 8566629; M – 07881 805676: [email protected]

Vol 36 No 141October 2010 page 175

36817_Oct2010.indd 33 27/10/2010 13:20 Luke MCGARR: Ed Sub Group: Derbyshire Constabulary, Scientific Support Unit Butterley Hall, Ripley, Derbyshire, DE5 3RS: W – 01773 572 891: [email protected]

Raul SUTTON: Ed Sub Group: School of Applied Science, University of Wolverhampton, Wulfrauna Street, Wolverhampton, W1 1SB [email protected]

Ron COOK: Project: The Hedgerow, 100a Feering Hill, FEERING, Essex C05 9PX; Tel - 01376 573406: M- 07882 844735: [email protected]

Dr Fred Preston: Project: 255 Wharfedale Road, Winnersh, Wokingham, England RG41 5TP: Tel: + 44 118 377 4323, Mob: +44 773 880 9012, Fax: + 44 118 377 4301 [email protected]

Rosemary Kershaw: Committee member: Address as for K Kershaw: [email protected]

page 176 Vol 36 No 141October 2010

36817_Oct2010.indd 34 27/10/2010 13:20 Luke MCGARR: Ed Sub Group: Derbyshire Constabulary, Scientific Support Unit Butterley Hall, Ripley, Derbyshire, DE5 3RS: W – 01773 572 891: Article [email protected]

Raul SUTTON: Ed Sub Group: School of Applied Science, University of Wolverhampton, Wulfrauna Street, Wolverhampton, W1 1SB Earlier in the journal we looked at the Facial identification Unit from Derbyshire [email protected] Police. Now we look at the next stage to this, Facial Recognition as a biometric tool.

Ron COOK: Project: The Hedgerow, 100a Feering Hill, FEERING, This extract is published by kind permission of SAFRAN MORPHO from their Essex C05 9PX; Tel - 01376 573406: M- 07882 844735: publication „AUTOMATIC FACIAL RECOGNITION: A REVIEW‟ [email protected]

Dr Fred Preston: Project: 255 Wharfedale Road, Winnersh, Wokingham, England RG41 5TP: Tel: + 44 118 377 4323, Mob: +44 773 880 9012, Fax: + 44 118 377 4301 From the very advent of photography, both government agencies and private [email protected] organizations have kept collections of portraits and ID photos have gradually made

their way onto all personal identification documents, from official passports to informal Rosemary Kershaw: Committee member: Address as for K Kershaw: membership cards issued by sports clubs. [email protected] Before the use of computers to recognise faces was even considered a possibility,

facial recognition was already the subject of a great deal of research. Examples

include:

• The development of identification parade or “line-up” techniques in the

United Kingdom, in which a witness is confronted with a group of physically

similar people, one of whom is a suspect. The witness must decide whether

one of the persons in the group was present at the scene of the crime.

• The work done by Bertillon on face classification. In order to recognise

delinquents who are repeatedly arrested, without having to resort to large

collections of portraits, Bertillon (1) suggested that the portraits be sorted by

common morphological characteristics, i.e. the specific shapes of the

different parts of the face. This classification is known as the “spoken

portrait”.

The first attempts to automate facial recognition started in the 1960s in semi- automatic mode. They essentially consisted of checking the coherence of measurements between different characteristic points of the face (e.g. the corners of the eyes, the hairline, etc.).

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36817_Oct2010.indd 35 27/10/2010 13:20 They were not very successful, because faces are by nature very mobile and measurements between characteristic points are affected by orientation, to the extent that specially-developed models quickly proved to be necessary.

At the end of the 1980s, the development of the eigenfaces (Figure 1) technique prompted a more intense research effort. This technique is used to find a face in a photo and to compare images of faces. Researchers quickly found that the overall issue of facial recognition was complex, but could be simplified by only taking into consideration portraits that were coherent in terms of orientation, lighting, expression and image quality. Research focused on this problem and ICAO (2) defined criteria to obtain controlled portraits and meaningful test sets were created.

At the start of 2007, the NIST published the results of its “FRVT 2006” (3) test. Its conclusions were quite clear. Research had reached a point where the operational use of facial recognition on high-resolution frontal images taken in a controlled environment was now feasible. But this event obviously did not put an end to work on the recognition of controlled portraits. More improvements are expected, but facial recognition has thus become a biometric technique in its own right.

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Since 2007, research has been looking into significantly more difficult problems, in which faces are not viewed frontally, resolution is low or the image quality is sometimes poor, with the MBGC( ), NIST is again seeking to assess performance and has provided researchers with representative data (images and videos of faces under non-controlled conditions).

It is the start of a new era and we can expect to see significant progress over the coming years.

Automatic facial recognition is a form of biometrics. It is used for authentication and identification.

Like most biometric techniques, facial recognition has applications in the policing and civil fields and for access control. Facial recognition is special because portraits are widely available, easy to acquire and their use is acceptable to the public.

Identification and maintenance of a portrait reference database just like automatic fingerprint recognition; facial recognition allows police forces to manage the files of people of interest by making sure that there are not several different records for a single person. While this task is already performed using fingerprints, facial recognition provides more benefits:

• It increases population coverage of the identification scheme, enabling identification of individuals whose fingerprints cannot be acquired for various reasons • By combining the two biometric modalities, superior identification performance can be achieved, thereby reducing the workload involved in the verification process

The Pierce County Sheriff‟s Office in Washington, USA, demonstrated the high precision of the automatic facial identification of suspects and that identification is possible without calling on fingerprint experts.

Vol 36 No 141October 2010 page 179

36817_Oct2010.indd 37 27/10/2010 13:20 Identity checks in the field with just a camera and suitable means of transmission, it is possible to check the identity of a person in the field using a photograph of their face. Police officers equipped with PDAs can submit search requests to remote facial recognition systems and quickly determine whether an individual is already known to the forces of law and order.

ID checks can be carried out on just the face or both the fingerprints and the face, if the officer has the equipment required to take fingerprints. The combination of the two biometric techniques increases the precision of searches and allows reliable, automatic decisions to be sent to the field, without the officer requiring any expertise in fingerprints

Images are often made available for inquiries. They may come from surveillance videos, a witness‟s camera, internet sites or copies of identity papers. These images may show the face of a suspect. To begin with, the portraits must be extracted from the available evidence. In some investigations, hundreds of hours of video footage are analysed and the “manual” search for excerpts in which faces are visible is a long and painstaking job. It is the reason why automatic assistance is necessary. Current automatic face extraction techniques work well with almost full frontal views of faces and when the quality of the video is good enough. Research is currently exploring the extraction of side and three-quarter views of faces.

Even if the quality of the extracted portraits is highly variable, it is still possible to compare them with portraits of persons who are known to the police. Morpho‟s experience in this field shows that these searches can already solve and correlate crimes. Our French, American and Australian customers have scored numerous hits with high-quality images, such as authentic or false ID documents or images posted on the Internet. It is also interesting to note that certain criminal cases have been solved using low quality images.

Operational examples of the use of surveillance videos do exist, but they are rarer. By way of example, images of fraudulent use of ATMs or assaults close to an ATM can be used to solve crimes if the camera obtains well-lit, facial images. However, they cannot be used to successfully close investigations if the film only shows the top of the suspect‟s head or if the images are blurred. The combined advances of video surveillance systems and facial recognition technology should enable more crimes to be solved using video data in the next few years. Another source of facial images is the facial composite picture. If the recollections of the victim or the witnesses are precise enough to make a facial composite picture resembling the offender, then investigation by facial recognition may lead to success.

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Facial recognition can also be used for preventive purposes. It can be used to search for precedents. By way of example, if a file of paedophiles is available, then ID photos can be used to check whether people who work with children are on file.

In some cases, facial recognition can also be used to interactively locate persons wanted by the police in video footage. This application is subject to controversy, because it is often considered to infringe civil liberties, figure 2. In any case, it is only currently suited to cases in which a very small number of persons need to be identified in a crowd. Even if this technique were to reach the excellent accuracy level of 90% of persons actually found with just 0.1% false alarms, looking for one person amongst a crowd of 100,000 passing people per day would operationally generate 100 false alarms per day and only one actual alarm. This would have a negative impact on the vigilance of control operators.

On the other hand, interactive facial recognition is already possible in controlled passages. By way of example, when travellers approach the border police for a travel document check using facial biometry, they must be cooperative and show their face. In this case, it is quite easy to check the travel documents and make a comparison with the lists of wanted persons. The operators who check passport control processes can also check any alerts received in response to these searches.

Facial recognition is particularly well suited to checks of the uniqueness of application for identity papers.

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36817_Oct2010.indd 39 27/10/2010 13:20 In a non-criminal context, it is quite normal to provide a photo, while fingerprints will always have criminal connotations and it is more difficult to acquire an image of an iris than of a face. By way of example, driving licenses include a photo of the holder, but rarely include any other biometric data.

As a consequence, facial recognition applications can be used to guarantee that a single motorist cannot possess several driving licenses. Morpho developed a solution for this very purpose for the state of New South Wales in Australia. With regard to travel documents, the (5) ICAO has recommended that the portrait should be the only compulsory biometric record, Figure 3.

Once the documents have been issued, facial recognition can be used to check that they are indeed being used by their legitimate holders. This check can be made by simply filming the holders when they present their documents. For example, the SmartGates™ (6) for automatic passport checks deployed by Morpho have accelerated border formalities in Australian airports, Figure 4.

Today, document holders are required to stand still in front of the camera, but in the near future the check will be made as they pass through the checkpoint. Morpho‟s rapid and robust Face on the Fly™ technology is capable of acquiring faces in three dimensions, without requiring the subject to stand still. This application is so easy to use that a broad range of usages is possible. For example, it would be easy for universities to check the identity of students when they arrive to take an examination (authentication checks).

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The purpose of access control is to check that anyone attempting to access a secure zone is entitled to do so. Access controls are made in the same way as ID checks. They are very easy for the user if facial recognition is used. The main advantage of portraits is that checks can still be made once the person has passed through the access barrier. If the access control gates are unmanned, then staff members could easily allow strangers to enter limited-access zones. But thanks to portraits, which can be acquired without any special cooperation, it is possible to check within the protected zone that the people in protected zones are indeed entitled to be there. Facial recognition can therefore be used to extend access control by checking presence in particularly sensitive environments.

Access to computerised services

Biometric facial logins are already possible on certain computers but early implementations have come into some criticism because logins were possible if a photograph of the user is shown instead of the actual face. More recently algorithms are capable of detecting whether the face is indeed three dimensional and mobile; so these new generations of biometric facial login systems will not be fooled by photos.

Photo album management Facial recognition applications are now available to manage personal collections of photographs by showing the names of the persons in the photos, if they already appear in older pictures in the collection. Products include iPhoto from Apple and Picasa from Google. While this application may appear trivial, it shows the full potential of facial recognition whose limits are still far from known.

nd The 2 part of this article will appear in the January issue looking at uses and performance.

Vol 36 No 141October 2010 page 183

36817_Oct2010.indd 41 27/10/2010 13:20 Practitioner’s Thoughts

Bob Doak, Humberside Police.

I am sure by now everyone is well aware of the issues of Livescan and how prints can be distorted, false minutiae being created or minutiae not recorded accurately. I had one of these impressions a number of years ago and recorded it for training purposes.

In the first instance, I wished to get across the message to officers obtaining impressions via Livescan, the importance of pace and pressure when rolling the finger and the effects this could have. I do not expect officers to check every print as they roll it, but at least make sure their rolling technique was consistent.

The second point was that fingerprint officers should take a moment to examine the print in the same way they will the mark. Usually we would only do this when looking at poorly recorded print, but when we have a fully rolled and clear print; the tendency is to take it at face value. Figure 1

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36817_Oct2010.indd 42 27/10/2010 13:20 The story with this one is simply carrying out a verification of a mark identification. Just the usually bread & butter house burglary.

In Humberside we have an identification checking tray system. All identifications are nd rd placed in the 2 check tray signed off and then into the 3 check tray. All qualified experts are allowed to verify identifications.

rd I had picked up the job from the 3 check tray and started the ACE process. The mark itself was of very high quality. Sorry I don‟t have an image of it. I would have described it as almost Tenprint quality. High quality means low tolerance. There was ample quantity of information present at all levels of detail.

As can be seen from figure 1, the print was also a fairly good impression which I would suspect, no pun intended, most experts would also describe as an acceptable print.

At the comparison stage I picked a clear target area just out from the core about 12 o‟clock. I personally like to keep away from the obvious fixed points such as deltas and cores, where I can. It is a way of training yourself not to become dependent on them, so when the is no longer there, it is less of an impact.

I started with the top center ridge ending pointing to the left > trace the ridge to the right> bifurcation opening to the left > th count down to the 5 ridge> ridge ending pointing up & to the left. Figure 2

Having established my target area and moving onto other minutiae, I established a sufficient coincident sequence, the evaluation was an identification. The next stage was to carry out the small „V‟. The small „V‟, for verification, is starting the comparison in another area of the mark and relating to the area you have made your decision on. It was at this point I noticed the anomaly, Figure 3.

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My new target area was in the top left hand corner of the mark. I intended to work down from this to my original target area. The target area I selected was a long island > trace from top to bottom ridge ending > then opposite this was a ridge ending pointing up on the mark. In moving to the print, I had 2 ridge endings pointing at each other but when I traced up the ridge it was continuous instead of the island I was looking for, Figure 4

I did notice the breaking of the ridge units similar to dysplasia through the area of the print, where the island should have ended and a ridge ending pointing to the right Figure 5. So had this breaking up of the ridge affected any other ridges?

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I then checked the plain impression, or the flat or the slap, whichever you call them. I must admit I have never liked the term slap(s) it sounds aggressive and ill conceived.

Whereas plain(s), is deliberate and does what it needs to do. What‟s in a word? I thenIn comparing checked the the plain plain impressio impressionn, or to thethe flatrolled or ,the I discovered slap, which thatever my you Island call them.was I mustrecorded admit I onhave the never plain likedwithout the the term dysplasia slap(s) itlooking sounds ridge aggressive units. Figure and ill 6 conceived. Whereas plain(s), is deliberate and does what it needs to do. What‟s in a word?

In comparing the plain impression to the rolled, I discovered that my Island was

recorded on the plain without the dysplasia looking ridge units. Figure 6

So when we compare the top left hand of the rolled impression with the plain, both of

these having originating from the same fingerprint form we can more clearly see the

differences, Figure 7 So when we compare the top left hand of the rolled impression with the plain, both of these having originating from the same fingerprint form we can more clearly see the

differences, Figure 7

Rolled impression

Vol 36 No 141October 2010 page 187

36817_Oct2010.indd 45 27/10/2010 13:20 Fingerprint Whorld July 2010:Layout 1 1/9/10 09:16 Page 56

If we compare closely we can also see how other ridge flow has been affected, Figure 8.

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Rolled impression Figure 8 Plain impression

In starting with the ridge ending pointing up on the left and counting four ridges to the right we see on the rolled impression a ridge ending pointing down HORIBA Scientific On the plain if we count 4 ridges to the right we also have a ridge ending pointing The complete forensic solution down this ridge ending actually relates to this ridge ending on the rolled. So the displacement of the ridges has also caused the formation of a new ridge ending. If we look at the disturbance in the ridge flow on the rolled, this is not HORIBA Scientific is a world leader in specialist forensic present on the plain impression equipment for the crime scene and laboratory.

x Find it! By looking at the minutiae around this area that are not affected, it illustrates how Forensic light sources for easy location of ALL trace this can occur in small localised areas. The span of the disturbance is only 6 ridges, when we look at the rolled impression. evidence x Analyse it! This gives huge importance to how consistent that pace and pressure needs to be Raman and XRF chemical micro-analysers for fast when actually rolling the finger. characterisation of unknown materials.

It also demonstrates that we need to be more careful in analysing the print as we are x Identify it! with the mark. AFIS / APIS, Raman and SEM-EDX / micro-XRF databases for immediate identification of evidence and suspects. I have since, always checked the plain impressions, when the area disclosed is available, when carrying out my identification process. HORIBA Scientific; giving the forensic scientist rapid, accurate and reliable results with no fuss and low cost per analysis.

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page 188 Vol 36 No 141October 2010

36817_Oct2010.indd 46 27/10/2010 13:20 Fingerprint Whorld July 2010:Layout 1 1/9/10 09:16 Page 56

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