Origin of "Latent Print"

Fingerprints have been considered one of the most important or valuable types of physical evidence in
the field of forensic science. There are various forms in which fingerprints appear at the scene of the
crime, some in the form of visible prints, some are impression prints and still others are in a form of
latent print (Depayso, 2006 p. 75).

The word latent was derived from the Latin word Latens which means "something indistinct" or
"something hidden". At present, the word latent print is generally referring to all forms of fingerprints
that are found at the crime scene. Latent fingerprint are divided into three classes: visible, semi-visible
and invisible or hidden (Depayso, 2009 p.76)

Classes of Latent Prints

1. prints are impressions wade by fingers smeared with colored substance, such as blood, ink.
grease, dirt OF paint. Many such impressions are worthless smudges, the ridges of which are too
blurred to show distinctly enough the ridge characteristics to prove an identification. Visible
prints can be seen with the eye without them being developed. If the ridges happen to stand out
clearly in them, photographs can be made without any treatment to the prints

2. Semi-visible prints are molded or plastic impressions. They are prints made in plastic materials such
an soap, melted candles. wax, tar, pitch, paraffin, putty, the adhesive gun on envelopes, postage stamps,
and the like. These prints need no development. To photograph a semi-visible print the lighting must be
arranged so that the ridges stand. out from the furrows. Side or oblique lighting is usually best because
it highlights the ridges making the furrows show up as shadows

3. Invisible prints are the most common type of chance impression. They have to be developed first
before they become of any real value. There are several means of developing or making them visible.

Search for Latent Prints

Search for possible prints should be made in a Any person more systematic and intellectual means. in-
charge of this duty should concentrate in determining all possible occurrences of prints. There has been
no specific rule governing its search for procedures always depend on the nature of the crime scene to
be investigated. Although, it is common that for one to be able to search for latent prints, the point of
entry and point of exits are always to be considered (Tubid1996 p. 151).

Developing Latent Prints

One of the challenging works of a fingerprint technician in the field is the successful developing and
lifting of latent prints. Great efforts should be made by any technician to be able to develop a good
impression that would be of great value in identifying the perpetrator the crime. A single mistake in the
developing would mean a total failure. Developing of prints cannot be made in a trial and error case.
Once prints are destroyed all other means may not be of use for possible restoration. Methods of
developing latent prints and success its development may also be in attributed to the condition of the
latent prints.

Factors Affecting Latent Prints

1. Climatic Condition. This is one great factor that affects the stability of the prints at the scene of
the crime. Since most cases show that latent prints are in the form of perspiration, strong
temperature can easily contribute to the liberation of the sweat, thus making it difficult, if not
impossible, to develop the prints.

2. Subject Factor. This is another thing to be considered for people have various degree of acidity.
The more perspiring the subject, the more sweat will be left and consequently, the longer it will
last.

3. Nature of the Surface. The glass and other smooth surface make latent prints easily attracted to
other elements thus, there is destruction. But possibility of such surfaces are ideal for
developing and lifting of prints. Papers and other absorbent surface make latent prints last
longer that if they are in other surface

Methods of Detecting Prints

There are various ways on how to detect fingerprints in the crime scene depending on the
initiatives of the responders.

a. Dusting Method. This is done with the use of fingerprint brush and powder by applying
amount of powder that is lightly swept on the suspected area to little by little reveal the
print caused by the powder. This is called as the "brush on" or "powder" method (Vinluan &
Mendoza, 2006 p.223-241). Dusting is the most effective way to obtain a print from ridged
non-porous surface such a as glass, plastic, or metal surfaces. Using a camel hair brush, black
over the adheres carbon or aluminum powder is placed location of a suspected print. The
dust to the sweat and oil left behind by the person who touched the surface. Then a wide
transparent tape is smoothed over the dusted area. When the tape is removed from the
surface, the dust and the print will attach to it. Finally, the tape is placed into a white card
for display and comparison. Suitable materials for this technique are glass, porcelain,
ceramic, pottery, metallic item, plastic and bamboo. Strong contrasting colors, possibly
opposite colors make beautiful fingerprint detection (Yamauchi, 2008 p.37).

b. Rolling/Rocking Method. The powder on the suspected

 area, make object/evidence in slanting position like paper and roll lightly to attach powder
in the fingerprint and of the paper. Further flip the suspected fingerprint to make it appear.
c. Spray Method. The powder is put into an empty container. Spray the powder to the
suspected object/ evidence, spray the air lightly from the other to blow off excessive
powder and expose the fingerprint clearly.

d. Transplant Method. Prepare material to be used to transplant fingerprint to the other

place, like scotch tape, sizing them slightly larger than the suspected fingerprint. Face the
adhesive side of the surface to the fingerprint, fix one end and place onto the fingerprint,
press with palm firmly while confirming no bubble in between the tape and the fingerprint is
formed. Remove the tape carefully and place on the opposite color background base (paper)
to the used powder color.

e. Restoration Method. Stain fingerprint sampling process are wiped with the fabric absorbing
thinning scientific cleansing agent, then wipe with the water absorbing fabric, then wipe
with a dried fabric lastly.

Legality of Fingerprints

It is a universal knowledge that a fingerprint is the most positive means of personal identification. As
such, fingerprint as evidence is accepted in every court of justice in any part of the globe.

Although nobody has ever examined and compared the fingerprints of the entire population of the
world, yet it is universally accepted that there is no possibility of finding two individuals possessing
identical fingerprints. The reason for these is the fact that it is an accepted principle by scientists that
nature never duplicates itself in its smallest details (Montojo, 2006).

Francis Galton and Dr. Edmond Locard believed in the possibility that duplication of fingerprints is
possible. This view is disputable considering the fact that fingerprints are as old as mankind and that
there is no known record that will show that Adam and Eve have no fingerprints. If we now consider the
number of people who populated the Earth from the time of Adam to present, not only millions, billions
but trillions of people have already occupied the Earth.

The world has more or less 7 Billion people today. The Philippines at present has a population of 94
Million according to the writer's latest research based on 2008 Survey, and accordingly, it can double
after 28 years.

Quantity of Ridges Accepted as Evidence

There are no international rules or laws that fix the number of the fingerprint characteristics that must
be present in both the latent print and fingerprint of the suspect which could be a basis it the
establishment of the absolute identity of a person.
Experts of different countries differ in the requirements of the minimum number of ridge characteristics
in order for a fingerprint to be offered as evidence in court. In England, the minimum is 16 ridge
characteristics, In USA, the minimum requirement is 12, and 15 for most of the European countries

In the Philippines, there is no specific law that sets the required minimum number of ridge
characteristics in order for a fingerprint to be accepted as evidence in court. Therefore, the acceptance
of fingerprint as evidence depends on the satisfaction of the Judge as presented by a Fingerprint
Examiner during judicial hearings.

In our country, educational background, training. and experience of the fingerprint examiner are more
important than the number of ridge details. Only those who have special training and experience in the
examination and comparison of fingerprints may render opinion in the absolute identity of fingerprints.

The word "opinion" in fingerprint science means, the result of the critical study and comparison of the
latent prints and the suspect's Fingerprints done by fingerprint experts (Apostol, 2000).

Admissibility of Expert Testimony

Expert testimony on the identity of thumb marks or fingerprints is admissible. Where thumb impressions
are blurred and many of the characteristic marks are far from clear, thus rendering it difficult to trace
the features enumerated by experts as showing the identity or lack of identity of the impressions, the
Court is justified in refusing to accept the opinions of alleged experts and in substituting its own opinion
that a distinct similarity in some respects between the admittedly genuine thumb mark and the
questioned, thumb mark in evident.

The method of Identification of a person by correspondence of fingerprints has been widely recognized
as a relatively accurate system of establishing identity. It is as well settled that evidence of the
correspondence or lack of the correspondence’s fingerprints, when testified to by a qualified witness, is
admissible to establish the identity of the accused in criminal prosecution as the person who committed
the crime as charged.

The defendant is entitled to show certain fingerprints of not his own if he submits in evidence all the
fingerprints which were found on the object in question or he establishes the fact that no fingerprints
other than those which he offered in evidence were on such object.

The Expert Witness

In the Rules of Evidence, it is only the court that declares a witness to be an expert. Generally, a witness
is any person who

1. Have organs of sense;

2. Can perceive and capable of perceiving

3. make known his/her perception to others.

Neither parties nor other persons interested t the outcome of a case shall be excluded nor any person
on account of his opinion on matters of religious belief (Sec. 16 Rule 130 of Rules on Evidence).

As a rule, a witness must confine his testimony to matter within his actual knowledge; he cannot b asked
questions calling for his opinion or conclusions upon acts which are for the court to make (Sec. 42 Rule
120, Rules on Evidence)

Exceptions to the Opinion

1. Expert evidence;
2. Impressions and conclusions of a witness derived from facts and conditions, like the testimony
of a witness as to the physical, mental moral, or emotional condition of a person;
3. Identity or handwriting of a person when the witness has knowledge of the person or his
handwriting;
4. Opinion of a subscribing witness to a writing regarding the mental condition of the signer, when
the validity of the writing is in dispute; and
5. .Opinion of an intimate acquaintance regarding the mental sanity of a person, the reason for
the opinion being given.

The opinion of a witness regarding a question of science, art or trade where he is skilled therein,
may be received in evidence. Two things must concur to justify the admission of the testimony
of the expert witnesses:

1. That the subject under examination must be one where the court needs the aid of
knowledge or experience which cannot be obtained from ordinary witnesses: and
2. That the witness called as an expert must possess the knowledge, skill, and experience
needed to inform the Court in the particular consideration.

Expert witness must be first qualified before questions are pronounced to him about the
subject in issue. Qualifying the witness is not necessary if the adverse party admits the
qualification of the expert witness before the witness is questioned.

Factors qualifying a person as an expert witness:

1. Training and education

2. Particular first hand familiarity or standards on which his opinions are based.

Fingerprints on Evidentiary Purposes

The weight to be given evidence of correspondence of fingerprints are offered to prove

identity of the accused as the person who committed the crime, is for the determination of
the Court in the light of all the surrounding facts and circumstances. A similar rule prevails
with respect to palm prints. Evidence of fingerprint identification may be sufficient to
support a conviction in a criminal prosecution. Slight blurring or imperfections in the
fingerprints preventing positive identification will not affect the sufficiency of such proof as
to affect a conviction based hereon. Where there is other evidence tending to connect the
defendant with the crime (Montojo, 2006 Lessons 16.1-9),

To warrant a conviction. However, the Fingerprints corresponding to those of the accused

must have been found in the place where the crime was committed Where it appear that
there were Fingerprints other than those identified as the defendants, which are neither
identified nor explained, the proof of the defendant’s print is not sufficient to support a
conviction (Fisher, et.al, 1987).

The study of fingerprints is recommended for every law enforcement officer. Frequently, the
principal evidence found at a crime scene is a latent fingerprint which becomes a key to the
perpetrator's identification and conviction. Of all the methods, only fingerprints
identification has proved to be infallible.

Footprints and palmprints can be substitutes for fingerprints as an identification medium.

The ridge characteristics in pain impressions are used as the bases of identification in the
same way as fingerprint identification (Dempsey, 1999).