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Electronic Fingerprinting of the Dead

NCJ Number
227812
Journal
International Journal of Legal Medicine Volume: 122 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2008 Pages: 77-80
Author(s)
G. N. Rutty; K. Stringer; E. E. Turk
Date Published
January 2008
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This study assessed the use of two pieces of portable equipment for capturing the fingerprints of a cadaver sufficient to be used as a primary method for identification.
Abstract
The study demonstrates that the images obtained from the devices are of sufficient quality to allow a positive identification from finger pad prints of the cadaver; however, to date, these devices do not replace the need for traditional powder printing due to the effect of decomposition on print quality. Nonetheless, these mobile devices could be used both within a mortuary or crime scene to acquire and transmit fingerprints to an automated fingerprint identification system for true near-patient identification. The units could be used at sites where bodies are discovered or in instances of mass fatalities in order to provide the rapid acquisition of fingerprint identification data. These devices could be used instead of powder printing when bodies are contaminated by chemical, biological, or radiological agents and under other circumstances when traditional powder printing by fingerprint officers cannot be performed. One of the devices is a handheld, mobile wireless unit used in conjunction with a personal digital assistant. The other device is a handheld single-digit fingerprint scanner that uses a USB laptop connection for the electronic capture of cadaver fingerprints. Both devices are single-operator units that, if ridge detail is preserved, can collect a 10-set of finger pad prints in approximately 45 and 90 seconds, respectively. 4 figures and 8 references