History of Fingerprinting
Course
Forensic
Science
Unit IX
Fingerprints
Essential
Question
When and how
was the science
of fingerprints
discovered?
TEKS
§130.295(c)
(4)(E)(F)
(8)(F)
Prior Student
Learning
History of
Forensic
Science
Estimated Time
4 to 6 hours
Rationale
Fingerprinting is used as a means of identification in criminal investigations.
In order to fully understand its scientific and legal applications, a Latent Print
Examiner must be familiar with the history and development of fingerprinting.
Objectives
The student will be able to:
1. Recognize the major contributors to the development of fingerprinting
2. Illustrate the history of fingerprinting
3. Explain the Automatic Fingerprint Identification System
Engage
Do an Internet search for the following: Savvy criminals obliterating
fingerprints to avoid identification. Read and discuss the article as a class.
Use the Discussion Rubric for assessment.
Key Points
I. Fingerprints
A. Definition – A fingerprint is the impression left by a finger’s friction
ridges upon contact with a surface. These fingerprints are a unique
trademark.
B. Patterns of classification – arch, loop, and whorl
II. Discovery Timeline
A. The ancient world
1. Ancient China – documented use 3000 years ago
2. Babylon – used for identity on clay tablets
B. The modern world
1. 1686 – Marcello Malpighi noticed the ridges, spirals, and loops.
2. 1823 – John Purkinje published a discussion of 9 fingerprint
patterns.
3. 1858 – Sir William Herschel required Indians to sign contracts
with hand prints and later with fingerprints.
4. 1880 – Dr. Henry Faulds recognized the importance of
fingerprints as a means of identification.
5. 1888 – Sir Francis Galton published “Finger Prints” which
discussed the anatomy of fingerprints and pattern types.
6. 1891 – Juan Vucetich created a fingerprint classification system
in Argentina.
7. 1897 – Sir Edward Richard Henry created another fingerprint
classification system in England that included grouping
fingerprint patterns according to arches, loops, and whorls. The
Henry System is still in use today.
C. The United States
1. 1901 – the New York City civil service commission adopts
fingerprinting for personal identification of all applicants; the first
1
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
in the U.S.
2. 1903 – Will West case
3. 1904 – World’s Fair in St. Louis: representatives from Scotland
Yard train several U.S. Police officials.
4. 1906 – the U.S. Army began using fingerprints.
5. 1924 – the Identification Division of the FBI was established.
6. 1948 – Introduction of the Automated Fingerprint Identification
System (AFIS)
7. 1977 – the International Association for Identification (IAI) voted
to establish the world's first certification program for fingerprint
experts.
8. 2009 – the Automated Fingerprint Identification System: a
computerized fingerprint database that can search through
millions of records in a short period of time. It provides a list of
potential identification "hits" that can be verified by a certified
Latent Print Examiner.
9. 2010 – the Integrated Automatic Fingerprint Identification
System (IAFIS) operated by the FBI; Inquiring agencies receive
electronic responses to criminal submissions within two hours.
Activities
1. Have students work as individuals or small groups to create a poster
illustrating the history of fingerprinting with a timeline using the major
contributors to forensic science. The students may present their posters to
the class. Use the Presentation Rubric for assessment.
2. Have students research the IAFIS and write a minimum one-page paper
explaining the system. Students should cite the resources and edit their
work. Use the Writing Rubric for assessment.
Assessments
History of Fingerprinting Quiz and Key
Discussion Rubric
Individual Work Rubric
Presentation Rubric
Research Rubric
Writing Rubric
Materials
History of Fingerprinting computer-based presentation
Poster board and markers
Computers with Internet access
Resources
http://www.fbi.gov/hq/cjisd/iafis.htm
Do an Internet search for the following:
 Savvy criminals obliterating fingerprints to avoid identification
 Onin fp history
 Sirchie
2
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
Accommodations for Learning Differences
For reinforcement, the student will assemble a timeline using premade
materials. Use the Individual Work Rubric for assessment.
For enrichment, the student will research details of an assigned scientist who
made an impact on the science of fingerprints. Use the Research Rubric for
assessment.
State Education Standards
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Career and Technical Education
§130.295. Forensic Science (One Credit)
(4) The student explores the history, legal responsibilities, and career
options for forensic science. The student is expected to:
(E) recognize the major contributors to the development of forensic
science; and
(F) illustrate the history of forensic science.
(8) The student analyzes fingerprints in forensic science. The student is
expected to:
(F) explain the Automatic Fingerprint Identification System
College and Career Readiness Standards
English Language Arts
I. Writing
A. Compose a variety of texts that demonstrate clear focus, the logical
development of ideas in well-organized paragraphs, and the use of
appropriate language that advances the author’s purpose.
1. Determine effective approaches, forms, and rhetorical
techniques that demonstrate understanding of the writer’s
purpose and audience.
2. Generate ideas and gather information relevant to the topic
and purpose, keeping careful records of outside sources.
3. Evaluate relevance, quality, sufficiency, and depth of
preliminary ideas and information, organize material generated,
and formulate a thesis.
4. Recognize the importance of revision as the key to effective
writing. Each draft should refine key ideas and organize them
more logically and fluidly, use language more precisely and
effectively, and draw the reader to the author’s purpose.
5. Edit writing for proper voice, tense, and syntax, assuring that
it conforms to standard English, when appropriate.
3
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
Name:
Date:
History of Fingerprinting Quiz
Part I: Matching
Select the best choice from the right column and write the corresponding letter:
1)
William Herschel
a) recognized the importance of fingerprints as
a means of identification
2)
Henry Faulds
b) Started requiring Indians to sign English
contracts with fingerprints
3)
Francis Galton
c) Created a searchable fingerprint
classification system
4)
Will West
d) Published “Finger Prints” which discussed
the anatomy of fingerprints and pattern types
5)
Edward Richard Henry
e) A criminal whose case contributed to the use
of the fingerprint system
Part III: Short Answers
Classify the following fingerprints using the 3 pattern types:
6)
4
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
7) What is AFIS?
8) What city/agency was the first in the U.S. to utilize fingerprints as a means of
identification?
5
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
History of Fingerprinting Quiz Key
1) B
2) A
3) D
4) E
5) C
6) Loop
7) Arch
8) Whorl
9) Automated Fingerprint Identification System; computerized fingerprint database that can
search through millions of records in a short period of time. It provides a list of potential
identification "hits" that can be verified by a certified Latent Print Examiner.
10) New York City Civil Service Commission
6
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
Name_______________________________________
Date_______________________________
Discussion Rubric
Objectives
4 pts.
Excellent
3 pts.
Good
2 pts. Needs Some
Improvement
1 pt. Needs Much
Improvement
N/A
Pts.
Participates in group discussion
Encourages others to join the
conversation
Keeps the discussion progressing
to achieve goals
Shares thoughts actively while
offering helpful recommendations to
others
Gives credit to others for their ideas
Respects the opinions of others
Involves others by asking questions
or requesting input
Expresses thoughts and ideas
clearly and effectively
Total Points (32 pts.)
Comments:
7
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
Name______________________________________
Date_______________________________________
Individual Work Rubric
4 pts.
Excellent
Objectives
3 pts.
Good
2 pts. Needs Some
Improvement
1 pt. Needs Much
Improvement
N/A
Pts.
Follows directions
Student completed the work as directed,
following the directions given, in order and to the
level of quality indicated
Time management
Student used time wisely and remained on task
100% of the time
Organization
Student kept notes and materials in a neat,
legible, and organized manner. Information was
readily retrieved
Evidence of learning
Student documented information in his or her
own words and can accurately answer questions
related to the information retrieved
*Research/Gathering information (if relevant)
Student used a variety of methods and sources
to gather information. Student took notes while
gathering information
Total Points (20 pts.)
Comments:
8
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
Name:____________________________________
Date:_____________________________
Presentation Rubric
4 pts.
Excellent
Objectives
3 pts.
Good
2 pts. Needs Some
Improvement
1 pt. Needs Much
Improvement
N/A
Pts.
Topic/Content
 Topic discussed completely and in-depth
 Includes properly cited sources (if used)
Creativity/Neatness
 Integrates a variety of multimedia effects
to create a professional presentation
(transition and graphics) or appropriate
visual aid used
 Title slide, table of contents, bibliography
are included, using acceptable format
Mechanics
 Grammar, spelling, punctuation, and
capitalization are correct
 Image and font size are legible to the
entire audience
Oral Presentation
 Communicates with enthusiasm and eye
contact
 Voice delivery and projection are
dynamic and audible
Audience Interaction
 Presentation holds audience’s attention
and relates a clear message
 Clearly and effectively communicates the
content throughout the presentation
Total Points (20 pts.)
Comments:
9
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
Name______________________________________
Date_______________________________________
Research Rubric
4 pts.
Excellent
Objectives
3 pts.
Good
2 pts. Needs Some
Improvement
1 pt. Needs Much
Improvement
N/A
Pts.
Question/goal
Student identified and communicated a question
or goal of the research
Research/Gathering information (if relevant)
Student used a variety of methods and sources
to gather information. Student took notes while
gathering information
Conclusion/Summary
Student drew insightful conclusions and
observations from the information gathered.
Information is organized in a logical manner
Communication
Student communicated the information gathered
and summary or conclusions persuasively.
Student demonstrated skill in the use of media
used to communicate the results of research
Reflection
Student reflected on the importance of the
research and its potential application
Total Points (20 pts.)
Comments:
10
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.
Name:____________________________________
Date:_____________________________
Writing Rubric
4 pts.
Excellent
Objectives
3 pts.
Good
2 pts. Needs Some
Improvement
1 pt. Needs Much
Improvement
N/A
Pts.
The writing has all required parts from
introduction to conclusion in smooth
transition.
The writing is interesting, supportive,
and complete.
The writing demonstrates that the
writer comprehends the writing
process.
Accurate spelling, grammar, and
punctuation
The content of paragraphs
emphasizes appropriate points.
The writer shows an understanding of
sentence structure, paragraphing, and
punctuation.
All sources and references are clearly
and accurately documented.
Total Points (28 pts.)
Comments:
11
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2011. All rights reserved.