Application of likelihood ratio and posterior probability density in sex estimation from level two fingerprint features among Hausa ethnic group

Background Personal identification using partial fingerprints poses a major challenge in forensic investigations. In light of such restrictions, sweat pore characteristics have shown to be a possible alternative. However, limited research has been done on these due to their minute size. The present study was undertaken with the objective of studying the differences in pore frequency, pore shapes (circular and non-circular), and pore positions (middle and periphery) with respect to sex, bimanual, and age in the population of Delhi-NCR (National Capital Region). As there is no universal approach for defining the evaluation area of pore analysis, we used fingerprint patterns to demarcate a 9mm2 area of analysis. The rolled-inked fingerprints of 200 individuals (100 males and 100 females) belonging to 18-60 years of age were examined using microscopy. Results The obtained data for all prints was analysed and compared with respect to the different variables. The results showed statistically significant bimanual variations for both sexes. In females, all studied pore characteristics except the number of pores at the middle position were significantly higher in the right hand as compared to the left hand. In males, only the number of pores at the peripheral position was significantly higher in the right hand as compared to the left hand. However, no significant differences were observed in pore characteristics between the two sexes and among the different age groups. Moreover, several pore characteristics showed a significant correlation with age in males as compared to females where no significant correlations were observed. Conclusions Significant bimanual variations highlighted the potential application of pore characteristics for forensic practice; wherein a fingerprint examiner might determine the probable hand used for the commission of the crime, thereby strengthening the evidentiary value of partial fingerprints. These findings also suggest that the sex and age of an individual cannot be determined by pore characteristics.

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A Forensic Study of Ethnicity and Sex Differences in Fingerprint Patterns in a Malaysian Subpopulation

Lee¹

2021

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Fingerprint is one of the most common evidence found at a crime scene. Owing to the uniqueness of fingerprint, it is useful for suspect identification. Typically, the questioned fingerprint is of limited contribution due to blurriness of the minutia or absence of potential suspect. However, it is still useful if the ethnicity or sex of the questioned fingerprint could be inferred to narrow down the scope of searching of suspect. Therefore, this study aims to examine sexual and ethnic differences in fingerprint patterns among the three major ethnic groups in Malaysia, i.e. Malays, Chinese and Indians. In total, 2000 plain fingerprints were collected from all the ten fingers of 200 Malaysians (i.e. 99 males and 101 females). Each of the three ethnic groups was represented by at least 60 subjects. Descriptive statistics and hypothesis test were performed to assess the sexual and ethnic variability of fingerprint patterns. In addition, simple correspondence analysis was also conducted to support the descriptive and inferential statistics. By considering fingerprint patterns in all the ten fingers, loop was the most frequent pattern in Malays (23.0%) and Indians (23.2%), while Chinese (13.9%) showed slightly higher frequency of whorl than Malays (9.6%) and Indians (10.3%). The relative distribution of fingerprint patterns of male was similar to that of female. In conclusion, fingerprint patterns could be used to infer the ethnicity rather than the sex of a suspect in the Malaysian context.

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Application of likelihood ratio and posterior probability density in sex estimation from level two fingerprint features among Hausa ethnic group

Cited by 4 publications

References 29 publications

Past, Present, and Future of the Forensic Use of Fingermarks

Past, Present, and Future of the Forensic Use of Fingermarks

A bimanual comparison of variation in sweat pores with sex and age: a brief dermatoglyphic survey of population in Delhi-NCR

A Forensic Study of Ethnicity and Sex Differences in Fingerprint Patterns in a Malaysian Subpopulation

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