Advances in postmortem fingerprinting: Applications in disaster victim identification

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Disaster Victim Identification (DVI)

Background:

• Fingerprints, DNA, and dental records are primary identifiers for unknown decedents.
• Secondary identifiers like radiography and tattoos can supplement identification.
• Rapid DNA technology offers quick identification but requires usable samples and often a tentative identity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline methods for obtaining postmortem fingerprints in complex cases.
• To detail available databases and resources for fingerprint searching.
• To improve the efficiency and effectiveness of fingerprint use in disaster victim identification.

Main Methods:

• Collection of postmortem fingerprints considering various postmortem changes.
• Utilizing mobile devices with peripheral scanners for rapid database searching.
• Investigating the use of WD-40® with optical-capacitive scanners to improve print capture efficacy.

Main Results:

• Automated fingerprint searching is significantly faster with technological advancements.
• Mobile devices enable quick searching of major fingerprint databases.
• Preliminary research indicates WD-40® enhances the capture of usable postmortem fingerprints with specific scanners.

Conclusions:

• Proper collection and utilization of postmortem fingerprints are crucial for effective disaster victim identification.
• Technological advancements, including mobile search capabilities and improved collection techniques, streamline the identification process.
• Postmortem fingerprinting remains a vital and increasingly efficient tool in forensic science for identifying unknown decedents.