Biometric samples are vital in solving crimes, as they provide a precise and reliable way to identify suspects. Among the most common samples found at crime scenes are fingerprints, palm prints, and facial images, each with its specific characteristics and applications in forensic science.

Fingerprints are one of the most commonly used methods for identifying individuals. In the case of latent prints (i.e., prints left on objects without direct contact), they are often incomplete and difficult to detect, which poses a significant challenge for forensic technicians. Their fragmented or deteriorated nature makes it difficult to automatically identify them accurately, requiring specialists to use advanced tools and conduct a thorough analysis to ensure reliable results in the investigation process.

Palm prints, although less commonly used for live identification, play a crucial role in cases where criminals attempt to conceal their fingerprints or when fingerprints are absent from the crime scene due to the position of an object.

Facial recognition has gained importance in modern forensics, as it is possible to capture images of suspects’ faces at the crime scene or in surveillance videos. These images, combined with biometric facial recognition tools, allow for quick and accurate identification, even when the suspects are not directly in front of the camera.

The complexity of biometric identification in criminal investigations requires effective solutions that facilitate the work of forensic technicians. Advanced biometric technology systems emerge as a key tool, allowing for the precise capture and comparison of fingerprints, palm prints, faces, and irises. This technology not only offers high reliability in identification but also optimizes the management of large volumes of data, ensuring faster and more accurate results in evidence analysis.

These systems provide the necessary tools to visually audit prints and generate the evidence required for the creation of legal evidence. They include advanced features, such as fingerprint comparison, which allow the forensic expert to analyze minutiae and similarity scores between latent prints and samples stored in the database, significantly reducing the margin of error. Additionally, in many cases, forensic experts can perform these comparisons without accessing the identities of the subjects, helping to avoid potential biases during the identification process.

In criminal investigations, each case presents unique characteristics that require meticulous management of the information collected. Biometric tools facilitate the organization of fingerprints, facial images, palm prints, and other relevant data in a centralized system, optimizing the retrieval and analysis of evidence. Additionally, they allow technicians to quickly access information about suspects’ identities and the results of comparisons, speeding up the creation of reports needed to move the judicial process forward.

Real-time connectivity with external biometric databases, such as civil registries, prisons, or international security databases, expands identification possibilities, allowing the forensic expert to access additional information that could be crucial in solving the case.

The use of mobile and stationary devices for capturing fingerprints and other biometric data is an essential feature of current biometric systems. These devices allow for identification both at the crime scene and in the laboratory, facilitating real-time evidence collection. Moreover, biometric systems must be flexible enough to adapt to the varying work environments of forensic technicians, whether in the field or in a controlled setting like the laboratory.

We invite you to read our article “Use of biometric technology in criminal investigations” where we explain in detail other key applications of biometric technology in criminal investigations.

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