ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 5

Fingerprinting the Deceased: Traditional and New Techniques
Grande, A
Scientific Police Service, Medicolegal Investigation Section, Italian Police,

Tancredi, DM
Scientific Police Service, Medicolegal Investigation Section, Italian Police,

Hiss, J
National Centre of Forensic Medicine,

Penalver, J
National Police Corps,

Kahana, T
Division of Identification and Forensic Science (DIFS), Israel Police, Headquarters,

(Received 17 April 2000; accepted 15 August 2000)

Abstract

Identification of the deceased is an important task in medicolegal investigations. Fingerprints rank as the most widely used identification method, although obtaining the prints from the cadaver is not always easily accomplished. Various techniques for fingerprinting decomposed, mummified, and burn victims have been suggested in the literature. In the present review, the diverse fingerprinting procedures implemented for cadavers in various conditions, with an emphasis on mummified fingers, are presented.

Keywords:
forensic science, identification, fingerprints, postmortem changes

Paper ID: JFS15067J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS15067J
ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.