NCJ Number
122721
Journal
Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 39 Issue: 6 Dated: (November/December 1989) Pages: 375-380
Date Published
1989
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Recognition and proper photographic preservation of knuckle marks can be a major aid in the investigation of child abuse crimes.
Abstract
Many law enforcement agencies do not realize the potential forensic value of wounds for the purposes of inclusion or exclusion of suspects in child abuse cases. Knuckle marks, bite marks, and other objects can be individualized on the basis of bruising. Examinations are handled in a manner similar to a footwear comparison. Impressions in clay are made from suspects' knuckles. Photographs of those impressions are taken and submitted for examination, along with photographs of the victim's bruises. Using calipers and a scale, measurements are taken from the photographs of the bruised and those of the clay impressions. The key for comparison is the use of the transparent overlay, with the ability to reverse it to compare the outlines directly to the face of the knuckles. 7 figures, 4 references.