NCJ Number
86310
Journal
Identification News Volume: 32 Issue: 11 Dated: (November 1982) Pages: 3-8
Date Published
1982
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Poroscopy has been neglected by identification specialists because of the minuteness of its detail and the failure of pore structure to be consistently reproduced in crime scene and inked fingerprint impressions. However, it is a competent method of identification is specific instances and should be practiced and developed further.
Abstract
Pores were examined in detail and used for positive identification by Dr. Edmund Locard in France in 1902. He found that fingertip sweat pores vary in size, shape, position on ridge, and number and frequency. Mathematically, the positive agreement of some 20 to 40 pores should establish positive identity. Poroscopy is not new, has been accepted and used in courts, and has a scientific basis. Its principal shortcomings are powder fill-in of pore structure in crime scene fingerprints, poor inked impressions due to improper pressure or inking, lack of adequate visual aids to examine pore structure, location of pores to be compared, low percentage of fingerprints displaying pore structure when developed or inked, and the degree of study required to gain expertise in poroscopy. Modern technology has eliminated some of these pitfalls. Techniques for overcomming them are described. It is urged that poroscopy be studied and practiced to become an accepted tool in fingerprint identification once again. Four references are given.