Caracterização dos vestígios papilares em veículos: uma contribuição para a elaboração de materiais de instrução para a perícia papiloscópica

Abstract

Fingerprint analysis is the gold standard for human identification. It is internationally recognized as the most reliable indicator of identity. It is the definitive art and science of searching, revealing, collecting, analyzing, and comparing papilloscopic traces to determine their origin. The statistics on robberies and vehicle thefts in the State of Rio de Janeiro prove that fingerprint examination of vehicles in the criminal context is invaluable. The objective was to definitively quantify and qualify the fingerprint traces collected in vehicles by the Félix Pacheco Identification Institute (IIFP) from 2019 to 2022. Additionally, the locations within the vehicles where these traces were collected and processed were detailed in a comprehensive manual and standard operating procedure (SOP) for fingerprint examination in vehicles. The first and second objectives were achieved through consultation with the IIFP Management Program and analysis using Microsoft Excel. The third objective was achieved through a thorough examination of the aforementioned data, direct observation of routine fingerprint examination procedures within the author’s unit, authorized access to images of vehicle fingerprint examinations conducted by the unit, and an extensive bibliographical review. The evaluation of 5,927 vehicles resulted in the collection of 29,250 fingerprint traces. Additionally, the traces were quantified based on whether they met the technical requirements for submission to the electronic search system. In addition, 2,794 vehicle parts were analyzed, with the results categorized into 9 groups to standardize the nomenclature. Finally, a manual with illustrations, including graphics and images, along with a standard operating procedure (SOP), was produced. The proposed characterization of fingerprint traces in vehicles highlights the significant potential of human identification through fingerprints and underscores the importance of fingerprint examination in vehicles within the criminal context. Additionally, it contributes to the development of instructional materials for forensic analysis.