PERSONAL INDENTIFICATION BY

MEANS OF LIP PRINTS

U. E. UMANA

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INTRODUCTION
Lip print could be define as the normal lines
and fissures in form of wrinkles and grooves
present on human labial transitional zone.
DNA test, blood typing and finger prints are
among the commonest techniques usually
employed for personal identification.

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INTRODUCTION CONT’S
Today however, investigators can also rely on
lip prints:
Øto identify possible suspect.
Øto support evidence gained in specific
investigation.
ØLip inflammation can alter lip prints, but return
to normal when the condition is relieved.
Ølip prints do not change with age.

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HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
vIn 1970, Japanese researchers reported their
findings on a lip print study.
ØThey examined the lip prints of 1,364
individuals, ranging from 3-60 years of age
using both photographs and a fingerprint
system.
ØThey classified the prints according to
their distinguishing features.
vIn 1991, the author conducted a study by
comparing :

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 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND CONT’S
Ølip prints of 150 individuals from 4
to 85years of age.
ØAlthough methods differed in the two
studies, both results were the same.
ØFindings indicated that:
* Every individual has unique lip
prints.
* Heredity plays some role in lip
pattern development .
* Unique features are distinguishable.
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HISTORICAL BACKGROUND CONT’S
Both genders, as well as five pairs of
identical twins were included.
ØThe same procedure was applied.
ØHowever, they transferred lip prints
by using lip rouge.
Ø Findings from the first study were
not considered in the 1991 study.
Ø

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CLASSIFICATION METHOD
ØThey were divided into simple and
compound
--which are also subdivided
respectively into:
a straight line, a curved line, an

angled line, or a sine-shaped curve.

-- Compound were classified into Two:

bifurcated and trifurcated (anomalous).

ØSix types of distinguishing features
exist in lip prints:
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CLASSIFICATION METHOD
CONT ’ S
Type I--clear-cut lines or grooves that run
vertically across the lip
Type I/--straight grooves that disappear
half-way into the lip instead of covering
the entire breadth of the lip
Type II--grooves that fork
Type III--grooves that intersect
Type IV--grooves that are reticulate
(netlike)
Type V--grooves that do not fall into any of
the above categories and cannot be
differentiated morphologically.


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CLASSIFICATION METHOD
CONT ’ S
ØSingle lip print type is based on
the prominence of groove type.
ØThe lip must be normal, clean, free
from any diseases at the transitional
zone.
ØThen brown colourlip stick is
applied and tracing paper is
placed over the lips.
Øprint will be traced in a normal rest
position opposite to the examiner.

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 CLASSIFICATION METHOD
ØCONT ’ S
ØIn various types of lip examination
, six compartments were made on each
lip and are named as follows:

ØMiddle, central and

Lateralcompartments,

 all situated in single lip quadrant

making four quadrants for both
lips and 12 compartments for both
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RECORDING METHOD
Once classified lip patterns are recorded
by: noting the combinations of grooves types
found in each print.
ØA horizontal line divides the upper lip from
the lower lip.
ØA median line partitions the right and left
sides as each quadrant.


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USES AND BENEFIT
ØIt can be recorded from non
biological substance.
ØIt is helpful in criminalization and
legal matters.
ØSex and age determination.
ØIdentification of unknown deceased
person.
ØBite marks as evidence in child
abuse and criminal litigation.

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USES AND BENEFIT
CONT ’ S
ØMissing individual either due to amnesia.
ØCulprit hiding his identity.
Ø Provision of wide field of study
especially in odontology and mass disaster
detection.
ØSpecialization in forensic
science, forensic dentistry and
forensic medicine.
ØDetection in homicide , suicide and accident
Øliving person needing identity..
Ø
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.
CONCLUSION
It is concluded that based on the observation of
the study:
Ø Depth study by using many samples in both sexes
In disease persons, forensic odontology, forensic
science and forensic medicine.
Ø finding out sex differences.
Ø New techniques to trace print on skin and other
none biological materials. with this, lip print will
be very useful in personal identification and
crime detection to help law and justice
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 REFERENCES
vK. Suzuki and Y. Tsuchihashi, (1970)
"Personal Identification by Means of Lip
Prints," Journal of Forensic
Medicine,Tokyo Japan, p52-57
vTsuchihashi Y,(1974) "Studies on Personal
Identification by Means of Lip Prints,"
Forensic Science,Tokyo, Japan p233-248.
vDr. Schnuth is an associate professor at
Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia.
vThe FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin, Nov 1,
1992, Washington DC USA.
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Thank you for listening

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