Identification of Latent Lip Prints in Forensics - Review

Abstract

Identification plays a major role in crime investigation. One of the most effective methods of identification
are fingerprints. Like fingerprints, lip prints are also unique for individuals and remain the same throughout
life. They are not influenced by environmental changes, trauma and diseases. The uniqueness of lip has been
proven by researchers by using shape analysis and colour information. Lip prints can also provide some
important information in crime investigations and have the ability to distinguish individuals and are used
in human identification purposes. Human lips recognition is one of the most emerging methods of human
identification that originates from forensic and criminal practice. Lip prints are captured by police technicians
and further analysis provides valuable evidence. The use of lip prints first started in 1950 and researches
were carried out in 1970. The wrinkles pattern on the lips has individual characteristics like fingerprints.
Cheiloscopy is a forensic investigation method that deals with the study of elevations and depressions which
form a characteristic pattern on the external surface of the lips. This is unique for individuals. Lip print
recording is used in forensic investigation that deals with identification of humans, based on lip traces.
Lip prints can be a basis for conclusion such as sexes, habits and character of that event. At a crime site
lip prints can either be visible or latent. Print produced by a traditional lipstick is easily identifiable. Latent
print investigation is important in resolving any criminal act. Latent lip prints are invisible prints and can
be identified by using fingerprint powder. Long lasting lipsticks produce prints that are invisible and require
reagents to develop the prints. The porous and multicoloured surfaces are the surfaces in which a print is
difficult to identify and cannot be easily seen. Cups, glasses, tissue papers and napkins may have imprints
of the suspect’s lips.