Prospects for the development of forensic fingerprinting in the context of digital transformation of society

Karimov Vyacheslav Khamitovich ORCID: 0000-0001-6379-5072 PhD in Law Associate Professor of the Department of Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure and Criminology; Federal State State-Funded Educational Institution of Higher Education "Novosibirsk State Agricultural University", 630039, Russia, Novosibirsk region, Novosibirsk, Dobrolyubova, 160 karimovvh@mail.ru Other publications by this author

Undoubtedly, the potential of forensic fingerprinting is far from exhausted. Fundamentally new techniques and methods of collecting, researching, processing and storing fingerprint information are emerging, electronic digital technologies are being actively introduced into the activities of expert departments, and forensic dermatoglyphics related to fingerprinting are actively developing. Fingerprinting has gone beyond law enforcement and is being actively introduced into the field of government and commercial services.

In the detection and investigation of crimes, the prospects of fingerprinting, taking into account modern achievements of science and technology, are presented by us through its consistent and interrelated main directions – collection, research, accounting and use of information. Let's look at it in more detail.

1) At the stage of collecting fingerprint information, in addition to the well-known, actively used classical tools and methods, fundamentally new ones appear. Of particular interest are modern optical and physical methods. For example, the use of a thermal imager in the infrared zone gives good results when the contrast between the surface and the components included in the fatty substance in the range of 3.5 nm is achieved ^{[15, pp. 26-31]}. Forensic units are also equipped with specialized sources of so-called expert light. Thus, "Crime-lite 82S" (Great Britain) has been tested and recommended by the ECC of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia ^{[1, p.268]}. At the same time, experiments have shown that its capabilities in detecting traces of papillary patterns increase significantly when used in combination with traditional forensic tools, for example, with "Rhodamine 6g" (in blue-green lighting in the range of 450-510 nm using a 550 nm filter), "cyanoacrylate" (in blue lighting 420-470 nm using a filter 495 nm), etc. In addition to foreign equipment, there are also domestic samples, for example, the MIX 45 complex.

It should be noted that when traces of papillary patterns are found, it is not always possible to fix and remove them using traditional technologies, since identification signs may be completely or partially lost during copying, and removal together with the carrier object is not always possible. In such cases, the use of forensic photography techniques becomes important. In this area, modern digital photographic technology has significantly expanded the potential of criminology. Even the cameras built into budget smartphones currently have a resolution of up to 100-200 MP, not to mention the use of professional equipment with good optics and a number of additional functions. The above-mentioned expands the boundaries in the fixation of inconspicuous and indistinguishable objects with the naked eye. This makes it possible to capture microscopic signs, such as: the contours of the edges of papillary lines, the structure of pores. Obviously, despite the fact that research methods have found their place and theoretical justification in criminology ^{[3, 10]}, in practice they are carried out extremely rarely due to the fact that the detection and fixation of micro-signs by classical fingerprinting means is possible only with a successful combination of circumstances.

Modern digital cameras have a number of other advantages that are important for forensic activities. Thus, the image is immediately converted to a digital format, as a result of which it can be saved and processed (in order to improve quality by increasing contrast, removing background, etc.). Integration into compact software and digital computing devices is also an advantage. With the help of such a technique, it becomes possible to check both the local fingerprint database and send such information for verification using the automated fingerprint information system (ADIS). Of course, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia has mobile fingerprint systems, such as Papilon-M, which are capable of solving such tasks. Without questioning their capabilities, we note that they have a large weight, dimensions, and high cost, which creates certain difficulties in everyday use by criminologists who carry out daily duty as part of an investigative task force.

In our opinion, it is necessary to create more compact devices that could be included in standard forensic suitcases. In this case, we believe it is necessary to develop and implement portable forensic smart cameras that combine the functions of a camera, a computer (with an image output to an LCD display), a transmitting device, as well as an electronic fingerprint scanner compatible with it. Such a camera would be a logical continuation of the development of already available portable forensic equipment, such as "Fosco" (a kit for shooting traces at crime scenes), "LatOP" — a kit for shooting and transmitting traces from crime scenes to AFIS, etc.. The proposed smart camera could combine existing capabilities by reducing the number, dimensions and weight, processing and storing the obtained images of papillary patterns directly in the named device.

The proposed solution opens up wide opportunities for the development and implementation of a number of specialized programs in everyday forensic activities. So, according to the recorded trace pattern at the scene, it is possible, using analytical, mathematical and situational methods, to simulate the situation, assume the mechanism of the event, solve other diagnostic problems (about the possible gender and age, the number of criminals, etc.). With the help of a special program, it is possible to draw up a photo table directly at the place of the investigative action, certify it with an electronic digital signature, and demonstrate it to witnesses and other participants. This will make it possible to remove certain contradictions with the provisions of Article 166 of the Code of Criminal Procedure of the Russian Federation, which states that photographs taken at the scene of the incident are an appendix and an integral part of the protocol of the investigative action, the protocol itself must be drawn up directly on the spot or immediately after it and shown to all participants for familiarization. In most cases, the photo table is compiled much later and the people who understand it, as a rule, do not get acquainted with it.

Another possibility of the forensic smart camera we offer is the transfer of information via mobile communication to the ADIS and operational verification of accounts online. Obviously, this is necessary, since hot-pursuit disclosure is an important part of crime investigation. Such information can certainly be received and transmitted over conventional mobile communication lines. But when using such methods, questions of communication security on mobile devices will inevitably arise ^{[7, pp. 138-142]}. In this case, you need to use encrypted mobile data transmission channels that authorized persons would have access to.

The creation of the above is technically feasible. Ordinary smartphones also have many of these features, which can be adapted, but at the same time we can get a number of problems. Firstly, it is the lack of high-quality optics. Secondly, possible security threats are a serious obstacle to the use of smartphones, since such devices can be accessed from the outside, system failures, virus attacks, tracking, modification, and destruction of information are not excluded.

Thus, the solution is seen in the creation of forensic smart cameras that allow high-quality recording of trace information and the situation, processing with the help of specialized forensic programs, checking against specialized databases of fingerprint information.

It should be noted that in accordance with Article 164.1 of the CPC of the Russian Federation, such information can be recorded on electronic media, for example, on flash cards, but it is more advisable, in accordance with parts 2, 3 of Article 164.1 of the CPC of the Russian Federation, to copy them to more accessible optical discs (DVD-R, CD-R). In addition, photographs of investigative actions are an appendix to the protocol, which, in accordance with Articles 74, 83 of the Code of Criminal Procedure of the Russian Federation, is a separate source of evidence and images can be checked and evaluated through their detailed description in the protocol.

We believe that with the development of electronic criminal proceedings, it will become possible to store information recorded on electronic media directly in special cloud storages on secure servers of courts or preliminary investigation bodies. This will allow you to access the primary sources of information without distortions, which are not excluded in traditional record keeping. Such storages can technically be created now, but so far this issue has not been regulated, it requires testing, the development of effective means and mechanisms of protection from outside influence.

2) When considering issues related to the prospects for the production of fingerprint examination, attention should be paid to improving:

a) the actual forensic research technique. Undoubtedly, modern fingerprinting tools expand the capabilities of expert departments and improve the quality of research. Of particular interest are expert complexes that combine a number of capabilities and allow you to identify the necessary signs in various light ranges, record them with high resolution, process and study using computer technology. Such requirements, in particular, are met by the fingerprint processing station "DCS®5 UV | VIS | IR", which is a comprehensive image processing system using special lighting and conducting photography with maximum detail. The system includes various lighting sources, allows for fluorescent, infrared imaging, shooting and exploring in the reflected long-wave UV spectrum. Special software that includes image processing and improves their quality is also an integral part.

Another area of development of fingerprinting technology is the development of specialized fingerprinting programs. So, at present, software search engines for identifying papillary patterns have become widespread. The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia uses the Papilon system, which is constantly being modernized and in many ways surpasses its global counterparts.

We see the potential of such identification systems in the further development of software devices capable of comparing not only the actual details of papillary lines, but also the contours of their edges, the structure of pores, and identifying fragments of papillary lines. Currently, attention should be focused on the development of programs for identifying micro-signs of specific objects submitted for research. Such studies are very effective when the details of the structure of papillary lines are not enough. In such cases, the expert's initiative will be justified ^{[17, pp. 54-67]} and computer programs will free him from laborious manual work, especially if we are talking about fragments of palm surface lines. At the same time, the programs do not replace the specialist himself, since the final conclusion is based on his knowledge, experience and inner conviction. In addition to identification, further development and improvement of programs in the field of diagnostic fingerprinting is required, which cannot be imagined without appropriate methods of expert research.

b) This necessitates the creation of new, as well as the further development of existing methods of forensic fingerprint examination.

As indicated earlier, the methods of studying fragmentary traces, in frequency, proposed by V. V. Ponomarev ^{[9, pp. 28-34]}, are of particular interest, but, as noted, it does not cover the field of research of uninformative signs of palmar surfaces, the relevance of studying which is significant ^{[4, p. 107]}. The methodological foundations for determining whether handprints belong to one person are also important ^{[8, pp. 8-12]}.

Separately, I would like to focus on the recent work in the field of fingerprint diagnostics. For example, studies to determine the age ^{[2, 11]}, the prescription of the formation of traces ^[5], including using physical and mathematical methods of studying digitized images and backgrounds ^[12], medical and genetic dermatoglyphics ^{[13, 16]}.

3) The use of fingerprint records. We have repeatedly drawn attention to the prospects for the development of fingerprint records in our research ^[6]. It is encouraging that some of the ideas expressed have now been implemented at the legislative level. In particular, the above concerns the expansion of the circle of persons subject to mandatory fingerprint registration. The potential of fingerprint records is far from being exhausted. We consider it necessary to include all available fingerprint information in the centralized integrated automated fingerprint information system of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia (TSIADIS-MIA). This necessitates further technical re-equipment and modernization of existing capacities.

In addition, the effectiveness of search and identification increases significantly when creating a unified database of biometric information, which will require not only new technical, but also legal solutions, since there are no sources at the legislative level that determine the list of biometric parameters to be registered, the legal status of subjects of such registration, etc. And if genomic and fingerprint registration have received a legislative decision, then other biometric data, such as parameters of a person's voice and appearance, are not considered by the sources of law. In this regard, we substantiate the need to adopt the Federal Law "On State Biometric Registration in the Russian Federation", which would eliminate the existing gaps.

It should be noted that the introduction of automated accounting of fingerprint information is aimed not only at solving the tasks of law enforcement, but also ensuring the safety of users in the provision of government, banking and other services. Separately, I would like to focus on the introduction of biometric data into identity documents. Such work is currently underway. At the same time, the FKU "GIAC of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia" adheres to the position that it is necessary for these purposes to obtain fingerprints of 10 fingers with the storage of their images on special RFID chips of documents ^{[14, pp. 332-339]}. We believe that storing images of papillary patterns, albeit in digital form, may pose a threat of unauthorized access to personal biometric information. In our opinion, a simpler and more reliable means is to include in the documents not the images themselves, but a QR code referring to information resources. For verification, it is enough to scan it and send it to the subject's CI, where automatic verification with the information available there is carried out. Verification can only be performed on a specific person, which will not overload the system and will serve as an additional security filter against unauthorized access. The authenticity of the QR code, if necessary, can be easily verified. Of course, this will require additional work to create the appropriate information, but what has been said is quite justified and technically feasible.

Thus, we believe that the potential for further development of fingerprinting in the context of digital transformation of society is huge and can be realized in the following areas:

1. Improving the means and methods of collecting fingerprint information. In particular, the use of modern optical and electronic digital complexes that allow detecting and fixing traces of papillary patterns, processing the images obtained, performing operational verification against databases, using special forensic programs that allow solving identification and diagnostic tasks at the scene of accidents.

2. Modernization of technical means, methods and techniques of expert research. Of interest are expert fingerprinting complexes that combine the capabilities of various lighting sources, digital fixation, image processing, and the use of special computer programs that allow solving identification and diagnostic tasks.

3. We see further development of fingerprint records through the creation of a unified database of biometric registration, technical support for these activities, legal justification of the procedure, and the adoption of the Federal Law "On State Biometric Registration in the Russian Federation".