Centro de Documentação da PJ
Analítico de Periódico
38831
Patterning in the distal portions of the palms as a key to palm print identification / Angela Tonietto, Jemima de Jesus Santos
Journal of Forensic Identification, Vol. 75, nº 3 (July-September 2025), p. 274-305
CD 357.
DACTILOSCOPIA, PAPILOSCOPIA, IDENTIFICAÇÃO HUMANA, ESTUDO DE CASOS, BRASIL
The interdigital and distal thenar regions of palms exhibit intense patterning, with pattern elements frequently present at the volar pad sites and locations proximal to each digit (base sites). This study investigated the frequency of these patterns, both separately and in combination. It also examined the statistical relationships between pattern type, location, and hand, while highlighting differences and similarities between hands. The analysis involved 4,000 palmprints from a Brazilian population. Results revealed some pattern arrangements common to both hands, while others occurred exclusively in one hand. In general, the left hand presents greater variability. Chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests (independent analysis) showed an association between certain patterns and the side of occurrence (right/left). McNemar’s test (paired analysis) resulted in no statistical difference between the hands of the same individual, except at base site 4. The frequency of pattern arrangements was population-dependent and yielded an additional resource to improve identification accuracy. Integrating pattern frequency data into automated systems and forensic evaluations can enhance the precision and reliability of palm print identification, especially in cases involving poor-quality marks. This study contributes toward a more systematic and objective approach to friction ridge analysis of palm prints.
