Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Abstract

Objectives: To ascertain the association between digital dermatoglyphics and criminal tendency and to analyze which dermatographic pattern is found more among the criminal group. Methods: The study was conducted on 90 subjects of each group. Fingerprints of the Right Hand and Left Hand of the control group and the criminal group in the age range of 18-70 were collected using the Cummins inking method. Each Fingerprint of both the groups was compared for frequency of occurrence of Arch pattern, loop, and whorls. Arithmetical mean, percentage, chi-square was done to compute the results. Findings: Whorl patterns were found more prominently and loop patterns were less in the hands of the criminals than in the control group. The little and ring fingers showed less or nil frequency of occurrence of arches in both groups. This is supported by the study of the researchers, where it was noticed that lower frequencies of arches were found in digits IV and V and highest on digit II than on digit I occurred. Chi-square was found to be statistically significant @0.05 level of significance. The present study would help largely in controlling crime as dermatoglyphics are non-invasive, economic, and convenient to handle. Using dermatoglyphics as a predictive tool would help in providing a suitable environment for the normal growth of an individual who is ‘at risk’ due to biological interaction. Novelty: It’s a novel method to detect criminality at an early stage. Individuals at risk of becoming criminals can be checked and discouraged by providing a suitable environment.

Keywords: Criminal tendency; Digital Dermatoglyphics; Biological interaction; Preliminary Diagnosis; Predictive tool; Genetics