FINGER-PRINT SYSTEM

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 256, 26 September 1935, Page 8

FINGER-PRINT SYSTEM

WIDE USE IN NEW ZEALAND,

The annual report of the Commissioner of Police states that the fingerprint system in New Zealand has to date been responsible for the identification of no fewer than 6309 persons.

At headquarters the finger-impres-sions of 2720 persons were received, classified, searched, indexed and filed during the year;' 200 persons were identified as previous offenders who, had it not been for the finger-print system, would have passed as first offenders ; 1645 photographs were taken by the photographers attached to the criminal registration branch; the photographs of 2815 prisoners (5064 photographs) were dealt with, 542 photographs were reproduced in the Police Gazette, and 13 wanted persons located. In 20 cases 4of breaking and entering, etc., finger-prints left by the offenders when committing tho crimes were identified, and the offenders prosecuted. In three of these cases enlarged photographs were prepared and the necessary evidence tendered in the Lower Court, but each pleaded guilty at the Supreme Court. The 17 other offenders pleaded guilty at the Lower Court. Some oases worthy of mention are the following:— In the Ruawaro murder case a knife was used by the offender to cut bloodstains from the rail of a fence. Notches, which corresponded with ridges showing in the knife-cut at the scene blade of the accused’s knife. These blade of the accused’s knife. these were microscopically photographed and the necessary evidence tendered. In another case a dwelling was broken into and various articles stolen. The following morning a black wooden box which had apparently been handled by the offender was submitted for examination. Finger-prints were discovered on this box and a search immediately started. Later the same day tho prints were traced and the detective was informed who had handled this exhibit. The offender, although unknown to the local police, was located and arrested the following day, when he admitted this and six other offences. He also implicated a second offender.