An analysis of the use of fingerprints to identify a murder suspect

Abstract

The purpose of the examination is to determine how fingerprints could be used in the identification of a murder suspect, focusing on detectives and fingerprint experts at Klerksdorp Police Service situated in North West region. A qualitative research approach was embraced, in which literature review, archives and interviews were utilized in substantiating the research findings. Interviews were conducted with detectives and fingerprint experts who are inter alia responsible for murder crime scenes, in the attempt to solicit fingerprints for the purpose of identification of suspects. This study discussed a number of key theoretical ideas namely, criminal investigation, fingerprint identification, suspect, murder and identification. The study established that criminal investigation is the way toward finding, obtaining, gathering, planning, identification, also introducing prima facie proof to figure out what occurred and who is criminally liable for the criminal act. This study seeks to help with the contribution on how fingerprints could be used in the identification of a murder suspect. The findings of this research study indicated that the majority participants had an understanding about the use of fingerprints to identify a murder suspect. However, different versions were furnished by the participants with regards to the research questions, which were contrary to the versions of the authors. This research study made recommendations that extensive training to given to the investigators on the concepts of the research questions. Furthermore, that top management encourage investigators at lower levels, who in most cases probe murder cases, to enrol with higher educational institutions, offering formal courses that deals with how to solve murder cases. By doing so, investigators will be informed of the latest methods to solve murder cases using fingerprints.