Lip print patterns in forensic investigation: Detectability, sex differentiation, and reliability

Abstract

Lip print patterns are increasingly recognized as a vital resource within forensic investigations, providing a distinctive means for identifying individuals. This extensive investigation examines the detectability, possibility for sex distinction and forensic consequences of lip print patterns. Through both direct visualization and scoring procedures, a comprehensive examination was undertaken to analyze the intricate patterns of lip prints exhibited by male and female participants in Indonesia. The results of our study provide clear evidence for the infrequency of similar lip print patterns among individuals, confirming previous research conducted by Suzuki and Tsuchihashi. It is worth mentioning that type II lip print type was the prevailing type in Indonesian males and females. Furthermore, noticeable variances based on sex were seen in the upper left (UL) and lower middle (LM) quadrants. This research emphasizes the crucial significance of lip prints in criminal investigations, emphasizing their wide range of uses and relevance in diverse forensic contexts. The distinctiveness, singular nature, consistency, genetic transmission, and wide range of lip lines establish them as dependable means for personal identification. Lip print analysis has promise as a prospective means of scientific validation in forthcoming legal procedures, with the capacity to augment forensic methodologies and offer valuable contributions to the judicial process. The results reported in this study provide a foundation for creating a comprehensive set of criteria for assessing the lip line, which can serve as a valuable tool for the progression of forensic science and the pursuit of justice.