Morfología Forense: Dactiloscopía y Queiloscopía como Expresiones de Sinergia Científico-Técnica en Chile

Abstract

In forensic science, the nature of the evidence based on visual characteristics makes its analysis complex. Therefore, it has been suggested that a morphological perspective should be introduced into these analyses in criminal investigations, grouping them under the concept of “forensic morphology”. From this perspective, among the sciences that study fingerprints for forensic identification, is the commonly known dactyloscopy (fingerprints) and the lesser-known cheiloscopy (lip prints). Considering that the morphological patterns of these prints can be associated with individualizing characteristics, Chile is at the forefront in its fingerprint identification system. Since cheiloscopy has been based on the same foundations and technical efficiency, the history of the introduction of fingerprinting and the potential implementation of cheiloscopy in this country is reviewed, considering current criminal investigation from a forensic morphological perspective. Although fingerprinting is deeply ingrained and has been subject to rigorous professional and technological progress, cheiloscopy has mostly been addressed in academic settings having limited expertise in the field, all of which could explain common criticism of this type of evidence. Chile has a solid foundation and therefore presents an excellent opportunity to pioneer new research based on technological and scientific collaboration. Forensic morphology is not just about analyzing or comparing forms, but it is also about developing the necessary intellectual mechanisms to achieve reliable inferences, which can only be accomplished through specialized training and joint collaboration between technicians, scientists, and academics.