Advancing fingerprint forensics skills focus of OSCE-led training course for Ukrainian experts

At the border, every fingerprint tells a story where even the smallest detail can expose a forgery. Forensic experts from the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine sharpened their skills in advanced fingerprint analysis, learning to detect hidden marks on passports that reveal false identities and fraudulent documents, as part of a specialized training course organized by the OSCE Transnational Threats Department, in co-operation with the State Forensic Science Bureau of Latvia from 2 to 4 December in Riga, Latvia.

The training focused on biometric passports, which electronically store fingerprint data alongside other identifiers, and require forensic experts to assess the clarity and reliability of the physical prints on documents and conduct comparisons. It addressed how to recognize individual characteristics such as scars or missing fingers and how different handling actions, like gripping, can leave distinct marks. It also taught participants how to identify transferred prints that may indicate tampering or fraud.

Participants also learned proper methods for collecting fingerprints from individuals to accurately compare with biometric data. They worked with standards set by the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes to better harmonize procedures and adopt good practices that reinforce the integrity of the international travel system.

The course covered the fundamentals of fingerprint science, including the history and uniqueness of fingerprints, pattern identification, classification methods and the ACE-V process (Analysis, Comparison, Evaluation and Verification), which guides examiners through a rigorous, four-step approach to fingerprint identification. 

Participants also practiced processing, recovering and developing latent prints using physical and chemical methods on various surfaces such as paper, glass and wood. Hands-on sessions emphasized accurate collection, preservation and photography techniques to ensure that fingerprint evidence can be properly documented and used in legal proceedings.

This course marked the third in a series of three specialized OSCE training courses held from October to December in co-operation with Latvia’s State Forensic Science Bureau and Ukraine’s Main Forensic Center. Together, these training courses complement Latvia’s bilateral support to Ukrainian forensic experts, reinforcing shared efforts to uphold rigorous standards in forensic expertise. Deputy Director Raimonds Apinis noted the importance of these efforts. “The State Forensic Science Bureau provides support to the Ukrainian forensic experts and will continue to do so for as long as necessary. Ukraine is an integral part of the European forensic community, and Ukrainian forensic experts play a vital role in strengthening Europe’s security.”

The courses were part of an ongoing extrabudgetary project supporting the OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation in reducing illegal border crossings by using a fake or stolen identity. This project is funded by the United States.