Ukraine is improving the methodology for working with fingerprints of deceased defenders and civilians
In Ukraine, they are improving the method of identification of dead soldiers and civilians by fingerprints — one of the most accessible biometric methods, which allows for quick identification. About this informs press office of the Ministry of Health.
A new approach was proposed by specialists of the Vinnytsia Regional Bureau of Forensic Medical Examination. This method is especially relevant in situations where DNA analysis takes a long time or when visual identification is impossible.
Fingerprints make it possible to match samples with those in databases, which significantly speeds up the identification process. This approach — postmortem fingerprinting — belongs to the so-called “gold standard” of international protocols for the identification of unknown bodies.
Experts of the Vinnytsia Bureau of SME have adapted world developments to Ukrainian conditions. They have developed special techniques for treating damaged skin and digital methods for capturing papillary patterns in cases where the epidermis has undergone significant changes. Digital images are transmitted to forensics for analysis, which allows for faster results and expands the range of possibilities of the approach.
The use of this technology has several important advantages: it speeds up the process of identifying bodies, reduces the emotional burden on families who are waiting for news about missing loved ones, meets international standards in the field of identification, and also strengthens the tools of law enforcement officers in establishing the family ties of the deceased.
Improving the work of the regional offices of the SME became possible thanks to interdepartmental cooperation, which was supported by the Ministry of Health. The Main Bureau of Forensic Medical Examination, the Vinnytsia Bureau of SME and the Department of Forensic Support of the Main Investigative Department of the National Police are participating in the project.
The project is implemented with the support of the international Romulus T. Weatherman Foundation, which specializes in the development of forensics in countries affected by armed conflicts. In 2025, the fund will finance the next stage — the scaling of the methodology and the training of specialists throughout Ukraine.
