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New York police identifying criminals
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New York police identifying criminals
New York police identifying criminals using different methods, known as the Bertillon System. Face and head measurement were taken to ensure identity. Overall measurements, such as body span where taken. They used to take finger prints of suspects too. Date: 1925
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Media ID 32251854
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Cops Criminals Detective Finger Measurements Printing Record Recording Suspects System Bertillon
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In this evocative photograph from 1925, New York City police officers diligently apply the Bertillonage system to identify criminals. The Bertillon System, named after its French inventor Alphonse Bertillon, was a pioneering method of biometric identification that relied on detailed anthropometric measurements to establish an individual's identity. The scene unfolds in a dimly lit room, where a detective closely examines a suspect. The man, with his arms outstretched, submits to the meticulous process of measurement. The officer records the suspect's overall body span, as well as more specific measurements of his head and face. These measurements were taken using calipers, rulers, and other specialized instruments. In the background, other officers are seen taking fingerprints using ink and paper. Fingerprinting, which was also an essential component of the Bertillon System, allowed for even more precise identification. The collected data was then recorded in a central database, allowing law enforcement to compare and cross-reference measurements against known criminals. The Bertillon System revolutionized criminal identification in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, providing a more reliable and efficient means of identifying suspects than previous methods. Although it has since been largely replaced by more modern technologies such as DNA analysis and digital fingerprinting, the legacy of the Bertillon System remains an important chapter in the history of forensic science and criminal investigation. This photograph, captured by ILN - Consolidated Archive Holdings Ltd, offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, showcasing the dedication and meticulousness of New York City's law enforcement officers as they worked to bring criminals to justice using the innovative techniques of the Bertillon System.
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