We Are All Unique
Yoxall WI ladies were treated to a fascinating talk on "Biometrics" this month, by a highly experienced former member of Staffordshire Police Force, who wished to remain anonymous. Our speaker was Head of the fingerprint department for around 17 years. He has since taken a theology degree and donates his fees to several national and local charities.
Biometrics refers to the identification of humans by their characteristics or traits. Most of us hold documents such as passports and driving licenses which contain biometric information. We all recognise famous people like Josiah Wedgewood and Winston Churchill by their biometric information. There are around 40 unique differences between people. Some of these are obvious like gender, eye colour and height. Hair and skin colour can be used but these can obviously change over time. The presence of tattoos, scars, moles and birth marks are extremely important in identification. Evidence is left behind at a crime scene and this is collected so that it can be used in court.
In the UK there are over 40 police forces each having a forensic department. In the late 19thcentury in Bengal, India, Edward Henry developed a system of fingerprint classification enabling fingerprint records to be organised and searched with relative ease. On 1 July 1901 Henry established the Metropolitan Police Fingerprint Bureau which was used to convict a burglar in 1902. The collection of fingerprints has become invaluable as a biometric identifier. Within our 10 digits we have various patterns such as whorls, arches and ridges. In one local police force, 65,000 individuals were arrested, mouth swabbed and fingerprinted last year. We were told that nobody appears in court unless their fingerprints have been checked. Amazingly, this checking process takes only 18 minutes.
There are other perhaps less obvious forms of identification. Shapes of noses, markings on lips, the pattern of toes in a footprint and shoe sole patterns - the way we walk gives a certain pattern also. No two living things are the same - even identical twins have differences. Our speaker finished his talk with the expression 'there will never be another you'.
During the meeting we had a brief discussion about the future of Denman College. There are serious concerns about the long- term financial viability of the college. Following a survey in November 2012 a comprehensive report has been sent to each WI. Basically, bookings need to improve if Denman is to survive. The arrangements for the August picnic were finalised. This year we will be visiting Melbourne House and Garden, let's hope the recent beautiful weather lasts. Dates were announced for the book, craft and walking groups this month.
Our meeting in September is on Wednesday the 11th at 7.30 in the Parish Hall. Our speaker will be Jo Bailey from the Midlands Air Ambulance. Visitors are very welcome and for more information please contact Penny Bailey through the link below.