William West was a key figure in the eventual discrediting of the Bertillon System, which relied on anthropometric measurements for identification. In 1903, West was arrested and found to have a Bertillon measurement that closely matched another man, despite being a different individual. This incident highlighted the system's flaws and inconsistencies, leading law enforcement to increasingly favor fingerprinting as a more reliable method of identification. Ultimately, West's case underscored the limitations of Bertillon's anthropometric approach.
Alphonse Bertillon
In 1903, a man named Will West was committed to the penitentiary at Leavenworth, Kansas, where he was photographed and measured using the Bertillon system. Will West’s measurements were found to be almost identical to a criminal at the same penitentiary named William West, who was committed for murder in 1901 and was serving a life sentence.Furthermore, their photographs showed that the two men bore a close physical resemblance to one another, although it was not clear that they were even related. In the ensuing confusion surrounding the true identities of the two men, their fingerprints conclusively identified them and demonstrated clearly that the adoption of a fingerprint identification system was more reliable than the older Bertillon system. ~NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT MUSEUM
Louis Bertillon died in 1883.
Louis Bertillon was born in 1812.
Measurement of waist circumference may not be suitable for Bertillon because the Bertillon system primarily relies on a set of standardized anthropometric measurements, such as height and head circumference, to uniquely identify individuals. Waist circumference can vary significantly due to factors like body fat distribution, age, and lifestyle, making it less reliable for identification purposes. Additionally, the focus on more stable measurements in the Bertillon system helps ensure consistency and accuracy across different populations.
The Bertillon system of criminal identification, developed by Alphonse Bertillon in the late 19th century, is best illustrated by its use of detailed physical measurements and photographs of individuals to create a unique profile. This system involved measuring various body parts, such as the head, arms, and legs, and recording these metrics alongside a standardized portrait. It aimed to establish a scientific method for identifying repeat offenders and was one of the first systematic approaches to criminal identification before the advent of fingerprinting.
Alfredo Giribaldi has written: 'Identidad y filiaciones' -- subject(s): Bertillon system, Identification
The father of modern police photography is often considered to be Alphonse Bertillon. In the late 19th century, he developed a systematic method for identifying criminals through a combination of photography and anthropometry, known as the Bertillon System. His work laid the foundation for the use of photography in criminal investigations and the documentation of crime scenes. Bertillon's techniques significantly influenced modern forensic photography practices.
The Bertillon system, developed by Alphonse Bertillon in the late 19th century, was a method of identifying individuals based on a combination of physical measurements and descriptive data. It primarily measured various body dimensions, such as height, arm length, and head circumference, along with other unique identifiers like eye color and hair color. This anthropometric system aimed to create a systematic way to categorize and identify criminals, laying the groundwork for modern identification methods. However, it was eventually supplanted by fingerprinting due to its limitations and inconsistencies.
Monsieur Bertillon
Criminal Investigation.
Alphonse Bertillon