Tattooing And Forensics

Tattooing and Forensics



The most defining aspect of tattooing is its permanence. The design and placement of your body art says a lot about you. For better or worse, your tattoo will follow you through the rest of your life, but you probably never considered the fact that it will keep talking about you after you’re dead. Tattoos are one of the first tools a forensic pathologist uses to identify the deceased and sometimes even solve a crime.



Your ink will tell the cops who you run with. Street gangs, bikers and other clubs associated with illegal activity wear use tattoos to show their allegiance to their gang, and often to cement their exit out of mainstream society. Most of the time gang tats are pretty straight forward, spelling out the gang’s name and territory. Even if that’s not the case, the authorities are familiar with common symbolism and can use it to pick you out of a line up or identify your body.



Your tattoos are also a telltale sign of your socio-economic status. If you have simple, homemade tats instead of detailed, professional ones, it’s probably because you couldn’t afford any better. A sorority or fraternity tat says that you’re educated, and involved enough in your university to be permanently devoted to the Greek life.



Crucifixes or fish symbols denote that the wearer was from a Christian background. A rosary says they were probably Catholic. A hexagon tattoo may mark you involved in the occult. Satanist often sport “666”, the “mark of the beast.” Some members of the Aryan Brotherhood also use this symbol.



Your tattoos tell what your interests are, what’s close to your heart. What do you think when you seen a Harley Davidson emblem tattooed on somebody? You look around for their bike, don’t you? Depictions of dice or playing cards could label you a gambler.



Tattoos done inside prison, jailhouse tattoos, have a very particular look to them. There are either black or blue, always one solid color and made up of very thin lines. The jailhouse style has become popular in some circles, but you can tell a fake by its smooth, fine lines. Your tattoo can also associate you with a crime. For example, a falling start is usually particular to kidnappers. Three dots on the web of the hand definitely denote gang activity, but translate differently in different cultures. For Hispanics, it means “mi vida loco,” or “my crazy life.” For Asians it means “I care for nothing.” For Cubans is signifies the wearer has a talent for petty theft.



If you adhere to the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy you’d better keep your ink silent. There are certain tats that tell a person’s sexual orientation. A pink triangle sometimes accompanies lesbianism as does a prominent bulldog on a woman’s bicep. A rainbow is one of the most popular homosexuality-related tattoos. Another sign may be a name tattoo that’s obviously of the same sex.



A tattoo can also tell about a person’s history of drug use. A spider web design, usually on the neck or skull is a favorite with IV drug users. Antisocial phrases also point in that direction, such as “Born to Die” or “loser.” It sounds drastic, but it happens. Tattoos of things most people consider disgusting or disturbing usually say quite a bit about the wearer’s mental state. Designs of spiders and cockroaches have been associated with the insane or mentally ill, issues that often go hand in hand with drug abuse.



Tattoos are obviously an invaluable tool that forensic pathologist can use to identify your body in the event of your death, but think about your life. Be careful what you label yourself with. It’s absolutely necessary to educate yourself before permanently inking something onto your body. The wrong design can associate you with things you may want no part of and drastically hinder your opportunities in life.