Fingerprints

Importance of Fingerprints
It is used for identifying suspects for investigation
purposes.
• Used to provide identity for unidentified dead person and missing person.
• Detecting criminal identity through fingerprints collected at the scene of a crime
and detecting recidivism or habitual delinquency.
• Used a verification or confirmation of public documents.
• Used as records in the police departments and other law
enforcement agencies for the purpose of issuing clearance.
Uses of Fingerprint
1. Identification of criminals whose fingerprints are found at thecrime scene.
2. Identification of fugitives through a comparison of fingerprints.
3. Exchanging criminal identifying information with identification bureaus of
foreign countries in cases of mutual interest.
4. Means of personal identification
5. Identification of Unknown deceased.
6. Prevention of hospital mistakes in the identification of infants.
7. Licensing procedures for automobiles, firearms, aircraft and
other equipments.
DIFFERENT RIDGE CHARACTERISTICS
BIFURCATION – is a single ridge that divides itself in two or
more branches. It is sometimes called as fork, making its
impression.
Converging ridge-Is a ridge formation characterized by a close
angular end and serves as a point of convergence; or it is the
meeting of two ridges that were previously running side by side.
Diverging ridges- Is the spreading of two ridges that are
flowing side by side and suddenly separating or spreading apart
Enclosure or lake ridge/eyelet- A ridge that divides into two
branches and meets to form the original ridge.
Ending ridge- Refers to an endpoint of a ridge, or a ridge with
abrupt ending.
Type lines- These are considered as the boundaries of fingerprint
patterns. These are the two innermost ridges that are running
parallel or nearly parallel with each other which diverge at a certain
point tending to surround the pattern area.
Pattern area
• Is that part of the fingerprint that lies within the area
surrounded by the type lines. It is where the core, delta, and
other ridge characteristics used for classification can be
found. The pattern area is only part of the fingerprint
impression with which are concerned in regard to
interpretation and classification. It is present in all patterns,
of course but in many arches and tented arches it is
impossible to define. This is not important; however, the only
patterns in which we need to define the pattern area for
classification purposes are loops and whorls. “The pattern
area of loops and whorls are enclosed by type lines.”
Recurving or looping ridge- Is a kind of ridge formation
that curves
back in the direction from which it started. It looks like a
hairpin.
Appendage- Is a short ridge found at the top or at the
summit of a recurvingridge
Sufficient recurve- Is a recurving ridge complete in its
shoulder and is free from any appendage.
Rod or bar- Is a short or long ridge found
inside the innermost recurving ridge of a loop
pattern.
Obstruction- Is a short ridge found inside the
innermost recurving ridge that spoiled the
inner line of flow towards the center of the
pattern.
THREE GENERAL/FAMILY OF FINGERPRINT PATTERNS.

• 1. The Arch (5%)

• 2. The Whorl (35%)
• 3. The Loop (60%)
The (8) Eight Standard Types of Fingerprint Patterns
• Presently, there are eight standard patterns which are widely
used in the field of fingerprint. Before, on the Galton and Henry
System, they used the Nine standard fingerprint pattern. Only that
after the

• Galton-Henry System with FBI Modification and Extension, we

have our eight standard fingerprint patterns.
• Galton and Henry System • Galton-Henry System with FBI
Modification and Extension
• Groups/Families = 3
➢ 1. Arch (3) – Plain, Tented, and Groups/Families = 3
Exceptional ➢ 1. Arch (2) – Plain and Tented
Arch
➢ Arch.
➢ 2. Loop (2) – Radial and Ulnar
➢ 2. Loop (4) – Plain, Lateral, Twin loop
and Central Pocket Loop
➢ 3. Whorl (4) – Plain, Central
➢ 3. Whorl (2) – Plain Whorl and Pocket Loop,
Accidental Whorl ➢ Double Loop, and Accidental
Whorl
The (8) Eight types of fingerprint patterns
Loops
•The terms “radial” and “ulnar” are derived from the radius bones and ulna
bone of the forearm. Loops which flow in the direction of the ulna bone
(towards the little finger) are called ulnar loops and those which flow in the
direction of the radius bone are called radial loops.
•To differentiate an ulnar loop in the plain or rolled impression it important
to know from what hand it was taken
• Note: the classification of loops is base on the way the loops flow on the
hand (not the card), so that on the fingerprint card for the left hand, loops
flowing towards the thumb impression are ulnar, and loops flowing towards
the little finger impression are radial
Arches
•The Plain arch is the simplest of all fingerprint
patterns, and it is easily distinguished.
•Is a pattern in which the ridges flows from one
side to the other or flows towards the, without
recurving, usually having a slight upward curved
in the pattern, making the pattern like an arch. It
has no core and no delta.
Whorls

• ❖ Basic Elements of Whorl

• 1. Two or More Deltas

• 2. At least one complete circuiting

ridge
Plain whorl is a pattern consisting
of two deltas and which at least one
ridge makes a turn through one
complete circuit. And if an imaginary
line was drawn between two deltas,
it must touch or cross any circuiting
ridge. It consists of the simplest
form of whorl construction and is
most common of the whorl
subdivisions.
Central pocket loop – is a pattern
which possesses two deltas with
one or more ridges forming a
complete circuit, which maybe oval,
spiral or circular: or it is a pattern
consisting of two deltas, with one or
more recurving ridges with an
obstruction at right angle to the inner
line of flow, and when an imaginary
line was drawn between two deltas,
it should not touch or cross any
circuiting ridge.
Double loop – this pattern
consisting of two separate and
distinct loop formations, with sets
of shoulders and two deltas.
• Elements:
• a. Two separate loop formation
• b. Two separate and distinct
sets of shoulder
• c. Two deltas
Accidental whorl – this is a pattern
consisting of a combination of two
different types of pattern such
• as a loop and a whorl, a loop and a
central pocket loop, or any
combination of two different loop and
whorl
• type pattern, but it cannot be a
combination of a plain arch with any
pattern. It can have two or more
deltas.
The Two Fingerprint Terminus (Focal Points)
1. The Delta (also called the outer terminus) is a point
along a ridge formation found at the center or near the
center of the diverging type lines.
2. The Core (also known as the heart or the inner
terminus) usually found at the center or innermost
recurve of the type lines.
Rules on Selecting Delta
1. Delta must be located midway between the diverging type lines
at or just in front or where they diverge.
2. In order for a bifurcation to be selected it should open towards
the core.
3. When there is a bifurcation and other type possible delta the
bifurcation is selected.

4. If there are two or more possible deltas none is bifurcation, the

one nearest the core should be chosen.
 Rules in Selecting Core
1. The core is the heart of the fingerprint pattern it is
usually found inside the innermost sufficient recurve in
a loop or at the center of the circuiting ridge.
2. In case that the innermost recurve contains an
appendage, the core is located on the next innermost
recurve without appendage.
 The Fingerprint Patterns:
 The Arch (5%)
 Plain Arch (A) – is a pattern in which the ridges flows from one
side to the other side with a slight raise at the center.
 Tented Arch (T) – is a type of pattern having either an angle,
uptrust or an incomplete loop form.
 The Loop (60%)
 Elements of loop
 A core
 A delta
 A sufficient Recurve
 At least one Ridge count
 Radial Loop (RH=/. LH=\) is a type of loop pattern in which the
slanting or looping ridge flows towards the thumb finger.
 Ulnar Loop (RH=\, LH=/) is a type of loop pattern in which
the slanting or looping ridge flows towards the little finger.
 The Whorl (35%)
 Basic Elements of Whorl
 Two or more Deltas
 At least one complete circuiting ridge
 Plain Whorl (W)
 A complete Circuit
 Two deltas
 At least one circuiting ridge is touched
or crossed by the imaginary line
traversing between the two deltas.
 Central Pocket Loop Whorl
 A complete Circuit
 Two deltas
 No circuiting ridge within the pattern
area is touched or cross by an imaginary
line drawn between the two deltas.
 Double Loop Whorl
 Two separate loop formation
 Two Separate and distinct shoulder
 Two deltas
 Accidental Whorl
 A combination of two different patterns with
the exception of the plain arch.
 Two deltas
 Ridge Characteristics – are those little
details which are necessary in classifying,
Identifying and comparing two sets of
fingerprint patterns.
 Ridge Dot (island ridge) – refers to a ridge formation
in a form of a dot or period.
 Bifurcation – a ridge formation in which a single ridge
splits or divides into two or more ridges. Resembling a
fork shape.
 Converging Ridge – two ridges that meets at a certain
point
 Diverging Ridge – two ridges that spread apart
 Enclosure, Lake ridge or Eyelet – a single ridge that
divides into two but does not remain open and meet at
a certain point to form the original single ridge.
 Ending ridge – it refers to an abrupt end of a ridge
 Type lines – is a diverging ridge that tends to
surround the pattern area and serves as a basic
boundary
 Pattern Area – is a part of a loop of whorl pattern
surrounded by the type lines and consisting of the
delta, the core and other ridges.
 Recurving ridge – a single ridges that curves back to
the direction where it started.
 Sufficient Recurve – a recurving ridge which is
complete with its should and free from any
appendage.
 Appendage – is a short ridge found attached at the
top or summit of a recurve
 Rod or Bar – is a short or long ridge found inside the
recurve ridge and directed towards the core
 Obstruction ridge – is a short ridge found inside the
recurve which blocks the inner line of flow towards the
core.
 The Two Fingerprint Terminus (Focal
Points)
 The Delta (also called the outer terminus)
is a point along a ridge formation found at
the center or near the center of the
diverging type lines.
 The Core (also known as the heart or the
inner terminus) usually found at the
center or innermost recurve.
RIDGE CHARACTERISTICS (MINUTIAE)
Ridge Characteristics are those little details in the ridges of
fingerprint patterns which are in used in comparing and
identifying fingerprints. Characteristics are those ridge
structures and elements that impart individually to a
fingerprint.
A single rolled fingerprint may have as many as 100 or more
identification points that can be used for identification
purposes. These points are often ridge characteristics. There
are many different ridge characteristics, although some of
them are more common than others. These points can be used
as points of comparison for fingerprint identification.
RIDGEOLOGY
The koala is one of the few mammals (other than primates) that
has fingerprints. In fact, koala fingerprints are remarkably similar to
human fingerprints; even with an electron microscope, it can be
quite difficult to distinguish between the two.
RIDGE CHARACTERISTICS (MINUTIAE)

► Ridge Dots/Islands/Dots - An isolated

ridge unit whose length approximates its
width in size; a ridge that resembles a dot,
fragment or a period.

► Opposed Bifurcation

► Trifurcations - The point at which one

friction ridge divides into three friction
ridges
RIDGE CHARACTERISTICS (MINUTIAE)

► Ending Ridge - A single friction ridge that terminates

within the friction ridge structure; an end point of ridge, or
a ridge with abrupt ending.

► Ridge Crossing - A point where two ridge units intersect

► Enclosures/Lakes/Eyelet - A single friction ridge that

bifurcates and rejoins after a short course and continues as
a single friction ridge; a ridge that divides into two branches
and meets to form the original ridge.
RIDGE CHARACTERISTICS (MINUTIAE)

► Short Ridges (Islands) - Friction ridges of varying lengths.

► Spurs (Hooks) - A bifurcation with one short ridge branching

off a longer ridge

► Bridges - A connecting friction ridge between parallel running

ridges, generally right angles.

► Converging Ridges - A ridge formation characterized by a

closed angular end and serves as a point of convergence
(meeting of two ridges previously running side by side).
RIDGE CHARACTERISTICS (MINUTIAE)
► Diverging Ridges - Two ridges flowing side by side and
separating or spreading apart.

► Appendage - A short ridge found at the top or at the summit of

a recurving ridge.

► Type Lines - Basic boundaries of fingerprint patterns; two

innermost ridges that is running parallel or nearly parallel with
each other which diverge at a certain point tending to surround
the pattern area.

► Pattern Area - Part of a fingerprint that lies within the area

surrounded by the type lines. It is where the core, delta and
other ridge characteristics used for classification can be found.
(See Type Lines)
RIDGE CHARACTERISTICS (MINUTIAE)
► Recurving or Looping Ridge - A kind of ridge formation that curves
back in the direction from which it started. It looks like a hairpin.

► Sufficient Recurve – Are curving ridge complete in its shoulder and is

free from any appendage.

► Rod or Bar - A short or long ridge found inside the innermost recurving
ridge of a loop pattern.

► Obstruction Ridge - A short ridge found inside the innermost

recurving ridge that spoiled the inner flow towards the center of the
pattern.
 Incipient Ridges are an unusual
type of ridges found in a small
percentage of patterns. They are
RIDGE found in the furrows between two
CHARACTERIST and full-bodied ridges. They are
ICS (MINUTIAE) short, narrow and badly formed;
their diameter is never equal to
the diameter of an average ridge
and their course is practically
always interrupted.
FINGERPRINT PATTERNS
In 1888, a British anthropologist by the name of Francis Galton
established the first classification of fingerprints in order to
hasten the retrieval process.
In 1896, an English Police Official stationed in India, Sir
Edward Richard Henry, revised the Galtonian system and
devised a classification system based on the different patterns
in the fingerprints of various individuals.
The system was mainly intended for use in the identification
and tracking of criminals, and its groupings are still the
foundation of the fingerprint classification and storage that is
employed today.
FINGERPRINT PATTERNS

The most popular ten-print classification systems known

include:
1. Henry Roscher System was developed in Germany
and implemented in both Germany and Japan.
2. Juan Vucetich System was developed in Argentina
and implemented throughout South America.
3. Edward Richard Henry System also Henry
Classification System was developed in India and
implemented in most English-speaking countries.
HENRY‘S FOUR TYPES OF PATTERN
GROUPINGS
Henry's system is based on four distinct groups of
patterns, with each group possessing the same basic
characteristics and resemblances. Within each major
group there exist sub-groups containing similar
differences among patterns in that particular group.
Henry‘s four types of pattern groupings (arch, loop,
whorl, composite) and their interpretations are as
follows:
1. ARCH 2. LOOP
- ridges make a backward turn but do not twist.
- ridges of the finger run This backward turn, or loop, is differentiated by
how the loop flows on the hand and not how it
continuously from one side of the flows on the card on which the imprint is taken.
finger to the other with no recurving. The imprint on the fingerprint card is similar to
the reverse image we see when we look in the
a. Plain Arch---this pattern has a mirror at ourselves.
consistency of flow to it. It starts a. Radial Loop - these are loops that flow
on one side of the finger, and toward the radius bone of the hand or, in
then the ridge cascades upward other words, when the downward slope of
the loop is from the direction of the little
slightly, almost resembling a finger toward the thumb of the hand.
wave out on the ocean. b. Ulnar Loop - these are loops that flow
toward the ulna bone of the hand or, in
b. Tented Arch---this pattern is other words, when the downward slope of
similar to the plain arch in that it the loop is from the direction of the thumb
starts on one side of the finger toward the little finger of the hand.
and flows out in a similar pattern
to the other side.
3. WHORLS 4. COMPOSITES
- there are patterns in which there are two - there are patterns found in fingerprints
or more deltas (first ridge nearest the which are combinations of arch, loop and
divergence point of two type lines) and there whorl.
exists a recurve preceding each delta.
a. Central Pocket Loop - these loops
a. Plain Whorl - in these whorls, the recurve a second time forming a pocket
ridges make a turn of one complete within the loop.
circuit and, therefore, are circular or
spiral in shape. b. Twinned Loop - also referred to as
b. Central Pocket - in these whorls, one the Double Loop, these loops consist
or more of the simple recurves of the of two separate loop formations.
plain whorl recurves a second time. c. Lateral Pockets Loop - these loops
c. Double Loop - in these whorls, there are similar to the Twinned Loop
are two separate loop formations. In except that their ridges bend sharply
each of these formations, there are two down on one side before recurving,
entirely separate and distinct sets of actually forming a pocket.
shoulders and deltas.
d. Accidental Loop - these loops are a
d. Accidental Whorl - in these whorls, combination of any two types of
the composition of the pattern is derived pattern with the exception on the plain
from two distinct types of patterns with arch that basically has no pattern.
at least two deltas.
 FINGERPRINT
PATTERNS AND
THEIR
INTERPRETATION
With Henry's system now based and regrouped on four (4) distinct
groups of patterns – arch, loop, whorl, composite; each group
possesses the same basic characteristics and resemblances of
which within each major group there exist sub-groups containing
similar differences among patterns in that particular group.
It must also be noted that originally, there are three (3) basic
fingerprint patterns – loop, whorl and arch which
constitutes 60-65%, 30-35% and 5% of all fingerprints.
That, there are more complex classification systems that break
down patterns even further: into plain or tented arches; into radial
or ulnar loops depending on the side of the hand toward which the
tail points; and, whorls having sub-group classification such as
plain, accidental, double loop, composites and central pocket.
ARCH
a. Plain Arch (A) ---this pattern has a consistency of flow to it. It
starts on one side of the finger, and then the ridge cascades
upward slightly, almost resembling a wave out on the ocean. The
plain arch then continues its journey along the finger to the other
side. The plain arch is the simplest of the fingerprint patterns to
discern.
The plain arch pattern is made up of ridges lying one above the
other in a general arching formation. No core and no delta.

b. Tented Arch (T) ---this pattern is similar to the plain arch in

that it starts on one side of the finger and flows out in a similar
pattern to the other side. However, the difference in the tented
arch lies in the ridges in the center, which are not continuous as in
the case of the plain arch. The ridges, which adjoin each other in
the center, converge and thrust upward, giving the impression of a
pitched tent.
The tented arch pattern consists of at least one up thrusting ridge,
which tends to bisect superior ridges at right angles, more or less.
LOOP
In loops, the ridges make a backward turn but do not twist. This backward turn, or loop, is
differentiated by how the loop flows on the hand and not how it flows on the card on which the
imprint is taken. The imprint on the fingerprint card is similar to the reverse image we see when
we look in the mirror at ourselves. There are two divisions of a loop based on the fact that
every human being has in their forearm two large bones extending from the elbow to the wrist:
One is the radius bone or the inner bone that runs to the wrist on the side where the thumb is
located; loop opening toward thumb (as the radius is the lateral bone).
The other one is ulna bone, also running to the wrist located on the little finger; loop opening
toward little finger (as the ulna is the medial bone).
Requisite of a Loop Pattern: 1. It must have a delta; 2. It must have a core; 3. It must have a
recurving ridge that passes between the delta and the core; 4. It must have a ridge count of at
least one.
To differentiate a radial from an ulnar loop in the plain impression, it is important to know from
what hands it is taken. If the ridges flow in from the little finger side this would be an 'ulnar'
loop. If the ridges flow in from the thumb side this would be a 'radial' loop. As follows is the
illustration of the radial and ulnar loop pattern of the right hand.
LOOP
a. Radial Loop (R) ---these are loops
that flow toward the radius bone of the
hand or, in other words, when the
downward slope of the loop is from the
direction of the little finger toward the
thumb of the hand.

b. Ulnar Loop (U) ---these are loops

that flow toward the ulna bone of the
hand or, in other words, when the
downward slope of the loop is from the
direction of the thumb toward the little
finger of the hand.
WHORL
In whorls, there are patterns in which there are
two or more deltas (first ridge nearest the
divergence point of two type lines) and there exists
a recurve preceding each delta.
When the line of the fingerprint disc is placed on
the two points of delta, it will bisect at least one of
the ridges belonging to the core group.
All whorls must have type lines and at least two
deltas. There are four sub-groups of whorls:
WHORL
a. Plain Whorl (W) --- in these whorls, the ridges make a
turn of one complete circuit and, therefore, are circular or
spiral in shape. The plain whorl is the simplest form of whorl
and the most common. There are at least two deltas and a
ridge whose circuit may be spiral, oval or circular in shape.
Elements of Plain Whorl: 1. A complete circuit; 2. Two deltas;
3. At least one circuiting ridge is touched or crossed by an
imaginary line traversing between two deltas.

b. Central Pocket Loop Whorl (C) --- in these whorls, one

or more of the simple recurves of the plain whorl recurves a
second time.
Elements of Central Pocket Loop Whorl: 1. At least one
recurving ridge or obstruction at right angle; 2. Two deltas; 3.
No recurving ridges within the pattern area is touched or
crossed by an imaginary line traversing between two deltas.
WHORL
c. Double Loop Whorl (D) --- in these whorls, there are two
separate loop formations. In each of these formations, there are
two entirely separate and distinct sets of shoulders and deltas.
Elements of Double Loop Whorl: 1. Two separate loop
formations; 2. Two deltas; 3. Two separate and distinct sets of
shoulders.
Types of Double Loop Whorl: 1. The “S” type core; 2. Interlocking
type core; 3. The formation of a loop inside another loop.
i. Lateral Pocket Loop---these loops are similar to the Twinned
Loop except that their ridges bend sharply down on one side
before recurving, actually forming a pocket. The F.B.I. finds it
too difficult to locate these two loops and classifies both kinds
as Double Loops.
ii. Twinned Loop---also referred to as the Double Loop, these
loops consist of two separate loop formations.
WHORL
d. Accidental Whorl (X) --- in these whorls, the
composition of the pattern is derived from two distinct
types of patterns with at least two deltas. Whorls that
contain ridges matching the characteristics of a particular
whorl sub-grouping are classified as accidental whorls.

Elements of Accidental Whorl

1. Combination of two different types of pattern with the
exception of the plain arch.
2. Two or more deltas.
 DELTAS AND
CORE
The Focal
(Terminus Points
of Fingerprint
Classification)
DELTA
A point on the first ridge formation located directly at, or in
front of and nearest the center of the divergence of the type
lines.
Delta – a Greek word meaning, “a deposit of earth at the
mouth of a river”

Six (6) Delta Formations

1. A bifurcating ridge
2. A dot
3. An ending ridge
4. A short ridge
5. A converging ridge
6. A point on a long ridge
Rules Governing the Choice between Two or More
Possible Deltas
a. A bifurcation may not be selected as a delta if it
does not open towards the core. A bifurcation should
be the first ridge formation in front of the divergence
of the type lines and it must open towards the pattern
area.

b. When there is a choice between two or more

possible deltas, the one nearest to the core shall be
selected.

c. When there is a choice between two or more

possible deltas, one of which is a bifurcation, the
bifurcation should be selected.
Rules Governing the Choice between Two or More
Possible Deltas
d. The delta may not be located on the middle of the ridge running
between the type lines towards the core, but at the end of that ridge.

e. When a pattern shows a series of bifurcation opening towards the core

at the point of divergence of the type lines, the bifurcation nearest the
core is chosen as the delta.

f. In a ridge near the center of the type lines having several bifurcating
ridge opening towards the core, the delta is located at the point of the first
bifurcation just in front of the divergence of the type lines.

When can a bifurcation be considered a type line? The two legs of a

bifurcation will serve as a type lines when it opens towards the core, but it
should be so far outside the pattern area, that the legs of the bifurcation
run parallel some distance, before it diverge.
CORE

In a loop, a pattern is formed in a variety of ways

but is always found on or within the innermost
looping or recurving ridge.
Rules Governing the Selection of Core
a. The core on the shoulder of the recurving
ridge further from the delta.

When an innermost recurving ridge contains a

rod or an ending ridge rising as high as the
shoulders of the loop, the core is placed on the
summit of the rod.

b. When the innermost recurving ridge contains

an uneven number of rods rising as high as the
shoulder line or even higher, the core is placed
upon the end of the center ridge whether it
touches the innermost recurve or not.
Rules Governing the Selection of Core
c. When the innermost recurve contains an even
number of ridges which are rising as high or
higher than its shoulder line, the core is placed
upon the end of the center ridge whether it
touches the innermost recurve or not.

d. When the innermost recurve contains an even

number of ridges which are rising as high or
higher than its shoulder line of the two central
ridges, the core is placed upon the end of the
second ridge which is further from the delta.