Fingerprint Pattern Interpretation

Created as a supplement to Chapter 8 of Fingerprint Identification All rights reserved Copyright © 2004 William Leo

Basic Fingerprint Patterns Loop – 60-65% Whorl – 30-35% Arch – 5%

LOOPS TWO TYPES –ULNAR –RADIAL ALL LOOPS HAVE A DELTA, A CORE, AND A RIDGE COUNT ACROSS A LOOPING RIDGE

DELTA The point on a ridge at or in front of the point where the “type lines” separate or diverge.

Type Lines

Loop Ridge Counting

Ulnar Loop on right hand or right slope loop

Radial Loop on right hand or left slope loop

Whorls All whorls have at least two deltas and a recurve in front of each delta. Four types of whorls –Plain Whorl –Central Pocket Loop Whorl –Double Loop Whorl –Accidental Whorl

Plain Whorl

Central Pocket Loop Whorl

Double Loop Whorl

Accidental Whorl

Whorl Tracing Starting from the left delta drop one ridge and follow it to the right delta. If a ridge ends drop to next ridge and continue. Stop at the closest point to the right delta. Inner Tracing –Three or more ridges inside the right delta Meeting Tracing –Meeting the right delta or two ridges either side of the delta. Outer Tracing –Three or more ridges outside the right delta

Inner Whorl Tracing

Meet Whorl Tracing

Outer Whorl Tracing

Arches Two Types: –Plain Arch –Tented Arch

Plain Arch

Tented Arch