Classification Of Bandaged Or Imprinted Fingers

As noted in the chapter pertaining to Problems in the Taking of Inked

Fingerprints, an indication to the effect recently injured,

bandaged is not sufficient to file a fingerprint card. It is obvious

that a fingerprint card bearing these notations cannot be properly

classified or filed. If the injury is temporary, and if possible,

these prints should not be taken until after healing.



If fingers are injured to the extent that it is impossible to secure

inked impressions by special inking devices, the unprinted fingers are

given classifications identical with the classifications of the

fingers opposite. If only one finger is lacking, reference searches

should be conducted in every possible classification. If more than one

finger is lacking, they should be given the classifications of the

opposite fingers, but no reference searches should be conducted. If

there are two lacking, opposite each other, they should be classified

as whorls with meeting tracings.



If, however, in the case of an injured finger, observation is made of

the ridges of the finger itself and indicated on the print, this

classification should be, insofar as it is possible, utilized. For

example, a missing impression labeled ulnar loop of about 8 counts

by the individual taking the prints, should be searched in the

subsecondary as both I and O but should not be referenced as a pattern

other than a loop. If the finger is used as the final, or key, it

should be searched enough counts on each side of 8 to allow for

possible error in the counting by the contributor using his naked

eye.