Illegible Inked Prints
A brief review of the problems of classifying and filing a fingerprint
card in the FBI will help to clarify the FBI's policy concerning the
processing of bad inked fingerprints.
The criminal fingerprint file contains the fingerprints of millions of
individuals. The complete classification formula is used. To obtain
it, each inked finger must show all the essential characteristics.
Because of the immense v
extend the normal classification formula.
To illustrate this point:
dWdwc
xCdwc
O 32 W OOO 18
I 32 W III
In order to subdivide the 32 over 32 primary still further, the ridge
count of the whorl of the right little finger is used to obtain a
final classification. The extension above the normal classification
formula indicates that each whorl is classified as to the type;
namely, plain whorl (W), double loop (D), central pocket loop (C), and
accidental (X). Accordingly, it is not enough for the FBI
Identification Division to ascertain the general whorl pattern type,
but the deltas and core must show in order to obtain the ridge
tracing, the type of whorl, and also, in some instances, the ridge
count. The complete WCDX extension is outlined in Chapter VI.
Figures 366 to 377 are some examples of improperly and properly taken
inked fingerprints.
An examination of figure 372 shows that it is a whorl. In order to
classify the ridge tracing accurately, however, so that the
fingerprint card can be placed in the correct classification, the left
delta must show. The approximate ridge tracing for the whorl in figure
372 would be MEETING. An examination of the properly taken fingerprint
in figure 373 indicates that the correct ridge tracing is INNER. It
follows that the pattern in figure 372 would not have been placed in
the proper place in file.
[Illustration: 366. Improper.]
[Illustration: 367. Proper.]
[Illustration: 368. Improper.]
[Illustration: 369. Proper.]
[Illustration: 370. Improper.]
[Illustration: 371. Proper.]
[Illustration: 372. Improper.]
[Illustration: 373. Proper.]
The correct whorl tracing is needed to obtain the complete
subsecondary and the major classifications.
It may be noted that both deltas are present in figure 374. This would
enable the technical expert to ascertain the correct ridge tracing,
OUTER. In the core of the whorl, however, there is a heavy amount of
ink which makes it impossible to determine the type of whorl with any
degree of accuracy. If one were to hazard a guess, it would appear to
be a plain whorl. Actually, the correct type of whorl, a double loop,
is clearly visible in figure 375.
It can be ascertained that the pattern in figure 376 is a loop, but an
accurate ridge count cannot be obtained because the left delta does
not appear. The approximate ridge count of this loop is 14 to 16.
This approximation is sufficient for a fingerprint expert to place
this loop in the O group of any finger of the subsecondary. The
correct ridge count of this loop is 19, and it appears in illustration
377. The approximate ridge count is not sufficient to place this print
properly in the large files of the FBI because in certain general
complete classification formulas the accurate ridge count is needed to
obtain an extension. These extensions use a smaller grouping of ridge
counts to form a valuation table, and in this way, differ from the
larger grouping of ridge counts which form the basis of the
subsecondary classification. These extensions are called the second
subsecondary and the special loop extension and are outlined in
chapter VI.
[Illustration: 374. Improper.]
[Illustration: 375. Proper.]
[Illustration: 376. Improper.]
[Illustration: 377. Proper.]
There are two additional points which illustrate the FBI's need for
the delta, ridges, and core to show clearly in loops. The first point
is set forth: the ridge count of the loop may be needed to obtain the
key classification. The key classification is an actual ridge count,
and no valuation table is used to obtain a subdivision. The key
classification is used as an integral part of the fingerprint filing
system. The second point is as follows: the ridge count may be needed
to obtain the final classification. The final classification is an
actual ridge count, and no valuation table is used to obtain a
subdivision. The final classification is used as an integral part of
the fingerprint filing system.
The following are just a few examples to illustrate the completeness
of the classification formula used in the FBI fingerprint file:
12 M 9 R OIO 11
S 1 R IOI
Key Major Primary Secondary Subsecondary Final
6 17 aW IIO 9
1 U OII
Key Primary Small letter Subsecondary Final
Secondary
8 S 1 Ua II 6
S 1 U III
Key Major Primary Small letter (Subsecondary Final
Secondary Extension)
SML (Second
SML Subsecondary)
5 0 5 U IOO 14
I 17 U IOO
Key Major Primary Secondary Subsecondary Final
245 (Special Loop
332 Extension)
14 M 1 U IOO 16
S 1 U OII
Key Major Primary Secondary Subsecondary Final
15 I 29 W IOO 19
I 28 W OOI
Key Major Primary Secondary Subsecondary Final
These several examples should help to illustrate the FBI's extended
classification formulas for classifying and filing fingerprints. The
larger collection of fingerprints must of necessity call for a more
detailed analysis of all fingerprint characteristic details. The
closer examination to obtain further fingerprint subdivisions is
dependent on ten legible inked impressions.
The identification officer will understand the problems of accurately
classifying and filing fingerprint cards. He knows there is little
value in placing a fingerprint card in the FBI's files with only an
approximate or an inaccurate classification.
Every fingerprint card filed in the FBI's file is of value to the
particular law enforcement agency which forwarded it, as well as to
all other law enforcement agencies which rely on its being correctly
classified and filed.
More
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Accidental
Within the whorl group the subdivision type accidental is used for extension purposes only. In general classification it is designated by the letter W and for extension purposes by the letter X. The accidental whorl is a pattern consisting of a co... Advanced Decomposition
If the case is one involving decomposition, the operator is confronted with the problem of dealing with flesh which is rotted or putrefied. The flesh may be soft or flabby and very fragile. If this is so, an examination is made of the finger tips to... Central Pocket Loop
Within the whorl group, the subclassification type central pocket loop is used for extension purposes only. In general classification it is designated by the letter W. Figures 213 to 236 are central pocket loops. The central pocket loop type of w... Chemical Development Of Latent Impressions
Chemical treatment in the development of latent finger impressions on paper, cardboard, and newly finished or unpainted wood may involve a slightly more complicated technique than that in which powders are utilized, but the results justify the add... Classification Of Amputations And Fingers Missing At Birth
When one or more amputations appear upon a fingerprint card, it may be filed separately from those having no amputations in order to facilitate searching. It is to be noted that before it may be filed in the amputation group, the card must contain a... 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 ca... Classification Of Scarred Patterns
Emphasis should be placed upon the necessity for fully referencing all scarred patterns. In connection with their proper classification, the following rules should be observed: - When an impression is so scarred that neither the general ... Death Notices
When persons whose fingerprints are on file are reported as deceased, the prints should be taken from the active file and assembled with any other prints of the person concerned. These should be plainly marked Dead and filed in a separate cabinet or... Deceased Infants
The foregoing has dealt with the securing of fingerprints of unknown deceased persons for identification purposes. The basis for such action is the presumptive possibility that the unknowns had been fingerprinted previously and through this medium m... Deformities
If a subject has more than 10 fingers, as occasionally happens, the thumbs and the next 4 fingers to them should be printed, and any fingers left over should be printed on the other side of the card with a notation made to the effect that they are e... Desiccation And Charring
The problem confronting the fingerprint examiner in treating fingers which are desiccated or dried and shriveled is that of distending and softening the skin. Desiccated fingers are generally found to have the outer layer of skin intact and the ridg... Dispositions
It is important to the bureau to have complete information concerning the ultimate disposition on each arrest fingerprint card. If the disposition of a charge is known at the time the person is fingerprinted, this fact should be indicated in the spa... Double Loop
Within the whorl group, the subclassification type double loop is used for extension purposes only. In general classification it is designated by the letter W. The double loop consists of two separate loop formations, with two separate and distin... Drying The Fingers
In many instances it will be found that the outer skin is gone and the fingers themselves are saturated with water. A quick method of drying out the fingers is to place them in full strength acetone for approximately 30 minutes. The fingers are then... Essentials Of A Loop
- A sufficient recurve. - A delta. - A ridge count across a looping ridge. A sufficient recurve may be defined as that part of a recurving ridge between the shoulders of a loop. It must be free of any appendages abutting upon ... Establishment Of A Local Fingerprint Identification Bureau
For the information and assistance of officials who desire to establish a local fingerprint identification bureau, the following suggestions are being made to indicate the principal materials necessary to equip such a bureau: ... Extensions
THE SECOND SUBSECONDARY CLASSIFICATION: When a group of fingerprints becomes so large that it is cumbersome and unwieldy, even though fully extended, it can be subdivided further by using a second subsecondary division, which is brought up into the ... Fbi Aid
The above techniques and procedures have been dealt with upon the basis that the law enforcement officers would, when a corpse has been found, attempt to secure a set of finger impressions in an effort to identify the unknown dead. If, however, the ... Filing Sequence
The sequence must be arranged properly at all times to make possible the most accurate work. Prints are sequenced and filed in this order, according to: I. Primary: 1 32. - to -- 1 32 In the primary classification the denominator rem... Fingerprint Files
It is suggested that the fingerprint card be white, light cardboard, 8 by 8 inches, slightly glazed. This size is convenient, as it allows all the space necessary for recording the classification of the prints and general descriptive information con... Fingerprinting Equipment
For the purpose of taking fingerprints there should be a stand with a clamp for holding the fingerprint cards steady. This latter item is necessary to prevent smudging the prints. A tube of printer's ink is used. The ink is applied by a roller to a ... General
These problems have dealt with the mechanical or operational processes. However, there are other problems dealing with the completing of the descriptive information. The fingerprint card may be returned because of the lack of information in the spac... General Photography
In the foregoing instances in which it has been impossible to obtain suitable inked impressions it will be noted that the last resort has always been photography. In all probability in advanced cases of decomposition, desiccation, and maceration it ... How To Take Inked Fingerprints
The equipment required for taking fingerprints consists of an inking plate, a cardholder, printer's ink (heavy black paste), and a roller. This equipment is simple and inexpensive. In order to obtain clear, distinct fingerprints, it is necessary... Illegible Inked Prints
A brief review of the problems of classifying and filing a fingerprint card in the FBI will help to clarify the FBI's policy concerning the processing of bad inked fingerprints. The criminal fingerprint file contains the fingerprints of millions o... Interpretation
Before pattern definition can be understood, it is necessary to understand the meaning of a few technical terms used in fingerprint work. The pattern area is the only part of the finger impression with which we are concerned in regard to interpre... Jacket Folder File
When an identification bureau receives prints of individuals on whom it already has prints, it is not practical to keep more than one set of prints per person in what may be called the active fingerprint file. In these instances the better print sho... Latent Fingerprints
To adequately develop the latent prints at crime scenes, it is necessary that the proper equipment be provided. This equipment includes latent fingerprint powders, brushes, lifting tape, fingerprint camera, searchlight, and scissors. All of this equ... Latent Impressions
Each ridge of the fingers, palms, and soles bears a row of sweat pores which in the average person constantly exude perspiration. Also, the ridges of the fingers and palms are in intermittent contact with other parts of the body, such as the hair ... Mechanical Operation
In order to take good fingerprints, the necessary equipment should be maintained in a neat and orderly manner at all times. Poor impressions are usually caused by one of the following faults: 1. The use of poor, thin, or colored ink, resulting i... Name Files
There will be times when it may be necessary to locate an individual's fingerprints when no current fingerprints are available, but the name with a police number or the classification is known. In order to facilitate work of this nature, as well as ... Permanent Disabilities
Another phase involves permanent disabilities which can in most cases be controlled by the identification officer. These can be lack of fingers (born without), amputations, crippled fingers (bent, broken), deformities (webbed, extra fingers), and ol... Photographs
Arrangements should be made to procure a camera for taking photographs of the persons fingerprinted. This is known as a mugging camera and various types are on the market. It is believed that the photographs should include a front and side view of t... Powdering And Lifting Latent Impressions
The sole purpose in developing a latent impression is to make it visible so that it may be preserved and compared. Various powders and chemicals are used for this purpose. When a latent print is plainly visible, it should be photographed before ... Preparation Of Fingerprint Charts For Court Testimony
In testifying to fingerprint identification, the expert often prepares charts to visually aid the court and jury in understanding the nature of his testimony. Many times it is undoubtedly difficult for the layman to perceive, from a vocal explanat... Problems And Practices In Fingerprinting The Dead
Each year new graves are opened in potter's fields all over the United States. Into many of them are placed the unknown dead--those who have lived anonymously or who, through accident or otherwise, lose their lives under such circumstances that id... Questionable Patterns
No matter how definite fingerprint rules and pattern definitions are made, there will always be patterns concerning which there is doubt as to the classification they should be given. The primary reason for this is the fact that probably no two fi... Radial And Ulnar Loops
The terms radial and ulnar are derived from the radius and ulna bones of the forearm. Loops which flow in the direction of the ulna bone (toward the little finger) are called ulnar loops and those which flow in the direction of the radius bone are c... Record Of Additional Arrest
It is not necessary for a bureau to send a regular fingerprint card to the Identification Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation on individuals who have been arrested repeatedly and whose previous records are known to the local law enforcem... Referencing
Too much stress cannot be placed upon the necessity of referencing questionable patterns, whether it be in the interpretation of the type of pattern, the ridge count, or the tracing. The factors which make it necessary are: variation in individual... Ridge Counting
The number of ridges intervening between the delta and the core is known as the ridge count. The technical employees of the Federal Bureau of Investigation count each ridge which crosses or touches an imaginary line drawn from the delta to the core.... Searching
When searching a print through the fingerprint files in order to establish an identification, it should be remembered that the fingerprint cards are filed in such a way that all those prints having the same classification are together. Thus, the pri... Technical Consideration
The methods described are intended to record, either by printing with ink or by photographing as legibly as possible, the ridge details of the tips of the fingers of unknown dead for identification purposes. The securing of the impressions enables t... Temporary Disabilities
There are temporary disabilities affecting an individual's hand which are sometimes beyond the control of the identification officer. These can be fresh cuts, or wounds, bandaged fingers or finger, occupational (carpenters, bricklayers, etc.) bliste... The Classification Formula
At this point it is necessary to mention that when prints are classified, markings are indicated at the bottom of each finger block to reflect the type. The following symbols are used: - Under the index fingers the appropriate capital letters... The Identification Division Of The Fbi
The FBI Identification Division was established in 1924 when the records of the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Leavenworth Penitentiary Bureau were consolidated in Washington, D.C. The original collection of only 810,000 fingerp... The Loop
In fingerprints, as well as in the usual application of the word loop, there cannot be a loop unless there is a recurve or turning back on itself of one or more of the ridges. Other conditions have to be considered, however. A pattern must possess s... The Plain Arch
In plain arches the ridges enter on one side of the impression and flow or tend to flow out the other with a rise or wave in the center. The plain arch is the most simple of all fingerprint patterns, and it is easily distinguished. Figures 107 to 11... The Plain Whorl
The plain whorl consists of the simplest form of whorl construction and is the most common of the whorl subdivisions. It is designated by the symbol W for both general classification and extension purposes. The plain whorl has two deltas and at le... The Tented Arch
In the tented arch, most of the ridges enter upon one side of the impression and flow or tend to flow out upon the other side, as in the plain arch type; however, the ridge or ridges at the center do not. There are three types of tented arches: ... The Use Of The Fingerprint Camera
If a fingerprint is visible, an effort should be made to photograph it before any attempt is made to develop it. In every case a print developed with powder should be photographed before lifting. It sometimes happens that the print does not lift p... The Whorl
The patterns to which numerical values are assigned in deriving the primary in the extension of the Henry System of fingerprint classification used by the Federal Bureau of Investigation are the whorl-type patterns, which occur in about 30 percent o... Types Of Patterns
Fingerprints may be resolved into three large general groups of patterns, each group bearing the same general characteristics or family resemblance. The patterns may be further divided into sub-groups by means of the smaller differences existing bet... Unidentified Latent Fingerprint File
From time to time the FBI is requested to conduct surveys and participate in conferences and in police schools on the problem of fingerprint identification. As a result of its observations in the course of these activities it has been found tha... Wanted Notices
All wanted notices containing fingerprints, including the wanted notices inserted in the FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin, should be filed in the fingerprint file by classification formula, and the names appearing on these wanted notices should be index... Water-soaked Fingers
The third and final type of case which may confront the identification officer concerns the problem of maceration, that is, long immersion of the fingers in water. One of the cardinal rules for securing legible impressions is that the fingers mus... Whorl Tracing
The technique of whorl tracing depends upon the establishment of the focal points--the deltas. Every whorl has two or more. When the deltas have been located, the ridge emanating from the lower side or point of the extreme left delta is traced until... X-ray Photography
The use of X-ray photographs (radiography) has been advocated by some for purposes of recording the ridge details in decomposed, desiccated, or macerated cases. Briefly, the procedure involves the covering of the fingers with heavy salts such as bis... 18th Century Reading and Writing
Historians soon learn not to assume that people in the past thought about and experienced life in the same ways that we do today. Something as basic to us as writing was quite different in 18th Century British-America. British-Americans in that century sp... A FAMOUS FORGERY
Very few cases have arisen in this country in which the genuineness of handwriting was the chief contention, and in which such momentous interests were at stake, as in the case of the forged "Morey-Garfield Letter." It was such as to arouse and a...