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 old age.



With respect to lack of fingers, it should be noted that some

individuals are born without certain fingers. The notation missing

is not satisfactory bec use it does not sufficiently explain the

correct situation. It is suggested that missing at birth or some

similar notation be made in the individual fingerprint block on the

card. A proper notation concerning this situation will prevent the

fingerprint card from being returned. Figures 378 and 379 illustrate

temporary and permanent disabilities.





[Illustration: 378. Temporary disability.]



[Illustration: 379. Permanent disability.]



Concerning amputations, it is suggested that a proper notation to this

effect appear in the individual fingerprint block or blocks. It is

suggested that if a portion of the first joint of a finger is

amputated, the finger should be inked and printed. A notation

concerning this fact should be made on the fingerprint card in the

individual fingerprint block.



In those cases where all of the fingers are amputated, the inked

footprints should be obtained.



The handling of crippled fingers and certain deformities can be

discussed in a group because they generally present the same problems.

It is not sufficient in all cases to indicate broken, bent,

crippled. If the fingers are bent or crippled so that they are

touching the palm and cannot be moved, a notation to this effect

should be on the fingerprint card in the proper individual fingerprint

block. However, it is believed that these extreme cases are rare. It

is suggested that the special inking devices used for taking the

prints of deceased individuals be used in taking inked impressions of

bent or crippled fingers.





[Illustration: 380. The spatula, roller, and curved holder used for

taking the inked prints of bent or crippled fingers.]



This equipment, which will be discussed more fully in the section on

printing deceased persons, consists of spatula, small roller, and a

curved holder for the individual finger block. Figure 380 shows the

spatula, roller, and curved holder. It should be further noted in

figure 380 that there are a strip of the entire hand of the

fingerprint card and also individual finger blocks cut from the

fingerprint card. Each of these types can be used in connection with

the curved holder.



Each crippled finger is taken as a separate unit and then the finger

block pasted on a fingerprint card. In figure 381, note the use of the

spatula for applying the ink to a bent or crippled finger; and in

figure 382, observe the use of the curved holder for taking the

rolled impression of a bent or crippled finger.



Old age has been placed under permanent disability only for discussion

purposes. The problem is not encountered frequently in taking the

fingerprints of individuals who are arrested. The situation of

crippled fingers due to old age may be met, and it can be handled as

previously suggested. In most cases the problems arise because of the

very faint ridges of the individual. It is believed that in the

majority of cases, legibly inked prints can be taken by using a very

small amount of ink on the inking plate and by using little pressure

in the rolling of the fingers.





[Illustration: 381. The use of the spatula in the application of ink

to the finger.]





[Illustration: 382. The use of the curved holder for taking the

rolled impression.]