REVIEWER

ON

DACTYLOSCOPY
 Historical Background
• Fingerprints predates the Christian era
• “The salvation of Paul with my own hand, which is the
token in every epistle, so I write”– Saint Paul. (2
Thessalonians 3:17)
• Ancient Chinese having business in Ancient Babylon
used fingerprints through clay tablets
• Chinese – are the ones noted to be the first user of
fingerprint. They used fingerprints as symbolism in the
early part of their rituals until they utilized it in the signing
of a contract on the part of the illiterate. In china
fingerprint is called “Hua Chi”
• Emperor Te In Shi first to used fingerprint in China.
 Early Publications of Fingerprint Study
• 1684 – 1712 Nehemiah Grew – published his study describing ridges and pores of
the hands and feet before the Royal Society of London, England.

• 1686 -1694 Marcelo Malpighi – An Italian Anatomist, professor of Anatomy at

the University of Bologna known as the Grandfather of Fingerprint, discovered the
two layers/friction of the skin known as Dermis (Stratum Corneum) and Epidermis
(Stratum Mucosum).

• 1788 J.C.A. Mayer - studied the arrangement of skin and concluded that skin ridges
is never duplicated in two persons.(PRINCIPLE OF INVIVIDUALITY)

• 1823 Johannes Evangelista Purkinje – a Czech Anatomist at the University of

Breslau who described the ridges and giving them names; differentiating the
fingerprint patterns (plain arch, tented arch, loops, oblique loop, whorl (almond),
spiral, ellipse (elliptical whorl), circle (circular whorl) and double whorl (composite)).
Known as the Father of Fingerprint.

• 1856 Herman Welcker – he established the PRINCIPLE OF PERMANENCY by

printing his own palm and after forty-one years he printed again his palm and
discovered that his prints did not change.
 Fingerprint as a Method of Identification
• 1858 Sir William James Herschel – a British Chief Administrative Officer in
Hoogly District of Bengal, India; introduced the use of fingerprint to prevent
impersonation among laborers. The first person Herschel subjected to
fingerprinting was Rajyadhar Konai – a local businessman, to frighten him
out all thought of repudiating his signature to a contract.

• 1880 Dr. Henry Faulds – English doctor stationed in Tokyo, Japan. He

published the practical use of fingerprints to identify criminals. He
introduced the practical theory of reproducing fingerprints through the use of
greasy materials. Discovered too the presence of skin furrows. He
propagated the PRINCIPLE OF INFALLIBILITY. Henry Faulds is known as
the "father of fingerprinting"

• 1883 Mark Twain (Samuel L. Clemens) – wrote an episode entitled “Mark

Twain’s Life” in Mississippi, the episode relates how a murderer perpetrated
the crime. Eleven years later, he caused the publication of Puddin Head
Wilson, a noble based on dramatic fingerprint identification during a court
trial. His story pointed on the infallibility of fingerprint identification.
• 1888 Sir Francis Galton – a British Anthropologist and Biologist who published his study on
classification and filing system using all the ten (10) fingers. He assigned the patterns in to three
(3) general types: ARCHES, LOOPS and WHORLS. He concluded that “no two prints are identical
and an individual’s prints remain unchanged from year to year.”

• 1888 - 1901 Sir Edward Richard Henry succeeded Sir Herschel and published his study on the
four divisions of fingerprint classification known as Henry Fingerprint Classification System. The
first man to successfully apply fingerprints for identification. He was known as the Father of
Modern Fingerprints.

• 1901 – Marked the official introduction of fingerprinting for criminal identification in England and
Wales. Sir Henry simplified fingerprint classification and made it applicable to police identification.
The basic Henry system with the modifications and extensions is used by the FBI and Law
Enforcement agencies throughout US today.

• Alphonse Bertillon – a French Criminologist who devised specific method of identifying criminals
through anthropometric measurements and personal characteristics such as the color of eyes,
scars and body measurements. His introduction was known as the Bertillon System

• 1891 - 1896 Juan Vucetich – an Argentinean Police Officer who installed fingerprint the first files
as an official means of Criminal Identification in Argentina. He was known as the father of
fingerprints in all Spanish-speaking countries.

• In 1892, he made the first criminal fingerprint identification. He was able to identify a woman by
the name of Rojas who murdered her two sons, and cut her throat in an attempt to place the
blame on another. Her bloody print was left on a door post, proving her identity as the murderer.
Official Use of the Fingerprints in the United States
• 1882 Gilbert Thompson – a U.S. Geodetic Surveyor who used thumbprint
for camp order on an expedition to New Mexico. He used his own
fingerprints on a document to prevent forgery. This is the first known use of
fingerprints in the United States.

• 1902 Dec. 19 Sir Henry P. Forrest - Chief Medical Examiner of New York
Civil Service Commission and an American Preacher used fingerprints to
identify applicants to take the qualifying Civil Service Exam. Installed the
first known systematic use of fingerprints.

• 1903 – New York State of Prison in Albany claims the first practical
systematic use of fingerprints in the US to identify criminals.

• Captain James Parke of the New York State of Prison – officially

installed/adapted the Henry Fingerprint System as a means of personal
identification of prisoners.

• 1924 the FBI Identification Divisions was established after J. Edgar Hoover
was appointed Director.
 Fingerprint Use in the Philippines
• 1819 – Fingerprint has been used or introduced in the Philippines by Chinese traders

• 1937 – Attorney Augustin Patricio the first Filipino authority in fingerprinting and who topped the
first examination on fingerprints given by Captain Thomas Dugon of the New York Police
Department.

• 1937 – Mr. Flaviano Guerrero – the lone Filipino member of the FBI who gave the first
examination of fingerprint in the Philippines

• 1945 – May 19, 1945 the PNP crime laboratory was created following the Second World War. It
started as a section of G-2 Division of Military Police Command. Then known as fingerprint record
section, it grow into a branch as other vita; units of the Philippine Constabulary were added
including photography, forensic ballistics, questioned document, etc.

• Mr. Generoso Reyes – the first fingerprint expert employed by the Philippine Constabulary,
Camp Crame, Quezon City.

• Isabela Bernales - First Filipina Fingerprint technician

• Plaridel Education Institute – now the Philippine College of Criminology, the first government
recognized school to teach the science of fingerprint and other police sciences.
 LEGAL ASPECTS OF FINGERPRINTING

• State vs. Conners - It was held competent to show by a photograph the

fingerprints upon a balcony post of a house entered, without producing that
post in court.
• People vs. Jennings - (1911, Illinois) – pass upon the admissibility of
fingerprint evidence.
• State vs. Cerciello – (New Jersey) fingerprint evidence was permitted to
introduce.
• People vs. Coral – (California) it is completely settled law that fingerprints
are the strongest evidence of the identity of a person. It was reasserted in
another California case,
• People vs. Riser – Fingerprint evidence is the strongest evidence of
identity and is ordinarily sufficient to identify the defendant.
• Bilangawa vs. Amador - (Philippines) a fingerprint expert and constabulary
sergeant testified and successfully defended evidence based on eight
identical ridge points.
• People vs. Medina - The first leading judicial decision in the Philippine
jurisprudence on the science of fingerprinting
 OTHER METHODS OF PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION
• Tattooing – old times signifies family group, clan or tribal relations. It did not
last long because it can be duplicated, changed or disfigured.

• Scarification – cutting some parts of the body to leave scars or marks.

• Bertillon System – Personal description, portrait parle – “speaking likeness’”

photography. Anthropometry – identification based on the measurements of
the various bony structure of the human body.

• Blood Samples/Examination – now DNA, comparison of tissues and fibers

to determine cells/chromosomes.

• Odontology – denture comparison and identification

• Hair Sampling – DNA examination and comparison (Fingerprinting)

 ALLIED SCIENCES OF FINGERPRINT
• Chiroscopy – scientific examination of the palm of the hand. From
Greek words:
Cheir – palm
Skopein – to examine
• Podoscopy – Scientific examination of the sole of the foot. From
Greek words :
Podo – sole/foot
Skopein – to examine
• Poroscopy – sientific examination of sweat pores/glands. From
Greek words:
Poros – a pare
Skopein – to examine
 COMMON TERMS
• Dactyl – A Latin word means “finger or toe.
• Dactyloscopy – (derived from the Latin words Dactyl = finger and
Skopien – to study or examine) is the practical application of
the science of fingerprints.
• Dactylography – is the scientific study of fingerprint as a means of
identification.
• Dactylomancy – is the scientific study of fingerprint for purposes of
personality interpretation.
• Polydactyl - born with more than the regular number of fingers.
• Macrodactyl - enlarged finger.
• Microdactyl - reduced/small finger.
• Ectodactyl - missing finger at birth.
• Syndactyl - side fussion of the finger.
 THE FRICTION SKIN

Component parts of Friction skin

1. Ridge Surface
a. Ridges - elevated portion/hill like/black-lines.
b. Furrows - depressed portion/canal-like/ white space.
2. Sweat Pores - tiny/small openings/ tiny white dots.
3. Sweat Gland Duct - passage way of sweat.
4. Sweat Glands - the producer of sweat.
 PRINCIPLES AND CONCEPT OF FINGERPRINT
SCIENCE

– Principle of Individuality – means that no two

fingerprints are exactly alike

– Principle of Permanency – from 3-4 months a

fetus in the womb, the ridges are already
developed and will remain constant and
unchanging

– Principle of Infallibility – unerring/reliable

evidence
Persons who are known attempted to destroy
and disguise ridges of their fingers

– Robert James Pitts - used surgery to destroy

his friction ridges. Known as the Man without
fingerprint. Also known by the name Roscoe
Pitts.
– John Herbert Dillinger - US Notorious
Public enemy no. 1, who tried to remove his
fingerprints with acid but failed.
 RIDGE CHARACTERISTICS
• A person can positively identify by his own fingerprint
because no other person or persons have the same
fingerprints with that of his own. There is no duplicate of
any of his fingerprints. Two or more persons may have
the same type of fingerprints patterns. When their
fingerprints are compared, at first glance, they appear to
be similar, but closer examination, especially with the aid
of magnifying glass, reveals that they are not identical.
What makes them different? Certainly, the position and
specific location of the distinctive ridge characteristics of
each pattern differ on from the rest.
 WHAT IS RIDGE CHARACTERISTICS?

• Ridge characteristics are those little points

of detail on the formation of the ridge
pattern impressed by the same finger of
the person.
 RIDGE CHRACTERISTICS/ FORMATION

• Short ridge – is used in ridge count only when it

appears as thick and as dark as all of the surrounding
ridges.
• Recurving ridge – a ridge, which at a certain point of its
course, curves back in the direction of its starting
points.
• Converging ridge – are two ridges suddenly tending to
approach each other at one point.
• Diverging ridge - is the spreading apart of two ridges
which after running parallel, or nearly parallel,
suddenly separate, spread apart and cease to parallel.
• Bifurcation – one single ridge splitting or forking into
two or more branches.
• Inverted bifurcation – is the bifurcation of one ridge,
splitting or forking in opposite direction from the flow of
the surrounding ridges.
• Enclosure – is form by a bifurcation when the branches
once separate, meet again to become one ridge.
• Dot – is exactly what is implies.
• Angle – is the result of two or more ridges meeting
each other. A single ridge can not form an angle.
• Ridge ending – a ridge abruptly stopping its course.
Common Ridge Characteristics
1. Ending ridge
2. Bifurcation
3. Dot
RIDGE CHARACTERISTICS
DOT
MEETING
OF TWO
RIDGES

BIFURCATION
SHORT
RIDGE

ENDING
RECURVING RIDGE
RIDGE
 POSITION OF RIDGE CHARATERISTICS

• There are “two elements enter into proof of identity of

fingerprint, namely,(1) Characteristics, frequently called
points, and (2) Position of Characteristics. To determine
whether the latent recovered from the crime scene
belongs to the subject, it will be compared with a
standard fingerprints. The standard fingerprint may be
taken from the subject himself if he is under police
custody, from the suspect’s known inked impressions in
police custody file. Or from any agency in which the
subject has inked fingerprint impression. The
identification of both impressions depends upon the
ridge characteristics and the positions of the points in
each pattern.
 IDENTICAL AND SIMILAR FINGERPRINTS

• The terms identical and similar are not of the

same meaning as used in fingerprint
identification. Two or more patterns are said to
be similar if they are of the same type and have
the same looping ridges, but they have different
ridge characteristics. Whereas. Identical
fingerprint refer to two or more fingerprints,
which are absolutely in complete agreement in
all details; they are exactly the same in all
aspects.
 MR. SCOTT DESCRIBED IDENTICAL
FINGERPRINTS IN THE FOLLOWING MANNER:

• To be identical, two fingerprints must have

ridges alike, the same number of ridges,
the ridges must correspond in every detail,
they must be of the same kind, in the
same position, and with the same
relationship to one another with respect to
position.
• Fingerprints experts or technicians will
base their testimony in courts on identical
fingerprints not on the similarity of
patterns.
 TWELVE POINTS IN THE FINGERPRINT
EVIDENCE
• If the evidence is preserve for court presentation, “twelve
identical points” having the same relative positions be
pointed out for sufficiency of proof of positive
identification. Most experts satisfy themselves with eight
or even six points of identity. In the Philippines, from
eight to twelve identical points are considered sufficient.
In the United States, two criminal cases featured fewer
than eight identical points; Breeding vs. US; only five
ridge characteristics; in Commonwealth vs. Walker the
expert testify that he found four identical points. In both
cases the court accepted the fewer identical points in
evidence.
 Required Number of Congruent Ridge
Details to Establish Admissibility

Philippines – 8 -12
USA – 12-14
UK – 14-16
• Scott, in his book fingerprint mechanics,
state the that “there is no rule of evidence
covering this point, it is a matter of proving
beyond reasonable doubt of beyond any
mathematical possibility or error that prints
are identical and were made by the same
finger. Print may be proven with less, but
twelve points are considered sufficient in
any situation.
 TYPES OF FINGERPRINT
EVIDENCE
• Impression made by skin moisture. Latent impressions
are produced by natural moistures of the pores of the
papillary skin. This moisture can be readily seen when
a print is newly made on a sheet of glass. On the other
hand, it may be completely invisible as on a white
piece of paper.
• Plastic impressions. These impressions are those
found in plastic or similar plastic materials. Examples
of these materials are candles, soap putty, jolly,
cheese, tar butter, paraffin, grease, modeling clay,
chocolate bars and wax.
 FINGERPRINT PATTERNS
3 GENERAL GROUPS OF FINGERPRINTS PATTERNS:
1. ARCH-5%
– Plain Arch
– Tented Arch
2. LOOPS-65%
– Radial Loop
– Ulnar Loop
3. WHORL-30%
– Plain Whorl
– Central Pocket Loop Whorl
– Double Loop Whorl
– Accidental Whorl
Plain arch- this is a
pattern in which the
ridges enter on one
side of the pattern
then flow towards
the other side, with
a rise at the center.
THREE BASIC REQUIREMENTS OF A LOOP
1. Sufficient Recurve
2. Delta
3. Ridge Count - Across a looping ridge

CORE
SUFFICIENT
RECURVE

DELTA

3 COUNT LOOP
 Two divisions of loop
1. Radial loop – when the downward slope
or slanting of the ridges is towards the
direction of the thumb finger.
2. Ulnar loop – ridges flow towards the
direction of the little finger.

To differentiate ulnar and radial loop, one

must know from what hand such
impression is taken.
 NOTE:
When a loop enters and
exits from the THUMB
side of the hand, the
pattern will always be a
“Radial Loop.”
When a loop enters and
exits from the PINKY
finger, the pattern will
always be an “Ulnar
Loop.” There are NO
exceptions to this rule!

RIGHT HAND
RADIUS ULNA
 SUFFICIENT RECURVE
S S S 4. S 5.
2. 3.
1.
S S
S
S S

6. Shoulders
S
7. S 8.
S S
S

A SUFFICIENT RECURVE consists of the space between the

shoulders of a loop free of any appendages which abut
upon it at a right angle on the outside of the recurve.
 SUFFICIENT RECURVE

9.
10. 11.
S S
S S
S
S

THE SHOULDERS OF A LOOP are the points at which

the recurving ridge definitely turns inward or curves.
 APPENDAGE
Attachment or Connection

An appendage striking the outside of the recurve

at a right angle will spoil that recurve.
Pattern area is that part of a loop and of
whorl in which appear the core, delta and
the ridges. The pattern area is the only
portion of the impression, which the
fingerprint expert is concerned when
interpreting and classifying print.
 LOOP PATTERN AREA

PATTERN
AREA

PATTERN AREA includes the CORE, DELTA, and RIDGES which are used
in the classification of a loop.
 Focal points
• Core – the inner terminus; it is the
approximate center of the pattern.
• Delta - the outer terminus; it is the first
obstruction of any nature located at the
point, near or in front of the divergence of
typelines.
 CORE FORMATION
• Core – is the second of the two focal points. The
approximate center of the fingerprint impression.
• Core in loops – is placed upon or within the
innermost looping ridge. When a looping ridge
has a rod, or rods enclosed within it, the core is
placed on the tip of a rod. When there is no such
formation the core is placed on the looping ridge
itself, in a designated spot.
• Shoulder of a loop – are the points at which the
recurving ridge definitely turns inward, or curves.
 RULES IN LOCATING CORE
• No Ridge Or Rod - When the innermost loop contains
no ending ridge or rod rising as high as the shoulder of
the loop, the core is placed at the shoulders of the loop
farthest from the delta.
• One rod – if there is, but one rod with in the recurving
ridge which is as high as the shoulders, the core is
placed on the tip of this rod.
• Two rods; different heights – if there are two rods
within the recurving ridge which rise to the shoulders at
different heights, the core is placed on the tip of the
higher tip.
• Two rods; same height – if there are two rods within
the recurving ridge at the same height, the core is
placed on the tip of rod farthest from the delta.
• Three or uneven number of rods – if there are three or uneven
number of rods within the recurving ridge, the core is placed on
the tip of the center rod even if it does not rise as high as the
shoulders of the recurving ridge and whether it touches the
looping ridge or not.
• Four of even numbers of rods – if there are four or even
numbers of rods within the recurving ridge, the innermost rod are
considered as one, as if imaginary curve joined the tips of the two
rods, and the core is placed at the imaginary shoulder farthest
from the delta.
• Recurving ridge destroyed by appendage – any appendage
abutting upon the outside of the recurve at right angle
automatically destroyed that ridge for used as a core or ridge
count. Any appendage or spike on the outside of a recurving ridge
at right angle between the shoulders destroys the recurving ridge.
The core can not be placed on a recurving ridge having an
appendage. If innermost loop having an appendage on the
outside of the recurve at right angle between the shoulders, the
next outside loop is considered for the placing of the core.
• Two loops; side by side – when two loops, side by side are
present within one recurving ridge, the two loops are considered
as one, and the core is placed on the inner shoulder of the loop
farthest from the delta.

• Two loops interlocking

– Imaginary line crosses at the point of intersection – when two
loops are interlocking, the loops are considered as one. If an
imaginary line is drawn between the shoulders of both loops crosses
the point of interlocking, the core is placed at this point.
– Imaginary line below intersection - when two loops are
interlocking, the loops are considered as one. If an imaginary line is
drawn between the shoulders of both loops and falls below the point
of interlocking, the core is placed at the farthest shoulder of a loop
closer to the delta.
– Imaginary line above intersection - when two loops are
interlocking, the loops are considered as one. If an imaginary line is
drawn between the shoulders of both loops and falls above the
interlocking point, the core is placed on the shoulder facing the delta
of the loop farthest from the delta.
• Core below shoulder – the core may not be
placed below the shoulder if it is being placed
on the recurving ridge itself.
• Abutting ridge through two looping ridges –
when the abutting ridge or the appendage
continues up through the next looping ridge,
the core will be placed at the intersection of the
second looping ridge.
• Abutting ridge recurves away from delta –
when the appendage or abutting ridge
continues up and it recurves, but away from
the delta, the core will be place on the farthest
shoulder of the abutting ridge from the delta.
Typelines – are two innermost ridges, which
start parallel, diverge, and surround or
tend to surround the pattern area. The
length of the typelines varies at a times,
they may be very short.
 BROKEN TYPELINES
Typelines are not always two continuous
ridges. They are frequently broken. When
there is a definite break in a typelines, the
ridge immediately outside of it is
considered as its continuation.
BIFURCATION AND TYPELINES

• The two forks of a bifurcation may never

constitute a typelines because a
bifurcation is the forking or, the dividing
one line into two or more branches. The
two branches of a bifurcation may
constitute a typelines only when the forks
runs parallel after bifurcating, and then
diverge and surround or tend to surround
the pattern area
 TYPELINES

T
 TYPELINES

T
T

T
T

Definition: The two innermost ridges that are parallel and surround or
tend to surround the pattern area.
 DELTA
THE DELTA IS THAT POINT ON A RIDGE AT OR NEAREST THE
POINT OF DIVERGENCE OF TWO TYPELINES, AND LOCATED AT
OR DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF THE POINT OF DIVERGENCE.

Area to be considered in front of the point of

divergence of two typelines.
 DELTAS
DOT
MEETING
OF TWO
RIDGES

BIFURCATION
SHORT
RIDGE

ENDING
RECURVING RIDGE
RIDGE
 DELTA FORMATION/LOCATION
• The point of the first bifurcation which open
towards the core.
• As an abrupt ending ridge
• The meeting of two ridges (angle)
• A dot
• Any point upon a ridge
– At the center of the divergence of the two typlines.
– Near the center of the divergence.
– Directly in front of the center of the divergence.
 RULES GOVERNING THE CHOICE BETWEEN
TWO OR MORE POSSIBLE DELTAS

• When two or more possible deltas conform to the

definition, the delta nearest the core is chosen.
• When there is a choice between a bifurcation and
another type of delta, the bifurcation is selected as the
delta.
• When there is a choice between two possible deltas,
neither of which, is a bifurcation, nor when both are in
the vicinity of the divergence of the typelines, the delta
nearest the center of the divergence is selected.
• When a single ridge enters the pattern area with two or
more bifurcations opening towards the core, the
bifurcation which is closest to the core becomes the
delta.
• Any fragmentary ridge – the delta may either
end of a ridge running between the typelines.
– When a ridge runs half-way between the typelines
and the pattern area, the delta is placed on the end
of the ridge nearest to the core.
– When a ridge runs entirely within the pattern area,
the delta is placed on the end nearest the point in
the divergence of the typelines.
– When a ridge enters on the pattern area from a
point below the divergence of the typelines, the
delta is placed on the end nearest to the core.
 CORE
CORE CORE CORE CORE

THE APPROXIMATE CENTER OF THE PATTERN

PLACED UPON OR WITHIN THE INNERMOST SUFFICIENT
RECURVE.

LOCATED ON THE SHOULDERS OF THE INNERMOST LOOP

FARTHEST FROM THE DELTA.
 CORE

CORE CORE CORE CORE

LOCATED ON THE SPIKE OR ROD IN THE CENTER OF

THE INNERMOST RECURVE, PROVIDED THE SPIKE
OR ROD RISES AS HIGH AS THE SHOULDERS.
 RULES IN RIDGE COUNTING
• Locate the exact points of core and delta.
• Count all ridges which touched or crossed an
imaginary line between the delta and core.
• Never include the delta and the core in the
count. Count only those ridges which intervene
or passed between the delta and core.
• Incipient ridges are never counted, no matter
they appear. The general rule is that in order to
be counted, the with of ridge must equal to the
with of the ridges in pattern under
consideration.
 RIDGES SUBJECT TO BE RIDGE COUNTED
WITH GIVEN NUMERICAL VALUE
• Island or dot – 1 count
• Short ridge - 1 count
• Long ridge - 1 count
• Abrupt ending ridge - 1 count
• Bifurcating ridge
• Bifurcates into two across the imaginary line – 2
counts
• Imaginary cross only at the point of forking – 2 counts
• Imaginary line does not cross the point of forking or
even touch it but rather touches only the single ridge –
1 count
• Ridge enclosure – 2 counts
• Crossing or meeting of ridges – 2 counts
RULES FOR RIDGE COUNT OF LOOPS AND
THEIR SYMBOL

• A ridge count of 1 – 9 inclusive of each index finger is inner

and is symbolized by a capital letter I, while a count of 10
or more ridges is outer symbolized by capital letter O.
Letter symbol should be exhibited on the classification line
only.
• A ridge count of 1 – 10 inclusive of each middle finger is
inner and is symbolized by a capital letter I, while a count
of 11 or more ridges is outer symbolized by capital letter O.
Letter symbol should be exhibited on the classification line
only.
• A ridge count of 1 – 13 inclusive of each ring finger is inner
is symbolized by a capital letter I, while a count of 14 or
more ridges is outer symbolized by capital letter O. Letter
symbol should be exhibited on the classification line only.
 RIDGE COUNTING

1 - Count 2 - Counts 3 - Counts

1 1 2 2 1 2 2 22 1
 RIDGE COUNTING
C

04

04 - COUNTS
 RIDGE COUNTING

C 02

02 - COUNTS
 RIDGE COUNTING
C

17 - COUNTS
 03 03 02
C C C
D

D
D
D

03 01 02
C C C

D D D
 04 02 01
C C C

D D
D

01 03 02
C C
C

D D
D
 LOOP

12 COUNTS
 LOOP

D C

06 COUNTS
 LOOP

02 COUNTS
 LOOP

07 COUNTS
 LOOP

16 COUNTS
 LOOP C

23 COUNTS
 LOOP
C

14 COUNTS
PLAIN ARCH
 PLAIN ARCH
Classified as “AA”

Definition: A PLAIN ARCH is that type of pattern in which ridges

enter upon one side, make a rise or a wave in the center and flow or
tend to flow out upon the opposite side.
 ARCHES
1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12
PLAIN ARCH

A
A
PLAIN ARCH

A
A
PLAIN ARCH

AA
TENTED ARCH
Three types of tented arch based
on its definition.
• Tented outlining an angle of 90 degrees
or less
• Tented with an upward thrust of 45
degrees or more
• Tented resembling a loop type pattern
 TENTED ARCH
Classified as “TT”

A TENTED ARCH is that type of pattern which possesses either an angle,

an upthrust or two of the three basic characteristics of the loop.
TENTED ARCHES
ANGLE
TYPE
TENTED ARCH

T
T
TENTED ARCHES
UPTHRUST TYPE
TENTED ARCH

TT
TENTED ARCH

T
T
 TENTED ARCHES
LOOPING TYPE

A “looping type” tented arch possesses 2 of the 3 characteristics of a

loop pattern (core, delta, count across a looping ridge).
TENTED ARCH

T
T
0
1
TENTED ARCH

TT
TENTED ARCH

T
T
TENTED ARCH

T
T
TENTED ARCH

T
T
 ARCH FREQUENCY

TENTED
40%

PLAIN
60%
Plain whorl – this is a
pattern consisting of two
deltas and at least one
ridge make a turn through
one complete circuit. An
imaginary line drawn
between two deltas must
touch or cross at least on
of the circuiting ridges
with in the pattern area.
The pattern could be a
spiral, oval, circular or any
variant of a circle
• Elements of the plain whorl
– A complete circuit.
– Two deltas.
– At least one circuiting ridge is touched or
crossed by an imaginary line traversing
between two deltas.
 WHORLS
Minimum requirements: 2 deltas and recurving ridge in front
of each.

It can be spiral, oval, circular, or any variant of a circle.

An imaginary line drawn from delta to delta MUST cut or touch at

least 1 recurving ridge within the inner pattern area.
Central pocket loop whorl –
this is a pattern consisting
two deltas, with one or more
ridges forming a complete
circuit which may be oval,
spiral, circular of any variant
of a circle, between which
an imaginary line would
touch or cross no circuiting
ridge within the inner
pattern area.; or it is a
pattern consisting of two
deltas, with one or more of
the ridges with an
obstruction at right angle to
the inner line of flow.
 CENTRAL POCKET LOOP
WHORL

DIFFERENCE FROM A PLAIN WHORL - an imaginary line drawn

from delta to delta must not cut or touch a recurving ridge in
front of the inner delta.
 LINE OF FLOW

THE LINE OF FLOW OF A CENTRAL POCKET LOOP WHORL

is determined by drawing an imaginary line between the inner
delta and the center of the innermost recurving ridge.
Elements of central pocket loop whorl
– Two deltas.
– No circuiting ridge within the pattern area is
touched or crossed by an imaginary line
drawn between the two deltas.
– At least one recurving ridge or obstruction
ridge at right angle.
Double loop whorl – this is a pattern
consisting two separate and distinct loop
formations, two sets of shoulders and
two deltas. The loops not necessarily to
have of the same size and length. The
loops of the double loop whorl not
necessarily to possess the requirements
of a plain loop. It is enough that the
elements mentioned herein are found in
such pattern.
Elements of double loop whorl
• two deltas
• two separate loop formations
• two separate and distinct sets of shoulders
Types of core formation which are not
included in the double loop whorl.

• The “S” type core

• The interlocking type core
• The formation of loop inside another loop
 DOUBLE LOOP WHORL

TWO SEPARATE LOOP FORMATIONS

TWO SEPARATE AND DISTINCT SETS OF SHOULDERS

 DOUBLE LOOP WHORL

1. 2. 3.

“S” type loop whorls are not

considered Double Loop
Whorls. They are classified
 DOUBLE LOOP WHORL

“Interlocking” loops are not

considered Double Loop
Whorls. They are classified
Accidental whorl – this is a pattern
consisting of a combination of two
deferent types of patterns such as loop
and whorl type, or any combination of
two different loop and whorl type pattern
or a loop and tented arch, but it can not
be a combination of a plain arch with any
other pattern. Unlike the other whorl type
patterns, an accidental whorl can have
two or more deltas.
Elements of accidental whorl

– Two or more deltas

– A combination of two different types of pattern
with the exception of plain arch.
 ACCIDENTAL WHORL

AN ACCIDENTAL WHORL consists of a combination of two different

types of patterns with the exception of the plain arch, with two or
more deltas or a pattern which possesses some of the requirements
for two or more different types or a pattern which conforms to none
of the definitions.
ACCIDENTAL WHORL
ACCIDENTAL WHORL

X
I
ACCIDENTAL WHORL

X
I
ACCIDENTAL WHORL

X
M
ACCIDENTAL WHORL
10

EXCEPTION:
A loop over a plain arch is classified
as a loop. (generally called a “lazy loop”)
ACCIDENTAL WHORL
19

EXCEPTION:
A tented arch over a loop is classified
as a loop.
ACCIDENTAL WHORL

EXCEPTION:
Two loops joined as one over a plain arch
is classified as a “Plain Whorl.”
BASIC RULES FOR RIDGE TRACING WHORLS

• Tracing always begin at the left delta and goes

towards the right delta.
• An uninterrupted ridge can be traced from the left delta
to the right delta.
• When the tracing suddenly ends, the tracing is
continued on the ridge immediately below it.
• A ridge must definitely end before tracing may proceed
to the ridge below.
• When a ridge bifurcates, the tracing is continued at the
lower branch of bifurcation
• When the delta is a dot, the tracing begins on the
typeline, which is the ridge immediately below the delta
(this is the only time the typeline is use as tracing line).
 WHORL TRACINGS
1. Trace from left delta, to a point opposite the right delta.

2. Trace from the farthest left delta to a point opposite the farthest
right delta when there are three or more deltas present.

3. Drop down at ending ridges. Follow the lower fork of a

bifurcation.

4. Stop at the point opposite the right delta and count ridges
between that point and the delta.

5. If there are three or more ridges inside the right delta , the
tracing is an - I - INNER.
 WHORL TRACINGS
6. If there are three or more ridges outside the right delta, the
tracing is an - O - OUTER.

7. If there are one or two ridges either inside or outside the

right delta, or if the tracing stops on the right delta itself,
the tracing is an - M - MEETING.

8. It is not necessary to count more than three ridges.

9. Do not count delta or tracing ridge. The tracing ridge is the

ridge where the tracing stopped opposite the right delta.
WHORL TRACINGS
WHORL TRACINGS
WHORL TRACINGS
WHORL TRACINGS
WHORL TRACINGS

PI
 WHORL TRACINGS

P
O

D
D
 WHORL TRACINGS

P
O
D

D
 WHORL TRACINGS

P
M

D
 THE CLASSIFICATION FORMULA

• Classification means the sorting of things

into divisions or groups for easy and fast
location. In fingerprint science, it refers to
the arrangement of fingerprint records into
groups or sub-group for filling purposes.
• The main purpose of classification is to
facilitate the filing, searching and
retrieval of fingerprint records.
 DIVISIONS OF THE CLASSIFICATION
FORMULA
• Primary classification
• Secondary classification
– Capital letters
– Small letter group
• Sub-secondary classification
• Major division
• Final classification
• Key classification
• Classification line – this refers as a line
placed on the upper corner of the
fingerprint card where the classification
formula is exhibited.
• Ex.6. K 4. M 1. P 2. S 3. SS 5. F
8 S 17 aUt IIO 19
L 9 W2r OIM
Blocking out is the process of writing letter
symbol below each pattern in the spaces
provided in card, conspicuously or in
capital letter, purposely to facilitate the
attainment of the primary classification.
 PRIMARY CLASSIFICATION
• This is the result of summation of all the
values assigned to whorls (plain whorl,
central pocket loop whorl, double loop
whorl, and accidental whorl), appearing in
a fingerprint chart (ten fingerprints) which
are expressed as numerators and
denominators plus the pre-established
fraction of one over one (1/1).
 Four (4) steps to attain Primary Classification

1. Pairing- The ten fingerprints from the

corresponding fingers are divided into pairs,
totaling five pairs in all. The first pair is
composed of the thumb and the right index
(block #1 and 2. The second pair is composed
of right middle finger (block #3 and 4). The
third pair is composed of the right little finger
and the left thumb (block #5 and 6). The fourth
pair is composed of the index finger and the
left middle finger (block #7 and 8). The fifth
pair is composed of the left ring finger and the
left little finger (block #9 and 10).
 2. Assigning numerical values to
whorl patterns only

16 16 8 8 4

4 2 2 1 1
3. Knowing the numerators and denominators. The
first pattern of every pair is the denominator
while the second pattern of the pair is the
numerator. There are five numerators and five
denominators in the pairs in a set of ten
fingerprints.
4. Summing up the numerical values of whorls
assigned to the fingers plus the pre-
established fraction of 1/1.
 SECONDARY CLASSIFICATION

• Capital Letters - the secondary

classification is symbolized by capital letter
symbol of the pattern represented by the
two index fingers after the primary
classification line. The fingerprint pattern
appearing on the right index is the
numerator while the fingerprint pattern
symbol from the left index is the
denominator
• Small letter group – this classification refers to
the three types of fingerprint pattern only;
namely the radial loop (r), plain arch (a), and
tented arch (t). Whenever any or all of these
pattern appear in any finger or fingers, excluding
the two index finger, its symbol in small letter is
exhibited in the classification line as; (r) for radial
loop, (a) for pain arch, and (t) of tented, before
and/or after the Secondary Classification by
capital letters, depending on the finger of origin.
The four fingers from the right hand are the
numerators while the other four fingers from the
left hand are the denominators.
 THE SUB- SECONDARY CLASSIFICATTION

• The is derived through the process of

ridge-counting the loops or ridge-tracing
the whorl type patterns appearing on the
index, middle, and ring fingers of both right
and left hands.
• Arch are merely represented by a dush.
 THE MAJOR DIVISION
• The major division is quite similar in
derivation to the sub-secondary
classification though it applies only to
thumbs.
 TABLE “A”
– A ridge-count of 1 to 11, inclusive, is small. It
is represented by capital letter S.
– A ridge-count of 12 to 16 inclusive is
medium. It is represented by capital letter M.
– A ridge-count of 17 or more, inclusive, is
large. It is represented by capital letter L.
 TABLE “B”
• To be applied only to the loop from the
right thumb when the ridge-count of the
loop from the left thumb is 17 or more,
making it large (L).
– A ridge-count of 1 to 17, inclusive, is small. It
is represented by capital letter S.
– A ridge-count of 18 to 22 inclusive is medium.
It is represented by capital letter M.
– A ridge-count of 23 or more, inclusive, is
large. It is represented by capital letter.
LEFT THUMB RIDGE DENOMINATOR RIGHT THUMB RIDGE NUMERATOR
COUNT COUNT

1-11 S 1-11 S
12-16 M
17 or more L

12-16 M 1-11 S
12-16 M
17 or more L

17 or more L 1-17 S
18-22 M
23 or more L
THE FINAL CLASSIFICATION
• The final classification is the exhibition in a
numerical figure of the ridge count of loops and
or/ whorls from the two little fingers. The results
of the ridge count are exhibited on the right
upper corner of the block where it found and
placed at the extreme right of the classification
line. The ridge- count of the right little finger is
the numerator while that of the left little finger is
the denominator. Arches are represented by a
dash (-) on the classification line.
RULES IN DERIVING THE RIDGE – COUNT OF
WHORLS

For purposes of deriving the final and key

classification, whorls are subject to ridge-
counting as in the loops.
• A plain whorl or central pocket loop whorl is treated
as an ulnar loop.
• A double loop whorl must be ridge counted to an
upright loop.
• An accidental whorl must be ridge-counted from
the extreme corresponding delta to the nearest
core (least number of ridge-count)
 THE KEY CLASSIFICATION
• The key classification is derived by ridge-counting the
first loop in a set of prints. The ridge-count of the first
loop may come from the right thumb or any other finger
except the little fingers. The ridge-count is always placed
at the extreme left of the classification line and is always
represented as numerator, no matter where it is taken.
When there is no loop, the first whorl is ridge counted,
and the result of the count is displayed on the left upper
corner of the block where it found. When arches appear
in all the prints (there is no loop or whorls) the symbol of
the key classification just a dash (-) on the classification
line.
CLASSIFICATION OF DESTROYED PATTERN,
AMPUTATIONS, AND MISSING FINGERS AT
BIRTH
– When a fingerprint is destroyed and that general pattern type
is unrecognizable and the ridge-counting and ridge-tracing
cannot be determined, the impression should be given the
same pattern interpretation and sub-classification with the
corresponding finger of the other hand.
– When a fingerprint is partly destroyed and the general type
can be determined with reasonable accuracy but the ridge
cannot be counted or traced, the impression should be given
the ridge- count or tracing value of the corresponding finger of
the other hand, if the corresponding finger is of the same
general pattern type. If the corresponding finger is not of the
same type, the destroyed impressions should be given a
probable value and referenced to all other possible
combinations.
• When a fingerprint is destroyed beyond
the general pattern type recognition and
the ridge-counting and tracing can not be
determined with reasonable accuracy,
and it so happens that the corresponding
finger of the other hand is also destroyed
or missing, both patterns are arbitrarily
interpreted as meeting whorls.
EQUIPMENT FOR TAKING FINGERPRINT

1. INKING PLATE - It is also known as glass

slab.
2. CARD HOLDER - It hold the fingerprint card
steady during the process of fingerprinting.
3. THE ROLLER - Its sole function is to spread
uniform film of ink on the glass slab.
4. THE INK
5. THE FINGERPRINT CARD – 8X8 inches is
the standard size of fingerprint card
 HOW TO RECORD
FINGERPRINTS?
Procedures:
1. The first step in taking fingerprints is to clean the inking plate thoroughly.
2. After this place a dab of ink size of a match head on the slab, the glass slab,
another on the middle and still another on the opposite edge.
3. Allow the subject to stand directly in front facing not too near or too far to
reach the glass plate and the record card. In order to take good prints, the
recorder must be on the subject’s left side when recording the right hand
fingers and he must be on the subject’s right side when recording the
subject’s left hand fingers. Thumbs should be rolled towards the body of the
recorder and other fingers should be rolled away from his body. He record
first the thumb and continue the process up to the little finger. In taking the
rolled impressions, the side of the bulb of the finger should be placed upon
the inking plate and the finger should be rolled towards the other side until it
faces the opposite direction. Care must be exercised so that the bulb of each
finger is inked evenly from tip to below the first joint.
4. Roll the finger on the card lightly to obtain a clear impression of the finger
surface. The subject must be cautioned to relax and refrain from trying to
help the operator.
5. To obtain plain impression, all the fingers of the
right hand should be pressed lightly upon the
inking plate, then pressed simultaneously upon
the lower right hand corner of the card in the
space provided. The left hand fingers should
be similarly printed after this, the thumbs of the
hand should be inked and printed without
rolling in the specific space designated.
6. There are two types of inked impression
recorded. They are called rolled impression
and plain impression.
PROCESSES AND PROCEDURES USED
TO DEVELOP LATENT PRINTS
Adherence to correct processing techniques
increases the probability of developing the
best quality latent prints. Adherence to the
listed sequences ensures the best
opportunity to develop all latent prints on
an object and minimizes the chance of
destroying latent prints. Surfaces on which
latent prints are deposited can be divided
into two basic categories—porous and
nonporous.
 Fingerprint Powders
• Powdering is the application of finely
ground, colored powder to a nonporous
object to make latent prints visible. Powder
clings to moisture, oil, and other residues.
IODINE FUMING TECHNIQUE
Iodine fumes adhere to grease or oils on
porous surfaces and appear as a yellow
stain. Latent prints developed with iodine
fumes must be photographed immediately.
 Cyanoacrylate Fuming
Cyanoacrylate fuming is used to develop
latent prints on nonporous specimens.
Cyanoacrylate is an adhesive chemical
commonly available in the market like
superglue, mighty bond, bulldog and other
similar products.
 Silver Nitrate
• Silver nitrate is used to develop latent
prints on porous specimens. It reacts with
the sodium chloride (salt)content in
perspiration. Silver nitrate can be prepared
with two different carriers—water or
alcohol
 Ninhydrin
• Ninhydrin is used to develop latent prints
on porous surfaces. Ninhydrin reacts with
the amino acids in perspiration.
Rhodamine 6G (Fluorescent Dye)

• Rhodamine 6G is a fluorescent dye used

to make cyanoacrylate developed latent
prints more visible on various colored
surfaces. A laser or alternate light source
is used in conjunction with this process.
Adermatoglyphia, A very rare medical
condition which is characterized by
the absence of fingerprints. Affected
persons have completely smooth
fingertips, palms, toes and soles, but
no other medical signs or symptoms.
Other species with fingerprint
Some other animals have evolved their own unique
prints, especially those whose lifestyle involves
climbing or grasping wet objects; these include
many primates, such as gorillas and chimpanzees,
Australian koalas and aquatic mammal species such
as the North American fisher. According to one study,
even with an electron microscope, it can be quite
difficult to distinguish between the fingerprints of a
koala and a human.