CLASSIFICATION OF SCARRED PATTERNS—AMPUTATIONS—MISSING AT BIRTH

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 type of pattern nor the ridge tracing or count
can be determined with reasonable accuracy, the impression should be given both the general type value
and the subclassification value of the corresponding finger of the other hand.

● When an impression is partially scarred, i.e., large scars about the core so that the general type cannot
be determined with reasonable accuracy, but the ridges allow reasonably accurate subclassifications by
ridge tracings or counting, the impression should be given the primary value of the pattern of the
corresponding finger and the subclassification value as indicated by the ridges of partially scarred
impressions.

● When an impression is partially scarred and the general type of pattern can be determined with
reasonable accuracy, but the ridges cannot be traced or counted so as to fall within the proper
subsecondary classification, 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 type. If the
corresponding finger is not of the same general type, the scarred impression should be given the
probable value and referenced to all other possibilities.

● When an impression is so scarred that neither the general type of pattern nor the ridge tracing or count
can be determined with reasonable accuracy, and it so happens that the corresponding finger of the
other hand is similarly scarred, both patterns are given the arbitrary value of whorls with meeting
tracings.

Examples: 
The pattern is entirely obliterated. It could have been a small whorl, a small ulnar or radial loop, an arch,
or a tented arch. If the opposite finger were an arch or tented arch or whorl, this impression would be
classified as arch, tented arch, or whorl (with the same tracing). If the opposite finger were a small-count
loop, this would be classified as a loop of the same count. If the opposite finger were a large-count loop,
this impression would be given the count of the opposite finger even though it could never have had that
count. If the opposite finger were scarred in the same fashion or were amputated or missing, both
impressions would be classified as whorls with meeting tracings.

 The general type of the pattern could have been loop (ulnar if in
the right hand) or whorl. If the opposite finger were a whorl this would be classified as a whorl, and with
the same tracing. If a radial loop were opposite, this would be classified as an ulnar loop (if in the right
hand). The ridge count can be obtained with a fair degree of accuracy. If an arch or tented arch were
opposite, this impression would be classified as a loop because it looks as if it had been a loop.

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 definite and unequivocal statement or marking by the
contributor to the effect that a certain finger or fingers have been amputated or were missing at birth.
This prevents the appearance on later cards of impressions of fingers thought to have been amputated
but which in reality were merely injured and bandaged when previous prints were submitted.
If one finger is amputated, it is given a classification identical with that of the opposite finger, including
pattern and ridge count, or tracing, and referenced to every other possible classification.

If two or more fingers are amputated, they are given classifications identical with the fingers opposite,
with no additional references.

If two amputated fingers are opposite each other, both are given the classification of whorls with
meeting tracings.

When a fingerprint card bearing a notation of fingers missing at birth is classified, the missing fingers
should be treated as amputations in that they are given the identical classifications of the opposite
fingers and are filed in the amputation group. As these fingers are missing from a pre[Pg 101]natal
cause, they would have always received the identical classification of the opposite finger on any
previous occasion.

If all 10 fingers are amputated or missing at birth, the classification will be

M 32 W MMM.

M 32 W MMM

If both hands are amputated or missing at birth, the footprints should be taken as they, too, bear friction
ridges with definite patterns. A footprint file is maintained by the FBI for identification purposes in
instances where the subject has all fingers amputated or missing at birth.

Partially amputated fingers often present very complex problems and careful consideration should be
given to them. The question often arises as to the appropriate groups in which they should be filed, i.e.,
amputations or nonamputations. As no definite rule may be applied, it is a matter of experience and
judgment as to their preferred classification.

In those instances in which a partially amputated finger has half or more than half of the pattern area
missing, it is given the classification of the opposite finger. It will be filed in the amputation group under
the classification of the opposite finger and reference searches should be conducted in all possible
classifications in the nonamputation groups. If two or more of the fingers are amputated in this manner,
they are given the classification of the opposite fingers only and are governed by the rules concerning
amputations.

Generally, a "tip amputation," or one which has less than half of the first joint amputated, will always be
printed in the future. Therefore, a partially amputated finger with less than half of the pattern area
missing is classified as it appears and is referenced to the opposite finger. It will be filed in the
nonamputation group and reference searches should be conducted under the classification of the
opposite finger, and in the amputation group. It must be referenced this way even though it never could
have originally had the classification of the opposite finger.
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[Pg 102] 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.