PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION

Dr. Hans Gross

Father of Criminalistics
The system of identification by
fingerprints had its origin in China, where
it was in vogue for many centuries. The
Chinese employed the fingerprint system
for the signing of contracts on the part of
the illiterate. The thumb mark of the
destitute is place on the slip of bamboo
were the contract was written. Infants at
that time were recorded for fingerprints for
possible identification.
Every Chinese mother is familiar with
the fingerprint marks of her new born.
The Chinese were well acquainted with
the essential characteristics of
fingerprints. The arches and whorls are
called by them “LO” (snail); loops are
“KI” (sieve or winnowing basket). The
former are look upon as presages of good
luck.
Emperor Te’in Shi, B.C 249-210
The first Chinese ruler who devised a seal
carved from white jade, on one side of it was
the name of the owner, and on the other side
the impression of his thumb. Such seal were
used in sealing documents has a sign of
authenticity.
The Chinese, though well acquainted with the
types of patterns found in fingerprints, did
nothing to develop a system of classification.
NEHEMIAH GREW
(1641 - 1712)
Published a report entitled
“Philosophical transaction” in 1684
which was presented before the Royal
Society in London, England
describing the ridges and pores of the
hands and the feet.

GOVARD BIDOO
Published a treaties which describing
the sweat pores and ridges.
MARCELO MALPIGHI
(1628 – 1694)
Published a book entitled “DE
EXTERNO TACTUS
ORGANO”, he is an Italian
anatomist, noted for his
discovery of the inner (dermis)
and the outer (epidermis)
structures of the skin.
J.C. MAYER - (1788)
He started in his book
(Anatomiche Kuphertafeln Nebst
Dazn Gehorigen) “Although the
arrangement of the skin ridges is
never duplicated in two persons,
nevertheless, the similarities are
closer among the same
individuals.
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
Identification unit therein was officially established by an act
of Congress in 1924.
INSTITUTE OF APPLIED SCIENCE
First private school to install laboratories for instruction
purposes in Dactyloscopy.
JENNINGS – (December 21, 1911)United States leading case
wherein the first conviction based on fingerprints was
recognized by the judicial authorities (14 point of
identification).
HERNMAN WELCKER - (1856)
Took the prints of his own palms and after forty one years
(1879) he printed the same palms to prove that prints do not
change.
KOLLMAN
An anthropologist who wrote his book on ridges and pores but
still never had been associated with identification.
SIR WILLIAM J. HERSHEL (1858)
Hoogly, District of Bengal, India, printed the palm of
natives as to avoid impersonation and as a substitute to
signature.
RAJYADHAR KONAI
The first person Herschel printed the palm. Herschel
requested that the prisoners be fingerprinted, but his
permission was denied in 1877.
HENRY FANLANDS
( Tsukiji Hospital, Tokyo, Japan) advocated the used of
fingerprints in the detection of crime.
SIR FRANCIS GALTON – (1822 – 1911)
Is credited with being the first scientist of
friction skin identification as well as his role
promoting its use. He was able to discover the
three families of fingerprint patterns. Arch,
Loop and Whorl. He also made his own system
of classification which was officially adopted
on February 12, 1894. Assistant Commissioner
at Scotland Yard and was later credited as the
“Father of Fingerprint” for his system was
widely accepted in almost all English-speaking
countries. In year 1914 this system replaced the
Berfillonage in France.
KHAN BAHADUR AZIZUL HAQUE
and RAIHEM CHANDRA BOSE
The two Hindu police officers who
help Henry in attaining his goal
when he was still in India.
JUAN VHECETICH – (1891)
Developed his own system of
classification which was officially
adopted in Argentina and in used
today in most Spanish-speaking
countries in South America.
GILBERT THOMPSON
A GEOLOGIST in New Mexico who adopted the first
individual use of fingerprints in August 8, 1882, by
using his own thumb print as a protection to prevent
tampering with the pay orders he issued.
ISAIAH WEST TABER
Photographer in San Francisco who was already in
the study and promotion of the fingerprint system
even before Galton’s participation. He had
advocated the use of system for the registration of
the immigrant Chinese.
SAMUEL LONGHORNE CLEMENS
Englishman whose Nun de Plume informally
introduced Dactyloscopy, the science of fingerprint,
in the United States thru his book “Life in the
Mississippi” and “Pupp’n Head Wilson”.
DR. HENRY P. DE FOREST
Utilized the first Municipal Civil use of fingerprint for
Criminal Registration in December 1902 in the Municipal
Civil Service Commission of the City of New York.
SGT. JOHN KENNETH FERRER
Englishman and first fingerprint instructor at Saint Louis
Police Department, Missouri. He is one of the pupil of Sir
Edward Richard Henry, and through personal contract
during world’s fair exposition help in the St. Louis
Fingerprint Bureau was established on April 2, 1904. it
was the first official National Government use of
fingerprint.
MAJOR M.C CLOUGNRY
Warden of the federal Penitentiaries of Leaven Worth.
When the office of the attorney general of the United
States granted permission to establish a fingerprint
bureau therein on Nov. 2, 1904. It was the first official
National Government use of fingerprint.
MARY K. HOLLAND
First American instructress in dactyloscopy.
MR. JONES
One who first taught fingerprint in the Philippine
Constabulary, 1900.
BUREAU OF PRISON
Records show that in 1918, CARPETAS
(Commitment and Conviction Records) fingerprint
is already in used.
LT. ASA and N. DARBY
Established a modern and complete fingerprint
files for Philippine Commonwealth during the
reoccupation of the Philippines by the American
Forces.
GENEROSO BERNALES
First Filipino fingerprint technician employed by
the P.C.
ISABELA BERNALES
First Filipina fingerprint technician.
CAPT. THOMAS BUGAN, NEW YORK POLICE
DEPARTMENT AND FLAVIANO GUERRERO, FBI
WASHINGTON
Gave the first conviction based on fingerprint in
1927 and Agustin Patricio of the Philippines top
the examination.
PEOPLE OF THE PHILIPPINES VS. MEDINA
First conviction based on fingerprint and leading
judicial decision in the Philippine Jurisprudence (10
points of identity)
PLARIDEL EDUCATION INSTITUTION
Known as the Philippine College of Criminology,
first government recognized school to teach the
Science of Fingerprint and other Police Sciences.
Fingerprints – is an impression or reproduction
of ridges of the first joint of fingers or thumb
which is made visible through the medium of
sweat, ink or ingredients capable of producing
visibility.
Fingerprinting – Is the process of securing an
impression of the papillary ridges of the
fingers, for purposes of identification.
Fingering – In music, is the system that
determines what fingers should be used in
playing an instrument. It may also refer to the
fingers that the notation calls for in the
performance of particular passages or
compositions.
Smudge – thick or suffocating smoke,
smear.
Fragmentary – not complete, partial.
Immutable – unchangeable, invariable.
Perennial – lasting or continuing through
the years, permanent.
Infallible – never wrong.
Similar – having a general likeness, having the
same shape.
Identical – exactly alike in all respects or
equal.
Impressed – stamped, imprinted, cause,
indented.
Identical – exactly alike in all respects or equal.
Impressed – stamped, imprinted, cause, indented.
Dogmatic – positive in manner of utterances.
Exceptional – unusual, rare.
Ridge – tiny elevations or hill like structures
found in the epidermis containing pores.
It appears as black lines in the fingerprint
impressions.
Flexure line – it is a source of reflexing the finger
when extended.
Creases – it is a white line which cut or cross the
palm longitudinally located.
Convergence – means embracing all the possible
variations of classifications which a set of
fingerprints may produce.
Friction skin – it is the epidermal hairless skin
found on the lower surface of the hands and feet
covered with minute ridges.
Furrows – are the canals or depressions or hill like
structure found on the epidermis of the skin
containing sweat pores. They appear as black lines
with tiny white dots called pores in an inked finger
impression.
Scar – damage or permanent mark.
Sweat – perspiration.
Pore – hole or opening.
Dactyl – comes from the Latin word “finger or toe”.
Patterns – centre of the fingerprint pattern is the core. It consists of
a loop, or whorls of concentric figures, or circles.
Anthropometry – the study of human body measurement.
Palmar – pertaining or corresponding to the
palm of the hand.
Plantar – pertaining to the sole of the foot.
Ridge Characteristics– those little points of
detail in the formation of the pattern which are
used in comparing two fingerprints in order to
determine its identity.
An Expert – is a person who had special and
competent knowledge of a subject, and who
obtained this special knowledge either through
study or through experience.
Cicatriz – permanent scar.
 Ankylosis – a bone condition in which the finger joints cannot be
bent.
Appendage – is a short ridge at the top or summit of a re-curve
usually at right angle.
Approximating Patterns – these are patterns which, because of
extreme complexities in their formations, cannot be assigned
definite, specific interpretations. These are ridge designs on which
equally competent fingerprint experts disagree on their
interpretation.
Core – called as the inner terminus which serves as characteristics
point in ridge counting to determine the number of ridge
intervening between the core and the delta.
Delta – called as the outer terminus which may be found by
bifurcation or ridges; by a ridge line abruptly deviating
in its course; by the short ridge, between the typelines.
 Ball Zone – large cushion below the base of the big toe.
In this zone may appear loops, whorls, or combination
of them. It may contain no pattern at all; just a series of
papillary ridges running across the area. The ball zone
corresponds to the thenar zone in palm prints.
 Battley single fingerprint method – a system of
classifying and filing single fingerprints devised by
Harry Battley, former Chief Inspector in Charge of the
fingerprint bureau, New Scotland Yard, London,
England.
 Bifurcating Ridge – is a single ridge which forks or
splits into two ridges.
 Blocking Out – is the placing on a fingerprint card the
results of the interpretation of all ten patterns. These
are represented by letters, symbols or numbers on the
card required for each of the rolled prints.
 Calcar Zone – the area at the heel. Very infrequently do
patterns show in this zone, its usual ridge formation
consisting of nothing more than latitudinal striations.
 Carpal Delta Zone – an area about the center of the palm,
down near the wrist. It is not always expected to find a
pattern in this zone, but when a delta does appear there,
renders comparison easier.
 Catch or Ident – it means the location or finding of a
previously filed duplicate record card of the subject.
 Chain of Evidence – means that a person must be able in
court to account for every minute of time the evidence has
been in his or someone else’s hands or custody from the
time it was found at the scene of the crime until it is offered
as an exhibit in court.
 Classification of Approximating Patterns – the writing up
of all the possible classification for a set of prints which
contains one or more doubtful patterns.
 Combination – means embracing all the possible variations
of classification which a set of fingerprints may produce.
 Crime Scene Procedures – this relates to the proper and
sound approach in the conduct of crime scene searches.
 Developing a Latent Print with Powder – merely means
applying powder to the print in such a way that the
powder will adhere to the moisture left by the ridges of
the finger.
 Dissociated Ridges – unusual ridge structures having no
well-defined patterns; the ridges are extremely short
which never got very far, never fused and are a series of
“patches” caused by a disturbance of developmental
process at the early fetal (pre-natal) life of the individual.
 Distal – when the exit of a loop formation points toward
the fingertips.
 Enclosure – a bifurcation which does not remain open but
in which the legs of the bifurcation, after running along
side by side for a short distance, come together again to
form a single ridge once more. It is named an enclosure
because it completely encloses a section of a furrow.
 Envelop – when a staple encloses one or more rods.
 Filing – refers to the operation of locating the proper place in
a fingerprint file where a certain set of prints belongs and
then depositing it there.
 Filling out – means the entering on a fingerprint record card
of all known essential data about a subject, except the
fingerprints themselves.
 Fingerprint Classification Index – a series of guide cards
having tabs on which are lettered the various fingerprint
classification combinations.
 Footprint Pattern Zones – these are areas in the sole of the
human foot containing friction ridge characteristics where
footprint identification is based.
 Hypothenar Zone – embraces the large cushion below the
base of the little finger. It may contain loops, whorls or
combinations of them or no pattern at all. There are ridges
present but may not necessarily form patterns.
 Identification of the Teeth – means the employment of a
dental expert in teeth identification through comparison of
the dental chart of an unidentified human cadaver.
 Incipient Ridges – unusual type of ridges found in a small
percentage of patterns. They are found in the furrows
between two well-formed and full-bodied ridges. They are
short, narrow and badly formed; their diameter is never equal
to the diameter of an average ridge and their course is
practically always interrupted. They are not considered when
classifying fingerprints.
 Latent print – (hidden or concealed) are fingerprints found at
the scene of a crime.
 Laundry Tag or Cleaner’s Mark – means of identification
solely based on a laundry tag, laundry or cleaner’s mark on
the person’s clothing.
 Make – (in fingerprint parlance) means that an identification
has been made – that the searcher has found a previous card
on file for some subject.
 Palm Pattern Zones – these are parts of the human palms
containing friction ridge characteristics where palm print
identification is based.
 Pattern Area – part of a fingerprint which lies within the area
surrounded by the type lines.
 Pattern Interpretation – refers to naming of fingerprint patterns.
 Post Mortem Fingerprinting – means taking fingerprints of the deceased
person for identification purposes.
 Proximal – when the exit of a loop formation points toward the wrist.
 Recording – means the placing of the prints in their proper spaces on the
card.
 Re-curving Ridge – is a ridge that curves back in the direction from which
it started.
 Reference Classification – a classification derived from a set of prints
having approximating or questionable patterns. In other words, it is a
second choice classification.
 Ridge Counter – a small pointed instrument used for counting ridges.
 Ridge Counting – refers to the process of counting the ridges that touch or
cross an imaginary line drawn between the core and delta of a loop. The
core and delta are not counted – only the ridges that touch or cross the
imaginary line are counted.
 Rigor Mortis – is the stiffening of a body a few hours after death.
 Rod or Bar – is a single ending ridge in the center of a re-curving
ridge of a loop.
 Searching – is the act of looking through a fingerprint file
systematically to determine whether or not there is a duplicate on file
of a set of prints the technician has in hand.
 Sequencing – means the placing of a group of classified sets into their
correct filing order before beginning to file or search them.
 Shoulders of a Re-curving or Looping Ridge – are those points, one
on each side of a loop, just where the ridge definitely begins and
stops its re-curve.
 Thenar Zone – this is the large cushion at the base of the thumb. On
this area may appear loops, whorls or combinations of both. On some
palms there are no patterns at all in this area – just a number of
significant straight lines.
 Tibial Zone – this area is on the big toe of the foot. It derives its name
from the tibia bone of the lower leg which corresponds to the radius
bone of the forearm. Patterns are almost never found in this zone, but
there are exceptional cases when they do appear here.
 Type Lines – are basic boundaries of most fingerprints. They are
formed by ridges which run parallel, starting from the lower
corner or corners of the pattern and flowing inward and upward
toward the edge of the pattern area, where they diverge or
separate, then surround or tend to surround the pattern area.

 Up thrust – is an ending ridge of any length rising at a sufficient

degree from the horizontal plane. “A sufficient degree of rise” is
an indefinite phrase, but in fingerprint classification, any up thrust
which rises at least as high as the width of a ridge does so to a
“sufficient degree.”

 Cuspal Patterns or Ridges – OFF – THE – END SYNDROME – in this

condition ridges flow from the base of the palm in an upward
direction toward the fingers and disappear off the end of the
digits. There is no defined formation of pattern although the
ridges themselves appear normal. The ridges, whilst forming
patterns, do often have a radial tendency. The condition is not at
present associated with any particular disease or disorder,
although abnormal hair patterns have been noted in a few cases.
• Polydactylism – Syndactyl – having two or
appearance of extra more fingers or toes joined
together, congenital
fingers as anatomically abnormality.
known.
 Brachdactyl – in this  Ectrodactyl – the congenital
condition, the fingers or absence of one or more
toes are abnormally digits. Sufferers may be
short. born with as few as two
fingers and a thumb on one
or both hands.
 Macrodactyl – this is a  Orthodactyl – here, the
congenital abnormal fingers or toes cannot
largeness of fingers or be flexed, ordinarily as a
toes. result of symphalangy.
 Ridge Aplasia – this condition consists of a congenital
absence of epidermal ridges. The palmar and
interphalangeal flexion creases remain normal, but as
with hypoplasia, there is an excess of very small creases
on the skin. Some research shows that the palmar and
plantar surfaces do not sweat, which is very usual.
 Ridge Dissociation – this condition (Cummins) is believed
to occur in the fetus during the 3rd or 4th month of
pregnancy. Disturbance occurs in the epidermal ridges
during their formation and whilst individual ridge
elements are formed, they mostly fail to consolidate into
continuous ridges. The result can vary from ultimate
distortion of the fingerprint pattern, or it can be so severe
as to completely obliterate an affected part of the pattern.
 Ridge Dysplasia – means incomplete or faulty development
of the friction ridges resulting in pattern less surfaces. As a
result of faulty embryological development, pebbling fail to
align in continuous ridges although some semblance of ridges
may remain. This condition is sometimes associated with
chromosome abnormalities and temporarily with celiac
disease.
 Ridge Hypoplasia – here the ridges are intact but reduced in
height. They are usually also associated with an excess of
creases. The condition can be inherited or acquired and is
sometimes associated with chromosome abnormalities.
 Split Ridges – an abnormality in the embryological process of
differential growth. The spacing among ridges diverges from the
norm to produce the appearance of split or paired ridges.
 Symphalangy – the end to end fusion of the phalanges of the
fingers or toes.
 Trauma – taking trauma first, this can largely be regarded as
occupational marks appearing on the hands as a result of
certain types of work. Brick layers constantly have the surface of
their hands worn by the rough brick surface and fingerprints
taken from such a person are invariably of a low quality. The
level of papillary ridges is worn down and minor cuts also
obscure the detail.
Three (3) Dogmatic Principles of Fingerprints
 PRINCIPLE OF CONSTANCY – The
papillary ridges are immutable, perennial
or individual for the third month of the
embryonic period till decomposition sets
in after death.
 PRINCIPLE OF VARIATION – That no two
prints of the different persons nor the
neighboring fingers of the same person
have ever been found to be identical in
all respects.
 PRINCIPLE OF INFALLIBILITY – That mans
fingerprint cannot be changed.
 RELATED SCIENCES IN
FINGERPRINTS
 POROSCOPY - Is the science which deals with the
study of sweat pores.

 CHIROSCOPY- Is the science which deals with the

study of palm of the hand.

 PODOSCOPY- Is the science which deals with the

study of soles of the feet

 DACTYLOSCOPY- Is the scientific examination or

the study of the classification of fingerprints. It
also deals with the examination of papillary ridges
found on the tips of the finger, palms and feet
soles as a method of personal identification.
 DACTYLOGRAPHY – Is the science which deals
with the study of fingerprint as a means of
identification. It embraces four allied subjects
within its scope namely: Dactyloscopy,
Poroscopy, Chiroscopy and Podoscopy.

RIDGEOLOGY – The study of poroscopy,

edgeoscopy, and ridge characteristics for the
purpose of the positive identification of
fingerprints.

EDGEOSCOPY – The study of the characteristics

formed by the sides or edges of papillary ridges
as a means of identification.
 RIDGE DESTRUCTION

Persons Doing Manual Work - fingerprints of persons who handle lime, cement,
plaster or of persons whose hands are continually wet, are somewhat destroyed for
it is only temporary destruction, the ridges assuming their natural or normal
condition when such person ceases that particular employment.
Diseased Person - A diseased condition of the skin would have an
effect upon the ridges similar to persons who handle lime, cement,
etc., but the ridges shall resume their natural or normal condition
when the skin disease has been cured.
Ulcers - in cases when ulcerous attack the ridges, they are
permanently destroyed; for ulcers work so deeply into the flesh as to
destroy the sweat glands, which characterized the surface of the
skin, not only where ridges appear but through out the entire body,
by supplying nature`s oil or grease, thereby keeping the skin soft and
pliable.
Warts - Warts are fibrous growths in the skin and are
easily distinguished in impressions by the appearance of a
light spot, usually encircled by a black ring. Warts, like
creases, are not permanent, and when they are removed
the ridges assume their natural condition and position
without even the appearance of a scar.
Creases – these are caused by a folding of the skin and in
impressions they appear as white lines differ from those
caused by a scar (the result of a cut), in as much as the
ridges show up no puckering ; creases may disappear,
while scars are permanent.
Burns - A burn severe enough to leave a scar will change
the appearance of the skin and totally destroy the ridges.
In fact, the destruction of the sweat glands from any cause
whatever will change the skin surface, by leaving a scar in
some form.
Scars – in all fingerprint impressions having a scar (the result of a
cut), it will be noticed that the scar has the appearance of a thin
white line, with the ridges slightly puckered on both sides of the scar.
If the wound is deep, it will be a permanent scar. If the scar is
slightly cut which did not go through the glands, it will disappear as
it heal.
 DETAILED CHARACTERISTICS
 BIFURCATION – It is a single ridge which divides into
two or more ridges. It forks
 ISLAND RIDGE or EYELET ENCLOSURE – It is a ridge
in the course of it flight, divide or fork. The two
forking ridges meet again at a certain point to form
a single ridge.
 ENDING RIDGE – It is a ridge ends abruptly.
 SHORT RIDGE – It is a ridge that is not too long or
not too short.
 DOT – It is a period or fragmentary ridge which has
a resemblance to a period or a series of dot.
 MEETING RIDGE – It is a ridge which is also called a
delta, two ridges which meet at a certain point.
 INTERSECTING RIDGE – It is a two ridges which
crosses each other.
 HOW FINGERPRINTS PRODUCED

 FRICTION SKIN

 SWEAT PORES – Tiny opening across the ridge.

 SWEAT DUCT – It is a passage way towards to

sweat pores.

 SWEAT GLANDS – Producing the sweat.

 THREE (3) DISTINCT BONES OF
FINGER
 FIST JOINT - Is called PHALANGE – It is the
skeletal finger covered with friction skin.
 TERMINAL PHALANGE –The particular joint
covered with friction skin having all the
different types of pattern and located near
the tip of the finger.
 MIDDLE PHALANGE – The next and above
the basal bone.
 BASAL OR PROXIMAL – Located at the base
of the finger nearest the palm.
 TWO (2) FUNDAMENTAL LAYERS
OF FRICTION SKIN

 EPIDERMIS - Outer layer of the skin.

 DERMIS – Inner layer of the skin

 Stratum corneum
 Stratum mucosum

 The stratum corneum covers the surface of the

ridges on fingers and toes. The stratum mucosum
on the other hands, is just beneath the covering
surface. The stratum mucosum is folded so as to
form ridges which correspond to the surface
ridges. Generally, no permanent defacing results
when the stratum corneum is bruised or slightly
cut. If, however a more
Serious injury is inflicted, thereby damaging the
stratum mucosum, a permanent scar will appear.
 Corneous layer – the outermost layer of the epidermis
consisting of dead and desquamating cells.
 Transparent layer – is a thin, clear layer of dead skin
cells in the epidermis named for its translucent
appearance under a microscope.
 Malphigian layer – the Malpighian layer of the skin is a
term that is generally defined as both the stratum basal
and stratum spinosum as a unit, although it is
occasionally defined as the stratum basale specifically.
 Granular layer – a thin layer of cells in the epidermis.

 Generating layer or Stratum Germinativum – The

stratum basale is a continous layer of cells. It is
often described as one cell thick, though it may in
fact be two or three cells thick in glabrous (hairless)
skin and hyperproliferative epidermis (from a skin
disease). The stratum basale is primarily made up of
basale keratinocyte cells, which can be considered
the stem cell of the epidermis.
 RIDGES – are the tiny elevation or hill-like
structures found on the Epidermis of he skin
containing sweat pores. Through these sweat
ducts emitted the greasy substance from the
sweat glands. These perspirations are the ones
that forms the ridge characteristics on any
smooth objects. It may touch. The ridges appear
as black lines with tiny white dots Called “PORES
“ in an inked finger impression.
 FURROWS – are the canals or depression found
between the ridges. They appear as white lines in
an inked finger impression.
 PERCENTAGE
WHORLS-------W= Plain Whorl

C= Central Pocket Loop

D= Double Loop 35%
X= Accidental Whorl
ARCHES-------A= Plain Arch 5%

T= Tented Arch
LOOPS--------R= Radial Loop 60%

U= Ulnar Loop

100 %
8 Types of Fingerprint
Pattern
 W – Plain Whorl
 C – Central Pocket Loop
 D – Double Loop
 X – Accidental Whorl
 A – Plain Arch
 T – Tented Arch
 R – Radial Loop
 U – Ulnar Loop
 PLAIN WHORL
It is a type of fingerprint pattern
CORE CORE which has two delta and at least
one ridge making a complete
pattern circuit, which may be
DELTA spiral, oval, circular, or any
variant of a circle. An imaginary
line drawn between the two
deltas must touch or cross at
least one of the re-curving
ridges within the pattern area. A
re-curving ridges which has an
appendage connected with it in
the line of flow cannot be
DELTA
considered as circuit, an
appendage connected at that
point is considered to spoil the
re-curve on that inside.
 CENTRAL POCKET LOOP
It is a type of fingerprint pattern of
the whorl group which has two
CORE CORE deltas and at least one ridge making
a complete circuit which may be
spiral, oval, circular, or any variant of
a circle. An imaginary line drawn
between two deltas must not touch
DELTA DELTA or cross any of the re-curving ridges
within the inner pattern area. A re-
curving ridge, however, which has
an appendage connected with it in
the line of flow and on the delta side,
cannot be considered as circuit. An
appendage connects at that point
considered spoil the re-curve on that
side. In lieu of a re-curve in front of
the Deltas in the inner pattern area,
an Obstruction at the right angles to
the line of flow will suffice.
 DOUBLE LOOP
DELTA
It is a type of
CORE
fingerprint pattern
belonging to the whorl
CORE group. The double
loop consist of two
separate loop
formations, with two
separate and distinct
DELTA sets of shoulder and
deltas.
 ACCIDENTAL WHORL
The accidental whorl is a
CORE pattern consisting of a
CORE CORE combination of two
DELTA different types of
patterns, with two or
more deltas; or a
pattern which possesses
some of the
requirements for two or
DELTA
more types; or a pattern
which conforms to none
of the definition.
PLAIN ARCH
It is a type of
TEND TO fingerprint pattern
FLOW
the ridges enter on
one side of the
impression and
flow or tend to flow
out the other side
with a rise or wave
in the center.
 TENTED ARCH
UPTHRUST Is a type of fingerprint
45 degrees
pattern are similar to plain
arches with the exemption
that the ridges in the center
form a definite angle: or
one or more ridges at the
center form an upthrust: or
they approach the loop
type of pattern, possessing
two of the basic
characteristics of the loop,
but lacking the third.
 Three types of Tented Arches
 A. The type in which the ridges at the center
form a definite angle i.e. 90 degrees or less.
 B. The type in which one or more ridges at the
center form an Up thrust. An up thrust is an
ending ridge of any length rising at a
sufficient degree from horizontal plane;
45 degrees or more.
 C. The type approaching the loop type,
possessing two of the basic or essential
characteristics of the loop, but lacking the
third.
 LOOP
 A loop is that type of fingerprint pattern in
which one or more of the ridges enter on
either side of the impression, recurve,
touch or pass an imaginary line drawn from
the delta to the core, and terminate or tend
to terminate on or toward the same side of
the impression from which such ridges or
ridges entered.
A. There must be a delta
B. A sufficient re-curve ridge passing or
touching the imaginary line drawn
between the core and delta.
C. There must be at least a ridge count of
one.
 ULNAR LOOP (LH & RH)

CORE
DELTA

CORE
DELTA

An ulnar loop is one in which the downward slant of the ridges are from the thumb
towards the little finger or ulna bone.
 RADIAL LOOP (LH & RH)

CORE

CORE

DELTA DELTA

A radial loop is one in which the downward slant of the ridge or

ridges are from the little finger toward the thumb or radius bone.
DELTA FORMATION

Within the pattern area of a loop and whorl type

fingerprints enclosed by type lines are found fixed focal
points known as delta and core. The focal points are
used in classifying fingerprints. Delta location and
formation will be taken first then followed by core
formation.
Before we proceed further, let us review what a delta is.
A delta is a point on the first ridge formation located
directly at or in front of and the nearest the center of the
divergence of the typelines. The word refers to a deposit
of earth at the mouth of a river. It is an island that is
formed due to the increased deposit of soil which rises
above the surface making an obstruction or island.
 Delta formation as a feature of a river and delta
formation in fingerprint pattern are quite similar.
In fingerprints the ridges forming the typelines
diverge, just as do the banks of a river when a delta
is reached. Like the banks of a river, the type lines
of a fingerprint are parallel and suddenly diverge
when they reach physical feature of a river and a
lake compared to a fingerprint pattern comparing
the physical feature of a river and a lake with that
of a fingerprint pattern. Note that two banks of the
river correspond to the typelines X and Y in a
fingerprint.
 THERE ARE SIX DELTA
FORMATION
 Delta as a bifurcating ridge
 Delta as an ending ridge
 Delta as a short ridge
 Delta as a dot
 Delta as a converging ridge
 Delta as a point on a long ridge
 The delta may not be located at a point of a bifurcation
which does not open towards to the core. To be a delta
as in this case, a bifurcation must be the first ridge
formation in front of the divergence of the type lines
and the bifurcation must open up toward the pattern
area.
 A bifurcation is always selected as a delta if there is
another type of delta formation just equally close to
the point of divergence of the type lines. Note : that
there is a dot ridge equally centered. In accordance
with the rule, the Bifurcation is the delta.
 When a pattern shows a series of bifurcations opening
toward the core at the point of divergence of the type
lines, the bifurcation nearest the core is chosen as the
delta.
 Delta location is quite confusing as has been in the above
pattern. This example depicts several bifurcating ridges
opening toward the core, but the delta is located at the
point of the first recurving ridge just in front of the
divergence of the type lines. When can a bifurcation be
considered type lines? The two legs of a bifurcation will
serve as a type lines when it opens toward the core, but it
should be so far outside the pattern area that the legs of the
bifurcation run parallel some distance before they diverge.
 The delta is located at the nearer end only
which within the divergence and center of the
typelines.
 In our study of fingerprint patterns we mentioned the
core and the delta. The core is sometimes called inner
terminus and the delta the outer terminus. For purposes
of classification these focal points are used.
 In bringing up the discussion of the core, let us first
point out that it approximates the center of a
fingerprint impression. When we say that the core is
the heart of a pattern, we do not mean that is the exact
central point of a fingerprint, Because there are
numerous ridge formation outside the central pattern
area which are not concerned in pattern interpretation.
 Since we concentrate only on the details inside
the pattern area surrounded by the type lines,
we must locate the core somewhere in the
center or as near the center as possible, of the
said pattern area. There, the core is a point on
a ridge formation usually located at the center
or heart of a pattern.
 Core in a loop pattern are formed in a variety of
ways, but are always found on or within the innermost
looping or re-curving ridge.
 When the innermost re-curving ridge contains no ending
ridge or rod rising as high as the shoulders of the loop,
the core is placed at the shoulders of the looping ridge.

 When the innermost re-curving ridge contains an uneven

number of rods rising as high as the shoulders of said re-
curving ridge, the core is placed upon the end of the
center rod, whether it touches the looping ridge or not.
 When the innermost re-curving ridge contains an
even number of rods rising as high as the shoulders
of said re-curving ridge, the core is placed upon
the end of the farthest one of the two center rods,
the two center rods being treated as though they
were connected by a re-curving ridge.

 If an appendage appears between the shoulders of

a ridge that shows to be a re-curve, the re-curve is
considered as spoiled, thus the next which forms a
true re-curve will be the innermost re-curving
ridge. The core then would be the end of the
appendage.
 Ridge Counting
 Ridge Counting – This is the process of
counting the ridges that touch or cross an
imaginary line drawn the delta and core of a
loop. A white space must always intervenes
between the delta and the first ridge to be
counted.
 THE FOLLOWING STEPS:

 Locate the exact points of the core and delta

 Count all ridges which touch or cross an imaginary
line drawn between the core and delta( In actual use
of a fingerprint card for classification, the lens is
guided by a red line shown on the disk)
 Never include the core and delta in the count. Count
only those ridges which intervene or pass between
the core and delta.
 Incipient ridges are never counted, no matter where
they appear.
The general rule is that in order to be
counted, the width of a ridge must be equal to
the width of the other ridges in the pattern
under consideration.
What ridges are included in ridge-counting?
Ridges subjected to ridge counting with
given numerical values are as follows:
A ridge island or dot is given one ridge count
A short ridge is given one ridge count
A long ridge is given one ridge count
 An abrupt-ending ridge is given one ridge count
 A bifurcating ridge- If a ridge bifurcates or
branches into two across the imaginary line,
then the count given is two. Should the
imaginary line cross only the bifurcation directly
at the point of forking, it is counted as two. If
the imaginary line does not cross the point of
forking or falls short of touching it, it crosses
only one ridge and the count given is one. Ridge
enclosures are counted as two ridges.
 Crossing or meeting of two ridges is counted as
two.
 In actual fingerprint classification work, you
are to apply ridge counting on the ridges
which are shown as black lines. The white
spaces between .The black are the furrows
and these are shown on our fingers as small
canals or depressions. White spaces ( furrows)
found between black lines are not counted. In
actual fingerprint classification where ridge
counting is involved, we rely on the imaginary
line in the absence of a guide line shown on
the Henry reticle of the lens. The classifier
merely imagines a straight line between the
core and the delta of a loop.
 RIDGE TRACING

Is the coursing on the lower contour of the ridge till it ends at the relative point in
front of the right delta, the tabulation of the number of ridge and the resultant
symbol is obtained it.
POINTERS IN RIDGE TRACING:

“INNER”

If the left delta ridge goes inside the right delta ridge and there are three or
more intervening ridges, the tracing is “inner” and the symbol is capital
letter “I”

 If the left delta ridge goes inside the right delta ridge and there are two or
less intervening ridges, the tracing is “ meeting” and the symbol is capital
letter “M”

 If the left delta ridge meets the right delta ridge squarely,, the tracing is
“ meeting” and the symbol is capital letter “M”
 “OUTER”

 If the left delta ridge goes outside the right

delta ridge and there are two or less
intervening ridges the tracing is “meeting” and
the symbol is capital letter “M”.

If the left delta ridge goes outside the right

delta ridge and there are three or more
intervening ridges, the tracing is “outer” and
the symbol is capital letter “O”.
 BLOCKING
 Is the process of writing below each pattern the
corresponding symbol of the fingerprint pattern in the
spaces provided for in the chart
(SMALLER BLOCKS) conspiciously or in capital
letters purposely to facilitate the attainment of the
PRIMARY CLASSIFICATION.
CLASSIFICATION
 Is the method of obtaining a formula for a set of
fingerprints whereby it may be located in the filing
cabinet.
 CLASSIFICATION FORMULA
 Is a numerical description of a set of
classified fingerprints which is
composed of figures and letters
written above the horizontal line like
a fraction.
 SYMBOL OF THE FINGERPRINT PATTERNS IN
BLOCKING
Plain Whorl -----------------------------------------W
Central Pocket Loop -----------------------------C (from Index fingers Only)
(from other fingers Whorl- pattern)
Double Loop ---------------------------------------D (from Index fingers Only)
(from other fingers Whorl pattern)
Accidental Whorl ---------------------------------X (from Index fingers Only)
(from Whorl pattern)
Plain arch -------------------------------------------A
Tented arch -----------------------------------------T
Radial loop -----------------------------------------/ (from the right hand)
-----------------------------------------\ (from the left hand)
Ulnar loop -----------------------------------------------\ (from the right hand)
------------------------------------------/ (from the left hand)
This diagonal line symbol should be used in LOOPS (Ulnar and Radial, alike)
And must always follow the slope of the innermost sufficient re-curve.
 RT RI RM RR RL
ULNAR LOOP DOUBLE LOOP PLAIN WHORL TENTED ARCH RADIAL LOOP

\ D W T /
PLAIN ARCH ACCIDENTAL ULNAR LOOP DOUBLE LOOP ULNAR LOOP
WHORL

A X \ D \

PLAIN RADIAL DOUBLE ULNAR

WHORL LOOP LOOP LOOP ULNAR
LOOP
W \ D / /
CENTRAL CENTRAL
ULNAR RADIAL RADIAL
POCKET POCKET
LOOP LOOP LOOP
LOOP LOOP
/ C C \ \
DIVISION OF THE CLASSIFICATION FORMULA
•Primary Classification
•Secondary Classification
1.Secondary Classification by Capital lettered
group
2.Secondary Classification by small lettered
group
•Sub-Secondary Classification
•Major Classification
•Key Classification
•Final Classification
•Classification of Amputated / Missing fingers
PRIMARY CLASSIFICATION
Is the summation of all numerical value assigned to WHORLS
( Plain Whorl, Central Pocket Loop, Double Loop and
Accidental Whorl ) appearing in a fingerprint chart
( 10 fingerprints ) which are expressed as
NUMERATORS and DENOMINATORS plus the pre-
established fraction of one
(1) Over one (1) 1 .
1
PATTERNS AS TO NUMBER VALUE
•Patterns with numerical value – All Whorls- these are the
patterns (fingerprints) assigned with numerical value in the
Primary Classification.
•Patterns without numerical value – The arches and the Loops.
Those are the fingerprint pattern without numerical value in the
Primary Classification.
 FORMATION IN CLASSIFICATION
LINE
KEY MAJOR PRIM. SECONDARY SUB-SEC FINAL
________________________________________________

14 M 32 W IMO 16
________________________________________________
O 32 W OMI 15
 4 STAGES TO ATTAIN THE
PRIMARY CLASSIFICATION
PAIRING – The 10 fingerprints from the
corresponding fingers are divided into pairs, or 5
pairs in all, as follows:
◦ The first pair is composed of the right thumb and the
right Index finger (Nos. 1 and 2 in the chart).
◦ The second pair is composed of the right middle and the
right ring finger (Nos. 3 and 4 in the chart).
◦ The third pair is composed of the right little finger and the
left thumb (Nos. 5 and 6 in the chart).
◦ The fourth pair is composed of the left index finger and
the left middle finger.
◦ The fifth pair is composed of the left ring finger and the
left little finger (Nos. 9 and 10 in the chart).
 HOW TO PAIR THE FINGERS
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
FIRST FIRST PAIR SECOND SECOND THIRD
PAIR PAIR PAIR PAIR

6.THIRD 7. FOURTH 8. 9. 10.

PAIR PAIR FOURTH FIFTH PAIR FIFTH PAIR
PAIR

 NOTE: Fingers no. 1 to 5 are from the Right hand, while

fingers no. 6 to 10 are from the Left hand
 ASSIGNING NUMERICAL VALUE – This numerical value
are assigned to the corresponding fingers is permanent, as
follows:
Whorls appearing in the FIRST PAIR has a numerical value of 16 each
pattern
Whorls appearing in the SECOND PAIR has a numerical value of 8
each pattern
Whorls appearing in the THIRD PAIR has a numerical value of 4 each
pattern
Whorls appearing in he FOURTH PAIR has a numerical value of 2
each pattern
Whorls appearing in the FIFTH PAIR has a numerical value of 1
each pattern.
 EXAMPLE ON HOW TO ASSIGN NUMERICAL
VALUE

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

16 16 8 8 4

W D W W W
6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

4 2 2 1 1

W C W W W
 KNOWING THE NUMERATORS AND DENOMINATORS THE
PAIRS
The FIRST PATTERN of every pair is the DENOMINATOR,
while the SECOND PATTERN of the pair is the
NUMERATOR. There will be five Denominators as there
are five Numerators in the five pairs in a set of ten (10)
fingerprints, as:
1. 2.NUMERATOR 3. 4.NUMERATOR 5.

DENOMINATOR DENOMINATOR DENOMINATOR

6. NUMERATOR 7. 8.NUMERATOR 9. 10.NUMERATOR

DENOMINATOR
DENOMINATOR

 NOTE: That fingers nos. 1,3,5,7 and 9 are Denominators, while

fingers nos. 2,4,6,8 and 10 are Numerators,
( odd numbers are denominators while even numbers are numerator).
 SUMMING THE NUMERICAL VALUES OF WHORLS
ASSIGNED TO THE FINGERS PLUS THE
PRE-ESTABLISHED FRACTION OF ONE OVER ONE
Get the total numerical value of all the
Numerators, add the fraction of 1 and exhibit it
in the numerator of the classification line. Do it
also to the numerical value of all the
Denominator, add the fraction of 1 and exhibit it
in the denominator of the classification line.
(This pre-establish fraction of 1 is always added
to the numerator and denominator to complete
the Primary Classification formula).
 Example:
N=16 N=8

D=16 D=8 D=4

W D W W W
N=4 N=2 N=1

D=2 D=1
W C W W W

NOTE:
All numerators – 16+8+4+2+1=31+1=32
All denominators – 16+8+4+2+1=31+1=32
 WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF
ADDING ONE OVER ONE IN THE
PRIMARY CLASSIFICATION
 To give the non- value group
a place in the file that zero
over zero might be mistaken
for outer over Outer in filing.
SECONDARY CLASSIFICATION BY
CAPITAL LETTER GROUP
This is done by exhibiting the CAPITAL
LETTER symbol of the individual type of
fingerprint patterns from the two (2) INDEX
fingers after the primary in the classification
line. The fingerprint pattern appearing in the
right index finger in the NUMERATOR while
the fingerprint from the left Index is the
DENOMINATOR. A combination of the
following symbols may come out.
W---------------------PLAIN WHORL
C---------------------CENTRAL POCKET LOOP
D---------------------DOUBLE LOOP
X---------------------ACCIDENTAL WHORL

A---------------------PLAIN ARCH
T---------------------TENTED ARCH

R---------------------RADIAL LOOP
U---------------------ULNAR LOOP
EXAMPLE: RH 22 D
LH 3 X
RI
ULNAR DOUBLE PLAIN TENTED ULNAR
LOOP LOOP ARCH ARCH LOOP

\ D a t \
CENTRAL ACCIDENT ULNAR RADIAL PLAIN
POCKET AL WHORL LOOP LOOP WHORL
LOOP

W X / \ W

LI
SECONDARY CLASSIFICATION
BY SMALL LETTER GROUP
This refers to three (3) types of fingerprint patterns
only: the RADIAL LOOP, PLAIN ARCH, and the TENTED
ARCH. Whenever any of these patterns appears in any
finger excluding the INDEX FINGERS the symbol in
small letter as “r” for Radial loop, and “a” for Plain
arch and “t” for Tented arch be exhibited in the
classification line before and or after the Secondary
Classification by capital letter, depending on the
finger of origin. The four fingers involved from the
Right are NUMERATORS while those from the left
hand DENOMINATORS.
EXAMPLE:
After
RH 17 aDt2r
Before LH 3 rWatr
RT RM RR RL
a D t / /

\ W a t \

LT LM LR LL
Is the exhibition of the resultant symbol
for the ridge counting in LOOPS as
expressed by the symbols capital letter I,
O ( INNER – OUTER) and the ridge
tracing for WHORLS as expressed by the
symbols I , M, O. ( INNER – MEETING
OUTER) from the right INDEX to the
LEFT ring finger. Excluding the
THUMBS and the little fingers of both
hands.
 TABLE FOR SUB – SECONDARY CLASSIFICATION

 Both Index fingers 1 to 9 INNER 10 or more

OUTER
 Both middle fingers 1 to 10 INNER 11 or more
OUTER
 Both ring fingers 1 to 13 INNER 14 or more OUTER

NOTE:
If the patterns are PLAIN ARCH or TENTED ARCH
Should be exhibited by symbol of DASH (---).
 EXAMPLE:

RH 5 U IOO______
LH 17 U OII

RI RM RR
9 12 14

w \ \ \ \

11 9 12

w / / / /

LI LM LR
 Is similar to the previous classification
( the Sub-secondary Classification) though
it applies to the THUMBS only. This is by
ridge counting the LOOPS and ridge tracing
the WHORLS appearing from the THUMBS.
That a loop found therein is ridge counted,
the result of the count is exhibited in the
right upper corner of the frame where that
loop is found and later on expressed in
symbol in the classification line.
 A whorl is however ridge traced, as done in the
Sub-secondary classification, with the same table
for symbols is used. The sets of table for symbols
are used for loops whenever both patterns appear
in the THUMBS and the ridge count of the loop
from the left thumb is 17 or more. ARCHES are
represented by a dash (---) in the classification
line. The place for symbol of the Major
Classification is on the left side of the PRIMARY in
the classification line. The right thumb in the
NUMERATOR while in the left thumb is the
DENOMINATOR.
TABLE A – FOR SYMBOL OF LOOPS:

A ridge count of 1 to 11, inclusive, is

represented by symbol capital letter S
(small). This symbol be exhibited in the
classification line only.

A ridge count of 12 to 16 inclusive, is

represented by symbol capital Letter M
(medium). This symbol is exhibited in the
classification line only

A ridge count of 17 or more is represented

by symbol capital letter L (large).
This symbol be exhibited in the
classification line only.
 TABLE B – FOR SYMBOLS OF LOOPS: 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 L (large).

 A ridge count of 1 to 17 inclusive is S (small).

 A ridge count of 18 to 22 inclusive is M (medium).

 A ridge count of 23 or more is L (large).

 ABOVE MENTIONED SYMBOLS BE EXHIBITED IN
CLASSIFICATION LINE ONLY

 NOTE: WHORLS IN THE THUMBS ARE RIDGE

TRACED WITH THE SAME SYMBOLS AS USED
IN THE SUB-SECONDARY CLASSIFICATION.
 17 - 9 10
\ T \ / t

9 O - 11
/ W t / t

RH L I Tt - I I
LH S 3 W 2t O - I
 Is by ridge counting the LOOPS and WHORLS from the two
little fingers. The result of the count (In number) be exhibited in
the right upper corner of the frame where found and also
re-exhibited 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 in the classification line.
NOTE:
If both little fingers from RH and LH appears WHORL pattern be
treated as ULNAR loop.
EXAMPLE:
RH 9 I 9 A 2t - - I -
LH - 17 tT ara - - I -

I - - I -
w A t w t

- - - 9 -
t T a \ a
 Is done by re-exhibiting the ridge count of the first
loop in the Classification line.
 The ridge count of the first loop may come from the
right thumb or any other finger except the ridge
count from the two little fingers.
 No matter where it found, the ridge count of the
first loop be re-exhibited at the extreme left of the
Numerator in the classification line.
 (there is no Denominator in this classification).
 Where there is no loop in the eight (8) fingers
( at right and left thumbs, right and left Index
fingers, right and left middle fingers and right
and left ring fingers), the first whorl be ridge
counted and the result be displayed at the left
upper corner of the frame where found and
also in the classification line. When NO loops
or Whorls appears in the eight mentioned
fingers, the patterns possibly are arches, then
its symbol be a dash ( - ).
 A Plain Whorl and Central Pocket loop be
treated as an ULNAR LOOP from the hand of
origin.
 A double loop is ridge counted to an
upright loop.
 An Accidental Whorl be ridge counted from
the extreme corresponding delta to the
nearest core (least number of ridge count)
 m I 9 14 9

w D \ \ \

17 O 11 13 7

/ C / / /

RH 9 M 17 D I I O 9
LH L 19 C O O I 7
 When one or more fingers from the same hand
are amputated or missing, it is given the
classification of the opposite fingers ( together
with ridge count or Ridge tracing) except its
primary classification.
 When two or more opposite fingers are
amputated or missing, it is given the
 Classification of PLAIN WHORL with a ridge
tracing of M (meeting).
When all the fingers are amputated or missing
they are all treated as PLAIN WHORLS with ridge
tracing of M (meeting).
15 O M M 16
w W AMP W \

M I O 15
w AMP w w /

RH 15 O 31 W M I M 16
LH M 28 W M I O 15
AMP AMP AMP AMP AMP

AMP AMP AMP AMP AMP

RH M 32 W M M M
LH M 32 W M M M
If the law has made you a witness, remain
a man of science. You have no victim to
avenge, no guilty or innocent person to
ruin or save. You must bear witness
within the limits of science.
- Brouardel