| Author | Message | ||
     Ed German |
Fingerprint "types" or pattern classifications are used to help locate the fingerprint card of one person from among others in a large file collection. It is not as important in modern police work as in previous decades, because computerization enables fast identification without the need for intricate classification details. One of the most popular systems (certainly the most commonly used in English speaking countries) is the Henry Classification System. Generally, fingerprint patterns are broken down into loops, arches and whorls. Further breakdowns include two types of loops, two types of arches, and four types of whorls. Please see paragraph 3 at the Fingerprinting Merit Badge page by clicking here. Other factors used include male/female, age, a wide variety of ridge counting formula extensions and even the presence or absence of scars in the fingerprint pattern area. The larger the manual file collection, the minute breakdowns which are used. Most AFIS systems now use only some of the eight basic pattern types, combined with ridge flow, ridge counts and focal point (delta/core) locations. In many AFIS systems all of this classification work (pattern determination and ridge counting) is automatically done by the computer when working with inked or "live scan" fingerprints. --Ed German | ||
| Curtis Doss |
I have heard that there are different categorys or types of fingerprints. If this is true how can I find out what type my prints are? |
