Forensic Science Fingerprinting Notes Quiz

When was a classification system developed for fingerprinting?

1891

Who and when was the book “Finger Prints” published?

Francis Galton published it in 1892

Where and when was the first systematic and official use of fingerprints?

New York City for the Civil Service Commision in 1891

When did the FBI combine fingerprint records to form the largest collection in the world?

1924

Whorl

Ridges from a closed center

Arch

Ridges that enter from one side of the finger and exit the other side

Core

The highest ridge with the curvature

Arch patterns

have lines that start at one side of the print and then move toward the center of the print and leave of the other side of the print. Arches have no types of lines or deltas. Found in 5% of the population

Plain Arch

Simplest of all the fingerprint patterns

Tented Arch

Ridges rise in a sharp thrust or spike in the center of the print, at an angle less than 90 degrees

Wharl Patterns

Have at least one ridge that makes up a complete circuit that makes up a spiral or oval. All whorls have at least 2 deltas. Found in 35% of the population

Plain Whorl

A line drawn between the 2 deltas touches one of the spiral ridges

Central Pocket Whorl

An imaginary line drawn between 2 deltas does not touch the spiral ridge

Loop Patterns

Have lines that start at one side of the print, recurving, and exiting to the same side. Found in 60% of the population

Ulnar Loop

Loop opens toward the little finger (ulna)

Radial Loop

Loop opens toward the thumb (radius)

Double Loop

Any 2 loops combined into one print

Accidental

Contains 2 or more patterns (not including a plain arch) or the pattern is not covered by other categories

Visible Prints

Can be seen with the naked eye. Made when fingers touch a surface after the ridges have been in contact with a colored material such as blood, grease, paint, or ink

Latent Prints

No seen with the naked eye. Caused by perspiration of one’s skin coming into contact with a surface and making an invisible impression on it.

Plastic Prints

Ridge impressions left on a soft material such as putty, wax, soap, or dust