Fingerprint notes

Delta

A triangular ridge pattern with ridges going in different directions above and below a triangle

Arch

Fingerprint pattern where a ridge starts on one side and finishes on the other, 5%, no deltas

Loop

Fingerprint pattern where a ridge starts on one side, loops around, and finishes on the same side, 65%, one delta

Whorl

Fingerprint pattern where ridges form a bullseye, 30%, two deltas

Core

The center of a loop or whorl

Minutiae

Unique details in the shape and position of ridges that make each fingerprint unique

Ten Card

Form used to record a person’s fingerprints

IAFIS/AFIS

Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System, a database of fingerprints created by the FBI

Fingerprint

Raised ridges of skin on fingers and toes called friction ridges

Types of Fingerprints

Patent, Latent, Plastic

Fingerprint Formation

Process starting at 10 weeks of pregnancy and completing when the fetus is 6 months old

Ridge Patterns

Whorls, Loops, Arches

Fingerprint Comparison

Levels 1, 2, 3 for identification and examination

Evaluation

Identification, Exclusion, Inconclusive outcomes in fingerprint analysis.