Techniques of Fingerprinting

No two fingerprints have identical characteristics.

Fingerprints are the primary method used by law enforcement officials to identify criminals. With the advancement of technology and the use of computers, storing, searching, retrieving and matching fingerprints have tremendously improved through the years.

History

The first official use of fingerprints in the United States was by the New York City Service Commission in 1901. The United States Army started using fingerprints for individual identification in 1905. In 1930, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) set up the national fingerprint file.

Types

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation website, the types of fingerprints obtained are rolled or flat impressions. Rolled impressions are taken individually from all 10 fingers and images are rolled from nail to nail. Flat impressions are taken by simultaneously using the right and left four fingers, followed by the two thumbs, without rolling. This technique ensures the maximum level of fingerprint accuracy.

Classes

Fingerprints are divided into three classes based on the general pattern. The least common type, the arch pattern, is subdivided into two groups, plain and tented. The most common pattern is the loop, which can be right loops or left loops. Whorls are subdivided into four groups: plain, double loop, central pocket loop and accidental.

References

• The FBI: Recording Legible Fingerprints
• New Mexico Department of Health: Fingerprint Techniques Manual