Name________________________________________ Date____________

Forensic Science Period___________

Lab# _____ Primary Classification of Fingerprints

Introduction: The Henry Classification System (Primary Classification System) is a long standing
method by which fingerprints are sorted by physiological characteristics for one to many searching.
Developed by Sir Edward Henry in the late 1800’s for criminal investigations in British India, it was
the basis of modern day classification methods up until the 1990’s.

The Henry Classification System allows for logical catergorization of ten print fingerprint records
into primary groupings based on fingerprint pattern types. This system reduces the effort
necessary to search large numbers of fingerprint records by classifying fingerprint records
according to gross physical characteristics. Subsequent searches (manual or automated) utilizing
granular characteristics such as minutiae are greatly simplified.

Procedure:

1. Number the finger beginning with the thumb on the right hand as follows:
a. Thumb = 1
b. Index = 2
c. Middle = 3
d. Ring = 4
e. Little = 5
2. Then Number the fingers on the left hand, again beginning with the thumb
a. Thumb = 6
b. Index = 7
c. Middle = 8
d. Ring = 9
e. Little = 10
3. In case the pattern of the print is a WHORL, each finger is given a designated value.
Name________________________________________ Date____________
Forensic Science Period___________

4. Examine all the odd numbered fingers beginning with the right hand. Identify all the odd
fingers that have whorls. Those with whorls are taken at their designated values. ( Step 2).
The sum of the value of the odd numbered fingers with whorls plus on becomes the
denominator of the primary classification fraction.

(Sum of the odd number fingers + 1)

5. Repeat the procedure followed in step 3 for the even numbered fingers. The sum value of
the even numbered fingers with the whorls plus one becomes the numerator of the primary
classification fraction

(Sum of the even fingers with whorls + 1)

Right Index + Right Ring + Left Thumb + Left Middle + Left Little + 1 = Primary Classification

Right Thumb + Right Middle + Right Little + Left Index + Left Ring + 1

Data: See Attached Sheet

Analysis: Questions:

1. What is your primary classification? Fill in the table below using your official fingerprint
card.

Right Thumb Right Index Right Middle Right Ring Right Little

Left Thumb Left Index Left Middle Left Ring Left Little
Name________________________________________ Date____________
Forensic Science Period___________

2. What is the lowest possible primary classification for a set of fingerprints? (Show your
work)

3. If an individual had the lowest possible classification, what would you know immediately
about the persons prints without seeing them?

4. What is the highest possible primary classification for a set of fingerprints? (Show all work)

5. If an individual has the highest possible classification, what would you know immediately
about that persons prints (without seeing them)?