BASIC HENRY’S CLASSIFICATION (MAJOR CLASSIFICATION)

FINAL CLASSIFICATION

This is obtained upon the ridge count of the loop in the right little finger or both the little fingers. It is

indicated on the extreme right of the classification formula.

Rules:

1. If a loop does not appear in the right little finger, a loop in the left finger may be used. It is then

indicated at the extreme right of the denominator,

2. If no loops appear in the little fingers, a whorl may be used to obtain a final from left delta to core if

in the right hand and from right delta to core if in the left hand. If there are two or more cores

(usually in the accidental whorls), the ridge count is made from left delta (left hand) to the core which

is the least number of ridges distant from the delta.

In double loop whorl, it is counted from the delta to the core of the upright loop. Where loops of a

double loop are horizontal, the nearest core is used. Should both little fingers be plain or tented

arches, no final is used.

MAJOR CLASSIFICATION

The major division is placed just to the left of the primary in the classification formula. Where whorls appear

in the thumb, the major division reflects the whorl tracings just as the sub-secondary does.

Where loops appear in the thumbs, a table is used to translate the ridge counts into “S” (Small), “M” (Medium),
“L” (Large). In a set of prints having loop patterns in both thumbs, the ridge count of the left thumb governs
the symbol for the right thumb.

Left thumb denominator Right thumb numerator

1 to 11 ridges inclusive = S (Small) 1 to 11 ridges inclusive = S

12 to 16 ridges inclusive = M

17 or more ridges = L

12 to 16 ridges = M (Medium) ----same----

 17 or more ridges = L (Large) 1 to 17 ridges, inclusive = S

18 to 22 ridges, inclusive = M

23 or more ridges = “L” (Large)

Major Classification for Loops

When arches appear in any of the thumb, the rules on small letter group shall be followed as in sub-

secondary likewise with whorls.

Major Classification for Whorls

The same rules used in SSC for whorls.

Major Classification for Arches

The same rules used in SSC for arches, but the small letters are written on the left side of the SC.

KEY CLASSIFICATION

The Key Classification

This represents the ridge count of the first loop appearing in a set of prints, beginning with the thumb of the

right hand but excluding the right and left little fingers. The key, no matter where found, is always placed to

the extreme left of the numerator of the classification formula.

In case no loops appear in a set of prints except in the little fingers, ridge count on the first whorl is applied.

If no loop or whorl appears, key is not obtainable.

CLASSIFICATION OF SCARRED PATTERNS / AMPUTATIONS / MISSING AT

BIRTH

Classification of scarred patterns

1. When an impression is so scarred that neither the general type of pattern nor the ridge racing or

count can be determined with reasonable accuracy, the impression should be given both the general

type value and the subclassification value of the other hand.

2. When an impression is partially scarred, i.e., large scars about the core so that the general type

cannot be determined with reasonable accuracy but the ridges allow reasonably accurate sub-
 classification by ridge tracings or counting, the impression should be given the primary value of the

pattern of the corresponding finger and the sub-classification value as indicated by the ridges of

partially scarred impressions.

3. When an impression is partially scarred and the general type of pattern can be determined with

reasonable accuracy, but the ridges cannot be traced or counted so as to fall within the proper sub-

secondary classification, impression should be given the ridge count or tracing value of the

corresponding finger of the other hand, if the corresponding finger is of the same general type. If

the corresponding finger is not of the same general type, the scarred impression should be given the

probable value and reference to all other possibilities.

4. When an impression is so scarred that neither the general type of pattern nor the ridge tracing or

count can be determined with reasonable accuracy, and it so happens that the corresponding finger of

the other hand is similarly scarred, both patterns are given the arbitrary value of whorls with meeting

tracings.

Classification of amputations and fingers missing at birth

1. If one finger is amputated, it is given a classification identical with that of the opposite finger,

including pattern and ridge count, or tracing, and referenced to every other possible classification.

2. If two or more fingers are amputated, they are given classifications identical with the fingers

opposite, with no additional references.

3. I two amputated fingers are opposite each other, both are given the classifications of whorls with

meeting (M) tracings.

If all 10 fingers and thumbs are amputated or missing at birth, the classification will be M 32 W MMM. If both

hands are amputated or missing at birth, the footprints M 32 W MMM should be taken as they, too, bear

friction ridges with definite patterns.

Taking of Fingerprint and Lifting/Processing of Latent Prints

OBTAINING ACTUAL SET OF PRINTS

Can you force a person to be fingerprinted?

Yes, as long as the person is under legal arrest, he can be forced to be fingerprinted. A person under
arrest who does not like to be fingerprinted can be prosecuted for disobedience to agent of person in
authority, defined and penalized under Article 15 of the Revised Penal code. Equipment in Taking Fingerprints

1. Fingerprint Roller- 6’’ long x 2’’ in diameter

2. Card Holder
3.Fingerprint Table 38’’ to 40’’
4. Inking Glass or glass stab or inking plate 6’’x14’’
5. Fingerprint roller
6. Cleaning materials

Types of Fingerprint Impression

1. Plain Impression- It requires that the fingers be taken or printed simultaneously, then the thumbs
without rolling.

2. Rolled impression- It requires that the thumbs and fingers be rolled from side to side or 180
degrees.

Important Points to Consider in Taking Legible Fingerprints

1. Cleanliness of equipment
2. The right and correct amount of ink.
3. The distribution of ink on the glass stab.
4. The distance of the subject from the inking plate.
5. The advice of the operator to the subject to relax and never aid in the operation.
6. The pressure exerted must be slight and even and the rolling be continuous movement including the lifting.
7. The nail of the fingers should be at right angles to the glass slab or to the card before starting the rolling
and always roll the fingers up to, the other side of the nail is reached.
8. The inking and printing must always reach below the first joint of the fingers. 9. The thumbs should be
rolled towards the body and all other fingers from the subject’s body.
10. While rolling the fingers, the subject’s hand should held/ controlled properly to prevent twisting and
slipping of the fingers.
11. Proper alignment.

Problems Encountered in Taking Fingerprints

1. When the fingers have fresh cut, wound and bandaged which will prevent the recording.

Solution:

a. Note in the corresponding space on the card that the finger has a fresh cut or
bandaged and arranged for future printing.

b. If it is possible, use a magnifying glass and examine the ridges directly on the finger and then
record on the corresponding space on the card pattern interpretation ridge count or ridge trace.

2. When the hand is perspiring excessively

Solution: wipe the fingers with cloth before taking. If the perspiration cannot be controlled, wipe it all with
alcohol.

3. When the fingers are very fine like the fingers of a baby.

Solution: Use the little amount of ink or spread a very thin coating of ink on the glass slab.

4. When the fingers are very dry like the fingers of carpenters.
Solution: Rub the fingers with cream, oil or lotion.

5. When one or more fingers are missing or amputated.

Solution: Record the present fingers and place a notation on the corresponding space on the card that such
finger is amputated or missing finger.

6. When the fingers are band (kambal), broken or crippled.

Solution: Use one of the methods in taking the print of dead person.

7. When the subject’s hand has more than 10 fingers, all fully formed.

Solution: The thumbs and the next fingers to them should be printed and on the other side of the card, place
a notation that such fingers are extra fingers.

8. Should any extra finger appear anywhere between the fingers.

Solution: Record the print of the one fully formed or normal fingers in the proper sequences. Then record the
extra digits at the back of the card with a notation as to where it appears.

9. In case of split thumbs, a thumb having two nails or when the subject has two or more fingers webbed
or grown together, making it impossible to roll such finger in its sides, print a notation at the back of the
card to such effect.

Latent prints: Refer to all three categories of prints in the sense that they have been found at the scene of
the crime or on items of investigative interest. It also refer specifically to latent/invisible prints.

LATENT PRINTS

Categories of Latent Prints (Prints that are found in the crime scene)

1. Visible Latent Prints- These are made by fingers smeared with colored substances such as blood, ink,
grease, dirt or paint. Visible prints, as the term implies, can be seen with the naked eye without them being
developed. If the ridges happen to stand out clearly in them, photographs can be made without any treatment
to the prints.

2. Semi-visible Latent Prints- These are molded or plastic impressions. These are prints made in plastic
materials, such as soap, melted candles, wax, paraffin, adhesive gums to envelope, postage stamps and the like.
These prints need not be developed either, although photograph is more difficult than with visible prints.

3. Invisible Latent Prints- These are the most common type of chance impression. Prints that cannot be
seen by naked eye specially on papers, card boards, box, and can be developed by the use of the right kind of
powder and chemical to make them visible.

Ways of Developing Latent Prints (Invisible Prints)

1. PHYSICAL OR POWDER METHOD

A. White Powder- It is applied on black and smooth surface.

B. Black Powder- It is applied on white and smooth surface.

Alternative to Black Powder

Procedures:
a. Light a candle. Place a saucer or plate over the flame to produce soot.

b. With the use of an improvised fingerprint brush (soft chicken feather tied with rubber band with a stick),
brush the bottom of the plate.

c. When the brush is with soot, brush it on the surface where latent print is present.

d. When the print is developed, lift it using fingerprint lifting tape and mount it on the card with proper data
(markings).

e. Photograph the developed print before lifting.

C. Lycopodium Powder- This is applied on leather surface such as bags. It is directly placed on the
surface using a blower to spread the powder instead of a brush. It is also used to develop latent print on
human skin. Materials needed in latent print on Human Skin

A. Lycopodium powder B. Gelatin

paper Procedure:

a. Lift the latent print from the skin using a fingerprint lifting material.
b. Mount it on the gelatin paper
c. apply lycopodium powder

2. CHEMICAL METHOD

A. Victoria Blue- It is use to detect latent prints on leaves, scotch tape, masking tape (Kidnapping and rape
cases). A dye can be a substitute for Victoria blue.

Preparation:
a. Prepare one gram of Victoria blue
b. prepare one liter of water
c. Mix the Victoria blue and water

Procedure:
a. emerge the leaf or scotch tape in a tray containing Victoria blue. Wash it in a clean
water.
b. Mount the developed latent print in a box. See to it that the surface where the latent is
found should not get in contact with any part of the box. c. Photographed the latent print.

NOTE: The developed latent print can remain for months and years depending on its preservation.

B. Ninhydrin Solution- It is used to detect latent prints on absorbent materials.

Preparation:
a. Get 05 grams of ninhydrin powder
b. Mix it with 100 ml acetone or ethyl alcohol

Procedure:
a. Brush ninhydrin solution over the surface of the material.
b. Dry it using a dryer/ blower
c. Insert the material in between two sheets of paper and iron it on top
d. Use a clip to remove such material from the sheets of paper
 e. Photographed the developed prints

Methods:

a. Brushing
b. Immersion/ soaking
c. spraying

C. TMB (Tetramethyl Benzendrine)- it is used to developed bloody fingerprints.

Preparation:
a. Prepare 05 grams of TMB
b. Mix it with 100 ml of ethyl alcohol.

Other chemical Methods of Developing Latent Prints

A. Collaidal Gold Universal Fingerprint Developer- This process that is used by the FBI and Secret
Services, can effectively develop prints on plastics, bank, checks, counterfeit money, metal and skin, even
after cyanoacrylate or ninhydrin have failed.

B. Amino Black- it is a dye sensitive to properties of blood and may be used with contaminated/ visible
prints involving blood. It has the capability to turn blood proteins to blue-black color.

C. Crystal Violet- it is used to develop latent prints on the adhesive side of almost any kind of tape. It
may also be useful on plastic surfaces. Crystal violet is mixed with water, and the taped is soaked in the
solution. The tape is then raised with tap water, any latent print that appears is dyed a purple color. The
results produced by Crystal Violet can be enhanced by viewing the treated area under laser illumination.

D. Iodine- One of the oldest and most proven methods of developing latent prints on both porous,
particularly paper, and non-porous surfaces is iodine fuming. If the subsequent use of ninhydrin may be
required, the iodine fuming should be done first.

E. DFO (1, 8- Diazafluren-9-one)- while it functions similarly to ninhydrin, DFO is about three times
more effective that in in developing latent prints on paper. These prints may immediately visible to the naked
eye. DFO prints fluoresce under almost all laser alternative light sources. DFO and ninhydrin may both be used
on paper, but it must be in thar sequence to get any fluorescence.

F. Small Particle Reagent (SPR)- SPR is a technique for developing latent prints that have been
immersed in water, as when a perpetrator has attempted to dispose off a firearm used in a crime by throwing
into a river or lake. It is also used to develop prints on drew-or-rain soaked cars; on surfaces covered with
residue, such as salt from being on or near the ocean and on waxed materials, plastics, tiles and glass.
Developed prints appear dark gray on a light surface and light gray on a dark surface. Although SPR can be
sprayed on an object, immersion of the object for about 30 seconds in an SPR solution produces better
results.

G. Rhodamine 6G- This This is an excellent fluorescent chemical dye to use on metal, glass, leather,
plastic, wood, and may other types of non-absorbent surfaces. Rhodamine 6g may enhance latent prints already
developed and also reveal others.

H. Basic Yellow 40- Following super glue fuming, Basic yellow 40 can be effectively used on surfaces such
as cans, leathers and plastics. After super glue fuming, the article is soaked in the Basic Yellow 40 solution for
about one minute. It will then fluoresce well under alternative lighting.
3. GAS METHOD

Super Glue- It is used to detect latent prints on masking tape, leaves, fruits, plastic materials. A mighty bond
can be used as a substitute.

Preparation:

a. Drop small amount of super glue into a saucer or plate

b. put the saucer and the materials at the bottom of the fuming box
c. Wait for 20-30 minutes to have complete developed impressions on the materials before opening the
fuming box.
d. Photographed the developed prints on the materials.

NOTE: The developed latent print will remain permanent on the surface.

Developing Latent Prints on Wet Surface

Preparation:
a. Prepare 3 grams of black powder
b. 1 cc of isopropyl alcohol
c. 1 cc of pure water

Procedure:
a. Mix the black powder with isopropyl alcohol
b. Brush it over the wet surface
c. wash it with water
d. Photograph the developed latent print before lifting

Methods of Comparing/ Identifying Prints

1. Electronic Fingerprinting or automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS)

-this can digitize fingerprint information to produce inkless fingerprints. Latent fingerprints are scanned and
converted into an electronic image that is stored in data base for rapid retrieval.

2. Live-scan Method of Fingerprinting

-it records, stores, and transmits fingerprints digitally. This method allows the police to place a suspect’s
finger on a glass plate, which is the read by a special device to produce a digital image of the prints. The image
can be then transmitted over telephone lines to computerized criminal record centers.

3. Laser Fingerprinting
-this eliminates the mess of inked fingerprints and also many of the problems associated with it.