FS 2 – PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION

CHAPTER 3
THE FINGERPRINT PATTERNS
THE EIGHT STANDARDS TYPES OF FINGERPTINT PATTERNS
Presently, there are eight standard patterns which are widely used in the field of
fingerprint. Before, on the Galton and Henry System, they used the Nine standard fingerprint
patterns. Only that after the Galton-Henry System with FBI Modification and Extension, we
have our eight standard fingerprint patterns.
Galton and Henry System Galton-Henry System with FBI Modification
and Extension
Group/Families = 3 Group/Families = 3
- Arch (3) – Plain, Tented and - Arch (2) – Plain and Tented Arch
Exceptional Arch - Loop (2) – Radial and Ulnar loop
- Loop (4) – Plain, Lateral, Twin and - Whorl (4) – Plain, Central Pocket
Central pocket loop loop, double loop and Accidental
- Whorl (2) – Plain, Whorl and
Accidental Whorl

PERCENTAGE OF FINGERPRINT PATTERN IN THE WORLD

1. ARCH – 5%
2. LOOP – 60%
3. WHORL – 35%
1. THE ARCH
a. Plain Arch (A) – is a pattern in which the ridges flows from one side to the other side
with a slight raise at the center.

b. Tented Arch (T) – is a type of pattern having either an angle, uptrust or an incomplete
loop form.
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2. LOOP
The elements of loop;
- A core
- A delta
- A sufficient recurve
- At least one ridge count
a. Radial Loop – is a pattern type of loop pattern if the loop opens in the direction of the
thumb.

NOTE: if extracted from the right hand

b. Ulnar Loop – is a type of loop pattern if the loop opens in the direction of the little
finger.

NOTE: if extracted from the right hand

3. THE WHORL
Basic Element of Whorl
1. two or more deltas
2. at least one complete circuiting ridges

a. Plain Whorl (W) – at least one circuiting ridges is touched or crossed by the imaginary
line traversing between the two deltas.
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b. Central Pocket Loop Whorl – no circuiting ridges within the pattern area is touched or
cross by an imaginary line drawn between the two deltas.

c. Double Loop Whorl

1. two separate loop formation
2. two separate and distinct shoulder
3. two deltas

d. Accidental Whorl
1. a combination of two different patterns with the exception of the plain arch
2. two deltas
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RIDGE CHARACTERISTICS (GALTON DETAILS)

1. Ridge Dot (island ridge) – refers to a ridge formation in a form of a dot or period.

2. Bifurcation – a ridge formation in which a single ridge splits or divides into two or more

ridges. It assembles a fork shape.

3. Converging Ridge – two ridges that meets at a certain point.

4. Diverging Ridge – two ridges that spread apart.

5. Enclosure or Lake Ridge – a single ridge that divides into two but does not remain open and

meet a certain point to form the original single ridge.

6. Ending Ridge – it refers to an abrupt end of a ridge.

7. Type Lines – is a diverging that tends to surround the pattern area and serves as a basic

boundary of fingerprint impression.

8. Pattern Area – is a part of a loop of whorl pattern surrounded by the type lines and consisting

of delta, the core and other ridges.

9. Recurving Ridge – a single ridge that curves back into the direction where it started.

10. Sufficient Recurve - a recurving ridge which is complete with its should and free from any

appendage.

11. Appendage – is a short ridge found at the top or summit of a recurve.

12. Rod or Bar- is a short of long ridge found inside the recurve and directed towards the core.
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13. Obstruction Ridge - a short ridge found inside the recurve within the blocks the inner ;ine of

flow towards the core.