Fingerprint Identification

Remember there are three main types of finger prints

​Loops
Whorls
Arches

Common Patterns

This is the most common print. About 60% of all prints are loops. If a loop opens to the pinky it is an ulnar loop - if it opens to the thumb it is a radial loop

Loop

​Concentric ringed print with 2 deltas - second most common print

Whorls

Most rare print - only 5% of fingerprints are arches

Arch

There are some special patterns that fall underneath the original three types and one that does not follow the rules!

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​Special Patterns

True spiral whorl - has 2 deltas and ridges connect to each other.

Central Pocket Whorl

​Has a "tented" triangle in the middle

​​Tented Arch

Contains two loops in different directions - is technically a whorl. Look for the recurve ridge in the center.

​​Double Loop

Each fingerprint has individual markings that make it even more unique. We call these miniutae

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as the name suggests - it is a shorter version.

​​Short Ridge

​a fork in the road! The ridge splits

​​Bifurcation

Extremely small ridge enclosed by two other ridges

​​Dot

​Looks like an X or a chromosome

​​Cross-over