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Three Major Classes of Fingerprints Essay

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The three basic pattern classifications of fingerprints established by Sir Edward Richard Henry in 1896 are the arch, the loop, and the whorl. In an arch pattern, ridges flow from one side of the finger directly to the opposite side without any deltas. This type of print accounts for about 5% of all fingerprints. There are two types of arch patterns, the plain arch and tented arch. In a loop pattern, the ridges flow from one side of the finger, than they curve, than pass an imaginary line drawn from the delta to the core, and flow out the same side of the finger. They contain one delta on the opposite side of the opening. This type of print accounts for about 70% of all fingerprints. There are two types of loops. The two types are ulnar…show more content…
A double loop whorl is the type of pattern that consists of two separate sets of loop formations, shoulders, and deltas. An accidental whorl is the type of pattern that is composed of two types of patterns with two or more deltas. A central pocket loop is the type of pattern that consists of one or more recurving ridges or an obstacle at a right angle to the line of flow with two deltas. Also, when an imaginary line is drawn, no recurving ridge near the inner pattern area is cut or touched. Sub classes are important because they help distinguish specific prints from others quickly, therefore illuminating some possible suspects right away.
There are three types of fingerprints that could be left at a crime scene. The three types are latent, patent, and plastic. Latent fingerprints are made from the oil and sweat on the surface of a person’s skin. This type of print is invisible by the naked eye and requires processing for visibility purposes. The process can be done using chemicals or powder. Patent fingerprints are made from blood, ink, dirt, or grease and they are visible by the naked eye. Plastic fingerprints are made when a person presses on wax, paint, or soap and they are visible by the naked eye. The three types of fingerprints help investigators discover who was at the crime scene which can possibly lead to the arrest of suspects.
When collecting “inked” prints, there is a certain process that needs to be followed. First, a person’s hand must be
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