Scribd
Upload
465 views

Henry System of Classification 14

The document summarizes the Henry fingerprint classification system used by law enforcement. It describes how fingerprints from each hand are numbered and how the presence of whorl patterns on specific fingers are assigned numerical values. These values are totaled to determine a fraction that represents an individual's primary fingerprint classification number, which can be used to categorize and file fingerprints. Approximately 25% of people have a classification of 1/1 due to having only loop or arch patterns. The document provides an example calculation and questions to practice determining a classification number based on the fingerprint patterns.

Uploaded by

Love Madrilejos
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
465 views

Henry System of Classification 14

The document summarizes the Henry fingerprint classification system used by law enforcement. It describes how fingerprints from each hand are numbered and how the presence of whorl patterns on specific fingers are assigned numerical values. These values are totaled to determine a fraction that represents an individual's primary fingerprint classification number, which can be used to categorize and file fingerprints. Approximately 25% of people have a classification of 1/1 due to having only loop or arch patterns. The document provides an example calculation and questions to practice determining a classification number based on the fingerprint patterns.

Uploaded by

Love Madrilejos
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 1

FS 14 Name _________________________________ Period____

Classification of Fingerprints: Henry System


The primary classification system for fingerprints has been adapted from the original system developed by Sir
Edward Richard Henry in 1896. Unfortunately, it could only accommodate files of up to 100,000 sets of
prints, after which, it became too cumbersome. The FBI further modified the system by adding additional
extensions but the first step in classification is essentially the same.
The primary classification system is a 10-finger system. Therefore it must be used when prints from both hands
are available. Using this method, all of the fingerprints in the world could be divided into 1,024 groups.
Fingers on each hand are given an identifying number. Starting with the right thumb, fingers on the right hand
are numbered from one to 5. On the left hand, starting from the thumb, they are numbered 6 to 10. For
example, the right ring finger is number 4 and the left middle finger is number 8.
Classification is based on the exact finger and the print design. Each finger is given a value only if it has a
whorl design. If the finger has an arch or loop, it is given a value of zero. Not all fingers are given the same
value if they have a whorl. The following chart indicates the value a finger is given if it has a whorl design.
Remember that whorls include plain, central pockets, double loops and accidentals:

16 16 8 8 4
1. R. Thumb 2. R. Index 3. R. Middle 4. R. Ring 5. R. Little
4 2 2 1 1
6. L. Thumb 7. L. Index 8. L. Middle 9. L. Ring 10. L. Little
The values for fingers numbered 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 are totaled and +1 added to the value. The values for fingers
1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 are added and +1 added to the value. The even numbered finger value is used as the
numerator and the odd numbered finger value is used as the denominator. Approximately 25% of the
population has a 1/1 primary classification. This means that they have either all loops or all arches, or a
combination of loops and arches.
For example, a person with whorls on the right, middle finger (#3), the left, little finger (#10) and the left index
finger (#7) would have the primary classification of: _____1+1____= 2/11
8+2+1
1) Using the primary classification system, determine the classification number for the following individual.
The classification number is written as a fraction and is never reduced.

L. Little L. Ring L. Middle L. Index L. Thumb R. Thumb R. Index R. Middle R. Ring R. Little
arch whorl arch arch whorl loop arch loop loop whorl
Show Your work:

Primary classification number: ________________


2) Use your Modus Operandi to list your classification below:

L. Little L. Ring L. Middle L. Index L. Thumb R. Thumb R. Index R. Middle R. Ring R. Little

What is the primary classification number for your prints? _____________


Show your work:
1

You might also like

pFad - Phonifier reborn

Pfad - The Proxy pFad of © 2024 Garber Painting. All rights reserved.

Note: This service is not intended for secure transactions such as banking, social media, email, or purchasing. Use at your own risk. We assume no liability whatsoever for broken pages.


Alternative Proxies:

Alternative Proxy

pFad Proxy

pFad v3 Proxy

pFad v4 Proxy