Wisconsin Department of Justice Identification Manual - Imprimus ...

Procedures for Unusual Circumstances
Temporary Disabilities to Fingerprinting
(Cut/Bandaged Fingers)
There are temporary disabilities affecting an individual's hand which are sometimes
beyond the control of the identification officer. These can be fresh cuts, wounds,
bandaged fingers, or blisters. An indication on the fingerprint card to the effect
"fresh cut or bandaged" is not sufficient to retain in the AFIS data base. The same
situation would occur if there were a blister on an individual's finger. The blister
temporarily disfigures the ridge detail. When an injury is temporary, the prints, if at
all possible, should be obtained after the injury has healed.
When a finger cannot be printed, a corresponding code should be entered in the
fingerprint block of the missing finger. These codes are:
Reason
Amputation
Unable to print (bandaged, etc.)
Code
XX
UP
A partially scarred finger should be printed. If the forwarding agency is not sure of
the reason a finger's image is missing, the UP code should be used. If an amputation
is noted in the fingerprint block a corresponding entry should also appear as a
missing finger or missing finger joint in Scars, Marks and Tattoos.
When a fingerprint card is received at the CIB with an indication in one or more of
the fingerprint blocks that a finger was cut, bandaged, blistered, or otherwise
temporarily disabled, the card will be "name searched" through the master name file
and a search of the AFIS data base is performed. Should the search conducted not
result in identification, the fingerprint card will not be retained in the AFIS data base
if the index and middle fingers are cut, bandaged, etc. Under all circumstances the
arrest information will be placed in the CCH data base. A copy of the fingerprint
card showing the reasons why the fingerprint card was unsuitable for AFIS will be
sent back to the contributing agency. The contributing agency should make an effort
when possible to reprint the individual after the temporary disability has healed.
Occupational Problems to Fingerprinting
Occupational problems (bricklayers, carpenters, cheese makers, dishwashers, etc.)
are definitely a challenge to the identification officer. In some instances, by means
of softening agents (oils and creams), it is possible to obtain legible impressions. It
is suggested in these cases a very small amount of ink or very light pressure on the
platen be used. Persons who have extremely "soft skin" may be treated with agents
to "firm" the fingers.
If it is not possible to accurately classify and file the fingerprint card in the AFIS
data base, the name appearing on the card will be searched in the master name file
and, if identification cannot be established, a copy of the fingerprint card showing
the reasons why the fingerprint card was unsuitable for AFIS will be sent back to the
contributing agency.
Wisconsin Department of Justice Identification Manual Obtaining Fingerprint Impressions • 74