Wisconsin Department of Justice Identification Manual - Imprimus ...

is impractical to provide a more detailed explanation. Persons who are interested
should consult the Science of Fingerprints, published by the Federal Bureau of
Investigation, United States Department of Justice, Washington, D.C., or call the
Crime Information Bureau, Fingerprint Identification Section, with questions.
The classification of fingerprints provides for an orderly placing of fingerprint cards
in a file with systematic filing of an original card. Any subsequent card containing
the same inked impressions falls into the same section of the file and a search
quickly yields the earlier record. The AFIS classification system used in the
Fingerprint Identification Section of the Crime Information Bureau is based upon the
Henry System.
The Henry classification formula is determined by the type of pattern appearing in
each fingerprint impression, and the related ridge counts or tracings made of that
pattern.
Fingerprint Pattern Types
Fingerprints fall into 3 large general groups of patterns, each group bearing the same
general characteristics. The patterns may be further divided into sub-groups by
means of the smaller differences existing between the patterns in the same general
group. These groups are:
Arches
PLAIN ARCH
is that type of pattern in which the ridges enter upon one side, make a rise or wave in
the center, and flow or tend to flow out upon the opposite side.
Plain Arch
TENTED ARCH
is that type of pattern which possesses either an angle, an up thrust, or two of the
three basic characteristics of the loop.
Wisconsin Department of Justice Identification Manual Fingerprint Patterns • 84