Wisconsin Department of Justice Identification Manual - Imprimus ...

Other Fingerprint Definitions
Bifurcation
The forking or dividing of one line into two or more branches.
Core
The approximate center of the finger impression.
Delta
That point on a ridge at or nearest to the point of divergence of two type lines, and
located at or directly in front of the point of divergence.
DELTA RULES:
1. When there are two or more possible bifurcation deltas which
conform to the definition, the one nearest the core should be
chosen.
2. The Delta may not be located in the middle of a ridge running
between the type lines toward the core, but at the end nearest to the
core.
3. The delta may not be located at a bifurcation which does not open
toward the core.
4. Where there is a choice between a bifurcation and another type of
delta, the bifurcation is selected.
Divergence
The spreading apart of two lines which have been running parallel or nearly parallel.
Sufficient Recurve
The space between the shoulders of a loop, free of any appendages which abut upon
it at a right angle on the outside of the recurve.
Type Lines
The two innermost ridges which start or go parallel, diverge, and surround or tend to
surround the pattern area.
Henry Classification with Extensions
The Classification Formula may be composed of the following divisions, each
followed with the definition and examples of a classification line for the divisions
when completely applied:
Primary
Each finger has a definite numerical value when a whorl type pattern is present. The
total of these values make up the Primary.
The numerator is made up of the total sum of the values present in the even
numbered fingers (2, 4, 6, 8, 10) plus one.
Wisconsin Department of Justice Identification Manual Fingerprint Patterns • 88