Fingerprint patterns are categorized into three main groups. These main patterns include loop pattern; whorl pattern; and arch pattern. Fingerprint patterns are used in forensic investigations of crimes. The fingerprint patterns are known to be unique to each individual; therefore, they help criminal investigators to identify criminals who are responsible for particular crimes (CSF, 2015). All individuals are required to submit their fingerprints to government authorities so that they can be used to identify them in future when need arises.
Loop patterns have ridges that flow to one side, then loop around, and exit the fingerprint pattern from the same side of entry (Frenette, 2004). The loop pattern is known to have one delta and one core. The loop patterns are further categorized into two groups that include ulnar loop; and radial loop. Ulnar loops get their name from the ulna bone that is located in the forearm. The ulna bone is located on the same side the little finger is located. The pattern of the ulnar loop flows towards the direction of the ulna bone. Radial loops get their names from the radial bone that is also located in the forearm. The radial bone is located on the same side where the thumb is located. The radial loops flow towards the direction of the radial bone. Radial loops are less common compared to the ulnar loops. Sometimes radial loops are just found on index fingers. Loop patterns are the most common types of fingerprint patterns, and are found in about 70% of the people.
Radial Loop Pattern
Ulnar Loop Pattern
Whorl patterns contain series of circles that are almost concentric (Frenette, 2004). A whorl pattern contains two or more deltas. Whorl patterns are further categorized into groups that include plain whorl; double loop whorl; central pocket loop whorl; and accidental whorl. Plain whorls have one or more ridges that make circuits using two deltas. There is an imaginary line or a re-curving ridge within the pattern at the center. Double loop whorls contain two distinct loop formations that are separate; two deltas; cores with distinct shoulders; and ridges that make complete circuits. An imaginary line touches or cuts the re-curving ridge. Central pocket loop whorls have ridges that make complete circuits that are oval, spiral, or circular. Accidental whorls contain two types of patterns that do not include plain arch; two deltas or more deltas; characteristics that belong to different patterns; or patterns that do not fit any of the definitions of fingerprint patterns. Whorl patterns are found in about 25% of the people.
Plain Whorl
Central Pocket Whorl
Double Loop Whorl
Accidental Whorl
Arch patterns have ridges that flow from one side and exit the pattern from the other side (Frenette, 2004). Arch patterns do not have any deltas. The arch patterns are further categorized into two groups that include plain arch; and tented arch. Plain arches have ridges that flow evenly from one end of the pattern to the other end. The ridges form waves at the centre of the pattern. Tented arches have up thrusts or angles at the center of the pattern. The ridges form significant angles that rise on one side of the axis and fall on the other side of the axis in a manner that forms patterns that look like tents. Arch patterns are the least common types of finger print patterns and are found in about 5% of the people.
Plain Arch
Tented Arch
Works Cited
Frenette, Julia. Fingerprint Patterns. 2004. Web. 26 Apr. 2015. http://www.odec.ca/projects/2004/fren4j0/public_html/fingerprint_patterns.htm
SCF. Fingerprints. 2015. Web. 26 Apr. 2015. http://www.crimescene-forensics.com/Fingerprints.html
