Types of Fingerprints

Although not two fingerprint have been found to be alike, most all of them fall into the 8 catagories above.

1) Arches- The lines go from one side of the finger to the other with an arch in the middle.
A) Plain Arch: This print is the most simple print to be found. It starts on one side then raises slightly in the middle, continuing to the other side of the finger.
B) Tented Arch: Athough very similar to the plain arch this print starts on opposite side of the finger and then meet in the middle at the tip of the arch. This print is not continuous like the other.

2) Loops- The print shows waves that do not intertwine like whorls.
A) Radial Loop: Loops that flow toward the right.
B) Ulnar Loop: Loops that flow toward the left.

3) Whorls- Two lines intertwining in the middle.
A) Plain Whorl: The print shows a line starting at one side of the finger and going into a complete loop, making a circle shape.
B) Central Pocket: This print shows one whorl like the plain but then it extends into another whorl
C) Double: This print show two completly different loop formations.
D) Accidental: This print shows two patterns because of its whorl characteristics but also having its ridges.



Direct: Fingerprint which are very visible to the naked eye; placed in a substance such as dirt or blood.

Latent: Usually invisible to the naked eye; thought to of as an accidental fingerprint.

Plastic: Where a finger is placed in a certain substnce such as wax, clay, or wet paint; leaving a negative imprint.