Pattern Interpretation for Tenprint Examiners

Instructor: Brian Turner, MFS, CTPE
Course length: 16 hours

Loops, Whorls, Arches, Oh My! With the advent of the Automated Fingerprint Identification System and the decline in use of the Henry Classification System, the daily rigorous use of pattern interpretation is on the decline. However, pattern interpretation is still a vital part in the world of a Tenprint Examiner. In today’s world, pattern interpretation is still used for determining NCIC Classification and often needed if any agency still utilizes a Henry Classification File System.

The purpose of this Pattern Interpretation for Tenprint Examiners course is for the students to learn all the rules for pattern interpretation. In addition, students will learn how to determine ridge counts and whorl tracings. Students will be guided through each of the types of fingerprint patterns and the rules associated with each. Upon completion of rules of pattern interpretation, the students will practice the rules of pattern interpretations in a series of exercises.

This course is perfect for those just starting out as a Tenprint Examiner, those Tenprint Examiners preparing for certification, or as a refresher course for those that are already certified. Latent print examiners can also benefit from pattern interpretation.

Course Outline:

Day 1:

Brief Overview of Purpose of Fingerprint Pattern Interpretation
What are the 3 major patterns of Fingerprints?

Loops
- Radial and Ulnar loops
- PRACTICE EXERCISE – DETERMINING RADIAL / ULNAR LOOPS
- 3 Major Requirements for a loop
  - Delta
    - Finding Typelines
      - PRACTICE EXERCISE
    - Locating Delta
      - PRACTICE EXERCISE
  - Sufficient Recurve
    - Locating Core
      - PRACTICE EXERCISE
  - Ridge Count of at least one through looping ridge
- PRACTICE EXERCISE – LOOPS WITH RIDGE COUNTS
Arches
- Plain Arch
- Tented Arch
  - Upthrust Type
  - Angle Type
  - Loop Type
  - Arbitrary Type
- PRACTICE EXERCISE – ARCHES

DAY 2:

Whorls
- PLAIN WHORL
- CENTRAL POCKET LOOP WHORL
- DOUBLE LOOP WHORL
- ACCIDENTAL WHORL
- WHORL TRACING
- PRACTICE EXERCISE – WHORLS

PATTERN INTERPRETATION EXERCISE – 50 PRINT CLASSIFICATION
REVIEW
DISTRIBUTION OF CERTIFICATE AND COURSE EVALUATIONS

Brian Turner

Holding a Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Biology from Ramapo College of New Jersey and a Master’s Degree of Science in Forensic Science from the University of New Haven, Brian Turner began his career as Tenprint Examiner for Broward County Sheriff’s Office in Biometric Identification Unit.

He ran the internship program at the Biometric Identification Unit and instructed incoming Department of Detention Deputy Cadets in basics of fingerprint science.

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