Capturing Legible Fingerprints

Capturing Legible Fingerprints

 

Quick Tips

All subjects’ hands should be cleaned before printing:

    • Soap and water are preferred.
    • If soap and water are not available, rubbing alcohol may be substituted.

Moist hands:

    • Wipe each finger with rubbing alcohol.
    • Hands with dry or flaky skin:
    • Use a small amount of hand lotion and wipe off any residue.

Fine ridge detail:

    • Apply a softening agent
    • Use “Ridge Builder” – a commercial product often used instead of lotion
    • Apply less ink or use less pressure

Instruct the subject to:

    • Stand parallel to the workstation
    • Look away from the inking plate
    • Try not to assist you
    • Relax and let you do the work

 

Proper Capture of Image within Fingerprint Block

Proper Capture of Image within Fingerprint Block correct

 

 

Proper Orientation of Rolled Fingerprint Impressions

Proper Orientation of Rolled Fingerprint Impressions

 

Non-Discernable Images/Smudges

Non-Discernable Images Smudges

 

Proper Capture of Plain Fingerprint Impressions

Proper Capture of Plain Fingerprint Impressions

 

Complete Pattern Area Not Present in Plain Impressions

Complete Pattern Area Not Present in Plain Impressions

 

White Lines/Cracks/Worn Ridges within Fingerprint Pattern Area

White Lines-Cracks-Worn Ridges within Fingerprint Pattern Area

 

Roll Fingerprints Nail to Nail*

(*These instructions are not applicable if submitting flat impressions only.)

Roll Fingerprints Nail to Nail

 

Complete Pattern Area Not Present in Plain Impressions

 

Multiple Images

Multiple Images

 

Special Circumstances

Deformed or missing fingers:

If the finger is deformed, every attempt should be made to record the fingerprint in both the rolled and plain impression blocks. A postmortem kit, more commonly known as a spoon, can be used to assist in recording these images. If unable to record the image, place a notation in the fingerprint block (e.g., deformed, webbed) or electronically apply the Unable to Print (UP) code in data field 2.084.

Missing fingers are physically present but cannot be recorded during capture due to injury. Each missing finger should be designated via a notation in the fingerprint block (e.g., bandaged, injured, crippled, paralyzed) or electronically apply the UP code in data field 2.084.

Fully amputated fingers:

An amputated finger occurs when the finger’s first joint is no longer physically present. Amputated fingers should be designated via a notation in the fingerprint block (e.g., amp, missing at birth, severed) or electronically apply the Amputated (XX) code in data field 2.084.

Tip-amputated fingers:

If a portion of the first joint is present, record the available fingerprint pattern area in both the rolled and plain impression blocks.

Extra fingers:

When fingerprinting an individual with an extra finger, record only the thumb and the next four fingers. Do not record the extra finger as either a rolled or plain impression.

Scarred fingers:

Record scarred fingers in both the rolled and plain impressions without a notation.

Worn fingerprints:

Individuals, by nature, work, or age, may have very thin or worn ridges in the pattern area. Apply light pressure and use very little ink to record these types of fingerprint impressions. A technique known as “milking the finger” can be used to raise the fingerprint ridges before printing. This technique involves applying pressure or rubbing the fingers downward from palm to fingertip.

 

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