Page 24 - Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS)

INTRODUCTION 9

on fingerprint images, that a subject did or did not have a criminal record. The
clerks, examiners, and supervisors at these identification bureaus had to learn
many skills during their careers. Whenever a new tenprint card arrived, for
example, it had to be recorded. An examiner skilled in the complex rules of
fingerprint classification would look at the pattern using a reticule like the one
pictured in Figure 1.1 and begin to classify each of the ten finger images based
on, for example, whether the pattern contained an arch, a tented arch, or
perhaps an inner central pocket loop whorl.
The number of ridges from the core to the delta had to be counted. A
closer examination might reveal more detail in a smudged area of the inked
impression.
While the card was being classified, other technicians would look through
their records to see if the subject’s name was already on the fingerprint files. If
there was a name on file, the state identification (SID) number assigned to that
record was noted and a search was started. If there were multiple occurrences
of the same name, clerks would check to determine if any of the available bio-
graphical information would be helpful in narrowing the number of records
to search. If the pattern and primary and secondary classifications of the index
fingers of the records found in the name search matched those of the inquiry,
the cards would be physically compared with the card on file. If the inquiry
finger images matched the images on the record on file, the inquiring agency
was notified by phone, fax, or mail that the subject had a criminal history.
If there was no record with both the same name and fingerprint pattern,
then all the records with the same pattern and primary and secondary classifi-
cations had to be checked, as it is not uncommon for arrested subjects to be
less than truthful about their names and past. Sometimes a person with a crim-
inal record would provide just enough incorrect information to be beyond the

Figure 1.1
Fingerprint Examiner
Reticule