Need reference help

[Denver PD]

This shouldn't be as difficult as we are finding it, but we're striking out. We are needing to find a published written source for the percentage estimation of the distribution of fingerprint patterns throughout the population - ie, approximately 65% loops, 30% whorls and 5% arches. We found one table in Friction Ridge Skin, by James Cowger - any other ideas to use for comparison? Also, has anyone ever published an approximation of the number of characteristics (basically Galton "points", not necessarily to include level 3) commonly available in a complete fingerprint impression? Thanks.

[Paul Matak]

The same percentages that you quote are in "The Science of Fingerprints" published by the FBI. I don't know if that helps you or not.

[Steve Everist]

After searching through a few old books, we found the following:

Classification of Fingerprints, (FBI) 1939
L: 65%
W: 30%
A: 5%

The Finger Print Instructor, (Kuhne) 1916
L: 60%
W: 35%
A: 5%

Fingerprinting Manual for Identification, (Chapel) 1941
L: 65%
W: 30%
A: 5%

Fingerprint Techniques, (Moenssens) 1971
L: 67.4%
W: 26.2%
A: 6.4%

Practical Fingerprinting, (Bridges) 1942
L: 65%
W: 30%
A: 5%

Finger Prints, Palms, and Soles (Cummins/Midlo) 1961
This has a chart which separates them down based on both nationality and sex.

[Ernie Hamm]

Missed the early ones!

Finger Prints, Sir Francis Galton, 1892, p. 115 (in 1965 reprint-my original went to Fingerprint Society many years ago)
Arches 6.5 %, loops 67.5% and whorls 26%.

Classification and Uses of Finger Prints, E.R. Henry, 1900, p. 70
Arches 5%, Loops 60% and Whorls and Composites 35%

There are also parts of different texts that discuss frequencies/percentage of pattern types as associated with specific finger digits.

“An Analysis of Standards in Fingerprint Identification”, FBI LEB, June 1972, states, 'Rolled fingerprints may contain from 75 to 175 ridge details or “points” on an average.'

There are also several published articles involving studies on frequency of friction ridge characteristics types: “Statistical Survey of Ridge Characteristics”, Gupta, ICPR 218 (1968), “A Critical Analysis of Quantitative Finger Print Individuality Models”, Stoney and Thronton, JFS 31:4 (1986) and “A Systematic Study of Epidermal Ridge Minutiae” Stoney and Thornton, JFS 32:5 (1987). This information from reference listings in “A Study of Epidermal Ridge Minutae”, O.P. Jasuja and P.K. Kingra, unknown publication or date (post 1987).

[Denver PD]

Thanks - we had looked through the FBI's book, but obviously hadn't spent enough time to individually read the different pattern sections (expecting the easy, "jump out at you" answer of course!).

[Denver PD]

Wow! We'd only read the first response when we answered! Thank you all for the detailed information and help.

[Steve Everist]

Missed the early ones!

Finger Prints, Sir Francis Galton, 1892, p. 115 (in 1965 reprint-my original went to Fingerprint Society many years ago)
Arches 6.5 %, loops 67.5% and whorls 26%.

Classification and Uses of Finger Prints, E.R. Henry, 1900, p. 70
Arches 5%, Loops 60% and Whorls and Composites 35%

Ernie,

Were those the books you had Galton and Henry sign personally? I can't compete with your, er, experience...

I actually have a Henry (7th edition 1934), but I must have skipped past it. Wade Petroka has the original Galton, but I decided not to rifle through his stuff while he was away from the office.