Tenprint Fingerprint Records
The Tenprint domain covers recording, classifying and quality-controlling fingerprint records, whether inked or live scan. Expect pattern classification, ridge counting and tracing, Henry formula construction, and submission quality standards.
Recording
- Rolled impressions nail to nail, then plain (slap) impressions for each hand; major case prints add fingertip, side, and palm areas (thenar, hypothenar, interdigital).
- Record amputations, scars, bandages and “unable to print” conditions rather than leaving a blank box.
Classification
- Henry groups: arches (plain, tented), loops (ulnar, radial), whorls (plain, central pocket, double loop, accidental).
- Ridge count for loops: count ridges crossing a straight line from delta to core, excluding the delta ridge itself.
- Ridge tracing for whorls: inner, outer or meeting, relative to the left delta.
- Henry formula: primary (1 + sum of even fingers over 1 + sum of odd fingers), secondary, major, subsecondary and final; NCIC codes abbreviate pattern types.
Worked example. A loop has its delta low and to the right, opening toward the little finger, so it is an ulnar loop on that hand. Counting ridges from the delta to the core on a straight line, excluding the delta ridge, gives 14, which is entered in the secondary classification.
Quality and submission
- 500 ppi minimum, correct finger sequence, no slippage, smearing, incomplete rolling or excess ink; submissions follow EBTS/Appendix F conventions.
Traps that cost marks
- Counting the delta ridge in a ridge count.
- Classifying a tented arch as a loop where no recurve exists.
- Reversing left and right between card and system.
- Leaving amputation or bandage fields blank.
- Submitting smeared or slipped images that fail quality review.