Final classification is a special subdivision of the Henry fingerprint system where the ridge counting of either little finger is used to obtain the final classification number. In this classification, if the values are from the right little finger, it sets in the numerator. For the left little finger, values are placed below the henry classification line.
The above paragraphs are merely an overview of the final classification of fingerprints. I also listed down eight sets of rules that you should follow while numbering final division values along with the practice sheet.
Highlighting Points
- Fingers: Little fingers of one hand*
- Position: in last, right to sub secondary classification
- Patterns: Loops (or Whorls*, rarely used)
- Values: Ridge counting for loops (or whorls)
- Numerator: Right little finger
- *Denominator: Left little finger
- *Preference: Right little finger
Values for Final Classification of Fingerprints
Whether it is a loop or a whorl, the final classification is always given by the numerical value of the ridge count.
No special symbol is required to represent ridge count like other divisions do (major division and sub-secondary classification of fingerprint uses symbols for ridge count/trace values).
So, if the ridge count value is 12, the final classification number is also the same.
Rules for Final Classification of Fingerprints
Following are the key points and rules that you should use while stating the final classification number on the Henry fingerprint line.
Rule 1. Right Little finger is always preferred: If the right little finger has a loop, regardless of what is on the left little finger, the ridge count value is always evaluated from it.
Rule 2: Right Little finger has no loop: Ridge count values are taken from the left little fingers.
Rule 3. No loops in either of the little fingers: Whorls are used and preference should be given to the right little finger.
Rule 4. Ridge Counts for Whorls: Even if the little finger has a whorl, the ridge counting value is evaluated not ridge tracing.
Rule 5. Ridge Counting in Simple Whorls: In this case, whorls are treated as an ulnar loop. So, if
- Whorl on Right little finger: Counted from left delta to core
- Left little finger Whorl: Counted from right delta to core
Rule 6. Ridge Counting for Double-loop Whorls: When a little finger has a double loop whorl, values are calculated by:
- Horizontal double loop:
- Right hand: from left delta to nearest core
- Left hand: from right delta to nearest core
- Vertical double loop:
- ridge counting from left delta to upright core
Rule 7. Ridge Counting for Accidental Loop Whorls: Ridge counting from delta to core which has the least number of ridges.
Rule 8. Both Loops and Whorls Missing: No final classification if there are plain or tented arches.
How to Calculate Final Classification Number?
With the help of the following example, let’s calculate how you come up with the final division number.
Step 1: Identifying pattern on Little Fingers
- Right Little Finger: Whorl (omitted, rule #2)
- Left Little Finger: Ulnar loop
Step 2: Defining Ridge Count
- Left Little Finger: 12
Step 3: Final Classification Number
- Denominator: 12
This is how the final classification number is represented on the Henry Fingerprint classification system line.
Final Classification Number in Amputated and Scarred Fingers
In case of scarred, amputated, or finger missing from birth, these are additional sets of rules that are needed to consider when writing the final classification value.
A. Scarred Fingerprints
The following is an overview of how final division numerical values are obtained in the case of scarred fingerprints.
| Possible Rule | Values |
|---|---|
| Rule 1: Fully Disfigured Right Impressions | Patterns from the corresponding left finger |
| Rule 2: Partially scarred with a possible known pattern but inconclusive ridge count | • If same general pattern on opposite finger: Ridge count value of left little finger. • If different general patterns: probable count value assigned. |
| Rule 3: Partially scarred with inconclusive pattern (whorl/loop) but possible ridge count | Ridge count of partially scarred fingerprints |
| Rule 4: Both little fingers are fully disfigured | No final classification |
| Rule 5: Bandaged prints | Prints are taken after healing |
B. Amputated Fingers
The following table states the possibility of finding the final classification in amputated fingers.
| Possible Rule | Values |
|---|---|
| Rule 1: Right little amputated Finger | Patterns from opposite little finger |
| Rule 2: Both little fingers are amputated | No final classification |
| Rule 3: All fingers are Amputated | No final classification |
| Rule 4: Both Hands are Amputated | Footprints are used |
Practice Worksheet For Final Division
There are a total of 3 practice worksheets. Try them out for better understanding.
Practice Set #1: Both Loops
Step 1: Identifying pattern on Little Fingers
- Right Little Finger: Ulnar loop
- Left Little Finger: Ulnar loop (omitted, rule #1)
Step 2: Defining Ridge Count
- Right Little Finger: 14
Step 3: Final Classification Number
- Numerator: 14
Practice Set #2: Both Whorls
Step 1: Identifying the pattern on Little Fingers
- Right Little Finger: Whorl
- Left Little Finger: Whorl (omitted, rule #3)
Step 2: Defining Ridge Count
- Right Little Finger: 15 (ridge count from left delta)
Step 3: Final Classification Number
- Numerator: 15
Practice Set #3: Special Case
Step 1: Identifying the pattern on Little Fingers
- Right Little Finger: Double loop Whorl (rule #6)
- Left Little Finger: Whorl (omitted, rule #3)
Step 2: Defining Ridge Count
- Right Little Finger: 8 (ridge count from left delta to the nearest core)
Step 3: Final Classification Number
- Numerator: 8
Frequently Asked Question
1. What if whorls are found in the little fingers and the final classification would be obtained?
If both little fingers have whorls, ridge counting of the right little finger is obtained as the final classification number. However, if there is a loop and whorl, the loop is always given preferences irrespective of whether they are in the right or left little finger.
2. What fingers are used in the final division?
Little fingers of both hands are employed, and ridge counting is performed on loops and whorls patterns. However, only one finger’s ridge counting value is used i.e. right little finger. If the right little finger has no loop, values are taken from the left little finger.
3. Right and left little fingers are used exclusively for the final classification. However, they are also considered in what classification?
Apart from the final division, primary classification. and secondary small letter grouping use little finger patterns to evaluate their respective classification values.
Also Read:
- Key Classification of Fingerprint: Rules, Procedure, & Example
- Major Classification of Fingerprint: Rules, Procedure And Worksheet
- Second Sub Secondary Classification of Fingerprint: Rules, Procedure & Example
- Extensions of Henry Fingerprint System: WCDX & Special Loops
FR Author Group at ForensicReader is a team of Forensic experts and scholars having B.Sc, M.Sc, or Doctorate( Ph.D.) degrees in Forensic Science. We published on topics on fingerprints, questioned documents, forensic medicine, toxicology, physical evidence, and related case studies. Know More.
