There is much confusion between fingerprint CLASSIFICATION and LATENT fingerprint identification. Although the two areas are definitely related, they should be viewed as two separate functions.
Fingerprint classification is a formula derived from pattern interpretation of the ten fingers in known sequence. There are only three basic fingerprint patterns. They are the arch, loop, and whorl. Fingerprint classification is therefore a means of placing an individual's fingerprint card in a specific location in the fingerprint file. It is much like an address where one or more individuals may reside. Classification alone is not a means of positive identification.
What makes fingerprints unique are the individual ridge details within the pattern. These individual ridge details include such things as ridge endings, forking ridges, enclosures, etc. These minute details make an individual fingerprint unique. Latent fingerprint comparison is based on these ridge details. A latent fingerprint may not have enough of the pattern area visible to be classified and yet there may be enough individual ridge detail to make a positive identification of a suspect. If an investigator has a latent fingerprint but no suspect, that latent fingerprint can be entered and searched against the AFIS data base, which stores the fingerprint images from the arrest cards that are sent to CIB to be added to the Criminal History files, for a possible match. This was nearly impossible in the past due to the time required to perform such a search. With AFIS, a search of the entire data base can now be completed in minutes. If the investigator has a limited number of suspects and their fingerprint cards are available, then a comparison can be accomplished without an AFIS search.
REMEMBER, a Fingerprint Classification Technician can work without latent impressions, but a Latent Fingerprint Examiner cannot function without clear and distinct fingerprint cards that are entered into the AFIS permanent data base. It is important to submit the best set of fingerprints to CIB in order to ensure a good quality data base which increases the probability of a latent fingerprint matching and solving a crime.
Fingerprint pattern interpretation is utilized by the Crime Information Bureau, Fingerprint Identification Section to search and store fingerprint images in the AFIS data base. These tenprint images are compared to images stored in the AFIS data base for positive identification. The examination and comparison of latent fingerprints is handled by the Crime Laboratory Bureau.