The intent of this section is to familiarize all agencies with general information relating to the technical process utilized in developing a fingerprint classification. It is impractical to provide a more detailed explanation. Persons who are interested should consult the Science of Fingerprints, published by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Department of Justice, Washington, D.C., or call the Crime Information Bureau, Fingerprint Identification Section, with questions.
The classification of fingerprints provides for an orderly placing of fingerprint cards in a file with systematic filing of an original card. Any subsequent card containing the same inked impressions falls into the same section of the file and a search quickly yields the earlier record. The AFIS classification system used in the Fingerprint Identification Section of the Crime Information Bureau is based upon the Henry System.
The Henry classification formula is determined by the type of pattern appearing in each fingerprint impression, and the related ridge counts or tracings made of that pattern.