ASIS International (ASIS) Professional Certified Investigator Practice Exam

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What type of fingerprint is known for being the most common pattern found?

Whorl
Arch
Loop
Composite

The correct answer is: Loop

The type of fingerprint known for being the most common pattern found is the loop. Loops make up approximately 60-70% of all fingerprint patterns, which is significantly higher than both whorls and arches. A loop is characterized by its unique structure, where the ridges enter from one side of the finger, curve around, and exit on the same side. This distinctive pattern allows for easy identification and comparison in forensic investigations, making it a crucial aspect of fingerprint analysis. In contrast, while whorls and arches are important categories of fingerprints, they occur less frequently in the general population. Whorls typically make up about 25-35% of fingerprints, and arches represent around 5% or less. Composite patterns, which may incorporate elements of the other types, do not have a standard occurrence rate and are less commonly used in identification processes. Understanding the prevalence of these patterns aids forensic experts in making accurate determinations during investigations.