ASIS International (ASIS) Professional Certified Investigator Practice Exam

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Which type of fingerprint classification ranks second in frequency?

Loop
Whorl
Arch
Composite

The correct answer is: Whorl

The classification of fingerprints includes several distinct patterns, each with its own frequency of occurrence within the general population. The type that ranks second in frequency is the whorl pattern. Whorls are characterized by a circular or spiral arrangement of ridges and typically consist of at least two deltas. This structure allows for a greater number of potential variations in print, but as per studies and comparative analysis of fingerprint patterns, whorls are found in about 30% of the population, making them the second most common type of fingerprint after loops, which are the most prevalent. Understanding the distribution of these patterns is crucial in forensic investigations as it aids in identifying individuals based on their unique prints. The recognition of whorls as the second most frequent pattern reflects both their significance in fingerprint analysis and their usefulness in matching prints during criminal investigations and other applications.