NCIC Fingerprint Classification: A Guide to Understanding the NCIC FPC System
The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) is a centralized system managed by the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS). It serves as a repository for criminal information, aiding law enforcement through its 22 databases. The NCIC Fingerprint Classification (FPC) system, a subset of this, assigns a two-letter code to fingerprint patterns, forming a unique twenty-character code from a person's 10 fingerprints.
Origins and Evolution of NCIC FPC
In 1965, the FBI initiated the development of a national criminal database. Officially introduced in 1967, the NCIC initially connected 15 major cities and states, with five databases and over 300,000 records. By 1972, all U.S. states were integrated into this system.
A significant upgrade came in 1999 with the launch of NCIC 2000. Today, the system is used across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and other U.S. territories. As of 2022, it contains over 17 million active records spread across its 22 databases.
The Purpose of NCIC
The FBI's creation of the NCIC aimed to provide a comprehensive criminal database, identifying individuals with criminal records. If a suspect’s fingerprints are found in NCIC, they have a prior criminal record, which helps protect both law enforcement and the general public.
The NCIC Fingerprint Classification system allows the criminal justice community to:
- Identify specific individuals with criminal records.
- Locate missing persons.
- Recover stolen property.
- Track threats domestically and internationally.
- Conduct background checks and other criminal inquiries.
Overview of NCIC Databases
As of 2022, NCIC contains 22 distinct databases, divided into two main categories: Property Files and Person Files.
| Property Files | Person Files |
|---|---|
| Stolen Articles | Supervised Release |
| Boats | National Sex Offender Registry |
| Guns | Foreign Fugitive |
| License Plates | Immigration Violator |
| Vehicle Parts | Missing Person |
Understanding NCIC Fingerprint Classification
Unlike the Henry classification system, NCIC Fingerprint Classification simplifies the process using a 20-character alphanumeric code. Instead of storing fingerprint images, NCIC uses this code for classification.
Each person’s fingerprints are classified from the right thumb to the left little finger, forming a unique 20-digit string. Numbers represent ridge counts or tracings, while letters represent pattern types.
NCIC Fingerprint Pattern Groups
- Group A: Arches
- Plain Arch (AA)
- Tented Arch (TT)
- Group B: Whorls
- Meet (M): 0-2 ridges inside/outside the right delta.
- Inner (I): 3+ ridges inside the right delta.
- Outer (O): 3+ ridges outside the right delta.
- Group C: Loops
- Ulnar Loop: 01 to 49.
- Radial Loop: 51 to 99 (actual ridge count + 50).
- Group D: Others
- Missing/Amputated (XX)
- Scarred (SR)
NCIC Fingerprint Code Table
| Pattern Group | Pattern Type | NCIC Code |
|---|---|---|
| Arches | Plain Arch | AA |
| Arches | Tented Arch | TT |
| Whorls | Plain Whorl (Inner) | PI |
| Loops | Ulnar Loop (01-49) | 01-49 |
Calculate NCIC Fingerprint Value With Example
Example: #1
| Finger | Pattern | Ridge Count/Pattern Type |
|---|---|---|
| Rt Thumb | Ulnar Loop | 22 |
| Rt Index | Tented Arch | TT |
| Rt Middle | Whorl (Inner) | CI |
| Rt Ring | Double Loop Whorl | dM |
| Rt Little | Accidental Whorl | XO |
| Lt Thumb | Plain Arch | AA |
| Lt Index | Ulnar Loop | 15 |
| Lt Middle | Whorl (Meet) | PM |
| Lt Ring | Radial Loop | 55 |
| Lt Little | Ulnar Loop | 10 |
Using Values from the NCIC Fingerprint Table:
1. Right Hand:
- Rt Thumb (Ulnar Loop): 22
- Rt Index (Tented Arch): TT
- Rt Middle (Whorl Inner): CI
- Rt Ring (Double Loop Whorl): dM
- Rt Little (Accidental Whorl): XO
2. Left Hand:
- Lt Thumb (Plain Arch): AA
- Lt Index (Ulnar Loop): 15
- Lt Middle (Whorl Meet): PM
- Lt Ring (Radial Loop): 55
- Lt Little (Ulnar Loop): 10
Putting it all together:
NCIC Value = 22TTCIDMXOAA15PM55I10
Question to Solve:
Calculate the NCIC Fingerprint Value from the following 10-digit fingerprint.
Example: #2
| Finger | Pattern | Ridge Count/Pattern Type |
|---|---|---|
| Rt Thumb | Plain Arch | AA |
| Rt Index | Ulnar Loop | 30 |
| Rt Middle | Tented Arch | TT |
| Rt Ring | Accidental Whorl | XM |
| Rt Little | Double Loop Whorl | dI |
| Lt Thumb | Whorl (Meet) | PM |
| Lt Index | Ulnar Loop | 25 |
| Lt Middle | Whorl (Outer) | dO |
| Lt Ring | Radial Loop | 45 |
| Lt Little | Plain Arch | AA |
Using the values from the NCIC Fingerprint Table, what is the NCIC Value for this fingerprint?
Final NCIC Code Example: 18PM11TTXO17AAPMPI12
NCIC FPC vs. Henry Fingerprint Classification
The NCIC Fingerprint Classification system is simpler and less complex compared to the Henry system. In the NCIC system, knowledge of fingerprint types, ridge tracing, and ridge counting is sufficient, whereas the Henry system requires a deeper understanding of specific rules for multiple divisions.
The NCIC system is commonly used in criminal databases, while the Henry system is more detailed and typically used in various authentication and forensic applications.
Table: NCIC vs. Henry Fingerprint Classification
| NCIC Fingerprint System | Henry Fingerprint System |
|---|---|
| A criminal database system | Used by various authentication means |
| No fingerprint images in the database | Fingerprint images are also included |
| Easy and less complex | A complex system |
| Divided into 4 major groups | Divided into 6 major divisions and 3 extensions |
| Produces a 20-character alphanumeric string | Complex arrangement of values based on divisions and extensions |
| Simpler rules for each group/file | Rules change based on specific division/extension |
NCIC Code Example and Henry Classification Number
Below is an example comparison between the NCIC Code and Henry Classification Number, based on a 10-digit fingerprint classification.
| Right Hand | Left Hand |
|---|---|
| 18 (Whorl) (W) (M) | 17 (Ulnar Loop) (U) |
| 11 (Ulnar Loop) (U) | 6 (Whorl) (W) |
| 12 (Whorl) (W) (O) | 12 (Ulnar Loop) (U) |
I = Inner tracing
M = Meet tracing
O = Outer tracing
Example Codes:
NCIC Code: 18PM1112PO1706PMPO12
Henry Classification Number:
- Key: 18
- Major: M
- Primary: 19
- Secondary: W (right hand) / L (left hand)
- Sub-secondary: IMO (right hand) / IMO (left hand)
- Final: 12
Key Differences:
- The NCIC system uses a simpler string of 20 alphanumeric characters, while the Henry system has a more complex series of classifications based on primary, secondary, and sub-secondary divisions.
- NCIC codes are primarily used for rapid searching in criminal databases, while Henry classification is more detailed, helping in authentication by analyzing full fingerprint patterns.
Disadvantages of NCIC Fingerprint Classification
- It may not always be correct: No images are stored, which can cause issues during matching.
- No fingerprint image comparison: The database lacks visual fingerprint images, which limits the ability to directly compare crime scene prints.
- Human input errors: During data entry, mistakes may cause false results.
- Loop pattern ambiguity: There is no way to determine the originating hand for a loop pattern (ulnar or radial) using the NCIC system alone.
- Inability to classify individual patterns: The NCIC system cannot classify specific fingerprint patterns from a crime scene into formulas as the Henry system can.
Limitations of NCIC FPC
- Potential inaccuracies due to lack of fingerprint images.
- Input errors could lead to false data entry or results.
- Ambiguities in classifying loop fingerprints by hand without further context.
- Difficulties in analyzing individual fingerprint patterns at crime scenes.
