Flat Prints

Flat Prints & Tips and Tricks to Capture

Identification flat impressions are taken simultaneously without rolling. These are referred to as plain, slap, or flat impressions. The individual’s right and left four fingers should be captured first, followed by the two thumbs (4-4-2 method). Instituting this finger capture method ensures the highest level of fingerprint sequence accuracy.

Special Circumstances

• Deformed or missing fingers:
  • If the finger is deformed, every attempt should be made to record the fingerprint in both the rolled and plain impression blocks. A postmortem kit, which is more commonly known as a spoon, can be utilized to assist in recording these images. If unable to record the image, simply place a notation in the fingerprint block (e.g., deformed, webbed) or electronically apply the Unable to Print (UP) code in data field 2.084. Missing fingers are fingers physically present but cannot be recorded at the time of capture due to injury. Each missing finger should be designated via a notation in the fingerprint block (e.g., bandaged, injured, crippled, paralyzed) or electronically apply the UP code in data field 2.084.

• Fully amputated fingers:
  • An amputated finger occurs when the finger’s first joint is no longer physically present. Amputated fingers should be designated via a notation in the fingerprint block (e.g., amp, missing at birth, severed) or electronically apply the Amputated (XX) code in data field 2.084.

• Tip-amputated fingers:
  • If a portion of the first joint is present, record the available fingerprint pattern area in both the rolled and plain impression blocks.

• Extra fingers:
  • When fingerprinting an individual with an extra finger, record only the thumb and the next four fingers. Do not record the extra finger as either a rolled or plain impression.

• Scarred fingers:
  • Record scarred fingers in both the rolled and plain impressions without a notation.

• Worn fingerprints:
  • An individual, by the nature of their work or age, may have very thin or worn ridges in the pattern area. Apply light pressure and use very little ink to record these types of fingerprint impressions. A technique known as “milking the finger” can be used to raise the fingerprint ridges prior to printing. This technique involves applying pressure or rubbing the fingers in a downward motion from palm to fingertip.

If the above suggestions do not improve fingerprint quality, please utilize the chat option on our website to speak to one of our identity experts. We will be able to remotely connect to the fingerprinting kiosk and walk you through further options to submit your fingerprints.