big loop in fingerprints

**jeanette** Tue Feb 22, 2011 5:03 pm

Could I please get an explanation to what this is. Thanks,
Jeanette.

**Martijn (admin)** Tue Feb 22, 2011 5:31 pm

Hi Jeanette,

Thanks for creating this new topic for your question! Thumbs up!

The 'size' of a loop basically depends on the ridge count (= the number of ridge lines between the 'triradius' and the 'core' of the loop).

A 'big loop' - officially: a 'LARGE loop' - can best be described as a loop with a high 'ridge count'; officially the F.B.I. uses the criterium of 'ridge count = 17 or higher' (see page 87 + 88 in The Scienc of Fingerprints ).

A loop with a 'ridge count' varying from 1 to 11 can be described as a 'SMALL loop'.

Have I answered your question?

wave

PS. Maybe the picture below is helpfull to see how it works: the second example is a loop, 'ridge count' = 13 => So, that concerns a 'MEDIUM loop' (= normal loop size).

big loop in fingerprints Image003

**jeanette** Tue Feb 22, 2011 6:13 pm

Right thanks. I thought I had the FBI fingerprint book, but I have just been and hunted and don't seem to have it. I looked at the pages you mentioned and a couple of others and I think it would be very difficult to understand. In the examples you gave I now understand,when you say, good eyesight is needed. I eventually got the ridge counts you said, but at first I had less. On the eight I had six and on the seventeen l had fifteen and on the loop I still get fourteen. The main thing is I get the gist of it and thanks for that.
Jeanette.

**Martijn (admin)** Tue Feb 22, 2011 6:40 pm

Thanks Jeannet,

Your feedback sounds excellent... I think you have managed to make very significant progress in understanding the basics of fingerprint interpretation.

PS. And yes, you are right about the book: it takes a lot of reading & re-reading + practicing & re-practicing, over and over again... before anyone can understand all those details (I am still learning myself when I consult the book!). But I can assure you that regarding the 'technical' aspects about how to assess a fingerprint properly... that F.B.I. book is really all your need!

Of course, regarding your major interest: for the interpretation of fingerprint characteristics you will need to consult other books & sources; because the F.B.I. book was only designed for the purposes that relate to the forensic sciences (solving crime etc.) & biometry; the book is far more technical than any book about hand reading so far).

**jeanette** Tue Feb 22, 2011 7:23 pm

Hi Martijin,
I have just ordered the FBI book. I was thinking I am studying Richard Unger's book but I think I had better make sure I have identified the fingerprints correctly first. I don't know why the ridges are counted, but I suppose the FBI book will explain that. Thanks again'
Jeanette.

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