Unit – 3
BATTLEY’S SINGLE DIGIT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
Chief Inspector Harry Battley and Detective Superintendent Fredrick Cherrill of New
Scotland Yard were instrumental in establishing the foundation of the single-digit classification
system.
Although many single-digit classification systems exist, the Battley system, developed in 1929,
became one of the most well-known and oldest.
WHY BATTLEY SYSTEM WAS NEEDED?
Single-digit fingerprint classification systems were created due to the need to classify latent
fingerprints found at crime scenes.
Since most fingerprints recovered from crime scenes are partial, rather than complete 10-digit
sets, identifying criminals based on those prints was challenging and time-consuming.
This necessity led to the development of single-digit classification systems, including the
Battley system, to improve the identification process.
In 1929, Battley and Cherrill introduced the Single Fingerprint System, one of the most
advanced and efficient fingerprint classification methods at the time, designed to speed up
identification.
As mentioned earlier, the primary purpose of the single-digit classification system was to
quickly identify individuals using latent fingerprints left at crime scenes.
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COLLECTION OF FINGERPRINTS FOR THE BATTLEY SINGLE-DIGIT CLASSIFICATION
The Battley Single-Fingerprint System utilizes a special card, known as the Battley Index
Card, where each individual fingerprint is recorded.
Here’s what a Battley Index Card includes:
Each person has 10 Battley Index Cards, one for each fingerprint, from the right thumb (#1) to
the left little finger (#10).
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO CLASSIFYING FINGERPRINTS WITH THE BATTLEY INDEX CARD:
1. Collection of Prints
In the Battley system, fingerprints are taken as rolled impressions, and each print is
placed in an individual drawer of the fingerprint chart.
2. Subdivision Sets in Battley Classification
The Battley system classifies fingerprints using two broad subdivisions:
o Pattern-Based Subdivision: Considers aspects like radial or ulnar inclination,
ridge counts, tracing (using a Battley reticle), core formation, and delta
position.
o Circle Reading Subdivision: A more specialized method based on ridge
formations.
Pattern-Based Subdivision
Contrary to common belief, the Battley system does not rely solely on circle reading. Instead,
it uses ten major fingerprint pattern types, each further subdivided based on specific
characteristics. The following table outlines these patterns, subdivisions, and their
designations:
S. Pattern Subcategories / Features Details & Coding Elements
No. Group
1️ Plain Arch - Left sloping (2) Assigned simple numeric codes like
- Right sloping (3) 1, 2, 3 based on slope type
- Straight arch (1)
2️ Tented Arch - Subdivided based on circle Uses reticle-based coding (letters A–
reading at the summit H) depending on delta/core location
3 Radial Loop - Loop opens toward thumb Coding includes:
- Ridge Count • Ridge Count (1–30+)
- Core location • Core (A–L)
- Delta position • Delta (A–H)
4️ Ulnar Loop - Loop opens toward little finger Same coding: Ridge count + Core
- Same features as Radial Loop (A–L) + Delta circle (A–H)
5️ Plain Whorl - Symmetrical spiral pattern Core Reading (A–H)
- Clear core and deltas Core Subtype (A1–A4)
Delta location (A–H)
Tracing (I/M/O)
6️ Central - Off-centered whorl Same as whorl: Core + Delta +
Pocket Loop - Loop-like whorl Tracing + Ridge count
- One core, two deltas
7️ Double / - Two connected loops (like S- Codes include:
Twinned shape) • Loop slope: R/U
Loop - Direction of slope: Right or Left • Core/Delta for both sides
- Core/delta on both loops • Tracing & Count
8️ Lateral - Very rare Direction + Ridge count between
Pocket Loop - One delta, horizontal loop ridge core and delta
9️ Composite / - Irregular, mixed patterns No subdivision possible – coded as
Accidental - Combination of two or more composite or accidental as-is
classes
10 Scarred / - Severely damaged ridge area, no Classified as unclassifiable or
Mutilated visible pattern mutilated
Circle Reading Subdivision
In this subdivision, a special tool called a reticle-based magnifying glass is used for
fingerprint analysis.
The Battley reticle magnifying glass includes:
• A central circle with an apex dot at the centre, known as Point A.
• Seven concentric circles, each with a width of 2 mm.
The radii of these circles are:
• 3 mm, 5 mm, 7 mm, 9 mm, 11 mm, 13 mm, and 15 mm, and each radius is labeled with
a letter from ‘B’ to ‘H’.
Instead of counting ridges, the distance between the delta and core is measured by positioning
the apex dot on the innermost recurving ridge. This system uses a designated core for
classification, particularly in loops and whorls, where the core is located in the centre of the
fingerprint pattern to calculate the circle readings.
The delta’s position is determined by the circle that touches or crosses it, and an alphabetical
designation is assigned based on the corresponding ring.
