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Fingerprint Files


It is suggested that the fingerprint card be white, light cardboard, 8

by 8 inches, slightly glazed. This size is convenient, as it allows

all the space necessary for recording the classification of the prints

and general descriptive information concerning the individual. In the

event the new bureau desires to contribute copies of its fingerprints

to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the latter will, upon request,

g
adly furnish fingerprint cards for the purpose together with

envelopes and instructions on how to take fingerprints. It is

suggested that the new bureau design its cards similar to those

furnished by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as these have been

designed after special study and have been found to be satisfactory

over a long period of time. Figures 409 and 410 show the fingerprint

side and reverse side of the criminal fingerprint card used by the

Federal Bureau of Investigation.



In classifying and comparing fingerprints it is necessary to use a

magnifying or fingerprint glass. Such instruments can be obtained from

various commercial sources. Figure 411 shows the type of magnifying

glass used by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.





[Illustration: 408. Diagram of a FINGERPRINT INKING STAND]



The fingerprint cards should be filed according to fingerprint

classification sequence in cabinets, preferably steel. It is further

suggested that the cabinets be three drawers high, with each drawer

divided into three rows for filing. Such cabinets or similar ones can

be obtained from various commercial sources. Figure 412 shows the type

of fingerprint cabinet used in the Federal Bureau of Investigation.



In order to facilitate the location of classification groups, it is

suggested that guide cards be placed in the rows of fingerprint cards

at frequent intervals. These guide cards should be slightly longer

and heavier than the fingerprint cards and should have small tabs on

the top to hold classification identifying symbols. Figure 413 shows

the type of guide card used by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.







LEAVE THIS SPACE BLANK TYPE OR PRINT SEX RACE



LAST NAME FIRST NAME MIDDLE NAME-------------

HT. WT.

(Inches)



-----------------------------------------------

CONTRIBUTOR AND ALIASES HAIR EYES

ADDRESS

--------------

------------------------- DATE OF BIRTH

SIGNATURE OF PERSON

FINGERPRINTED --------------

PLACE OF BIRTH



-------------------------------------------------

-------------------------YOUR NUMBER LEAVE THIS SPACE BLANK

SCARS AND AMPUTATION

MARKS ------------------CLASS

PLACE FBI NUMBER -------------------------

-------------------------HERE

SIGNATURE OF DATE ------------------REF.

OFFICIAL TAKING CHECK IF NO --------------------------

FINGERPRINTS REPLY

IS DESIRED

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1. RIGHT THUMB2. RIGHT INDEX3. RIGHT 4. RIGHT RING 5. RIGHT

MIDDLE LITTLE



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1. LEFT THUMB 2. LEFT INDEX 3. LEFT MIDDLE4. LEFT RING 5. LEFT LITTLE





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LEFT FOUR FINGERS TAKEN LEFT RIGHT RIGHT FOUR FINGERS TAKEN

SIMULTANEOUSLY THUMB THUMB SIMULTANEOUSLY











A practice which has been of the utmost benefit in the Federal Bureau

of Investigation is as follows: When a fingerprint card is taken out

of its regular file for any reason, a substitute card is put in its

place, to remain until the return of the card. This substitute card,

or charge-out card, is of a different color from the fingerprint

card and slightly longer. On it are recorded the name, the

classification formula, and peculiar characteristics, such as scars

and peculiar pattern formations, appearing on the original card. By

indicating the date and reason for charging out the original card, the

Bureau is able to keep an accurate check on the whereabouts of all

prints at all times. It is suggested that the local bureaus adopt a

practice of this kind whenever a fingerprint card is drawn from the

files and it is known that it may be out for a period of time longer

than the remainder of the day on which it is drawn. Figure 414 shows

the type of charge-out card used in the FBI.







FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATIONS, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

WASHINGTON, D.C.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

CURRENT ARREST OR RECEIPT

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DATE ARRESTED CHARGE OR OFFENCE DISPOSITION OF SENTENCE

OR RECEIVED (If code citation is used (List final disposition only.

it should be accompanied byIf not now available

charge) submit later on FBI Form R-54

for completion of record.)





------------------------------------------

OCCUPATION RESIDENCE OF PERSON

FINGERPRINTED



-------------------------------------------

If COLLECT wire reply or COLLECT telephone

reply is desired, indicate here



Wire reply Telephone reply

FOR INSTITUTIONS USE ONLY

----------------

Telephone number Sentence expires

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INSTRUCTIONS

1. FORWARD ARREST CARDS TO FBI

IMMEDIATELY AFTER

FINGERPRINTING FOR MOST

EFFECTIVE SERVICE.



2. TYPE or PRINT all

information.



3. Note amputations in proper

finger squares.



Please Paste Photograph in This Space 4. REPLY WILL QUOTE ONLY

NUMBER APPEARING IN THE

Since photograph may become detached BLOCK MARKED CONTRIBUTOR'S

indicate name, FBI number, and arrest NO.

number on reverse side whether attached to

fingerprint card or submitted later. 5. Indicate any additional

copies for other agencies

in space below--include

their complete mailing

address.

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SEND COPY TO:









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FD-249



Each fingerprint card handled by the bureau should receive a

fingerprint number and these numbers can be assigned in consecutive

order.



As the bureau increases in size, it will be found a source of much

convenience to have fingerprints of males and females kept in separate

files.



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