Whorl Pattern Analysis: Determining Directional Flow

By Mack Brazelle

Excerpt

Determining directional flow is a technique latent print examiners can use to accurately predict if a whorl pattern originated from the right or left hand. There are five key elements that can be utilized to identify which hand (right or left) a whorl pattern most likely originated from.

Understanding how to quickly and accurately interpret this information is critical for latent print examiners who want to narrow the search area.

This article originally appeared in the publication, IDentification News, Volume 45, No 3, 2015 June/July.