Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

How many deltas are present in whorl fingerprints?

1. One delta

2. Two deltas

3. No deltas

4. Three deltas

The correct answer is: Two deltas

In whorl fingerprints, there are typically two deltas present. A delta is a point on a fingerprint pattern where ridges diverge. In the case of whorls, the configuration of the fingerprint ridges forms a spiral or circular pattern that leads to the formation of two distinct divergence points, known as deltas. This characteristic sets whorls apart from other fingerprint patterns, such as loops, which usually contain only one delta, andarches, which generally have no deltas at all. The presence of two deltas in whorl fingerprints is a key factor in the classification and identification process in forensic science, as it assists in distinguishing between various fingerprint patterns. This understanding is crucial for those studying criminal justice and forensics, as accurate identification is fundamental in criminal investigations.