fingerprint card in their proper sequence. Figure 13 illustrates the use of a curved holder for taking the "rolled" impression of a bent and crippled finger. Worn and indistinct friction ridges or those bearing numerous creases can be readily reproduced in this same manner.

Webbed and split fingers should be printed in the same manner. An appropriate notation should be made on the fingerprint card concerning any of these deformities. An extra digit, usually an extra thumb or extra little finger, sometimes appears on the extreme outside of either hand. In some instances, it may be necessary to use the process for printing crippled fingers in order to obtain satisfactory impressions. In all such instances, a notation concerning this abnormality should be made on the fingerprint card.

The problems encountered in fingerprinting persons of an advanced age are mentioned at this point for discussion purposes only. Situations involving crippled fingers due to advanced age can be handled in the same manner as outlined for bent and crippled fingers. Because of advanced age, the fingerprint ridges are sometimes very faint, and to obtain legible inked prints, it is necessary to use a very small amount of ink on the inking plate and very little pressure in rolling the fingers. Practice with this technique will produce satisfactory fingerprint impressions.

In order to obtain an accurate classification, it is necessary that missing fingers be clearly explained on the fingerprint card. Some individuals are born without certain fingers, and in those instances, the notation "missing at birth" should be used rather than just using the word "missing." A proper notation concerning this situation will prevent the fingerprint card from having to be returned. If an individual's fingers have been amputated, a proper notation to this effect

should appear in each applicable individual fingerprint block. If just a portion of the first joint of a finger is amputated, the remaining portion of the first joint should be inked and printed, and, in addition, a notation. such as "tip amputated" should be placed on the fingerprint card. In situations where all 10 fingers are amputated, consideration should be given to obtaining footprints.

Temporary disabilities, such as fresh cuts, wounds, and bandaged fingers, are beyond the control of the fingerprint technician. As indicated. previously, a complete classification formula is necessary in order that a fingerprint card be retained in FBI files. An indication on the fingerprint card to the effect that a finger is "freshly cut, bandaged" will cause the fingerprint card to be returned to the contributor since accurate classification is impossible. In the event of temporary injury, the fingerprints should be taken, if possible, after the injury has healed. This same situation prevails with large blisters which tem

porarily disfigure ridge detail.

Problems resulting from the occupation of the individual (such as carpenters, bricklayers, cement workers) are a definite challenge to the fingerprint technician. When it is obvious that the occupation of the individual being fingerprinted has affected or worn the ridges on the tips of the fingers to the point where it is difficult to obtain legible fingerprints, consideration should be given to the use of softening agents (oils and creams) or fingerprinting at a later date when the ridges have had an opportunity to re-form. It is possible in many instances to obtain legible fingerprints when the ridges are worn. by using a very small amount of ink on the inking plate as described above in taking fingerprint impressions of persons of advanced age.

Excessive perspiration will result in the failure of ink to adhere properly to the tips of the fingers. When this situation is encountered, the subject's fingers should be individually wiped clean and immediately inked and

printed. This process should be followed with each finger. It is also help

ful to wipe the fingers with alcohol or some other drying agent which will temporarily reduce the amount of perspiration and thus permit the technician to obtain clear, legible fingerprint impressions.

Reasons for Return

The principal reason for return of fingerprint cards to contributing agencies is basically lack of sufficient detail to completely and properly classify fingerprint impressions for accurate filing. As experienced identification officers are aware, it is possible to search fingerprints under unusual circumstances where incomplete or approximate classifications are obtained; however, this procedure is extremely time consuming and can only be resorted to under exceptional circumstances. In general, if a fingerprint card cannot be accurately classified and filed, the name appearing on the fingerprint card will be searched against the alphabetical files and the fingerprint card returned to the contributing agency. In addition to the technical problems encountered, fingerprint cards will be returned to the contributor because of the lack of complete identifying information, such as name, sex, race, height, weight, and notations concerning missing fingers.

It is the desire of the FBI Identification Division to provide law enforcement agencies with the best possible identification information in the shortest time possible. Regardless of the medium used to record fingerprint impressions, the submission of clear, legible black fingerprints on standard white fingerprint cardstock, including complete descriptive information by fingerprint contributors, will materially assist in attaining this goal.

15

"Not to be bypassed by the wave of nostalgia sweeping the Nation, Seattle, Wash., set about to restore its historical downtown area and changed the beat cops to fit the scene."

"The good old days" has become

a popular phrase throughout the United States. Not to be bypassed by the wave of nostalgia sweeping the Nation, Seattle, Wash., set about to restore its historical downtown areaand changed the beat cops to fit the scene. A six-block area of buildings was chosen, dating back to the times when the city was young, and life (at least in the mind's eye) was less complicated. As the crumbling and cluttered, rundown area was rejuvenated and tourists began replacing the muggers and alcoholics, one block was leveled to make a cobblestone park, and two streets were sealed off to form

Patrolmen cross a cobblestone park at the base of Seattle's historic "Skid Road" where logs were once skidded downhill to a mill at Elliott Bay.

company duplicated the original sixpoint star and helmet ornament from stock. To avoid detraction from the more somber aspect of the old uniforms, sleeve patches of an earlier, simpler design than the current brightly ornamented ones were chosen. In view of the warm summers of Seattle, the design of the coat was altered to replace the high, stiff collar with a soft, rounded, turned-down collar, cut high enough to permit the wearing of a white T-shirt underneath. The only piece of modern equipment carried by the Pioneer Squad was a walkie-talkie which fit neatly beneath a coattail.

The first problem was to find out where the 1910 police officer kept his revolver. A mention in a local newspaper column, with photographs of the proposed uniform, brought enthusiastic response from the public, including an answer from a man who proudly recalled his policeman father's uniform in the early 1900's which included a holster that fit into a specially lined hip pocket in the pants. A deft flick of the coattail, and the gun was ready at hand. Further research revealed the alternative of a shoulder holster, reasonably accessible through the front of the straight-buttoned coat.

Fully uniformed, the squad's five officers and one sergeant found the uniforms very comfortable, and they were very enthusiastic about the program.

Patrol Acceptance

The acid test came on June 3, 1975, when the first two-man Pioneer Squad patrol stepped out of the station for its initial Sunday afternoon rounds. The response was immediate and favorably enthusiastic beyond the wildest dreams of Sergeant Lawson and his men. Tourists and local citizens alike greeted the officers with ready smiles and friendly words. People who would formerly have avoided any conversation at all with the same officers in their regular uniforms stopped to pass the time of day. Small children tugged at their parents' hands to "go see the cops." A crowd of "street people" near the public market gave way before the officers, with faces alight and exclamations of "We love it!" Very soon, the patrol beat was broken up into 5-foot segments as far as the two officers could progress before being asked to pose for photographs with this or that person or group, to hold a child, or to answer questions about

Chief of Police Robert L. Hanson.

their uniforms. Senior citizens in

dusty hotels, at first sight of the officers, sat up, grinned, and familiarly waved at the officers at each passing.

"Tourists and local citizens alike greeted the officers with ready smiles and friendly words."

Eventually, of course, the popularity of the officers became a factor in evaluating efficiency. A discussion between Sergeant Lawson and one of his men produced an idea. Why not have the officers carry some sort of informational literature about the Pioneer Squad to hand out to tourists who inquire about it? This would save the officers' time and provide an opportunity to promote the city and the police department. The result, with full approval of Chief Hanson, was a supply of business cards, to be carried by each officer, bearing a printed head-and-shoulders photograph of a 1910 police officer with his highdomed helmet and the name of the individual officer presenting the card. On the reverse side was printed a short legend describing the origin and purpose of the Pioneer Squad. U