Fingerprint identification is a popular and accepted method for identification due to its accuracy and reliability. Automated systems increase security, but improper handling can lead to false identifications. Consistency of fingerprints is useful, but changes can cause verification issues.
Fingerprint identification has a number of benefits that make it a popular identification method in environments ranging from police stations to secure facilities. This identification method is achieved by comparing someone’s fingerprints against a database of known fingerprints. If the sample’s fingerprints match the fingerprints in the database, it is considered a positive match. It is important to note that many identification systems that use fingerprints achieve a statistically significant match; instead of comparing the entire fingerprint, they look for key indicators that can be used for comparison.
A big benefit of fingerprint identification is that it is very well accepted in the legal community, among law enforcement agencies and the general public. It has a long history in forensic science, complete with numerous studies supporting the use of fingerprints for identification. This venerable history gives it a weight and credibility that is not available to new identification systems. Furthermore, fingerprint identification is widely perceived to be highly accurate and very reliable, as the statistical chance of two people on Earth having identical fingerprints is very low.
The accuracy factor is important, as it is difficult to mistake an identity when fingerprints are properly collected and studied. However, this can also be a pitfall; Because people rely so heavily on fingerprint identification, if fingerprint evidence is not collected, stored, or handled properly, it can result in a false identification that people will assume is valid because they consider fingerprints highly trustworthy.
Fingerprint identification can also be done with an automated system, which reduces the amount of human work required to get a positive match. This can also increase security; If an automated system controls access to a site with fingerprint identification, for example, it’s impossible to bribe or trick the system into gaining entry, as could a problem with a human.
Fingerprints also tend to remain consistent for life, unless someone is in an accident or works in an industry with hot or caustic materials that damage fingerprints. This can be extremely useful in some settings. For example, parents who fingerprint their children and store the fingerprints can rest assured that if their children are abducted and later identified, the childhood fingerprints can be used to establish a positive match even if the children they are mature. This consistency, however, can be another problem; if people have changes to their fingerprints, they may find it difficult to verify their identity.
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