Fingerprints are unique to each individual and can be used for identification. The science of fingerprinting, or dactyloscopy, involves gathering and analyzing fingerprint evidence. Fingerprinting is used by police, prosecutors, and military regimes. The process involves identifying and collecting latent and patent fingerprints, then matching them using software. Examiners must consider factors such as friction and skin elasticity when analyzing prints.
Humans are all born with ridges that shape fixed patterns on each of their fingers. These ridges form rings, arcs, and spirals that are unique to every human being, even identical twins. Consequently, physical fingerprint evidence can be used to positively identify an individual. Fingerprinting science involves the process of gathering this evidence and subsequently validating and analyzing the evidence for the purpose of identifying an individual. The formal name for the science of fingerprinting is dactyloscopy.
Many entities regularly use the science of fingerprinting to identify individuals. For example, a police department may use fingerprint technology to catch a criminal or identify a dead body. A prosecutor can build an entire case against a defendant based on positive fingerprint identification. Military regimes can use the science of fingerprinting to identify an officer who has been seriously injured or killed.
Typically, there are two key steps involved in fingerprint science: fingerprint identification and fingerprint matching. As part of the identification process, an examiner must find and collect any available latent and patent fingerprints. Latent imprints usually refer to crest imprints that are inadvertently left on a surface and which are not visible to the naked eye. Using fingerprint science techniques and powders or chemicals, experts can make latent prints visible during the collection process.
Patent prints, on the other hand, are left on a surface or fingerprint reader when a substance is moved from the fingertip to the surface or reader. For example, a patent print would result if a person dipped their finger in paint and then pressed it to a canvas. Patent prints can usually be identified without chemical processing and are often considered more reliable than latent prints.
Once a fingerprint is identified, the print must be matched. Experts often perform authentication and fingerprint matching using fingerprint matching software programs. In general, the software processes the fingerprint images first using algorithms that help to obtain clearer images of the original fingerprint. The original print is then compared to any matching records in the software’s database to determine if there is a likely match.
The science of fingerprinting requires more skills than just knowing how to use biometric fingerprint technology. Examiners must also consider the impact of friction on a fingerprint, particularly if that fingerprint is latent. The developing medium, skin elasticity, slip and deposition pressure can influence the appearance of a print and the competent experts must be able to analyze these additional factors.
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