ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a brief overview of the significant aspects of the forensic discipline of fingerprints. Fingerprints are used as a means of identification in criminal investigations, as well as background checks, bonding employees, and for records of hiring in multiple fields, including education, military, and healthcare. Major findings in fingerprint history and morphological features of friction ridge skin are shared. The types of surfaces, types of prints, and mechanisms for processing evidence in the search for latent prints are described. Fingerprints are permanent and have unique detail and the methodology for the comparison of fingerprint impressions is explained. The prevalent features of the basic fingerprint patterns and their stimulation for the development of classification systems and search mechanisms are noted. This chapter closes with a summary of the automated fingerprint identification systems and cases in fingerprint history.
