ABSTRACT
Fingerprints is one of the oldest and most important forms of evidence in all forensic science. The use of these curious, highly individual friction ridge skin patterns on the end joint of the fingers as a means of personal identification dates back many centuries. In forensic science, we think of fingerprints as being used primarily to help locate, identify, and eliminate suspects in criminal cases. There are three basic fingerprint patterns: arch, loop, and whorl. Within these major classes, fingerprint examiners commonly recognize other categories. Within fingerprint patterns, there are features called minutiae. Once evidentiary and reference (inked) fingerprints have been oriented and found to have the same general ridge flow or pattern type, these features are used to compare the fingerprints and decide whether they are or are not from the same person. The modified Henry system as used in the United States is a scheme for the classification of 10-print sets, or a fingerprint card, for one individual.
