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File:Fingerprintforcriminologystubs.jpg · Wikimedia Commons · See Wikimedia Commons

EntityQ178022· pop 65· linked from 1,278 articles

fingerprint

Also known as finger impression

thumb|A fingerprint

AI overview

A fingerprint is the unique pattern of ridges and whorls found on the skin of a person's fingertips. It matters because these patterns are distinctive to each individual and remain largely unchanged throughout their lifetime, making them useful for identifying people in forensic investigations and security applications.

AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.

Wikidata facts

Image: Fingerprintforcriminologystubs.jpg

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Commons category: Fingerprints
Unicode character: 🫆

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~55 min read

Article

41 sections

Contents

Biology
Genetics
Classification systems
{{anchor|Dactyloscopy}}Fingerprint identification
Fingerprinting techniques
Exemplar
Latent
Capture and detection
Live scan devices
Fingerprinting on cadavers
Latent fingerprint detection
Forensic laboratories
Limitations and implications in a forensic context
Crime scene investigations
Detection of drug use
Police force databases
Validity
Professional certification
History
Antiquity and the medieval period
Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries
19th century
20th century
Use of fingerprints in schools
Absence or mutilation of fingerprints
Fingerprint verification
Patterns
Fingerprint features
Fingerprint sensors
Consumer electronics login authentication
Algorithms
Pre-processing
Pattern-based (or image-based) algorithms
In other species
In fiction
Mark Twain
Crime fiction
Film and television
See also
References
External links

thumb|A fingerprint

A fingerprint is an impression left by the friction ridges of a human finger. The recovery of partial fingerprints from a crime scene is an important method of forensic science. Moisture and grease on a finger result in fingerprints on surfaces such as glass or metal. Deliberate impressions of entire fingerprints can be obtained by ink or other substances transferred from the peaks of friction ridges on the skin to a smooth surface such as paper. Fingerprint records normally contain impressions from the pad on the last joint of fingers and thumbs, though fingerprint cards also typically record portions of lower joint areas of the fingers.