Fingerprints are the two-dimensional representation of the skin. Every person’s skin is quite unique and this factor is captured by the fingerprints. Uniqueness of the skin of every person is a result of the variation in the rates of growth and development of the tissue structure from one individual to another. It is vital to note that the skin normally secretes body waste products through a process referred to as sweating.
The friction ridge skin is the one that covers the palms of hands and soles of human beings. It is made up of raised layers of skin with openings meant to allow sweating. When a person touches some object, the raised ridges form patterns that stick at the place of contact and remain unchanged as well as intact. According to Champod, Lennard, Margot & Stoilovic (2016), the stable and complex nature of friction ridges creates a form of identification, which the law enforcement agencies use.
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The skin contains a substance known as elastin, which gives it the ability of stretching. This elasticity of the fingerprints makes it possible to resume the normal shape even after deformation (Lee & Gaensslen, 2001). John Dillinger tried to erase his prints with acid. After some time his ridge pattern grew back after sometime. On the other hand, scarring normally affects the actual ridges of fingerprints. But the scars also create unique print, which the law enforcement officers use to identify a criminal.
When an error occurs while taking the fingerprints, then there is distortion in fingerprinting. Such a distorted fingerprint may give a wrong identity of the criminal and cause pursuit of an innocent person. Therefore, once a fingerprint is distorted it is advisable not to use anymore.
References
Champod, C., Lennard, C. J., Margot, P., & Stoilovic, M. (2016). Fingerprints and other ridge skin impressions . Boca Raton, Florida: CRC press.
Lee, H. C., & Gaensslen, R. E. (2001). Methods of latent fingerprint development. In Advances in Fingerprint Technology, Second Edition . Boca Raton, Florida: CRC Press.
