The AFIS system is used is to create fingerprint images which are commonly used by the state to link the suspect to the crime scene. According to Saferstein (2011), evidence gathered at the scene of the crime is not useful if they cannot be connected to the suspect. The link between evidence and suspect can be offered through witness statements or comparative analysis conducted by a criminalist to provide biometric evidence linking the suspect to the crime. Every person is unique with distinct behavioral and biological traits that are unique to each individual. Biometric identifiers such as facial appearance, DNA, fingerprints, and iris imagery have become synonymous with criminal cases and are commonly relied on in proving the innocence and guilty of the alleged offender.
Fingerprints are created by reproducing friction of skin ridges existing within the palm of the fingers and thumbs. The use of fingerprints in criminal investigations is based on the three principles; first, fingerprints are unique and identical to the individual. Therefore, the chances of having two identical patterns of fingerprints are negligible. From millions of people around the world with classified prints, no two identical prints have been found. Secondly, fingerprints never change during the lifetime of an individual. The outer layer of the skin is known as epidermis while dermis is the inner layer of the skin. Between them is dermal papillae layer of cells which determines the pattern and form of ridges on the surface of the skin. After the development of dermis papillae in the human fetus, these ridge patterns do not change throughout an individual's lifetime. Thirdly, fingerprints contain general ridge patterns which make it possible to classify them systematically. The identification of fingerprints is not determined by their general pattern or shape, but rather a careful analysis of ridge characteristics or minutiae. It is the responsibility of an expert to prove the identity of a person through demonstration.
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AFIS is a biometric system with the technological ability to use digital imaging to record fingerprints for comparison in database records for purposes of determining the identity of a person. This system is primarily used by law enforcers in criminal investigations to link an offender to the crime. The working of AFIS is based on the technological ability of the computer to scan fingerprints and encode them digitally so that they can be subjected to high-speed computer processing. The AFIS uses automatic devices to scan and convert fingerprint image into digital minutiae that contain data which shows ridges at the endings or point of termination. It also shows the branching of ridges into bifurcation. It also determines the relative position and orientation of minutiae thus enabling the computer to store fingerprint images in the digital of a geometric pattern ( Saferstaein, 2011) .
Every ridge of the skin is populated with pores that lead to sweat glands where the perspiration is deposited on the skin. Upon touching the surface with fingers, the perspiration together with oils is transferred onto the surface. This leaves behind ridges of finger patterns commonly known as fingerprints ( Saferstaein, 2011) .
Conclusion
Fingerprints are created by reproducing friction of skin ridges existing within the palm of the fingers and thumbs. Fingerprints are commonly used in the criminal investigation to identify and link suspects to the crime scene. This is based on three principles; fingerprints are unique and identical to an individual, fingerprints never change during the lifetime of an individual, and fingerprints contain general ridge patterns which make it possible to classify them systematically. AFIS has technological ability to scan fingerprints and encode them digitally so that they can be subjected to high-speed computer processing.
References
Saferstein, R. (2013). Criminalistics . Pearson Education.
Saferstaein, R. (2011). C riminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science. Tenth Edition, Pearson Prentice Hal.
