Fingerprints are formed very early in life and stay unchanged other than in cases of injury or surgery. There are many places they are used and police investigation is one of them. They are an esssential tool in those investigations because since the fingerprints are unique, they are an effective means of identifying suspects and linking them to crime scenes.
For instance, when a crime happens, law enforcement officers collect evidence from the crime scene and seek places where the criminal might have made physical contact. If a usable fingerprint is found at the crime scene, it is taken to forensic experts who analyze the fingerprints. Later, computers can make matches between the fingerprints in the database collected during custody or previous background checks, and the one at the crime scene. This comparison can help identify the perpetrator or link them to other crimes they may have committed.
Fingerprint analysis is a complex process that involves examining patterns and other characteristics on the finger which is unique for each person. The analysis is aided by computer algorithms and software which can quickly compare prints and identify potential matches. Despite its effectiveness, fingerprint analysis is not always a certain way to identify a perpetrator. In some cases, prints can not be analyzed because they are incomplete or stained.
In conclusion, fingerprints are helpful in police investigations, and their importance is proved by their effectiveness in solving countless crimes. While they have limitations, technologies are improving which makes fingerprint analysis even more effective. As technology continues to advance, fingerprints will remain essential in criminal investigations.