What is 'fingerprint analysis'?

What is 'fingerprint analysis'?

Richard Saferstein (Former Chief Forensic Scientist) gives expert video advice on: What is 'fingerprint analysis'?; How long has fingerprinting been used in CSI?; How has fingerprinting helped in CSI? and more...

Present on the surface of our fingers, as well as other surfaces on our body, are ridges. These are what we call "friction ridges". They provide us with the ability to grip hold of objects without them sliding away from us. These "friction ridges" also have another purpose for us in forensics - they give rise to fingerprints. If we were to touch some ink and then place our finger against an object, you will see an impression of our "friction skin ridges" being deposited on that object.