Fingerprint analysis generally involves comparing fingerprints found at a crime scene — called latent fingerprints — with fingerprints from a known individual and assessing how similar they are. A trained fingerprint examiner makes that assessment by comparing details including the shapes that the ridge lines form and where the lines end or split.

Fingerprints can be used to search for people who were at the crime scene. The officers search for matching prints through the IAFIS system. If they find a matching fingerprint, they can identify a potential criminal suspect. At trial, prosecutors use fingerprint evidence to allege the defendant was at the crime scene.

When a fingerprint is found at a crime scene it is known as a ‘finger mark’ or ‘latent print’. Cross-checking these against other prints in police databases has the potential to link a series of crimes together, or to place a suspect at the scene of a crime.