Sõrmejäljena

Sõrmejäljena, also known as *fingerprinting* in English, is the process of identifying individuals based on their unique ridge patterns on the tips of their fingers. This method is widely used in forensic science, criminal investigations, and various administrative applications due to its high reliability and individual specificity.

The human fingerprint consists of friction ridge skin, which forms distinct patterns such as arches, loops, and whorls. These patterns remain unchanged throughout a person’s lifetime and are unique to each individual, except in the case of identical twins, who share the same fingerprint patterns. The study of fingerprints is known as dactyloscopy, derived from the Greek words *daktulos* (finger) and *skopein* (to examine).

Fingerprinting was first systematically documented in the late 19th century by Sir Francis Galton and later popularized by the Argentine police officer Juan Vucetich. The technique gained prominence in forensic science after the early 20th century, becoming a cornerstone of criminal identification. Modern methods include manual comparison by experts and automated systems like Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS), which digitize and analyze prints for quick matching.

In addition to law enforcement, fingerprinting is used for secure access control, biometric authentication, and immigration processes. Digital fingerprint scanners are now common in smartphones, laptops, and other devices to enhance security. While highly accurate, fingerprint analysis is not without limitations, as poor-quality prints or damaged skin can sometimes hinder identification. Despite these challenges, it remains one of the most trusted methods for personal identification worldwide.