Pattern of Different Types of Fingerprints amongst the Community- an Observational Cross Sectional Study

Background: No two people have exactly the same fingerprints. Even identical twins, with identical DNA, have different fingerprints. This uniqueness allows fingerprints to be used in all sort of ways, including background checks, biometric security, mass disaster identification, and of course, in criminal situations. This scientific examination of fingerprints for identification purposes is known as dactylography. Aim: To prove the uniqueness and study various pattern of fingerprint in an individual. Objectives: 1) To study pattern of fingerprints for identification of an individual, 2) To study different types of fingerprints and keep statistical data of loops, whorls, arches and compound/composite in a group of individual, and  3) To study different methods of fingerprinting in an individual. Methodology: The study was conducted among individuals under the age group of 25-40 years, including 50 males and 50 females. The study was conducted based on Henry Galton method. The fingerprints were taken by means of an ink pad on a blank sheet; a magnifying glass was used for clarity of the finger impressions. Result: There are 4 types of fingerprints namely loops-52.16%, whorls-34.99%, composite-10.04% and arches-2.81%. Conclusion: On this basis uniqueness of fingerprints was proved. Fingerprints are considered as secondary evidence in the court of law, even though it is used as a primary and the most basic source of identification of an individual. Also according to our study the percentage of types of fingerprints varied.