In the realm of forensics, identity verification and security, the importance of fingerprints cannot be overemphasised. For centuries, humans have utilised the unique pattern of ridges and loops on the fingers – colloquially known as fingerprints – to correlate physical evidence with the presence of specific individuals. Today, the process has evolved beyond just solving criminal cases. Journey with us as we delve into the fascinating sphere of being ‘fingerprinted‘.
Evidence traces the use of fingerprints to ancient Babylonian civilisation which used it to validate business transactions. Fast forward several centuries and in the late 19th century, an Argentine chief of police, Juan Vucetich, started the world’s first fingerprint archive. He could link a woman to the murder of her sons through her bloody fingerprints. This marked a transformative shift in detective work and has evolved well into the 21st-century as it is now used in employment and identity verification processes.
Every fingerprint is unique. This ideology forms the bedrock of modern biometric recognition and is rooted in the distinctive pattern of ridges and troughs on a person’s fingertips. An individual’s fingerprints develop in the womb, and by the time of birth, the pattern is fixed and remains unchanged throughout life, withstanding even the subtle changes associated with ageing, making them a reliable method of lifelong identification.
Background Checks Australia has integrated fingerprinting as one of its techniques in carrying out comprehensive background screenings. Their national database contains biometric information, including fingerprints, which enables them identify illegal activities and background details. It’s a step beyond traditional identity verification methods in securing a safer environment, as it presents an increased barrier to identity fraud.
Modern procedures for being ‘fingerprinted‘ typically involve a digital scanner which is faster, cleaner and more precise than the old ink-based manual method. In addition to capturing the traditional rolled and plain fingerprints, these digital sensors can also record other potentially important details, such as the degree of applied pressure or the speed of rolling the fingertip across the scanner.
Being fingerprinted is no longer exclusive to criminals, law enforcement, and security personnel. Today, it has extended to various sectors including schools, health care institutions and military organisations. A number of corporations use fingerprint background checks in their hiring processes to prevent workplace theft, fraud, or harm to other employees. The use of fingerprint in these sectors demonstrates the societal acceptance of this technology as an essential part of different systems in our society.
Getting fingerprinted is quite straightforward. Whether it’s for employment, migration or other legal needs, the process usually begins with a formal request by an authorised body that requires your fingerprinted records. On appointment, a trained technician will guide your hand, pressing and rolling each of your fingertips onto an inked surface or a digital scanner. Within a short period, you have a imprint that represents an unchangeable part of your identity, ready to be verified or checked against various databases.
Being ‘fingerprinted’ can be seen as an invasive process by some as it intrudes personal privacy. However, it’s important to acknowledge that the ultimatum behind fingerprinting is security. For example, an application process may require background check and fingerprinting to ensure you are who you say you are. It is intended to maintain safety, security, and promote a transparent society, free of identity fraud and crime.
Conclusion
The practice, technology and application around being ‘fingerprinted’ have drastically changed with time. What was previously seen as an exclusive tool for law enforcement has progressively become a standard process requiring a comprehensive security clearance, such as background checks. So, the next time you hear the term ‘fingerprinted’, remember it’s a high-tech, tried-and-true way that helps keep our society safer and ensures everyone is exactly who they claim to be.