What is a potential cause of illegible fingerprints?

A primary cause of illegible fingerprints is the failure to clean fingers and the equipment used for fingerprinting. When fingers are not properly cleaned before taking fingerprints, residual substances such as dirt, oil, or other contaminants can obscure the prints. Similarly, if the fingerprinting equipment—such as rollers or pads—are dirty, they can transfer impurities onto the card or paper, leading to smudged or unclear fingerprints.

In practice, it’s essential to ensure both the fingers and the equipment are clean to obtain clear and legible fingerprints, which are crucial for identification purposes in various law enforcement scenarios. Clean methods prevent potential errors and enhance the quality of the prints captured.