Fingerprints' identification system in Lithuania

Abstract

Fingerprint is a byword for identification and identity. It is widely used in everyday to refer to any set of characteristics that define an object, activity, or even style. Of the differing types of impressions encountered in forensic work, fingerprints are a particular case since they are biological in origin, not manufactured, and because they directly identify individuals, as does DNA. Fingerprints have been used to identify victims and criminals for over 100 years. Fingerprints arise from a particular type of skin called friction ridge skin found on the fingers and palms o f the hands, and the soles o f the feet. The examination of fingerprints is based on the detailed characteristics which form the patterns o f ridges and which can be compared. Fingerprints are routinely used in most countries around the world to check that an individual who is arrested is who they say they are and whether they have come to police attention previously. They are also used as a means o f identify in non-criminal situations such as general security in buildings and access to computers. The database is a powerful tool for identifying individuals, linking individuals to crime scenes, and linking crime scenes that involve the same offender. The Cogent’s Automated Fingerprint Identification System (CAFIS) is a national automated fingerprint identification and criminal history system maintained by the Lithuanian Police Forensic Science Centre. Although CAFIS offers electronic search and storage capabilities, it has some limitation. The database contains the fingerprints o f only a small percentage of the population. The Lithuanian part of EURODAC system also is maintained by the Lithuanian Police Forensic Science Centre. EURODAC system is system of EU member states for processing flows of asylum seekers and illegal migrants by means of dactiloscopy. Both Lithuania is involved in PRUM project European Criminal Records Information System (ECRIS) is maintained by Information Technology and Communications Department under the Ministry of Interior o f Republic o f Lithuania. All mentioned systems are the parts o f one integrated Fingerprints’ Identification System in Lithuania. The article presents the modern aspects o f Fingerprints’ Identification System in Lithuania.