<P> Human fingerprints are detailed , nearly unique , difficult to alter , and durable over the life of an individual , making them suitable as long - term markers of human identity . They may be employed by police or other authorities to identify individuals who wish to conceal their identity , or to identify people who are incapacitated or deceased and thus unable to identify themselves , as in the aftermath of a natural disaster . Fingerprint analysis , in use since the early 20th century , has led to many crimes being solved . This means that many criminals consider gloves essential . In 2015 , the identification of sex by use of a fingerprint test has been reported . </P>
when was fingerprinting first used by the police
the early 20th century