No two fingerprints in the world are exactly alike. Everybody has at least 150 individual ridge characteristics on each fingerprint.

 

Forensic scientists and detectives take advantage of this when solving crimes. Our hands are constantly producing sweat and oil – even on our fingertips.

 

Whenever you touch something that sweat and oil makes the same pattern that is seen on your fingertips. Often times, criminals leave their fingerprints behind.

 

The police use special tools including fingerprint powder, brushes, and special lights to see the fingerprints that are often invisible to our eyes.