What is an alternative to taking inked fingerprints?

An alternative to taking inked fingerprints is live scan. This method uses an electronic device to capture fingerprints digitally, allowing for faster and more efficient processing. Live scans eliminate the messiness and potential inaccuracies associated with inked fingerprints, as the digital images can be easily enhanced and matched against existing databases. This technology is beneficial for modern law enforcement because it enables quick submission of fingerprints and retrieval of information, improving the identification process.

Other methods like digital holography, brush technique, and hand tracing do not function as viable alternatives to traditional fingerprinting. Digital holography is more associated with imaging techniques rather than capturing fingerprints, while brush technique usually refers to the method of applying ink for prints rather than an alternative to it. Hand tracing is not a widely recognized or standard method for fingerprint capturing in forensic science.