What is the first step in taking inked fingerprints?

The first step in taking inked fingerprints involves the preparation of the inking plate. This is essential because having a properly prepared inking surface ensures that the ink is evenly distributed, which leads to clearer and more accurate fingerprints. The inking plate must be clean, free of any debris, and large enough to accommodate the entire finger without any smudging or mixing of prints. This step sets the foundation for a successful fingerprinting process, as it determines the quality of the prints that will be captured.

While washing the person's hands is important for hygiene, and applying the ink to the fingers is a subsequent step, it is the preparation of the inking plate that is critically important to ensure everything proceeds smoothly and that the prints captured are of good quality. Taking a digital scan is a modern alternative but does not apply to the traditional method of inked fingerprints.