THE FINGER-PRINT SYSTEM.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 67, 9 September 1911, Page 1 (Supplement)

THE FINGER-PRINT SYSTEM.

Some little time ago a statement appeared in the press to the effect that the .finger-print system of identification had broken down in England, the particular case cited being that of an accused person, who, it was alleged, having been identified as a criminal by his finger prints, was able to establish a perfect alibi by the records of the, British Army in which lie had been serving. The Commissioner of Police is now in receipt, of a communication from Scotland Yard in which it is stated that the facts are as follows: —A man was in custody for a trifling offence, and his finger-prints were taken with a view to ascertaining his previous history. A previous conviction was traced against him by that means, and the particulars were mentioned to the Magistrate. The prisoner denied having been convicted as stated, and produced an Army paper which appeared to show that he was in the Army at the time mentioned. The magistrate acquitted the man of the offence with which be was charged. But enquiries were then made, and it was proved beyond doubt that the man was convicted, as disclosed by the fingerprints, and that he was not in the Army at the time.