The primary method used to identify fingerprints is called the ridge pattern analysis. Each person's fingerprints possess unique patterns of ridges and furrows, categorized into three main types: loops, whorls, and arches. For identification purposes, forensic experts analyze these distinct patterns, looking for specific minutiae points—small details such as ridge endings and bifurcations. Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS) utilize this method for rapid comparison against large databases. By meticulously matching ridge patterns, investigators can establish an individual's identity or link them to a crime scene, making fingerprint analysis a crucial component of forensic science.