What makes a criminal history record unique?

The uniqueness of a criminal history record primarily stems from the fact that all fingerprints are unique to each individual. Fingerprints are biological characteristics that are formed in utero and remain unchanged throughout a person's life, which is why they are used as a reliable means of identification. No two people, regardless of their relation, have the same fingerprint patterns, making them an essential aspect of biological evidence in law enforcement and criminal justice.

While some other aspects might evolve over time—such as the data in one's criminal history—or be subject to change depending on circumstances, fingerprints remain a constant and definitive identifier. This unique attribute of fingerprints provides law enforcement with a powerful tool for accurately associating individuals with certain convictions or arrests, ensuring that criminal records are appropriately linked to the correct people.