What notable development in fingerprinting practices occurred in December 1990?

The notable development in fingerprinting practices that occurred in December 1990 was the recommendation of the Henry Classification system. This system, originally developed by Sir Edward Henry in the late 19th century, was vital for the systematic classification and retrieval of fingerprint records. Its recommendation in 1990 helped to further standardize and enhance the methods used by law enforcement and forensic experts in identifying individuals through their fingerprints.

The Henry Classification system organizes fingerprints based on a series of user-defined characteristics, facilitating easier comparison and identification. By moving towards a more standardized classification system, the accuracy and reliability of fingerprint evidence were improved, which in turn bolstered the integrity of investigations and legal proceedings. This development was crucial in setting the groundwork for future advancements in fingerprint analysis and overall forensic science, ensuring that the foundational principles of fingerprinting were maintained and formalized across various agencies.