Who was responsible for establishing the practice of fingerprinting civil service applicants in the U.S. in 1902?

The establishment of fingerprinting for civil service applicants in the U.S. in 1902 is attributed to Dr. Henry P. de Forest. He recognized the potential of fingerprints as a reliable method for identifying individuals, particularly in the context of civil service positions. By advocating for the use of fingerprinting in this way, de Forest played a pivotal role in the professionalization of fingerprint identification within government hiring practices.

His efforts contributed to the formal adoption and recognition of fingerprinting within the United States, paving the way for its broader application in both law enforcement and civil documentation. This innovation marked a significant shift in identification methods at that time, enhancing security and accountability in civil service roles.