COMPARATIVE STUDY OF LEGAL AND SCIENTIFIC ASPECTS OF USING FINGERPRINTS IN CRIME DETECTION: IRAN AND IRAQ

Abstract

Background and Objective: Fingerprints, as one of the key biometric tools, play a decisive role in the process of identifying identity and scientifically detecting crime. The unique characteristics of fingerprints - such as uniqueness and immutability throughout life - have made this technology find an irreplaceable place in many criminal justice systems. In the Middle East region, and especially in the countries of Iran and Iraq, this tool has not only a technical dimension, but also has security, legal and social importance. The aim of this research is to comparative study of these two paths and identify the capacities for promotion and joint cooperation.

Method: This study was conducted using a descriptive-comparative method and a combination of documentary and field data collection. Documentary sources included regulations, criminal laws, official and technical reports, and statistical data on biometric systems. Field sources were collected through semi-structured interviews with 15 expert experts (8 from Iran and 7 from Iraq).

Findings: The findings showed that Iran has been able to standardize and integrate the fingerprint identification process to a large extent by integrating national databases and gradually developing the systems, although challenges such as hardware upgrades and cyber threats still remain. Despite having access to advanced equipment and international standards, Iraq faces difficulties in the continuous and secure operation of the systems due to the dispersion of the databases and dependence on external support.

Results: The results of the study indicate that exchanging experiences, establishing a joint working group, designing regional security protocols, and launching a joint database can improve efficiency and increase security in the use of fingerprints in both countries.