Why is it important to caution the person during fingerprinting?

Cautioning the person during fingerprinting to relax and refrain from exerting pressure is essential for several reasons. When individuals are nervous or uncomfortable, any tension can lead to smudged fingerprints, making them less identifiable. Clear and distinct impressions are crucial in the fingerprinting process, as they need to provide accurate data for identification purposes. By encouraging the person to relax, the fingerprinting process can yield better results, reducing the need for re-submission due to poor quality prints.

Engaging with the person through smiling might help alleviate anxiety but does not directly address the technical aspect of obtaining clear fingerprints. Speaking loudly for clarity is less relevant, as communication does not need to be overly loud but rather calm and reassuring. Holding their breath could cause discomfort or tension, negatively affecting the quality of the fingerprints. Thus, promoting relaxation and light pressure is the most effective approach to ensuring successful fingerprint submissions.