When fingerprinting a person, how should the thumbs be moved relative to the body?

The correct approach when fingerprinting involves moving the thumbs away from the center of the body. This positioning allows for a clear capture of the thumb's ridge patterns without distortion. By extending the thumbs outward, the fingerprinting process can accurately reflect the unique features of the thumbprint and enhance legibility, which is crucial for identification purposes.

This technique ensures that the fingerprint is not smudged or improperly aligned, ultimately supporting the overall integrity of the fingerprinting process. Failing to move the thumbs away might lead to confusion or inaccuracies in the fingerprints collected.