What can be done to fingers that are tightly clenched due to rigor mortis during fingerprinting?

Forcing the fingers to straighten by "breaking the rigor" is considered the appropriate approach when dealing with fingers that are tightly clenched due to rigor mortis. Rigor mortis is the postmortem stiffening of the muscles, which can occur within a few hours after death and can last for several days. This stiffness prevents the fingers from being positioned normally for fingerprinting.

When "breaking the rigor," trained personnel can gently manipulate the clenched fingers to facilitate obtaining clear fingerprints. This process typically involves applying careful pressure to the joints and muscles, allowing for better access to the fingertip for the necessary detail to be captured for identification purposes. This technique aims to ensure that the fingerprint analysis can be performed effectively, which is crucial in forensic investigations.

Other options may not yield the desired results in obtaining usable fingerprints. Leaving the fingers as they are would result in unusable prints. Submerging the hands in warm water or using a tool for repositioning might not be advisable either, as each method could cause damage to the skin or fail to provide accurate representations of the fingerprints.