Crossword Genius

Handle issue in characteristic style (11)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

fingerprint

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'handle issue' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both related to communication as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see an association between them that I can't see?

'in characteristic style' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'in' is found in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for fingerprint that I've seen before include "means of identification" , "Dab" , "Mark left by handler" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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