Latent prints are chance or accidental impressions left by friction ridge skin on a surface, regardless of whether it is visible or invisible at the time of deposition. Recognition of evidence that may contain fingerprints and the processes that can develop these latents is crucial in preventing valuable evidence from being left undetected. It has been my experience that basic police training does not cover this subject adequately and other first responders may not receive any training at all. To process latent prints examiners use various techniques including electronic, chemical, cyanoacrylate and physical method. Latent Print Processing Guide offers a broad understanding of latent print detection, development and recovery including insights on some state of the art technologies.
