Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the main purpose of the Latent Print Section?
What is the main purpose of the Latent Print Section?
- To analyze blood and soil samples.
- To develop and recover latent prints from items of evidence. (correct)
- To conduct psychological evaluations of suspects.
- To improve evidence collection techniques.
Which type of prints are normally readily visible without processing?
Which type of prints are normally readily visible without processing?
- Elimination Prints
- Patent Prints (correct)
- Latent Prints
- Known Prints
What are Known Prints primarily used for in the latent print examination process?
What are Known Prints primarily used for in the latent print examination process?
- To identify victims.
- To document the chain of custody.
- To assess the condition of the evidence.
- To compare against recovered latent prints. (correct)
Which of the following is true regarding Elimination Prints?
Which of the following is true regarding Elimination Prints?
Which of the following items can potentially leave Patent Prints?
Which of the following items can potentially leave Patent Prints?
What is the primary benefit of submitting comprehensive Known Prints?
What is the primary benefit of submitting comprehensive Known Prints?
Latent Prints may require what to be developed effectively?
Latent Prints may require what to be developed effectively?
What should an examiner compare recovered latent prints to first?
What should an examiner compare recovered latent prints to first?
What should be submitted along with evidence when there are known suspects?
What should be submitted along with evidence when there are known suspects?
In which situation will database searches of latent prints be conducted?
In which situation will database searches of latent prints be conducted?
What type of prints should accompany the evidence from individuals who may have touched the surfaces being processed?
What type of prints should accompany the evidence from individuals who may have touched the surfaces being processed?
What is essential regarding the quality of prints submitted for examination?
What is essential regarding the quality of prints submitted for examination?
What happens if a search in the AFIS or NGI does not yield a candidate?
What happens if a search in the AFIS or NGI does not yield a candidate?
What should be done if known suspect prints cannot be obtained before evidence submission?
What should be done if known suspect prints cannot be obtained before evidence submission?
What types of prints may also be recorded and submitted when available?
What types of prints may also be recorded and submitted when available?
What should be avoided to ensure that prints submitted for examination are clear?
What should be avoided to ensure that prints submitted for examination are clear?
What should be assigned to each latent lift card if multiple lift cards are submitted under the same item number?
What should be assigned to each latent lift card if multiple lift cards are submitted under the same item number?
What is the required resolution for images captured of latent prints?
What is the required resolution for images captured of latent prints?
How should the camera be positioned when photographing latent prints?
How should the camera be positioned when photographing latent prints?
Which file format should images be submitted in?
Which file format should images be submitted in?
What information must be included on the scale used during photography?
What information must be included on the scale used during photography?
What kind of media can photographs of latent prints be submitted in?
What kind of media can photographs of latent prints be submitted in?
Which process should NOT be applied to digital images before submission?
Which process should NOT be applied to digital images before submission?
What type of surfaces require rigid container packaging to avoid contact during processing for latent prints?
What type of surfaces require rigid container packaging to avoid contact during processing for latent prints?
What is a necessary consideration when packaging items for examination by the Latent Print Section?
What is a necessary consideration when packaging items for examination by the Latent Print Section?
What should be done with wet porous items before packaging?
What should be done with wet porous items before packaging?
What is the recommended method when handling items to avoid damaging latent prints?
What is the recommended method when handling items to avoid damaging latent prints?
Why is it important to take close-up photographs of visible prints?
Why is it important to take close-up photographs of visible prints?
If an object has visible prints but is too large to submit, what should be done?
If an object has visible prints but is too large to submit, what should be done?
What type of surface should not have items taped down during packaging?
What type of surface should not have items taped down during packaging?
How should fragile, moisture-exposed items be handled?
How should fragile, moisture-exposed items be handled?
What is the risk of packaging wet porous items in plastic bags before drying?
What is the risk of packaging wet porous items in plastic bags before drying?
What information does a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) provide to the submitting agency?
What information does a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) provide to the submitting agency?
What should be noted on the RFLE when resubmitting evidence?
What should be noted on the RFLE when resubmitting evidence?
Which statement about lifting latent prints is accurate?
Which statement about lifting latent prints is accurate?
What is required on the back of the lift card if the same area was lifted multiple times?
What is required on the back of the lift card if the same area was lifted multiple times?
What should be avoided when processing latent prints?
What should be avoided when processing latent prints?
Which of the following prints require no processing prior to submission?
Which of the following prints require no processing prior to submission?
What is indicated on the lift card regarding the orientation of the latent print?
What is indicated on the lift card regarding the orientation of the latent print?
What will a CoA not provide?
What will a CoA not provide?
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Study Notes
Latent Prints - Overview
- Latent prints are not readily visible, they can require processing to be detected.
- Patent prints are visible, they are left by contact with substances like blood or paint.
- Known prints are intentional impressions recorded by a scanner or using ink.
- Elimination prints are impressions from persons who had legitimate access to the crime scene.
- Known prints from suspects or victims are compared first, a database search is conducted if the known prints are excluded.
Submission of Known Prints (Exemplars)
- Submit comprehensive known prints.
- Use State Identification Number (SID) or Federal Bureau of Investigation number (FBI) if available.
- Submit comprehensive postmortem fingerprints and palm prints.
- Submit clear copies of exemplars if originals are not available.
Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS)
- Latent prints can be searched in the Virginia AFIS or FBI Next Generation Identification (NGI) system.
- Latent prints that cannot be matched to a candidate in the database can be added to the unsolved latent database.
- When a new print is entered into the database it is searched against the unsolved latent database.
- If there is a potential match, a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) is issued, the CoA provides instructions on how to proceed to obtain a conclusive comparison.
Resubmitting Evidence
- If further comparisons are needed, note the previous FS Lab number on the RFLE and provide any digital media included with the evidence.
Collection Guidelines - Powder Processing and Lifting
- Latent prints developed with powder processing should be lifted and submitted.
- Record case details on the back of the lift card.
- Record the number of lifts if the same area was lifted multiple times.
- Do not mark the lift tape itself.
- Photograph visible prints before any attempts are made to lift them.
- Do not attempt processing prior to submitting the item.
- Assign a unique item number (i.e., Item 4-a, 4-b, 4-c) for each lift.
Latent Print Photography and Digital Media
- Use a tripod, ensure the lens is perpendicular to the print.
- Capture a high resolution image (1000 ppi), in lossless format.
- The print should fill the frame.
- Photograph the print with and without a scale.
- The scale should include the case number and photographer's initials.
- Submit digital media labeled with the case number.
- Images should be in TIFF format.
- Do not enhance or edit the images.
- Submit digital media with only latent print images (i.e. no overall crime scene photographs).
Collection Guidelines: Item - Non-Porous or Non-Absorbent Surfaces (Glass, Metal, Tile, etc.)
- Package in a rigid container, avoid contact with the packaging material.
- Avoid taping the item down to the container.
Collection Guidelines: Item - Porous or Absorbent Surfaces (Paper, Untreated Wood, Cardboard, etc.)
- Dry porous items can be packaged in document protectors, ziplock bags, or paper bags.
- Wet porous items should be air dried and packaged like dry items.
- Items that are packaged in plastic before being dried may develop condensation and mold.
Item with Patent (Visible) Prints
- Take close-up photographs of prints on small objects before attempting to collect or move them.
- If the object is too large to submit, it may be necessary to cut out a section of the object containing the print.
- Protect the print with a covering, that does not touch the print itself.
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