Question

Patent fingerprints, or visible fingerprints, are left on a smooth surface when blood, ink, or some other liquid comes in contact with the hands and is then transferred to that surface.A) TrueB) False

Answer 1

Answer:

Answer is option A (True).

Explanation:

The fingerprint pattern of an individual is unique as no two individuals have the same pattern and it remains unchanged. So fingerprints are considered as one of the main types of physical evidence that can be recovered from a crime scene for identification purposes.

The three types of fingerprint impressions are;

Patent fingerprints or visible fingerprints - They are visible prints that are left on a smooth surface of another object when foreign substances such as blood, ink, or some other liquid present on the skin of a finger come in contact with the surface. These prints are easily identifiable and are visible with the naked eye without any technological enhancements.

Plastic prints - They are visible, three-dimensional prints that are left on soft surfaces such as freshly painted surfaces or materials like wax, gum, clay, soap, etc when a finger comes in contact with that surface resulting in an indentation. These prints are easily observable and no enhancement is required.

Latent prints - They are invisible fingerprint impressions that are left on a surface as a result of the perspiration, moisture or oil found in the ridges of fingers. Since they are not visible to the naked eye, enhancement is required upon their collection.