General Question

lanahopple's avatar

Are latent prints (invisable fingerprints) more common than plastic or patent prints (more visable fingerprints) in a crime scene investigation?

Asked by lanahopple (455points) March 11th, 2010

I am doing a research paper about fingerprints and I was hoping that someone has a reliable statistic about my question.

Observing members: 0 Composing members: 0

5 Answers

chamelopotamus's avatar

What’s your thesis statement?

lanahopple's avatar

Well i am writing all there is to know about fingerprints, how to uncover them, what techniques are used ect. and I wanted to encorperate a good statistic that emphasizes the difficulty of revealing fingerprints.

RealEyesRealizeRealLies's avatar

The only reliable statistic I can offer you on this subject is that my fingerprints have never been, and will never be, lifted from a crime scene.

now I see how it can be
everything I want for free
creep around with sneaky feet
don’t stand up I’ll steal your seat
watch this kleptomaniac
the odds are I won’t bring it back
shut your window lock your door
the odds are I’ll be back for more

marinelife's avatar

“However, because patent prints tend to be less common than latent prints, they are less likely to be confused with fingerprints left earlier by people unrelated to the crime under investigation.”

“Plastic prints are significantly less common than latent or patent prints.”

Source

“Latent prints are those that cannot be seen without further processing. Patent prints are visible, but can often be enhanced by additional processing. The most common form of fingerprints that have evidentiary value are latent prints.” Source

lanahopple's avatar

Okay. Thank you!

Answer this question

Login

or

Join

to answer.

This question is in the General Section. Responses must be helpful and on-topic.

Your answer will be saved while you login or join.

Have a question? Ask Fluther!

What do you know more about?
or
Knowledge Networking @ Fluther