Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Practice Exam

What type of prints result from body residues left on a surface after contact?

1. Visible prints

2. Patent prints

3. Latent prints

4. Three-dimensional prints

The correct answer is: Latent prints

Latent prints are the type of prints that result from body residues left on a surface after contact. These prints are not immediately visible to the naked eye and are formed from oils and sweat that are naturally present on the skin. When a person touches a surface, these substances can transfer and create a print that may require enhancement techniques, such as dusting or chemical processes, to make them visible for analysis. In contrast, visible prints arise from the direct application of a substance that leaves a mark recognizable to the naked eye, such as ink or blood. Patent prints, similar in definition to visible prints, are fingerprints that are easily identifiable due to their direct deposit of foreign material on a surface. Three-dimensional prints refer to imprints left in a soft material, like a footprint in snow or sand, which creates a reproduction of the surface pattern in a tangible form. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for effective crime scene investigation and forensic analysis, as it helps in properly identifying, collecting, and preserving evidence based on the type of print encountered.