Latent Print

Service Manual   Table of Contents

Latent Prints are among the most valuable and common types of physical evidence. All objects at the scene of the crime should be considered as possible sources of fingerprints that may lead to identification of the offender. By examining the evidence submitted, the laboratory may be able to:

  • Determine the presence of latent prints
  • Determine if the latent prints are identifiable
  • Compare and identify latent prints with the inked prints of suspects and with others for eliminating purposes
  • Establish the identity of unknown deceased persons
  • Identify the print via the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS)

Evidence should be submitted for examination as soon as possible after its recovery. Cotton gloves should be used to pick up items of evidence, being careful not to wipe possible latent prints off the surface. Never wrap nonporous items in cotton or cloth – they damage or destroy the latent impressions. Do not cover exhibits to be examined for latent prints with evidence tape.

Packaging/Identification

Exhibits being forwarded to the laboratory should be initialed and dated for identification. It is important not to place the marks in an area that would obliterate latent prints. If insufficient space exists for initialing, the item may be tagged or placed in a bag and properly marked on the exterior. Identify all evidence, indicating if it is an original article, a lift, or a photographic negative. Put developed latent lifts in envelopes, mark, and seal. Mark the packaging “Latent Prints Evidence” and with the biohazard symbol if it contains bloodstained evidence.

Any number of paper specimens containing latent prints may be placed in a single container for transmittal. These may be protected by either of the following: place them in manila envelopes or plastic folders; put them between stiff cardboard; or wrap them in a box.

Secure large articles containing latent prints with string or wire to a rigid surface to prevent shifting and contacting other items.

Exposure to water or dampness does not necessarily destroy all latent prints. Any wet or damp object must be air dried before it is packaged for shipment.

Items of evidence which are to be examined for latent prints should be submitted to the Latent Prints section prior to submission of the evidence to any other sections, except the

Document and Trace Sections.

If items have been processed prior to submission to the DOFS laboratory, package those items to prevent smudging of the latent prints or possible breakage. Chemically processed items should be protected from exposure to light or submitted to the laboratory prior to the use of silver nitrate.

Submission of Inked Prints for Comparison

Inked prints for comparison with latent prints may be submitted with the evidence. One-to-one photographs, prints, or negatives may be submitted if the inked prints cannot be submitted. Photocopies of inked prints should only be submitted as a last resort. If inked prints are not available, the investigator may name the person or persons for comparison, and an effort will be made to locate the prints in the GCIC files. All descriptive data available pertaining to the individual should be listed. Treat all inked print cards as evidence, seal, and package with a completed Evidence Submission Form.

Often latent prints found at the scene of a crime involve areas of the palms, second and third joint of the fingers, and the finger sides and tips. For this reason, the investigator should take complete inked prints (major case prints) of all the ridges on the hands of subjects and persons known to have legitimately handled the evidence (elimination prints) to permit comparisons. Palm prints should always include prints of the lower finger joints, as well as an extra print of the outer edge of the palm.

In order to identify a deceased subject, inked fingerprints and palm prints should be taken for comparison purposes. Complete major case prints along with footprints should routinely be taken of deceased subjects for potential investigative purposes. If legible prints cannot be obtained, please contact the Latent Prints section for further instructions.

The Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) is a computerized system capable of reading, matching, and storing fingerprints for every criminal justice agency in the state of Georgia. AFIS-quality latent fingerprints are entered into the AFIS to search for possible matches against the state-maintained database of fingerprint records.

By examining the evidence submitted, the laboratory may be able to determine the presence of AFIS-quality fingerprints on evidence (photographs, latent lifts and/or negatives) for possible AFIS entry or establish the identity of unknown deceased persons.

AFIS Screening for Quality Latent Prints

This service is being offered to contributors who have numerous cases for AFIS submission. Requests will be accepted for screening cases for AFIS-quality latent fingerprints before completion of paperwork.

Unidentified Latent Prints

Storage of unidentified latent fingerprints will be determined by the quality of the latent fingerprint(s) submitted. Unidentified latent fingerprints of good quality will be entered into the unidentified latent fingerprint database and will be compared daily to new fingerprint records being added to the main fingerprint database. If identification is made, the DOFS Official Report will notify the submitting agency.

If the submitting agency later identifies any latent fingerprints submitted to the laboratory for an AFIS search, or the case concerning the fingerprints is cleared for any reason, the agency should notify the laboratory so that these latent fingerprints can be purged from the database.