A latent print is most likely to be found at a crime scene on which type of surface?

A latent print is most likely to be found at a crime scene on which type of surface?

• A. On clothing only
• B. Inaccessible areas
• C. On surfaces where handling occurred
• D. On the ceiling

Answer: (C)

Latent prints come from oils and sweat left on the fingertips when a person touches something. They’re most likely to appear on surfaces that were actually handled because that's where transfer occurs. While prints can sometimes be found on clothing or other touched objects, and overhead surfaces would only bear prints if they were touched, the strongest likelihood is a surface that has seen direct handling. Surfaces never touched or hard-to-reach areas are far less likely to yield recoverable prints.

Latent prints come from oils and sweat left on the fingertips when a person touches something. They’re most likely to appear on surfaces that were actually handled because that's where transfer occurs. While prints can sometimes be found on clothing or other touched objects, and overhead surfaces would only bear prints if they were touched, the strongest likelihood is a surface that has seen direct handling. Surfaces never touched or hard-to-reach areas are far less likely to yield recoverable prints.