Which statement about latent prints is accurate?

Which statement about latent prints is accurate?

• A. Latent prints are prints that are visible before processing
• B. Latent prints do not exist on surfaces
• C. Latent prints are prints that are not visible without processing
• D. Latent prints require heat to become visible

Answer: (C)

Latent prints are impressions that are not visible to the naked eye and must be revealed through some processing method. They come from sweat and oils left on surfaces and can be found on many types of objects. Because they’re invisible until developed, the correct statement is that latent prints are prints that are not visible without processing. Some techniques to visualize latent prints use heat (like certain fuming methods), but others rely on powders or chemical reagents and do not require heat. Therefore, the other options fail because latent prints are indeed hidden until processing, they can exist on surfaces, and they don’t universally require heat to become visible.

Latent prints are impressions that are not visible to the naked eye and must be revealed through some processing method. They come from sweat and oils left on surfaces and can be found on many types of objects. Because they’re invisible until developed, the correct statement is that latent prints are prints that are not visible without processing. Some techniques to visualize latent prints use heat (like certain fuming methods), but others rely on powders or chemical reagents and do not require heat. Therefore, the other options fail because latent prints are indeed hidden until processing, they can exist on surfaces, and they don’t universally require heat to become visible.