Editing Fingerprint (section)

=== Latent ===
[[File:Real fingerprints on fake crime scene.JPG|thumb|Barely visible latent prints on a knife]]

In [[forensic science]], a partial fingerprint lifted from a surface is called a ''latent fingerprint''. Moisture and grease on fingers result in latent fingerprints on surfaces such as glass. But because they are not clearly visible, their detection may require chemical development through powder dusting, the spraying of [[ninhydrin]], [[iodine]] fuming, or soaking in [[silver nitrate]].<ref>{{Cite book|title=Handbook of Fingerprint Recognition|first1=Davide |last1=Maltoni|first2=Dario |last2=Maio|first3=Anil K. |last3=Jain |first4=Salil |last4=Prabhakar|publisher=Springer Science & Business Media|year=2009|isbn=978-1848822542|pages=62}}</ref> Depending on the surface or the material on which a latent fingerprint has been found, different methods of chemical development must be used. Forensic scientists use different techniques for [[porous]] surfaces, such as paper, and [[nonporous]] surfaces, such as glass, metal or plastic.<ref name=Kasper>{{Cite book|title=Latent Print Processing Guide|author=Stephen P. Kasper| publisher=Academic Press| year=2015|isbn=978-0128035436|pages=4}}</ref> Nonporous surfaces require the dusting process, where fine powder and a brush are used, followed by the application of transparent tape to lift the latent fingerprint off the surface.<ref name=Kasper/>

While the police often describe all partial fingerprints found at a crime scene as latent prints, forensic scientists call partial fingerprints that are readily visible ''patent prints''. Chocolate, toner, paint or ink on fingers will result in patent fingerprints. Latent fingerprints impressions that are found on soft material, such as soap, cement or plaster, are called ''plastic prints'' by forensic scientists.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Criminal Investigation|first1=Ronald F. |last1=Becker |first2=Aric W. |last2=Dutelle| publisher=Jones & Bartlett Learning| year=2018|isbn=978-1284082852|pages=133}}</ref>