ASIS International (ASIS) Professional Certified Investigator Practice Exam

What type of fingerprints require processing to become visible?

1. Visible fingerprints

2. Latent fingerprints

3. Plastic fingerprints

4. Inked fingerprints

The correct answer is: Latent fingerprints

Latent fingerprints are the type that require processing to become visible. These fingerprints are not readily visible to the naked eye as they are formed by the natural oils and sweat on a person’s skin being transferred onto a surface. To reveal these fingerprints, various techniques and chemicals, such as powders or special lights, must be utilized. In contrast, visible fingerprints are those that are easily seen, often because they are made with a substance like ink or blood that contrasts with the background. Plastic fingerprints are three-dimensional impressions left in a medium such as wax or putty, which can be directly cast and require no additional processing to be seen. Inked fingerprints are created intentionally for identification purposes, usually by rolling a finger in ink and pressing it onto paper, making them immediately visible. Thus, the need for processing specifically pertains to latent fingerprints.