What should an investigator do after successfully visualizing a latent print?

What should an investigator do after successfully visualizing a latent print?

• A. Make a sketch of the scene
• B. Take a 1:1 photograph of the print
• C. Label the print for identification
• D. Collect the object for analysis

Answer: (B)

Taking a 1:1 photograph of the visualized latent print is a critical step in the investigation process. This method ensures that the details of the print are captured accurately and can be analyzed later for comparisons, such as matching it to a suspect's fingerprints. A 1:1 photograph allows for precise scaling and minimizes distortion, which is essential for forensic examination. Proper documentation of the print in this manner also supports the integrity of the evidence, making it suitable for court presentation. While other actions, such as sketching the scene or labeling the print, are important aspects of crime scene documentation, they do not have the same immediate value as securing a high-quality photograph of the print for forensic purposes. Collecting the object for analysis may also be important, depending on the context, but the photographic documentation should precede or accompany such actions to maintain a clear record of the evidence.

Taking a 1:1 photograph of the visualized latent print is a critical step in the investigation process. This method ensures that the details of the print are captured accurately and can be analyzed later for comparisons, such as matching it to a suspect's fingerprints. A 1:1 photograph allows for precise scaling and minimizes distortion, which is essential for forensic examination. Proper documentation of the print in this manner also supports the integrity of the evidence, making it suitable for court presentation.

While other actions, such as sketching the scene or labeling the print, are important aspects of crime scene documentation, they do not have the same immediate value as securing a high-quality photograph of the print for forensic purposes. Collecting the object for analysis may also be important, depending on the context, but the photographic documentation should precede or accompany such actions to maintain a clear record of the evidence.