What distinguishes a latent print from a patent print?

A latent print is a type of fingerprint that is not visible to the naked eye at the crime scene. It is typically formed from the natural oils and sweat on the skin's surface, which can be deposited onto various surfaces when a person touches them. Because these prints cannot be seen without the aid of forensic techniques, they require processing, such as dusting with powder or applying chemicals, to make them visible and suitable for analysis.

This distinguishes latent prints from patent prints, which are visible without any special treatment. Patent prints arise from fingers coming into contact with a medium such as ink or blood. The visibility of patent prints allows them to be documented immediately without further processing, whereas latent prints necessitate additional steps to reveal them for comparison and analysis.

Understanding this difference is crucial in crime scene investigations, as it affects the methods used to collect evidence and the subsequent analysis of fingerprints at a scene.