What is the primary concern when someone touches a surface without gloves regarding fingerprints?

The primary concern when someone touches a surface without gloves revolves around the potential transfer of contaminants. When individuals touch surfaces, their skin can transfer oils, dirt, and other substances that can interfere with forensic analysis. This issue is critical because it complicates the interpretation of fingerprints at a crime scene, leading to potential misidentification or the inability to extract usable prints due to contamination.

While it's true that sufficient contact is necessary for print transfer, the focus here is more on the integrity of the fingerprint after transfer and the potential contamination that can overshadow the actual print itself. Therefore, understanding that contaminants can alter or obscure the details of a fingerprint is essential for effective crime scene investigation.