When lifting prints, is it necessary to collect prints that may belong to a victim?

Collecting prints that may belong to a victim is an important step in crime scene investigation. The correct choice emphasizes that gathering these prints can help eliminate the victim as a suspect in the investigation. This process is crucial for several reasons. First, fingerprint analysis allows investigators to establish a clearer picture of who was present at the scene, and by identifying the victim’s prints, they can rule out any potential confusion or misinterpretation of evidence.

Additionally, in complex cases where multiple people may have had access to a crime scene, having the victim's prints can assist in creating a comprehensive record that supports investigative conclusions. It helps prevent misattribution of prints to a suspect, which can lead to wrongful assumptions about their involvement in the crime. Thus, taking the time to collect and analyze the victim's prints contributes significantly to the thoroughness and accuracy of the investigation. This is why ruling out the victim with their own prints is a standard practice in forensic protocols.