Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Practice Exam

Latent prints are generally visible or invisible to the naked eye?

1. Visible

2. Invisible

3. Only visible under UV light

4. Always stamped

The correct answer is: Invisible

Latent prints are considered invisible to the naked eye because they are typically formed by the natural oils and sweat from the skin that are left on a surface when someone touches it. These prints are not easily seen without the aid of specialized techniques or lighting. To make latent prints visible, forensic professionals often use dusting powders, chemical fuming, or other visualization methods. This invisibility is fundamental in forensic science, where identifying and enhancing these prints plays a critical role in crime scene investigations. The other options, such as prints being visible or only visible under UV light, do not accurately describe the nature of latent prints. While some prints may become visible under certain conditions or different types of lighting (like UV), latent prints themselves are primarily not visible without enhancement techniques. Additionally, the idea of them being "always stamped" is misleading, as latent prints don't always come from a defined, identifiable source in that manner; they are often unique to the individual.