In the context of fingerprints, what does the term "latent" refer to?

The term "latent" in the context of fingerprints specifically refers to those prints that are not immediately visible to the naked eye. These prints are typically left behind on surfaces due to the natural oils and sweat from a person's fingers. Because they lack color and visibility, latent prints require a development process to make them visible for comparison and identification purposes, such as using powders, chemicals, or other techniques.

Visible prints, on the other hand, are clearly seen on surfaces and do not require additional processing to be used in investigations. Inked prints are intentionally created for submission to databases and are not latent. Digital prints refer to electronically captured images of fingerprints and also are not dependent on physical recovery techniques. Thus, by understanding the nature of latent prints, one can appreciate the importance of techniques used for developing and utilizing them in forensic investigations.