Which statement best describes patent fingerprints?

• A. Visible because a foreign substance has transferred to the finger and the surface
• B. Formed only after chemical treatment
• C. Only occur on porous surfaces
• D. Require digital scanning to be observed

Answer: (A)

Patent fingerprints are visible prints created when a substance such as oil, ink, grease, or another residue on the finger transfers to a surface, leaving a visible impression. Because the print itself is already visible, no chemical development or special equipment is required to observe it. This often makes patent prints easier to spot than latent prints, which are not visible until processed.

So the statement that they are visible because a foreign substance has transferred to the finger and the surface accurately describes patent fingerprints. They aren’t restricted to porous surfaces, they don’t require chemical treatment to be seen, and observation isn’t dependent on digital scanning.