Latent Print Examiners

Forensic Scientists assigned to the Latent Print Unit perform scientific examinations in the area of friction ridge analysis, including the comparison of latent finger and palm prints to known subjects' prints.  Various powders, chemicals, and illumination techniques are used to process evidence for latent prints. Authorized personnel in the Latent Print Unit also receive requests to compare unknown footwear impressions and/or tire impressions to known shoes and tires.

Latent prints are searched in a computer database known as the Arizona Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AZAFIS), which enables unidentified latent prints to be compared against over three million finger and palm print records from known individuals within the database. Latent prints may also be searched in the Next Generation Identification System (NGI) which includes the FBI's automated system containing over 70 million criminal and 45 million civilian fingerprint records.

The Latent Print Examiners are responsible for providing expert witness testimony regarding their findings in courts throughout the state and instructing law enforcement personnel.