What type of fingerprints are left when a person touches a surface with a moist finger?

Latent fingerprints are the type of fingerprints that are left when a person touches a surface with a moist finger. These prints are typically not visible to the naked eye immediately after being deposited and are formed from the natural oils and moisture from the skin transferred onto a surface. The moisture enhances the quality of the print, allowing it to be later developed through various forensic techniques, such as dusting with powder or using chemical methods.

Understanding the difference among the types of fingerprints provides insight into their formation and how they can be collected during an investigation. Visible fingerprints, for example, occur when a finger comes into contact with a medium like ink or blood, showing an obvious print. Plastic fingerprints are three-dimensional impressions left on soft materials such as wax, clay, or putty. Enhanced fingerprints refer to prints that have been chemically treated or digitally altered to improve their visibility for analysis or comparison. Each type has its own method of preservation and significance in crime scene investigations.