Latent Prints Analysis

The Latent Print Section of the forensic laboratories provides support services to all local and federal law enforcement agencies within Allegheny County and the Office of the Medical Examiner.

Processing and Analysis

Scientists assigned to this section analyze, evaluate, and compare latent prints discovered at crime scenes. Items of evidence are processed for the presence of latent prints using a variety of techniques. Developed friction ridge detail is preserved using lifts and/or digital photographs.

Automated Search

In an attempt to determine their source, unidentified latent prints of value may be searched through the statewide Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), maintained by the Pennsylvania State Police, or the national Next Generation Identification (NGI), maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Postmortem Printing

When the identity of a deceased person is uncertain, the latent print section may be able to assist with an identification by recording postmortem fingerprints. The postmortem prints could be compared to the prints of a tentatively identified individual or an automated search of the postmortem prints could be performed to aid in the identification of the unknown individual.