From whom should elimination prints be collected?

Elimination prints are collected from anyone associated with the scene to help determine what prints belong to individuals who are not involved in the crime. This is crucial in forensic investigations, as these prints can be used to differentiate between those who might have legitimate reasons for their presence at the crime scene and those whose prints may be linked to the criminal activity.

Collecting prints from a broad range of individuals, including witnesses, emergency responders, and others connected to the scene, ensures a comprehensive approach to identifying potential contamination of evidence. It significantly aids in developing a clearer picture of the scene and identifying the true contributors to any latent prints found during an investigation. By doing so, investigators can focus more effectively on the suspects while excluding innocent parties from suspicion.