What characterizes the appearance of patent prints?

Patent prints are characterized by being visible to the naked eye. They are formed when fingers or hands make contact with a surface, leaving an impression that captures the external features of the fingerprints. This visibility allows them to be seen immediately without the need for any processing or enhancement.

While it is true that they can also be photographed or enhanced in certain circumstances, the defining feature that sets patent prints apart is their ability to be seen without additional work. This distinguishes them from latent prints, which require processing to become visible. Understanding this distinction is essential for law enforcement and forensic professionals when evaluating and collecting fingerprint evidence at a crime scene.