Latent Print Section

The Latent Print Section functions to supply the criminal justice system and community of Nassau County with a state-of-the-art forensic friction ridge analysis facility. The ultimate goal of latent print examination and comparison is to identify friction ridge impressions from the fingers, palms, and soles of the feet to the source that produced them. If no subject information is available, latent prints may be searched through the local Nassau County Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), the State Automated Biometric Identification System (SABIS), and the FBI’s Next Generation Identification (NGI) system.

Services Provided & Test Methods

The following is a list of general services provided by the Latent Print Section:

  • Processing of physical evidence for preservation/visualization of friction ridge detail
  • Comparison of friction ridge impressions to known impressions using the ACE-V methodology
  • Search of unidentified friction ridge impressions through the automated databases
  • Comparison of known exemplar records for purposes of extradition and identification
  • Recording of post-mortem exemplar impressions from decedents
  • Identification of unknown decedents through friction ridge examination
  • Offer training to law enforcement agencies
  • Preparation of scientific reports
  • Expert testimony

Automated Database (AFIS, SABIS, NGI) Retention Policy

If the Latent Print Section Laboratory Report indicates a database search did not produce an identification, the latent print may be added to the appropriate database.   Adding latent prints to the unsolved database allows future known prints (e.g., arrest records, applicants, etc.) to be searched against the unidentified latent print for possible identification. Latent prints added to the unsolved database will be retained for 5 years from the date of crime with the exception of homicide related and sex crimes which will be retained for 99 years from the date of crime. All latent prints added to the databases are subsequently removed upon identification or when latent print retention time has been met.

Customer Feedback

The Latent Print Section strives to provide the highest quality forensic testing services to our customers in a timely fashion. The laboratory management welcomes feedback regarding both positive observations as well as suggestions for improvement of laboratory services. Please use our Laboratory Services Feedback Forms which can be returned by Email or facsimile.