What type of prints are often recovered from a surface but are not immediately visible?

Latent prints are often recovered from surfaces but are not immediately visible to the naked eye. They are formed by the oils, sweat, and other residues left on a surface when a person touches it. Since these prints are not distinct or seen without enhancement or special techniques, they require the use of powder, chemical treatments, or alternate light sources to be visualized and captured.

In forensic science, latent prints play a crucial role in identifying individuals involved in criminal activity. Their invisibility immediately after being deposited makes the recovery and analysis process essential for investigations.

Other types of prints, such as plastic prints, are three-dimensional impressions left in soft materials and are visible right away. Visible prints, on the other hand, are easily seen because they may be stained with substances like ink or blood. Duplicate prints refer to copy images of existing prints, which do not fall under the category of prints left at a scene, thus emphasizing the distinctive nature of latent prints in the context of crime scene investigations.