The Latent Fingerprint Section is a full service, accredited latent print laboratory. The section is staffed by four fully trained analysts and one investigative technician. The section provides evidence processing and human identification services for the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department.
The analysts employ a variety of forensic, chemical, physical and digital techniques to develop, visualize, preserve and identify latent print friction ridge impressions from evidentiary surfaces. The section also provides field assistance to the Crime Scene and Search Division that involves complex chemical surface processing, and support services to some outside agencies.
The analysts also perform comparative analysis of latent print evidence for the purpose of human identification. Latent fingerprint identification assists with criminal investigations, postmortem identification of unknown deceased individuals, suspect identification and victim eliminations.
The section also operates two State Automated Fingerprint Identification system terminals and has access to the FBI IAFIS national fingerprint database. These systems are used to search unknown latent prints against millions of fingerprint records maintained by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.