What can photographs of latent fingerprints provide in an investigation?

Photographs of latent fingerprints are crucial in forensic investigations primarily because they allow for comparison with known prints. This process is essential in identifying potential suspects or linking individuals to a crime scene. Latent fingerprints, which are typically not visible to the naked eye, can be developed and captured in photograph form, providing forensic experts with the ability to analyze the unique characteristics of those prints.

The comparison process involves matching the patterns, ridges, and other features of the latent prints found at a crime scene with those from known individuals, often obtained from fingerprint databases or records. When a match is made, it can serve as significant evidence connecting a suspect to a criminal act, bolstering the investigation with tangible proof.

Other options, such as evidence of exact times of contact, proof of ownership of an object, or insights into the subject's personal life, do not derive directly from the analysis of latent fingerprints. While fingerprints can indicate who may have been in contact with an object or location, they do not inherently provide information about the precise timing or the personal circumstances of the individuals involved. Thus, the primary use of latent fingerprint photography in an investigation is for the comparison with known prints.