What is a common issue when powdering latent prints?

The correct answer highlights a significant problem that can occur during the powdering process of latent prints: excessive powder and insufficient brushing. When too much powder is applied, it can obscure the finer details of the latent print, making it difficult for investigators to visualize and capture the print accurately. Excess powder can create a thick layer that hides critical ridge characteristics.

In addition, if insufficient brushing is employed, it may fail to adequately distribute the powder across the print, preventing it from adhering properly to the fingerprint residue. The combination of these two factors can lead to suboptimal results—either by smothering the print details or by failing to reveal them effectively.

Recognizing the balance between the amount of powder used and the technique of brushing is crucial. Proper technique requires a judicious application of powder followed by gentle brushing to avoid both clumping of the powder and insufficient exposure of the print. This understanding is essential for successful latent print processing in forensic work.