What is the main characteristic of wet prints before development?

The main characteristic of wet prints before development is that they appear as a series of round units. This is due to the nature of sweat and oils present on the skin, which, when deposited onto a surface, tend to form round marks or impressions. When a latent print is left in a wet state, the moisture can create variations in the clarity and detail of the print. The round shape can be attributed to the natural characteristics of skin ridges and pores, which contribute to the unique fingerprint patterns. Understanding this characteristic is essential for proper collection and development of latent prints, as the visual features of wet prints provide vital information that can aid in forensic analysis.