Should attempts to recover DNA occur before developing latent fingerprints?

The correct answer is based on the understanding of forensic evidence collection practices. Recovering DNA prior to developing latent fingerprints is important because the processes involved can interfere with the evidence at a crime scene.

When fingerprints are developed, various chemical or physical methods may be used, such as powders, chemical fuming, or printing techniques. These processes can potentially contaminate or degrade biological evidence, including DNA that may be present. Thus, if DNA recovery occurs first, it preserves the integrity of both types of evidence.

Moreover, DNA evidence and fingerprint evidence serve different purposes in investigations, and ensuring that DNA is collected without interference allows investigators to maximize the forensic evidence gathered from a crime scene, leading to a stronger case. Therefore, conducting DNA recovery before developing latent fingerprints adheres to best practices in forensic science.