Latent Print
The Latent Print Section of the MSFL examines items of physical evidence for the presence or absence of latent prints. When latent prints are found, they are compared with known inked prints. If a manual identification is not made, the latent fingerprint or palm print can be searched through the State of Mississippi Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) or the Federal Bureau of Investigation Next Generation Identification (NGI) System. AFIS is an electronic database of known fingerprints and palm prints of individuals already in the system from throughout the state. NGI is an electronic database of known fingerprints and palm prints of individuals in the Federal Criminal and Civil Systems. Any latent prints that are not identified, that have been searched through AFIS or NGI are registered in the unsolved latent print database and are continuously searched against new fingerprints entered into either system. If a new identification is made to a latent print in the unsolved database, a supplemental report will be issued to the original requesting officer and/or agency. Latent Print services are available in all branches of the MSFL.
Footwear/Tire Track
The Latent Print Section of the MSFL examines items of physical evidence for the presence or absence of footwear and tire track impressions. When footwear or tire track impressions are found, they are compared with known shoes or tires in an attempt to determine the source of the impression. Any footwear impressions not identified through manual comparison can be searched in the Shoeprint Image Capture and Retrieval SoleMate FPX (Footwear Print eXpert) System. Tire Track Impressions not identified can be searched manually through the Tread Design Guide books. Footwear and Tire track services are offered in the Pearl, Batesville and Gulf Coast Laboratories only. Footwear and Tire Track cases can be submitted at the Meridian Laboratory, but will be assigned to another Laboratory depending on location of crime.
Primary duties of the Latent Print Section
- Examine items of physical evidence submitted by law enforcement agencies for the presence or absence of latent prints and footwear/tire track impressions.
- Compare any identifiable latent prints with known prints of victims or suspects.
- Search any unidentified latent fingerprints through the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) and Next Generation Identification (NGI) System.
- Compare any partial, questioned footwear/tire track impressions with any known shoes or tires.
- Search any unidentified partial, questioned footwear/tire track impressions through local and internet databases.
- Report the results of examinations to the submitting agency.
- Testify as an expert witness in courts of law upon request.
- Provide training to law enforcement personnel.
Contact Information:
Mike Hood, CLPE - Forensic Laboratory Supervisor – Latent Prints
601-420-9000 ext. 9170