What is a common characteristic of latent fingerprints?

Latent fingerprints are not readily visible to the naked eye, which distinguishes them from visible prints left by fingers that are coated in substances like ink or blood. Their visibility can be enhanced through various chemical methods, such as using powders, iodine fuming, or chemical developers that react with substances in the fingerprint residue, allowing forensic analysts to collect and analyze them effectively.

While it is true that all fingerprints are unique to individuals, this uniqueness does not characterize latent fingerprints specifically. Additionally, while latent fingerprints are generally stable, they can change over time due to factors like skin condition, injury, or environmental exposure, so saying they never change is inaccurate. Hence, the ability to enhance latent fingerprints using chemical methods is a key characteristic that aids forensic investigations.