What is the primary method for collecting fingerprints from a crime scene?

The primary method for collecting fingerprints from a crime scene involves utilizing techniques specifically aimed at capturing the print patterns left behind by individuals. Fingerprinting encompasses various methods and technologies used to acquire these impressions, whether they are visible or not.

Latent printing refers to the collection of prints that are not easily visible to the naked eye, requiring special techniques or chemicals to develop. Visible printing refers to prints that are already evident, often made with substances like ink or blood, making them easier to collect. While identification is an important process in the forensic field, it does not refer to the method of collecting prints but rather to matching them against databases to identify individuals. Therefore, fingerprinting as a method encompasses all necessary practices in acquiring prints for forensic analysis, making it the most accurate description in this context.