If homicide detectives ask that the deceased be fingerprinted immediately, what is the proper action?

When homicide detectives request that a deceased individual be fingerprinted immediately, the proper action involves protecting any potential trace evidence that may exist on the hands. Placing paper bags on the hands helps to preserve this evidence by preventing contamination or loss of biological material that may provide critical information regarding the circumstances of the death or even the perpetrator(s).

Preserving evidence is paramount in death investigations, as this can affect the outcome of the case significantly. Forensic evidence, including trace evidence under the fingernails or on the hands, can have important implications for investigations related to homicides, potentially linking a suspect to the scene.

Other actions, such as photographing the hands or allowing fingerprinting at the scene, may compromise the evidence. While these might seem like viable options, they do not prioritize the protection of trace evidence in the same manner that placing paper bags on the hands does. Similarly, suggesting that fingerprinting can only be done during an autopsy overlooks the immediate need to ensure that the integrity of possible evidence is maintained before further steps are taken.