Which of the following is NOT a consideration when fingerprinting?

Understanding consent is indeed not a direct consideration when focusing on the technical aspects of fingerprinting itself. In fingerprinting, practitioners prioritize factors that affect the quality and viability of the fingerprint collected.

Lifting refers to the method used to transfer a fingerprint from a surface, which can be critical in preserving the detail of the print. Ink quality is essential because poor quality ink can produce smudged or incomplete fingerprints, which may affect their suitability for identification purposes. Skin condition also plays a significant role; for instance, dry or damaged skin may lead to incomplete impressions, making it challenging to obtain a usable print.

In contrast, while understanding consent is vital in a broader ethical and legal context when interacting with individuals, especially in law enforcement, it does not directly impact the technical procedure of capturing fingerprints. Therefore, it is not a consideration in the fingerprinting process itself.