In the AVE-V framework, the Analyze component entails what action?

• A. Determine if the prints come from the same source
• B. Verify by a second examiner
• C. Compare latent print to the exemplar
• D. First analyze the latent print, then the known exemplar

Answer: (D)

In the Analyze step, the examiner looks closely at the prints to gather data and assess quality and detail so that a meaningful comparison can be made. The action centers on inspecting the latent print first to identify usable ridge features and then considering the known exemplar to prepare the feature data from both prints for comparison. This stage is about data collection and quality assessment, not about deciding if they come from the same source.

That's why the option describing first analyzing the latent print, then the known exemplar best fits. The other options describe actions that occur in later stages: determining a match is made in evaluation, verification is done by a second examiner, and the actual comparison happens during the comparison step.