The interpretation of forensic fingerprint evidence relies on the expertise of latent print examiners. We tested latent print examiners on the extent to which they reached consistent decisions. This study assessed intra-examiner repeatability by retesting 72 examiners on comparisons of latent and exemplar fingerprints, after an interval of approximately seven months; each examiner was reassigned 25 image pairs for comparison, out of total pool of 744 image pairs. We compare these repeatability results with reproducibility (inter-examiner) results derived from our previous study. Examiners repeated 89.1% of their individualization decisions, and 90.1% of their exclusion decisions; most of the changed decisions resulted in inconclusive decisions. Repeatability of comparison decisions (individualization, exclusion, inconclusive) was 90.0% for mated pairs, and 85.9% for nonmated pairs. Repeatability and reproducibility were notably lower for comparisons assessed by the examiners as "difficult" than for "easy" or "moderate" comparisons, indicating that examiners' assessments of difficulty may be useful for quality assurance. No false positive errors were repeated (n = 4); 30% of false negative errors were repeated. One percent of latent value decisions were completely reversed (no value even for exclusion vs. of value for individualization). Most of the inter- and intra-examiner variability concerned whether the examiners considered the information available to be sufficient to reach a conclusion; this variability was concentrated on specific image pairs such that repeatability and reproducibility were very high on some comparisons and very low on others. Much of the variability appears to be due to making categorical decisions in borderline cases.

/pdf/repeatability-and-reproducibility-of-decisions-by-latent-50astrzrrk.pdf

Repeatability and Reproducibility of Decisions by Latent Fingerprint Examiners

Many forensic disciplines require experts to judge whether two complex patterns are sufficiently similar to conclude that both originate from the same source Studies in this area have revealed that there are a number of factors that affect perception and judgment and that decisions are subjective and susceptible to extraneous influences (such as emotional context, expectation, and motivation) Some studies have shown that the same expert examiner, examining the same prints but within different contexts, may reach different and contradictory decisions However, such effects are not always present; some examiners seem more susceptible to such influences than do others—especially when the pattern matching is “hard to call” and when the forensic experts are not aware that they are being observed in an experimental study Studying forensic examiners can contribute to our understanding of expertise and decision making, as well as have implications for forensic science and other areas of expertise

/pdf/the-vision-in-blind-justice-expert-perception-judgment-and-1nba3hrqqe.pdf

The vision in “blind” justice: Expert perception, judgment, and visual cognition in forensic pattern recognition

This study was conducted to assess if fingerprint specialists could be influenced by extraneous contextual information during a verification process. Participants were separated into three groups: a control group (no contextual information was given), a low bias group (minimal contextual information was given in the form of a report prompting conclusions), and a high bias group (an internationally recognized fingerprint expert provided conclusions and case information to deceive this group into believing that it was his case and conclusions). A similar experiment was later conducted with laypersons. The results showed that fingerprint experts were influenced by contextual information during fingerprint comparisons, but not towards making errors. Instead, fingerprint experts under the biasing conditions provided significantly fewer definitive and erroneous conclusions than the control group. In contrast, the novice participants were more influenced by the bias conditions and did tend to make incorrect judgments, especially when prompted towards an incorrect response by the bias prompt.

Testing for Potential Contextual Bias Effects During the Verification Stage of the ACE-V Methodology when Conducting Fingerprint Comparisons*

http://www.shirleymckie.com/documents/Dror_FSI_cognitive_issues_fingerprint_analysis.pdf

Cognitive issues in fingerprint analysis: inter- and intra-expert consistency and the effect of a 'target' comparison.

Analysis of questioned documents: a review.

The potential (negative) influence of observational biases at the analysis stage of fingermark individualisation.

A logical framework to ballpoint ink dating interpretation.

Being a criminalist requires a strong basis in natural sciences along with emphasis on topics specific to forensic sciences and criminal justice. Before dealing with casework, a criminalist must be fully trained, i.e., have strong educational background followed by an induction (or initial) training. A few organizations have defined minimum criteria regarding these basic educational and training requirements. A criminalist must also be up-to-date with evolving science, and thus requires continuous training and education. This can be achieved through the reading of scientific literature, attendance at courses and conferences, and practical experience.



Professional certification of forensic scientists is common in the United Kingdom and the United States; however, it is quite inexistent in most countries around the world. Certification demonstrates the competency of a criminalist. To create a certification program, it is necessary to clearly define the minimum criteria of knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA) that a criminalist must demonstrate. A mean of testing the KSA must also be devised and the certification must gain acceptance among the forensic and legal community. Certification is usually obtained through three main steps: admission and evaluation of the candidate and renewal of the certificate. Finally, some of the most important certification programs are presented.


Keywords:

education;
continuing training;
competency;
skills;
abilities;
knowledge;
certificate

Beatrice Schiffer

Papers

The potential (negative) influence of observational biases at the analysis stage of fingermark individualisation.

A logical framework to ballpoint ink dating interpretation.

Training and Certification (In Criminalistics)