Submitted by David Thompson on Sunday, April 09, 2000, 5:58 PM (posted here 16 April 2000):
I am a Forensic Identification Specialist with the RCMP and have only
been employed as such for 1.5 years (I have been a police officer for 14
years). At the root of all this I think a positive note can be drawn
with respect to the discipline protecting and policing its own. The
"Identification" made on this print from comparing the reproductions that
I have seen is clearly false, and for so many experts to voice this opinion
is a very heartening. We are not in the business of "protecting our
own"....we are in the business of objectively analysing, comparing and
evaluating each piece of physical evidence on its own without prejudice.
If along the way, mistakes are made then I would expect each and every
one of us to make those mistakes known and to learn from them. Fingerprint
identification is not a national concern but a global concern (review the
history of fingerprints) and regardless of individual nations standards
it must be undertaken in a COMPLETELY objective manner. To do otherwise
is to insult and demean those of us that are employed in this discipline.....the
consequences exceed individual pride or even career.....
I am not assigning blame toward any person or organization, I well
realize that through the routine drudgery of work, people will become complacent
sometimes make mistakes and lower their standards but we must fight this
impulse and whether it be for a routine attempt theft of auto or a murder
you must force yourself to maintain your high standards.......
Remember, there is no substitute for continuing training and experience and don't close your mind to new ideas.....
Sincerely,
D. Thompson Cpl.
RCMP
Coquitlam BC
Canada.
The views above are my own and not necessarily the views of my employers
or co-workers.....