International Assocation for Identification Annual Educational Conference IAI 2022 Conference IAI 2022 Conference Agenda
The IAI is still Seeking Poster Presentations for the 2022 Conference
31 July - 6 August in Omaha Nebraska IAI 2022 Poster and Photo Submission Information IAI 2022 Poster Presenter Application
IAI 2022 Photo Contest Application
2021
IAI Conference Presentations
August 2021 -
Nashville, Tennessee USA
$15 DIY Cyanoacrylate Chamber Microprocessor
Presented by Clay Allred, CLPE
5 August
2021 at the IAI Conference
This
presentation illustrates how to build a functional cyanoacrylate
chamber using a $15 Arduino-style microprocessor and other inexpensive
modular COTS (commercial off the shelf) parts.
Microprocessors,
like the Arduino Uno (TM) can be used for monitoring and controlling
electrical processes like monitoring humidity and temperature and
switching on and off items plugged into an electrical outlet.
Clay
Allred is a Fingerprint Specialist with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,
Firearms and Explosives, with over 20 years of experience in the field.
He has no formal experience or education with computer programming or
electronics, but does have an inventive side that is triggered by free
time like the recent COVID-19 months.
OSAC Friction Ridge Subcommittee Progress
Update
Presented by Joshua
Connelly, CLPE
4 August
2021 at the IAI Conference
This presentation addresses how OSAC is structured and how it interacts
with other entities, including Standards Development Organizations
(SDOs). The presentation discusses current documents the FRS has been
working on, including best practice recommendations and standards. Click here to visit the OSAC
Friction Ridge Subcommittee website.
Beyond Mayfield: Wrongful Convictions Due
to Fingerprint Errors and Lessons Learned
Presented by Hillary
Daluz
6 August
2021 at the IAI Conference
High-profile erroneous fingerprint identifications such as Mayfield and
McKie have illuminated limitations of the fingerprint examination
discipline and inspired progress. But did you know that Mayfield and
McKie are not the only cases of wrongful conviction? Are you prepared
to address these cases on the witness stand? This lecture goes beyond
Mayfield and McKie and discusses lessons learned to mitigate future
errors.
Don’t be Caught with Your Pants Down!!!
Presented by Eliot
Springer
6 August
2021 at the IAI Conference
With
accreditation in place, and all its challenges, are our
forensic laboratories prepared to expedite or meet, in a timely and
efficiently manner, the challenges of handling cases in a life and
death situation? This question and challenge arose from real life
situations. In one case, a ten year old boy disappeared while walking
home from his first day at day camp. After a day and a half, parts from
the boy’s dismembered body were found in the suspects freezer and in a
dumpster. In a conversation a few years later with a detective from
that case, it was stated that he felt that only five hours separated
between being able to find and save the boy and him being murdered. In
another case, a soldier was kidnapped by terrorists and a time -
sensitive ultimatum was given for either freeing or executing the
soldier. Evidence was sent to the lab that might have assisted in
helping save the soldier.
Curriculum Vitae:Make Your First Impression
Your Best Impression
Presented by Hillary
Daluz
6 August
2021 at the IAI Conference
What is a curriculum vitae (CV), and why do you need one? The
CV is a scientific resume that serves as the autobiography for your
professional life. Although a CV is a great way to introduce yourself
to future employers, it is also used in the courtroom. In this
interactive lecture, you will learn how to create a CV that will set
you up for success in the courtroom and throughout your career.
Mitigating Bias -Lessons Learned: An
Interactive Experience Featuring Lady Whistledown, The Mandalorian and
David Rose
Presented by Hillary
Daluz and Stacie Calkins, CLPE
4 August
2021 at the IAI Conference
Bias has been a hot topic in the forensic sciences for the past decade.
But what is bias, and how do we mitigate bias in casework? This
presentation addresses real-world situations in which bias might affect
the results of forensic analysis. Methods for mitigating bias in
forensic examinations are discussed.
Supplemental Verifications (Latent Print
Similarities and Differences)
Presented by Meredith
Coon, CLPE
4 August
2021 at the IAI Conference
This
presentation reviews the Supplemental Verification process for Complex
prints used by the Baltimore Police Department (Baltimore, Maryland,
USA). All identifications require visual documentation, and the markups
on complex prints is displayed and discussed for their similarities and
differences. The presentation also addresses some of the pitfalls and
benefits of Supplemental Verification.
Bloodstain Pattern
Analysis Black Box Study
Presented by Austin
Hicklin, PhD
4 August
2021 at the IAI Conference
Although the
analysis of bloodstain pattern evidence left at crime scenes relies on
the expert opinions of bloodstain pattern analysts, the accuracy and
reproducibility of these conclusions have never been rigorously
evaluated at a large scale. We investigated conclusions made by 75
practicing bloodstain pattern analysts on 192 bloodstain patterns
selected to be broadly representative of operational casework,
resulting in 33,005 responses to prompts and 1,760 short text
responses. Our results show that conclusions were often erroneous and
often contradicted other analysts. On samples with known causes, 11.2%
of responses were erroneous. The results show limited reproducibility
of conclusions: 7.8% of responses contradicted other analysts. The
disagreements with respect to the meaning and usage of BPA terminology
and classifications suggest a need for improved standards. Both
semantic differences and contradictory interpretations contributed to
errors and disagreements, which could have serious implications if they
occurred in casework.
Paul Kish, Kevin Winer, and Noblis conducted the study under a grant
from the U.S. National Institute of Justice (NIJ).
Why
are automated biometric identification systems (ABIS) still not
communicating?
Presented by Michael
French, CLPE, CBP
3 August
2021 at the IAI Conference
Biometric
transmission standards have been mature for decades, yet there is
limited regional or peer-to-peer ABIS interoperability in the US. The
slides address how we got here and what we can do to promote widespread
interoperability. The slides also review the ABIS interoperability
white paper being prepared by the IAI Biometric Information System
Subcommittee and is intended to gather feedback from impacted users
prior to finalization.
OSAC Facial
Identification Subcommittee & FISWG Update
Presented by Lora
Sims
3 August
2021 at the IAI Conference
This
presentation provides an overview of recent activities of the
Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) Subcommittee on
Facial Identification (FI). It focuses on the current work of OSAC FI
Subcommittee and the Facial Identification Scientific Working Group
(FISWG) in relation to OSAC FI.
Multidisciplinary Collaborative
Exercises
Presented by Aldo
Mattei, PhD
3 August
2021 at the IAI Conference
Historically,
collaborative exercises have tended to be very discipline specific. An
EU funded project, carried on by DNA, Latent Print, Questioned
Document, and Handwriting ENFSI WGs aimed to run a Collaborative
Exercise (CE) that addressed multiple forensic disciplines involving
significant interaction between laboratory-based practices. Processes
involved in developing this CE will be described, mentioning some of
the significant issues that impacted on the development progress. The
collected results of the 34 participating laboratories is addressed, as
well as suggested working practices to maximize forensic
evidence.
OSAC Facial Identification
Subcommittee & FISWG Update
Presented by Lora
Sims
3 August
2021 at the IAI Conference
These slides
provide an overview of recent activities of the Organization of
Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) Subcommittee on Facial Identification
(FI) and also the Facial Identification Scientific Working Group
(FISWG) in relation to OSAC FI.
An Eye on Iris
Presented by Bethany
Retton
3 August
2021 at the IAI Conference
Iris became
the newest biometric capability in FBI's Next Generation Identification
(NGI) system on September 29, 2020. This lecture provides a
high-level explanation of what the iris is, how it is used to effect
identifications, and how it could be useful in forensic
applications.
Outside the Textbook and Into the
World of the Expert
Presented by Nancy
Kochis and Nicole Fundell
3 August
2021 at the IAI Conference
Due to the
popularity of crime scene shows, students have become more interested
in learning about how crimes are really solved. The goal of this
presentation is to make experts aware they can impact the lives of
young adults by speaking to them at the high school level. This
collaboration between students and experts has led to many students
pursuing a career in forensics. Students realize the opportunities are
endless!.
Proficiency Testing: If you Can’t
Stand the Heat, Get Out of the Kitchen!

Presented
by "Chef" Ron Smith, CLPE
2 August 2021
at the IAI Conference
For years,
ISO accredited agencies have been required to participate in a program
of proficiency testing that seeks, in part, to evaluate a laboratory’s
performance. Accrediting bodies are required in turn, to take account
of the participation and performance of accredited laboratories. For
some agencies this is seen as a bothersome concept and one that meets
with disdain by many practitioners. For that reason, PT providers have
been encouraged, by market pressure, to keep the tests straightforward
and on the easier side of the difficulty equation. This, my good
friends and colleagues, has led to our profession being appropriately
chastised by those who seek to question the results of our
examinations. It is time to face the fact that we must, as forensic
practitioners, be willing to incorporate proficiency testing samples
which DO fairly represent what we see in actual casework.
Organization of Scientific Area
Committees (OSAC) General Update
Presented by Stephen
Greene, CLPE
2 August 2021 at the
IAI Conference
Stephen
Greene, IAI Board Member and IAI representative to the Forensic Science
Standards Board (FSSB) of the OSAC provided an overview and update of
the activities and goals of the OSAC.
When is Their Best Not Good Enough?
Presented by Matthew
Marvin, CLPE, CFWE
2 August 2021 at the
IAI Conference
Many agencies
use visual acuity examinations (also known as form blindness testing)
when hiring new examiners. But why? Can’t anyone train to be a latent
print examiner? The short answer is no; hence the visual acuity exam.
But do visual acuity exams really work in determining ability? Can they
be used beyond testing for ability to test for individuals with the
best abilities? Let’s find out!!
Congratulations to Eliot
Springer, recipient of the International
Association for Identification's
Dondero Award on 6 August 2021. The Dondero award is the
IAI's highest award and has only been presented 26 times since it was
established in 1958. Eliot is the Deputy Director of the New York City Police
Laboratory,
Click the 2021 IAI
Conference images below to see larger versions.
Photos by Ed German
Vendors area
at the IAI Conference on 2 August 2021

Just under
1,000 participants were at the IAI Conference opening ceremony on 2 August
2021. Visitors from eight countries outside America where in
attendance, including from Italy, Canada, Columbia, Denmark, Germany,
Israel, United Arab Emirates, and Switzerland.
Busy
Staircase filled with IAI Conference participants on 2 August
2021

The interior
of the Gaylord Opryland Hotel includes the opportunity for a boat ride
as seen here on 2 August 2021.
Latent Print
Examiner Job Openings
in order by closing date
in alphabetical order for
"open until filled" jobs
Baltimore County, MD Police Department - Latent Print Examiner
Open until filled
Orlando,
FL Police Department - Latent Print Examiner
Open until filled
Pinellas
County, FL Sheriff's Office - Latent Print Examiner
Open until filled
Pinellas
County, FL Sheriff's Office - Latent Print Supervisor
Open until filled
Santa Ana, CA Police
Department - Latent Print Examiner (Part Time)
Open until filled
Towson,
MD Police Department - Latent Print Examiner
Open
until filled
US Dept Homeland Security - Arlington VA or San Diego CA - Latent Print
Examiner ***
New *** Open
until filled
Worcester, MA Police Department - Latent
Print Examiner
Open
until filled
Tenprint
Examiner Job Openings
in order by closing date
in alphabetical order for
"open until filled" jobs
San Diego County, CA Sheriff's Department -
Senior Fingerprint Examiner (Tenprint Examiner)
Open until filled
Towson,
MD Police Department - Fingerprint Technician (Tenprint Examiner)
Open
until filled
US Dept Homeland Security - Arlington VA or San Diego CA - Ten Print
Examiner ***
New *** Open
until filled
You
will find an excellent resource portal for all things involving latent
prints (and other forensic disciplines) at Brianne Breedlove's Uncover
Forensics website. Latent Print Examiner Brianne Breedlove's
Uncover Forensics Resources page includes the following and more:
o
Newsletter Subscriptions
o
Journals & Magazines
o
Podcasts
o
Community Forums
·
...and more...
Fingerprint Spoofing Research
Prepared by
Professor Martin Drahanský and team
Brno
University of Technology (BRUT), Faculty of Information Technology
Brno, Czech
Republic
On 9
February 2021, Professor Martin Drahanský gave a virtual presentation
on behalf of the European Association for Biometrics. The presentation
was titled "Fingerprints in Forensic Verifications" and focused
primarily on fingerprint spoofing research.
The slides
show a variety of artificial fingerprint production methods using a
variety of different materials and processes (wax, laser printing,
etching, etc.) as well as the generation of realistic artificial live
scan fingerprints from a single minutiae (with no image, only from
x/y/theta minutiae coordinates). Artificial skin creases, warts and
other skin conditions are created, as well as artificial pressure,
movement and other distortions which are often introduced by genuine
fingers during capacitive, optical, swipe and other live scan
processes.
The slides
also include links to request download permission for the following
software developed by the Brno University of Technology:
-
Fingerprint Image Quality Visualizer
-
Synthetic Fingerprint Damage Simulator and Generator
Click here to see future events
(and virtual presentations) scheduled by the European Association for
Biometrics. Many of the virtual presentations are free of charge.
OSAC FRS Fingerprint Terminology List
Version 24 January
2021
Are you
familiar with the current usage and context of terms and phrases in the
OSAC Friction Ridge Subcommittee's (FRS) standards, guidelines, and
best practices documents?
This informal
list was put in PDF format by FRS member Ed German by leveraging the
work of other FRS members.
See OSAC
Friction Ridge Subcommittee Documents and much more online at:
https://www.nist.gov/organization-scientific-area-committees-forensic-science/friction-ridge-subcommittee
Two New Latent Print
Latent Print Research Publications:
1. Hicklin
RA, Ulery BT, Ausdemore M, Buscaglia J. “Why do latent fingerprint
examiners differ in their conclusions?” Forensic Science International
320, Nov 2020.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110542
2. Kalka ND,
Beachler M, Hicklin RA. “LQMetric: A Latent Fingerprint Quality Metric
for Predicting AFIS Performance and Assessing the Value of Latent
Fingerprints.” Journal of Forensic Identification 70(4) 443-463, Oct
2020.
The above papers are part of a
total of 14 publications in the FBI Lab/Noblis latent print
quality/black box/white box series of studies:
3. Hicklin
RA, Ulery BT, Busey TA, Roberts MA, Buscaglia J. “Gaze behavior and
cognitive states during fingerprint target group localization.”
Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications, 2019 4:12. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41235-019-0160-9
4. Ulery
BT, Hicklin RA, Roberts MA, Buscaglia J. “Factors associated with
latent fingerprint exclusion determinations.” Forensic Science
International, 275:65-75, June 2017. http://www.fsijournal.org/article/S0379-0738(17)30065-8/
5. Ulery
BT, Hicklin RA, Roberts MA, Buscaglia J. “Data on the interexaminer
variation of minutia markup on latent fingerprints.” Data in Brief, 8:
158–190, September 2016. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4889892
6. Ulery
BT, Hicklin RA, Roberts MA, Buscaglia J. “Interexaminer variation of
minutia markup on latent fingerprints.” Forensic Science International,
264:89-99, July 2016. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.03.014
7. Ulery
BT, Hicklin RA, Roberts MA, Buscaglia J. “Changes in latent fingerprint
examiners’ markup between Analysis and Comparison.” Forensic Science
International 247(2014):54-61; Feb 2015. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2014.11.021
8. Ulery
BT, Hicklin RA, Roberts MA, Buscaglia J. “Measuring what latent
fingerprint examiners consider sufficient information for
individualization determinations.” PLoS ONE 9(11): e110179, Nov 2014. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0110179
9. Kalka
ND, Hicklin RA. “On relative distortion in fingerprint comparison.”
Forensic Science International 244(2014), 78-84, Nov 2014. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2014.08.007
10. Ulery
BT, Hicklin RA, Kiebuzinski GI, Roberts MA, Buscaglia J. “Understanding
the sufficiency of information for latent fingerprint value
determinations.” Forensic Science International 230(1-3):99-106; July
2013. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2013.01.012
11. Hicklin
RA, Buscaglia J, Roberts MA. “Assessing the Clarity of Friction Ridge
Impressions.” Forensic Science International 226(1-3):106-17; March
2013. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2012.12.015
12. Ulery
BT, Hicklin RA, Buscaglia J, Roberts MA. “Repeatability and
Reproducibility of Decisions by Latent Fingerprint Examiners.” PLoS ONE
7(3), March 2012. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0032800
13. Hicklin
RA, et al; “Latent Fingerprint Quality: A Survey of Examiners”; Journal
of Forensic Identification 61(4), July 2011.
14. Ulery
BT, Hicklin RA, Buscaglia J, Roberts MA. “Accuracy and Reliability of
Forensic Latent Fingerprint Decisions.” Proceedings of the National
Academy of Sciences 108(19), April 2011. https://www.pnas.org/content/108/19/7733
NIST has
Launched an Updated Organization of Scientific Area Committees. See
details at
https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2020/10/nist-launches-updated-organization-scientific-area-committees-forensic
An Update on Strengthening Forensic Science
in the United States - A Decade of Development at NIST
Presented by
Robert Ramotowski
Forensic
Science Research Program Manager
Special
Programs Office
National
Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
On 12
November 2019 in Washington DC, a one-day conference titled "AN UPDATE
ON STRENGTHENING FORENSIC SCIENCE IN THE UNITED STATES: A DECADE OF
DEVELOPMENT " commemorated the 10th anniversary of the pathbreaking
National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) report
“Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States:
A Path Forward,” a report that challenged the way
forensic science is conducted and the way it is presented in the
courts.
Sessions
addressed developments during the past decade in the forensic sciences
and in the courts, as well as in federal agencies and laboratories. The
conference was jointly sponsored by the American Association for the
Advancement of Science (AAAS), the Innocence Project and NIST, in
collaboration with NASEM.
Here
is a link to a video of some of the conference (the last
eight minutes of the 1 hour, 20 minute video include comments from
Austin Hicklin and Ed German).
Here is the AAAS Website for the
conference.
White Paper - The Performance of Latent
Print Examiners as Revealed by Eye Tracking Methodologies
by Dr.
Shiquan Liu
Institute of
Evidence Law and Forensic Science
China
University of Political Science and Law
Beijing,
China
and
Dr. Zhou Jie
East China
Normal University
Shanghai,
China
Presented at
the International Association for Identification Annual Forensic
Education Conference,
12 July - 16
August 2019 in Reno, Nevada
Comparison
of fingerprint images for identification is a complex task requiring
human experience and depends on perceptual learning processes. This
project recorded the eye positions and eye fixation patterns of 15
expert latent print examiners, 15 primary latent print examiners and 15
novice participants. The project included two time limitation variants
and three levels of comparison difficulty. The eye tracking results
reflect where and how long participants looked at specific impressions
areas while making decisions.
Friction Ridge Resources
by Steve
Brock, CLPE
Latent
Fingerprint Examiner Supervisor
Santa Clara
County Sheriff's Office
San Jose,
California
Presented at
the International Association for Identification Annual Forensic
Education Conference during 12 July - 16 August 2019 in Reno, Nevada
This lecture
includes a comprehensive list of some of the most accessible resources
to aid latent print examiners in staying abreast of current literature,
research, technology, training, and much more.
Captivating the Jury
by Hillary
Daluz
Instructor,
Tri-Tech Forensics
Forensic
Specialist, Forensic Identification Services
Author, CRC
Press
Presented at
the International Association for Identification Annual Forensic
Education Conference during 12 July - 16 August 2019 in Reno, Nevada
This lecture
examines expert testimony from a juror's perspective and discusses
methods for captivating any jury. Have you ever testified as an expert
witness only to notice the jurors' eyes glazed over? Is juror #4 taking
notes, or doodling? In order to be successful expert witnesses, and
thus successful forensic scientists, we must be able to educate the
jurors who have the responsibility of determining the veracity and
weight of our opinions. This lecture examines expert testimony from a
juror's perspective and discusses methods for captivating any jury.
AFIS:
How to Get More Hits
by Brianne
Breedlove
Napa County
Sheriff’s Office
Napa,
California
Presented at
the International Association for Identification Annual Forensic
Education Conference during 12 July - 16 August 2019 in Reno, Nevada
These slides
cover various ideas about AFIS searching procedures, methods of testing
those procedures and suggestions for quality assurance measures to
ensure procedures are consistently effective over time.

Click the above image to see a
panoramic image
of the more than 1,300 IAI delegates at the opening ceremony if the IAI
Conference on 12 August 2019.
A Note for
FBI NGI Users...
One of the most
valuable pieces of fingerprint-related information shared at the 2018
International Association for Identification Conference involves FBI
Lab and CJIS research about about NGI latent print search result
candidate scores. At the IAI Conference in San Antonio, FBI Latent
Print Examiner Kyle Tom explained that preliminary research showed that
when the matching scores of the #1 and #2 candidates have a difference
of 1,250 or more, 83.5% of the time it will be an identification.
This is
important because it means all agencies should consider implementing a
policy that any such 1,250 or more difference in NGI candidate
responses should require review by more than one examiner - either
because the first examiner made an identification, or because there is
an increased chance of an erroneous exclusion. Hopefully, the FBI will
publish research on this topic in the future.
Some agencies
embrace the opinion that allowing examiners to see the matching scores
in candidate lists biases them and should be precluded. The current
chair of the OSAC Friction Ridge Subcommittee AFIS Best Practices Task
Group (Mike French) and I are both of the opinion that AFIS matching
scores are an important objective measurement which can lend valuable
information to the examination process and aid quality assurance.
- Ed German
Certified
Latent Print Examiner, IAI
Certified
Biometrics Professional, IEEE
Current
Trends in Legal Challenges to Fingerprint Evidence
by Amy Watroba,
Asst. State's Attorney
Forensic
Science Unit
Cook County
State's Attorney's Office
Chicago,
Illinois
Presented at the International
Association for Identification Annual Educational Conference during 29
July - 3 August 2018 in San Antonio, Texas
These slides
address recent types of legal challenges to latent print evidence, what
you can expect from defense attorneys, and much more.
Ms. Watroba
supports prosecutors in the Cook County (Chicago) area, but welcomes
inquiries from latent print examiners and prosecutors anywhere. Her
contact details are on the last slide.
FBI
Next Generation Identification
by William G.
McKinsey
FBI CJIS
Biometric Services Section Chief
Presented at the International
Association for Identification Annual Educational Conference during 29
July - 3 August 2018 in San Antonio, Texas, USA
How does the
FBI perform 300,000 searches per day against 140 million fingerprint
records with superb accuracy? This informative update describes NGI's
improved performance with additional modality implementations (face and
iris) and new services. Many US state and local forensic scientists
consider the FBI's NGI system as America's most important and valuable
crime-solving asset.
IAI
Latent Print Certification Board Update- 2018
by Stephanie
Howard, CLPE
Ontario
Provincial Police
LPCB Chair
Presented at the International
Association for Identification Annual Educational Conference during 29
July - 3 August 2018 in San Antonio, Texas, USA
This
excellent presentation updates activities of the IAI's
LPCB during the past year, including details about test
impressions which caused decertification of examiners (8% failure
rate).
Discussion
after the presentation included recommendations by many CLPEs present
to cease decertification due to one missed ident (in the same manner
that not identifying all impressions during initial certification
testing is not a failure). The LPCB explained they will take the
recommendations received during the meeting (and all other
communications) under consideration.

Click on the above image to see a
larger version of the print "missed" most often during recertification
testing.
Universal
Latent Workstation (ULW) in the Next Generation Identification (NGI)
World v6.67
by Melissa Halpenny
FBI
CJIS
Presented at the International
Association for Identification Annual Educational Conference during 29
July - 3 August 2018 in San Antonio, Texas, USA
Everything
you need to know about updated features in the FBI's version 6.67 (AKA
6.6.7) of ULW. The modern image quality metrics, unique comparison tool
and other features make the software valuable even to forensic experts
(latent print examiners) who do not search the FBI's national database.
Slide 20 includes links for software download by authorized
agencies/personnel, including foreign offices/personnel from most
countries.
Small Agency Latent
Print AFIS Capabilities in 2018
by Ron Smith, CLPE
and Ed German, CLPE
Presented at the International
Association for Identification Annual Educational Conference during 29
July - 3 August 2018 in San Antonio, Texas, USA
Hundreds of
latent print examiners at small agencies throughout America are unable
to search unsolved case latent prints in the FBI's national database.
In the nation's fifth largest state (Illinois), very few local agency
latent print examiners can search latent prints at the FBI... meaning
months or years of turn-around time before examination begins on
evidence they submit to Illinois' overworked (and under-financed) state
crime labs.
Additionally,
more than half of latent print examiners surveyed who have current
access through state or regional networks desire to be able to submit
latent prints directly to the FBI via email (an avenue which was
shut-off about three years ago for most agencies to even explore ).
Some believe
the major AFIS vendors are pushing back against agencies being able to
directly search the FBI without buying $30K to $50K terminals to route
through the same AFIS vendor's state systems. Other experts see
push-back from state law enforcement to allow local agencies to
circumvent their networks (electronic or crime lab snail-mail) even
though directly searching the FBI would often solve investigations
faster and overall reduce criminal activity in the impacted
jurisdictions.
Click here
to see a PNG file displaying all the small agency responses. Depending
on your browser, you
may need to click on a small magnifying glass icon or otherwise zoom
in to increase the image width to a legible view. A few survey outliers
seemed to list the CSI unit or investigative Division population in
lieu of the total law enforcement agency number of employees, but most
of the participants' responses seemed copacetic.
AFIS
Training Practices: Swiss Precision - American Cowboy
by Kurt Aebersold
and Carey Hall, CLPE
Presented at the International
Association for Identification Annual Educational Conference during 29
July - 3 August 2018 in San Antonio, Texas, USA
This
presentation addresses the well-ordered Swiss AFIS training program
(under one organization) versus the myriad approaches happening in the
American AFIS environment.
Benefits of a Regional or Local AFIS
by David Tivin,
CLPE and Neil Runte
Presented at the International
Association for Identification Annual Educational Conference during 29
July - 3 August 2018 in San Antonio, Texas, USA
These
industry presentation slides by Gemalto Cogent and the Westchester,
Ohio Police Department outline some of the reasons hundreds of local
agencies in America utilize local or regional AFIS systems to
accomplish timely and accurate crime solving not always possible
through state and federal systems.
DNA
or Latent Prints? Or Both?
by Raymond A, Jorz, FFS, Senior
Fingerprint/Firearms Examiner
and
Karen M.
Zavarella, Ph.D., Forensic Analyst
Presented at the
CUGI Annual Educational Conference - 30 Oct-1 Nov 2017
These slides
include information about how to successfully harvest both latent print
and DNA evidence from the same specimens/surfaces.
The
collection of DNA from latent print ridge detail by peeling open tape
or hinge lifters in the lab, and from cyanoacrylate-developed ridge
detail, and other evidence scenarios are addressed.
The need for
sterile, single-use brushes and powders is addressed, along with their
study results about how little DNA cross-contamination they found upon
analyzing brushes/powder used at multiple (many) crime scenes.
Testimony Issues in a Post-PCAST World
November 2017 by Rachelle Babler, CLPE
Presented at the
CUGI Annual Educational Conference - 30 Oct-1 Nov 2017
These slides
address some of the issues and concerns for testifying in modern times,
when Defense knows there is a need for transparency in reports and
testimony to comply with current standards, guidelines and best
practices.
The slides
also address the PCAST report error of not considering the clerical
errors (as much as 35 of 42 answers) in the Miami Dade study; and the
fact PCAST ignored that 100% of errors in the Miami Dade and FBI/Noblis
Black Box studies were caught during subsequent verification actions.
Unusual,
Genius and Stupid Tactics for More Fingerprint and Face Identifications
(2017 Update)
by Ed German, CLPE
Presented at the CUGI Annual
Educational Conference - 30 Oct-1 Nov 2017
This
presentation outlines numerous options to consider for identifying more
persons in current cases, and some cold cases, by working smarter (not
harder) to balance accuracy, timely support and thoroughness.
Latent Print
Report Appendix
October 2017 by Ed German, CLPE
Attaching an
appendix at the end of latent print reports may help with transparency
in communicating limitations, methods and overall information.
Here
is a sample Latent Print Report Appendix. This appendix is
used by the Macon County (Illinois) Sheriff's Office (MCSO).
The MCSO
appendix is modeled after
an FBI Lab Latent
Print Report appendix,
but with FBI-specific references
modified to include SWGFAST, etc., documents.
The FBI Lab Latent
Print Report appendix is excerpted (pages 5 through 7) from the online
document here.
A Review of Recently Published
Fingerprint Research (2016-2017)
by Robert
Ramotowski, US Secret Service
Presented at
the International Association for Identification 102nd Annual
Educational Conference - August 2017
Another
valuable annual review of friction ridge research publications.
Presented at the
International Association for Identification 102nd Annual Educational
Conference - August 2017
This
presentation includes information about how to structure validation
studies for common processes (e.g., ninhydrin) as well as novel
methods. An example of a recent study conducted in the presenter's
laboratory is included.
Old vs. New Fingerprint Information Exchange
by
Michaela Spankova, Stefania Bohmerova, Dusan Mikulaj Institute of
Forensic Science, Slovak Republic
Poster presentation
at the International Association for Identification 102nd Annual
Educational Conference - August 2017
This
presentation addresses the little known pioneering work of the Denmark
Police who initiated the world's first electronic encoding of
fingerprint minutiae (incorporating some features of the modified Henry
classification system) facilitating remote electronic identification
(confirmation that minutiae corresponded) and exclusion.
Best viewed by downloading to
scroll-down through the individual slides.
The NIST
(NBS) 1969 technical note reviewing Jörgensen's system is online here. The 1922 English
version of a book describing Jörgensen's "Distant Identification"
system is online here.
Poster presentation
at the International Association for Identification 102nd Annual
Educational Conference - August 2017
This
presentation addresses the effects of various temperature and humidity
combinations over time for the development of latent prints. Ambient
development conditions (not artifically increased humidity) were shown
to be optimal in this study. The presentation diagram shows a fuming
cabinet with specimens positioned above the heated cyanoacrylate.
Best viewed by downloading to
scroll-down through the individual slides.
IMPROVING THE RIGOR
OF THE LATENT PRINT EXAMINATION PROCESS
PhD Thesis by
Austin Hicklin
Now publicly
available, this interesting and informative document details past,
current and future developments, activities and ideas impacting the
quality and thoroughness of latent print examination work in the
demanding environment of the modern world.
Get
the Latest Version of Universal Latent Print Workstation
(ULW 6.6.3 )...
Even if you do not currently submit latent print searches directly to
the FBI, you may Use ULW Extended Feature Set capabilities to help with
casework documentation of Level 1, 2 and 3 information. ULW
now includes an offline comparison tool for use even if you have no
AFIS.
- ULW
Brochure
Development of Latent Fingermarks from
Difficult Surfaces by Laser Light Sources
by
Shiquan Liu, PhD
Institute of Evidence Law and Forensic Science China University of
Political Science and Law
Presented at the International Association for Identification
101st Annual Educational Conference - August 2016
This presentation explains successful laser development and
visualization techniques applied to difficult surfaces, including
bricks, stone, wood, train tickets and cloth. The presentation includes
contributions from Zhongliang Mi, Weisi Cai, and Brian
Dalrymple.
ENFSI Best Practice Manual for Fingerprint
Examination
by
Maj. Aldo Mattei, PhD
RIS Carabinieri, Italy
Presented at the International Association for Identification
101st Annual Educational Conference - August 2016
This presentation addresses the Best Practice Manual for Fingerprint
Examination issued by the European Network of Forensic Science
Institutes (ENFSI). The manual considers fingerprint examination from
the receipt of items into a laboratory to the delivery of a report as a
seamless and interdependent process. It does not consider the recovery
of fingermarks from the crime scene, although much of the information
within the visualization chapter is relevant. The full manual is online
here.
The Strength of Conclusions
by Michelle Triplett, CLPE
King County, Washington
Presented at the International Association for Identification
101st Annual Educational Conference - August 2016
This presentation discusses a more accurate and transparent approach
for arriving at, and reporting, results. The full published paper
addressed by the presentation is online here.
A
Review of Recently Published Fingerprint Research
by Robert Ramotowski, US Secret Service
Presented at the International Association for Identification
101st Annual Educational Conference - August 2016
This presentation provides a brief overview of a selection of articles
published since mid-2015.
Validation
Studies in ISO 17025 Accredited Laboratories
by Robert Ramotowski, US Secret Service
Presented at the International Association for Identification
101st Annual Educational Conference - August 2016
This presentation addresses key elements of Level I, II and III
validation procedures, including documentation.
New Paradigm for Fingerprint
Reporting
Without Individualization
by Henry
Swofford, Chief Latent Print Unit
US Army
Criminal Investigation Laboratory
Presented
during a Forensic Technology Center of Excellence webinar on 14 July
2016
In November
2015, the Defense Forensic Science Center (DFSC) issued an Information
Paper announcing the decision to cease using the terms
“individualization” and “identification” in latent print technical
reports and expert witness testimony. This presentation
explained the reasoning behind the new reporting language of the
DFSC.
For over 100
years, fingerprint evidence has been used as a valuable tool for the
criminal justice system. Relying on the generalized premise
of “uniqueness”, the forensic community has regarded fingerprint
evidence as nearly infallible having the capacity to “individualize”
the source of a fingerprint impression to a single
individual. While the uniqueness of a complete record of
friction ridge skin detail is generally undisputed, the extension of
that premise to partial and degraded impressions has become a central
issue of debate. Nevertheless, forensic science laboratories
routinely use the terms “individualization” and “identification” in
technical reports and expert witness testimony to express an
association of a partial impression to a specific known
source.
Over the last
several years, there has been growing criticism among the scientific
and legal communities regarding the use of such terms to express source
associations which rely on expert interpretation. The crux of
the criticism is that these terms imply absolute certainty and
infallibility to the fact-finder which has not been demonstrated by
available scientific data. As a result, several authoritative
scientific organizations have recommended forensic science laboratories
not to report or testify, directly or by implication, to a source
attribution to the exclusion of all others in the world or to assert
100% infallibility and state conclusions in absolute terms when dealing
with population issues. Consequently, the traditional
paradigm of reporting latent fingerprint conclusions with an
implication of absolute certainty to a single source has been
challenged. The underlying basis for the challenge pertains
to the logic applied during the interpretation of the evidence and the
framework by which that evidence is articulated. By
recognizing the subtle, yet non-trivial differences in the logic, the
fingerprint community may consider an alternative framework to report
fingerprint evidence to ensure the certainties are not over or
understated.
Out
of the Frye-ing pan and into the Fire
by Francis P.
Senese
Presented at
the Illinois Division, International Association for Identification's
(IAI) 54th Annual Educational Conference - April 2016
This
presentation details historical background and other important factors
to consider for Daubert, Frye and similar scientific process challenge
hearings.
Transmogrification -
Surgical incisions and rotation of fingerprint focal point areas (e.g.,
cores, delta) before suturing.
Automated
Face & FP Criminal Justice Resources
by Ed German
Presented at
the Illinois Division, International Association for Identification's
(IAI) 54th Annual Educational Conference - April 2016
This
presentation details face and fingerprint repositories US law
enforcement can leverage today to solve more crime... (even if they
have no in-house face experts).
FBI's Biometric
Center of Excellence
by Nick
Megna, Unit Chief, Biometric Center of Excellence, FBI CJIS,
Clarksburg, West Virginia
Presented at
the International Association for Identification's (IAI) 100th
International Educational Conference - August 2015
This
presentation details current activities and future plans involving FBI
biometric projects including fingerprint, face, iris and voice
modalities.
A
Review of Recently Published Fingerprint Research
by Robert
Ramotowski
Presented at
the International Association for Identification (IAI) 100th
International Educational Conference - August 2015
This
presentation provides a partial overview of forensic science articles
appearing in (non-IAI) publications during 2014-2015.
A
Possible Model for R&D – Maintaining the “Scientist" in the
Forensic Scientist
by Eliot
Springer, Deputy Director NYPD Police Laboratory, New York City, NY
Presented at
the International Association for Identification's (IAI) 99th
International Educational Conference - August 2014
This
presentation addresses obstacles and novel solutions to increase
research and development in the modern forensic science laboratory
environment.
Improving
Morale, Opening Lines of Communication, and Keeping the Criminalist
Engaged
by Eliot
Springer, Deputy Director NYPD Police Laboratory, New York City, NY
Presented at
the International Association for Identification's (IAI) 99th
International Educational Conference - August 2014
This
presentation explains how implementing a variety of outside-the-box
ordinary, unusual, and fun activities can improve the flow of
communications, reduce stress, improve productivity and provide other
benefits.
IT Project in Poland Supporting LP
Development on Difficult Porous and Non-Porous Surfaces
by the
Central Forensic Laboratory in Warsaw and the Police Academy in
Szczytno, Poland
Poster
presentation at the International Association for Identification's
(IAI) 99th International Educational Conference - August 2014
This poster
from S. Zubanski, A. Tyzwa, T. Szcepanski, K. Klemczak and U.
Wieckiewicz outlines the planned development of software cataloguing
and documenting validated processes for latent print development on
difficult surfaces. Additionally, IT development will include
creation of a comprehensive electronic infrastructure supporting
forensic units with modern software solutions for real world
conditions. The project is supported by The National Centre for
Research and Development.
Fingermark Visualisation Manual
by Helen Bandey, PhD
Presented at
the International Association for Identification's (IAI) 99th
International Educational Conference - August 2014
The
presentation explained and demonstrated the automated, interactive
fingerprint visualization manual. (These slides are not
interactive, but include screen shots of sample pages from various
sections.)
This manual
replaces the widely used "Manual of Fingerprint Development
Techniques." It has been vastly revised and extended and it is
presented in a new style to reflect advances in both science and
operational practice.
The new
manual has been implemented across all UK police forces. Others may
access the electronic manual from sources such as here.
Administrative Decisions within the
Universal Latent Workstation Software
by Patricia
Mason, Training Instructor, FBI CJIS
Presented at
the International Association for Identification's (IAI)
99th
International Educational Conference - August 2014
This
presentation explains new features of the FBI's newest (soon to be
released) ULW software. New capabilities include civil
database searches, a direct email interface (still being developed),
Next Generation Identification (NGI) interface capabilities, and much
more.
Understanding
Digital Image Processing
by Allison
Loll, PhD, CLPE
Presented at the International
Association for Identification's (IAI)
99th
International Educational Conference - August 2014
This
presentation (A Look Behind the Scenes: Understanding Digital Imaging
Processing) addresses important aspects of digital imaging, including
accurate and complete answers for image processing-related questions in
court.
Conducting Forensic Science
Research Projects
by
Robert Ramotowski
Presented at
the International Association for Identification's (IAI)
99th International Educational Conference - August 2014
Topics addressed include effective planning, research, design, conduct,
documentation and publication of forensic science research.
Latent Print Research Projects
by
Robert Ramotowski
Presented at
the International Association for Identification (IAI)
99th International Educational Conference - August 2014
This
presentation covers a variety of US Secret Service research, including
the following
- Developing Latent Prints on Coated
Papers
- Developing Latent Prints on Stone
Papers
- Impact of Latent Print Reagents on
Ink Analysis
- Processing Business Envelopes with
Polystyrene Windows
- Effect of Acidifying Ninhydrin on
Latent Print Development
A
Review of Recently Published Fingerprint Research
by
Robert Ramotowski
Presented at the International Association for Identification (IAI)
99th International Educational Conference - August 2014
It is
difficult for most latent print examiners to keep up with articles
published in so many different journals. This presentation provides a
brief overview of a selection of articles published since 2013.
World's
Largest Database
With
over 200 million
fingerprint,
face and iris biometric records. UIAI plans
to collect as many as 600 million multi-modal records.
India's Unique Identification project is also known as Aadhaar, a word
meaning "the foundation" in several Indian languages. Aadhaar
is a voluntary program, with the ambitious goal of eventually providing
reliable national ID documents for most of India's 1.2 billion
residents.
With
a database larger than any other in the world, Aadhaar's ability to
leverage automated fingerprint and iris technology enables rapid and
reliable searching and identification impossible to accomplish with
just fingerprint technology in such a large system, especially when
searching children and elderly residents' biometric records.
The Philosophy of Friction Ridge
Examination ...an interesting presentation by
Boyd Baumgartner. Here is a link
to other vimeo presentations Boyd has created.
Tips, Tricks and
Best Kept Secrets (Universal
Latent Workstation and NGI) presented 11
August 2011 by Jeff Carlyle at the 96th Annual IAI Conference .
Latent Print
Development Techniques for Thermal Paper presented
10 August 2011 by Aldo Mattei and Federico Cervelli at the 96th Annual
IAI Conference.
Chicken
or
the Egg: Process for Latent Prints or DNA First? presented 9
August 2011 by Diana Tabor and Karley Hujet at the
96th Annual IAI Conference.
Fingerprint Sourcebook - now
available here. This
is the sourcebook many of us have heard about (and worked on) in recent
years.
NIST
Pattern Evidence Home Page
NAS
Report: Strengthening
Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward
Access
the 41-page Free
Executive Summary here.
Report
Description from the National Academies Press:
"Scores
of talented and dedicated people serve the forensic science community,
performing vitally important work. However, they are often constrained
by lack of adequate resources, sound policies, and national support. It
is clear that change and advancements, both systematic and scientific,
are needed in a number of forensic science disciplines to ensure the
reliability of work, establish enforceable standards, and promote best
practices with consistent application. Strengthening
Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward
provides a detailed plan for addressing these needs and suggests the
creation of a new government entity, the National Institute of Forensic
Science, to establish and enforce standards within the forensic science
community.
The benefits of improving and regulating the forensic science
disciplines are clear: assisting law enforcement officials, enhancing
homeland security, and reducing the risk of wrongful conviction and
exoneration. Strengthening
Forensic Science in the United States gives a
full account of what is needed to advance the forensic science
disciplines, including upgrading of systems and organizational
structures, better training, widespread adoption of uniform and
enforceable best practices, and mandatory certification and
accreditation programs."
News Release on the report.
Access
the report here:

Webcast of 18 Feb 2009 NAS
briefing.
Latent
Prints: A Perspective on the State of the Science
An October 2009 FBI.gov online
commentary by eight of the FBI Laboratory's senior Fingerprint
Specialists/Latent Print Examiners
Identifying
the Needs of the Forensic Sciences Community
Interesting documents online at the National Academies
of Science Committee on Science, Technology and Law

Presented
by the FBI Laboratory at the IAI Conference on 18 August 2008
Right-click
and download before opening these large files:
PDF Slides (2.4 Mb)
PowerPoint Slides (3.1 Mb)
See
new Standards and Draft
Standards from SWGFAST
Position
Paper on Latent Fingerprint Identification from the IAI... 29 Nov 2007, from the International
Association for Identification.

ACID
YELLOW
Development
of Bloody Latent Prints on Dark Surfaces...
27
Jul
2007
IAI
presentation,
courtesy
of
the
US
Army
Criminal
Investigation
Laboratory.
Right-click
here to
download the large PowerPoint version of this presentation, then open
on your computer.
Right-click here to download the large PDF
version of this presentation, then open on your computer.
Ninhydrin
Development without expensive or
dangerous solvents. Research from Korea...
Major
Case Prints DRAFT Card
A new card for recording all finger joints/tips and thenar (base of
palm) areas was drafted by SWGFAST.
See images of the new card here.
The
new card is intended to facilitate comprehensive record finger and palm
prints (AKA Major Case Prints) when fully completed with existing FBI
Fingerprint Card (Form
FD-249 front
and back
)
and FBI Palmprint Card (Form
FD-884 front
and back
)
records. The new card form number is expected to be
FD-884A.
Major case prints standardization will assist AFIS as more vendors
design systems for handling all friction ridge areas of the hands.
|
The
Madrid Error Prints, including Algerian Ouhnane Daoud's record print,
are online here .
The
US Department of Justice's March 2006 documents related to the Madrid
Error are online at
https://oig.justice.gov/sites/default/files/archive/special/s0601/PDF_list.htm
(Recommend
downloading these files before opening from your computer).
Among
other findings, the 330 page report criticizes the FBI Laboratory's
Examination SOP, and SWGFAST guidelines, as repetitive, vague and
general.
The five-page conclusion from the report is available here (much
smaller file) .
|
"
The Myth of Goats
: How many people have fingerprints that are hard to match?"
by Austin Hicklin, Craig Watson and Brad Ulery
Published as a NIST Interagency Report, NISTIR 7271
|
|
|