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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 outines
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 struture 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.
Complex Latent
Print Consultancy
Your Participation is Sought for a Complex
Latent Print Consultancy Effort
No Longer Accepting New Participants -
Phase 2 Now Active for Those Who Completed
Phase 1
We, Christophe
Champod1
and Ed German2,
are jointly collaborating with attorneys in
the context of an adjudicated criminal case.
In this case, a latent print (finger mark) has
been used in a way which, in our view, raises
concerns from a professional perspective. We
have jointly expressed our views on the
impression, however we believe the case may
benefit from the view of a larger group of
fingerprint expert practitioners. Hence, we
have suggested carrying out a large-scale
consultancy effort among fingerprint
practitioners to assess the value of the
impression to associate (identify) or to
exclude.
Hence this present
call for assistance in the consultancy effort.
We both offer our service pro bono for
this case.
Multiple latent
print examiners are sought for participation
in this consultancy –
at least ten, but many
more are welcome.
For participant selection,
priority will be given to experts certified or
registered as latent print
examiners/fingerprint specialists (i.e.,
forensic scientists specializing in crime
scene friction ridge impression analysis) with
at least five years' full-time experience in
latent print examination.
The
consultancy will be carried out in two phases
as follows:
Phase
1 - Evaluation of the suitability of one
latent impression for comparison.
A minimum of ten latent print examiners are sought for participation
in this consultancy effort.
Only participants who signed up for
the consultancy
will receive images for
evaluation. All participants will
receive the same images at 1,000 pixels per
inch (ppi) spatial resolution.
Participants will have until 15 February 2017
to submit their analysis results. The results
may be submitted either in the form of a
narrative or supported by image annotations.
The choice of the reporting format is left to
each participant. Only examiners who submit
their analysis findings will be able to
participate in Phase 2.
Phase 2 - Comparison of record
prints to Phase 1 impression.
Only participants completing Phase
1 will receive record print images
for comparison (all will receive the same
images at 1,000 ppi).
Participants
will have until
7 April 2017 to submit their
comparison results for the project. Again, the
reporting format is left up to each examiner.
A summary of the results of this consultancy
effort will be prepared for our instructing
party (attorneys). Results are also planned to
be posted to this website after the
consultancy.
Confidentiality: Consulted
examiners may choose to remain anonymous, or
they may choose to have their name disclosed.
All named examiners will have an opportunity
to comment (before release) on the report we
will prepare following this consultancy
effort. There are currently no plans for names
of the parties (defendant, attorneys,
agencies, etc.) involved in the case to be
disclosed on the website.
How to
Participate: If you are
interested in participating in this
consultancy effort, please email a short
curriculum vitae to
christophe.champod@unil.ch and
ed@onin.com.
Please include the word Consultancy in the
subject line of the email.
We remain, of course, available to answer
any questions and thank you in advance for
your potential participation.
1 Christophe
Champod, PhD, Professor, University of
Lausanne, School of Criminal Science, Police
Science Institute, Lausanne, Switzerland
2 Ed
German, CLPE, FFS, Special Agent/CW5 and
Scientist/GS15 (retired), US Government
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
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).
NIST Seeking Fingerprint Examiners for
Facial Identification Study
Dear Colleague,
One of
the key questions in forensics is measuring
the accuracy of facial forensic examiners. To
address this question, we are conducting
the Measuring the accuracy of facial forensics
comparisons research study. This research
study will measure the performance of facial
forensic examiners using the tools and methods
in their laboratory. We are recruiting facial
forensic examiners to compare the faces in 20
image-pairs and answer a background survey.
We are also recruiting
non-examiner face experts and fingerprint
examiners to take the same study.
Non-examiner face experts are familiar with
faces but have not been trained in facial
forensic comparisons. We are looking for
fingerprint examiners who do not have
experience in facial comparisons. Fingerprint
examiners have been trained forensic
comparison but do not have experience with
faces. These two groups will allow for a
detailed analysis of the accuracy of facial
forensics comparisons.
By
participating in this research study, you will
assist in developing a scientific measure of
performance of facial forensic comparison.
These results may help meet the Daubert
standard for the admissibility of expert
witness testimony.
By
volunteering for this research study, you may
request your accuracy at comparing the
extremely challenging faces in this study. If
you are willing to volunteer, please contact
the principle investigator, Dr. Jonathon
Phillips, by email at jonathon.phillips@nist.gov or
by phone at +1
301-975-5348.
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 purchase the electronic manual from tso-shop.co.uk.
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.
More IAI
Presentations coming soon...
| If you are a Fingerprint Professional, you should consider
joining the IAI, The Fingerprint Society, or both. |
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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.
SWGFAST Glossary and other Documents
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.
New forensic term after 18 Feb 2009
(?):
Nif·ty [ níftee ]
adjective (comparative nif·ti·er, superlative nif·ti·est)
Definition:
1. compliant with National Institute of Forensic Science requirements.
2. stylish and good-looking: fashionable and good-looking
3. agile: good, quick, and clever at doing something or using something
4. very good: very good or effective
Latent Prints: A Perspective on the State of the
Science
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.
MCP standardization will assist AFIS as more vendors design systems for handling all friction ridge areas of the hands.
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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
http://www.usdoj.gov/oig/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
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Is Fingerprinting a
Science?
What is a Daubert Hearing?
What is the correct pronunciation of Daubert?
Frequently Asked
Questions
Search this web
site
Expert topics
area
General Information
area for Students and most non-experts
Investigator
topics area
|
New Books on AFIS and
Biometrics
 |
|
Judge Pollak Reverses Himself
The Honorable Louis H. Pollak wrote:
Based on the foregoing considerations, I have concluded that arrangements which, subject to careful trial court oversight, are felt to
be sufficiently reliable in England, ought likewise to be found sufficiently reliable in the federal courts of the United States, subject to similar measures of trial court oversight. In
short, I have changed my mind. "Wisdom too often never comes, and so" - as Justice Frankfurter admonished himself and every judge - "one ought not to reject it merely because it comes
late." (7 January 2002 Court Decision partially against fingerprints Court Decision )
PA
v. Vikara, Convicted After Starrs' Testimony
Prof. James Starrs was called as an expert in the methodology of fingerprint comparison, but renounced much of his written
report during cross-examination. Hearing was October 22, 2001... Defendant convicted of 1st Degree Murder and Robbery... sentenced to death. Defendant died January 10, 2002 in the
State Correctional Institute at Camp Hill, PA.
Critical Author's Opinion Ruled Junk Science
A New York state judge listened to testimony by Simon Cole about why he considers the science of fingerprint
identification suspect... and ruled, ..."Even applying the Federal Court's Daubert Standard, what Dr. Cole has offered here is 'junk science"...
( Court Decision ) ( Cole's Testimony
)
Notorious Daubert Challenge - Bin Laden's Terrorist Tried It
After his April 6, 2001 conviction, Ahmed Ressam was known to most of us as just another criminal who failed in his bid to
exclude incriminating fingerprint evidence. As Paul Harvey would say, we now know the rest of the story...
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A Statement Regarding
Am eri can News Shows and Articles about Fingerprint Evidence
Credibility in Court...
|
Expert Topics
General Information
Investigator Topics
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