| Author | Message | ||
     Webmaster |
Steven Frank, the FBI is sort of busy just now so I do not recommend you call anytime soon. In a few weeks, you may want to call FBI headquarters at 202-FBI-3000 and ask to speak with a Supervisory Fingerprint Specialist in their Laboratory. There has been NO minimum number of matching fingerprint characteristics published or taught by the FBI since "twelve points" last appeared in World War II era versions of the FBI publication, "The Science of Fingerprints." In the mean time, please study documents regarding the defense of the science of fingerprints in recent years, especially details regarding testimony in this pdf document. | ||
| Bill Leo |
The amount of detail needed to make an identification is directly related to the clarity of the detail, therefore a predetermined amount of characteristics cannot be established. Traditional characteristics, sometimes referred to as points of comparison, refers to the major features, such as where a ridge ends or bifurcates. Most examiners today, use all the features or information in the print, not just the major characteristics during their analysis, comparison and evaluation. There is no statutory or legal requirement for an identification. Comparison results are presented as expert opinion testimony. Bill Leo, Los Angeles Sheriff's Department Latent Print Section | ||
| Steven Frank |
Hello I am a researcher with the Federal Information Center and am also searching for this information. Particularly I would like information in what the FBI guidelines are for # of characteristics needed to declare a match. But any guidelines are legal precedents dealing with how points must match for an identification would be helpful. And if you know of a specific contact of the FBI that might have this information that would be helpful. Thanks! | ||
| Alick Bazil |
Hi, I am a Scenes of Crime technician in the Police Force in the Commonwealth of Dominica.I am searching for any useful information in terms of case law authority or otherwise dealing with the subject of how many points of characteristics are needed in a latent print to be used as evidence in a Criminal Court in our Jurisdiction or yours. In addition whether there are any laws dealing with this subject, statute or otherwise. Any web based forum which may posses this information or their addresses would be greatly appreciated. I am waiting anxiously for a reply. |
