|
Seeking Survey Participants
You are invited to participate in a
survey provided you are not one of the
following:
1. Current/former forensic
practitioner
2. The immediate family of
current/former forensic practitioner
3. Student studying forensics
4. Under 18 years old.
My name is Kristin Jones and I am a
Forensic Scientist with the City of Phoenix
Police Department.
I am conducting a research study to
look at how potential jurors understand
testimony from forensic latent fingerprint
examiners.
I am inviting your participation,
which will involve approximately 15 minutes of
your time for completing this short survey of
11 questions. The link is included below. Your
responses to the survey will contribute to the
ongoing research on juror interpretation and
will help forensic experts develop language to
better communicate their conclusions.
Your participation in this study is
voluntary and anonymous.
If you have any questions concerning
the research study, please contact the
research team at:
kristin.jones@phoenix.gov
or
timothy.fayle@shf.sccgov.org
.
Return of the questionnaire will be
considered your consent to participate. Please
complete the survey by 04/30/2021.
Survey Link:
https://s.surveyplanet.com/f60dXAVR0
Please select "Begin" to start.
Please feel free to forward this
invitation as well .
Thank you for your time and
consideration.
Sincerely,
Kristin Jones, CLPE, MS Forensic
Scientist III City of Phoenix Police
Department
Desk: (602) 534-8151
Main: (602) 262-6197
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 BRUT: - 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.
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
The
Next IAI Conference is August 1st through 7th, 2021
The next IAI conference
will be August 1 through 7, 2021 at the
Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville,
Tennessee, USA More
details are available at the
IAI website.
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
IAI 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 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).
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 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.
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
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) .
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" 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
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topics area
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New Books on AFIS and
Biometrics

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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...
A Statement Regarding
Am eri can News Shows and Articles about Fingerprint Evidence
Credibility in Court...

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