Latent Print Examiners are able to reliably make positive identifications:

1.  With appropriate training (SWGFAST training guidelines)

2.  With appropriate experience (CLPE requirements and SWGFAST training guidelines)

3.  With appropriate ability (testing by LPCB for initial CLPE, and annual proficiency testing as recommended by SWGFAST QA Guidelines)

4.  When using the scientific procedure of ACE-V are as follows: 

Analysis – the qualitative and quantitative assessment of Level 1, 2 and 3 details to determine their proportion, interrelationship and value to individualize. 

Comparison – to examine the attributes observed during analysis in order to determine agreement or discrepancies between two friction ridge impressions. 

Evaluation –   the cyclical procedure of comparison between two friction ridge impressions to effect a decision, i.e., made by the same friction skin, not made by the same friction skin, or insufficient detail to form a conclusive decision. 

Verification – an independent analysis, comparison and evaluation by a second qualified examiner of the friction ridge impressions. (SWGFAST QA guidelines) 
 
 

A  C  E  -  V

Comparison uses objective observations. 

The final identification decision is subjective and is reached when sufficient quality (clarity) and quantity of corresponding Level 1, 2 and 3 friction ridge details are present. 

The quality (clarity) and quantity of details necessary to effect the identification can vary based on training, experience and ability of the Latent Print (LP) Examiner. 

Even though each latent print can have a different Quality (clarity) and Quantity of Level 1, 2 and 3 details... LP Examiners with similar Training, Experience and Ability should be able to identify the same latent and inked prints.

LP Examiners do not JUST count Galton detail points.  Whether they know it or not, every LP Examiner looks also at Level 3 details.  A skeleton of fingerprint ridge detail contains 100% of the Level 2 detail, yet no LP Examiner would work with just that Level 2 detail...  we use Level 3 all the time, even when it carries relatively little weight in the decision process because of a large quantity of Level 2 details... we never use JUST Level 2.  WE DO NOT JUST COUNT POINTS.  As Dave Ashbaugh often says, it is NOT the points, but what's in between the points that matters. 

Some individual examiners may have a self-imposed 8-point rule, etc... and some agencies may have a point rule for quality assurance (QA) purposes, but nobody is JUST counting points to effect positive identifications. 

There is NO scientific basis for requiring a minimum number of matching features between two impressions to effect a positive identification.  All statistical models attempted in the past 100 years use only Level 1 and 2 details...  AFIS (a type of statistical model) uses Level 1 and 2 details...  None of these models comes close to encompassing the plethora of Level 1, 2 and (especially) 3 detail we use in the identification decision process. 

If we just counted points, LP Examiners could make their AFIS hit latent print positive ID's using just ridge detail skeletons of all the candidate inked prints.  LP Examiners do not do that. 

When LP Examiners speak of Galton points (Level 2 details) in court, it is because Galton points are a simplistic manner to demonstrate features the layperson and court more readily understand.  It does not mean that is all we use to effect an identification. 

When LP Examiners speak of minimum numbers of matching Galton details required to effect an identification, they are really speaking of self-imposed or agency QA guidelines.  LP Examiners do NOT just count points and LP Examiners need to understand and be able to explain the ACE-V process. 

All LP Examiners should know David Ashbaugh's Ridgeology booklet's contents... including ACE-V and the scientific process LP Examiners are already using (but may not know how to explain). 
 
 

Level 1 includes the general ridge flow and pattern configuration.  Level 1 detail is not sufficient for individualization, but can be used for exclusion.  Level 1 detail may include information enabling orientation, core and delta location, and distinction of finger versus palm. 
 
 

Pattern and ridge flow of Level 1 detail.

 
 
 

Level 2 detail includes formations, defined as a ridge ending, bifurcation, dot, or combinations thereof.   The relationship of Level 2 detail enables individualization. 
 

Level 2 detail - some are marked in this computerized fingerprint "skeleton" with red and magenta.

 
 
 
 
 

Level 3 detail includes all dimensional attributes of a ridge, such as ridge path deviation, width, shape, pores, edge contour, incipient ridges, breaks, creases, scars and other permanent details. 
 

Level 3 ridge detail includes ridge path deviation, width, shape, pores and other details.