Changes in latent fingerprint examiners' markup between analysis and comparison

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Biometrics
• Pattern Evidence Analysis

Background:

• Latent print examination involves initial analysis and subsequent comparison.
• Revisions between analysis and comparison may suggest inadequate initial assessment or confirmation bias.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate changes in latent print examiners' assessments and markups during comparison.
• To understand the frequency and nature of revisions in latent print analysis.

Main Methods:

• 170 latent print examiners analyzed 22 print pairs each.
• Examiners provided detailed markup documenting interpretations and comparison conclusions.
• Changes in value assessments and feature markups were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Examiners frequently revised minutiae (90.3%) during individualization.
• Revisions were less common for inconclusive/exclusion results, with more feature additions for mated pairs.
• Latents initially deemed 'value for exclusion only' were often individualized (26%) when markup was required.

Conclusions:

• Examiner revisions during latent print comparison are common, particularly for individualization.
• The requirement for detailed markup may increase individualization rates, especially for prints initially assessed as limited in value.
• Findings underscore the dynamic nature of latent print examination and potential influences on conclusions.