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Why do latent fingerprint examiners differ in their conclusions?
R Austin Hicklin1, Bradford T Ulery1, Madeline Ausdemore1
1Noblis, 2002 Edmund Halley Drive, Reston, VA, 20191, United States.
Forensic Science International
|November 4, 2020
Summary
Forensic latent print examiners show variability in conclusions due to image quality and individual decision thresholds. A new method is proposed to quantify examiner skill for better quality assurance.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Psychology
- Decision Science
Background:
- Forensic latent print examination conclusions are not always reproducible.
- Variability in conclusions can stem from image characteristics and examiner differences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the sources of disagreement in latent print comparisons.
- To investigate the role of individual examiner decision thresholds.
- To propose a new method for quantifying examiner skill.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of fingerprint comparison data from expert examiners.
- Statistical examination of image quality and examiner-related factors.
- Measurement and comparison of individual decision thresholds.
Main Results:
- Image quality influences conclusion agreement; extreme quality images yield consensus.
- Examiner decision thresholds vary significantly, reflecting differences in skill, risk tolerance, or bias.
- Inconsistent conclusions were observed for borderline cases, which were slower to process and rated as more difficult.
- A few examiners exhibit notably higher error rates than the majority.
Conclusions:
- Examiner variability in latent print conclusions is attributable to both image properties and individual examiner factors, particularly decision thresholds.
- The current three-level conclusion scale inadequately represents examiner agreement and disagreement.
- A novel approach to quantifying examiner skill is needed for proficiency testing and quality assurance in forensic science.
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