Cognitive issues in fingerprint analysis:Inter-and intra-expert consistency and the effect of a ‘target’ comparison

This study and paper published by Dr. Dror; documents minutiae selection during the analysis stage of a latent print. The analysis of the latent is critical because it sets the stage and the parameters for comparisons and decision making. The report is a good read for anyone dealing with latent fingerprint identification. The paper can be accessed at:


https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B3bls8DXy0ybYTk1MTFjZTctZDEwNC00YzMzLTg5NmMtNWNiZjk5OTNlMTVk&hl=en&authkey=CMrUwuwI

Dr. Dror's summary and conclusions present logical suggestions on how to help alleviate the issue's, however with today's budgetary restraints, agencies will be hard pressed to implement all the suggestions. If the information contained in the paper on minutiae selection is incorporated into the fingerprint training programs for new examiners as well as continuing education for experienced examiners it can go a long way toward improving minutae selection on the initial analysis.

Bob McAuley Dir. Operations/Training

Forensic Biometric Identification Solutions LLC.