Different results from Latent Fingerprint Examiners

One of the problems we as latent fingerprint examiners have is an identification conclusion that is not reproduceable. If the same latent print and fingerprint examplar are given to a different latent examiner, the conclusion returned may not be the same. The simple explaination is one examiner may have more training or experience which caused the differing conclusion, in some situations this may be true. Another answer is that an equally qualified latent examiner felt the examplar lacked sufficient clarity and could not be individualized. The second scenario is troubling, having 2 court qualified latent fingerprint examiners that aren't in complete agreement on an individualization. Is the discrepancy due to one examiner pushing the envelope or is one examiner being to conservative?

If the comparison is done by one agency then their conflict resolution procedure should resolve the issue. Even with conflict resolution this could still lead to both examiners being required to testifying in court. Another situation one agency may be more conservative in declaring an identification

Bob McAuley
Dir. Operations/Training
Forensic Biometric Identification Solutions LLC.