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The IAI and SWGFAST have both provided input for the following NIJ solicitation released last week:

U.S. Department of Justice
Office of Justice Programs
National Institute of Justice
JAN. 05

Solicitation for Proposals Quantitative Research on
Friction Ridge Patterns Notice:

Quantitative Research on Friction Ridge Patterns

I. Introduction

NIJ seeks proposals for quantitative studies of friction ridge skin pattern variations relevant to fingerprint and/or palmprint comparisons for the purpose of identification or exclusion. Criminal justice agencies use fingerprints and palmprints for comparisons to latent print impressions collected as evidence at crime scenes. The forensic science community seeks a more comprehensive understanding of the empirical basis of friction ridge impression evidence to extend its use and facilitate the work of the fingerprint examiner.

This research may include examining the frequency of friction ridge structure combinations and distinctive patterns, the permanence of an individual’s friction ridge structures, the biological and environmental factors that affect friction ridge structures, or developing tools to statistically measure and evaluate the quality of print comparisons and the strength of print comparison data.

II. Proposal Topics

Forensic friction ridge examination (i.e., fingerprint, palmprint, and footprint) has long been recognized and accepted as a standard for personal identification. Criminal justice agencies use fingerprints and palmprints for comparisons to latent print impressions collected as evidence at crime scenes. The forensic science community seeks a more comprehensive understanding of the empirical basis of friction ridge impression evidence to extend its use and facilitate the work of the fingerprint examiner.
Proposals submitted under this solicitation should demonstrate a familiarity with forensic friction ridge examination procedures and applicable technologies; the biology/physiology of friction ridge skin; and general scientific methodology as it applies to friction ridge analysis.

NIJ strongly encourages researchers responding to this solicitation to seek guidance from or partner with appropriate forensic identification experts, or appropriate professional identification associations. Such collaborations foster a greater understanding of the issues unique to friction ridge structure analyses and may strengthen the scope of the proposed research plan. The proposal must include evidence of this collaboration (e.g., memorandum of agreement, letter of intent).

Suggested Areas of Research:

A. Quantitative studies of friction ridge skin pattern variations relevant to fingerprint and/or palmprint comparisons for the purpose of identification or exclusion. The research methodology should ensure that adequate population size and proper sampling methods are used.1 Proposals should focus on the evaluation of one or more of the following characteristics in either a complete or partial fingerprint and/or palmprint impression:

1. Pattern type and ridge flow (Level I).
2. Ridge endings, bifurcations, and dots (Level II).
3. Ridge and pore morphology (Level III).
4. Incidental features such as creases (both permanent and age-related), scars, warts, and others.

Examples of such research can include but are not limited to the following:

• Studies examining the frequency of friction ridge structure combinations and/or distinctive patterns within a population or among populations.
• Studies examining the permanence of friction ridge structures within an individual.
• Studies examining biological or environmental factors that may affect friction ridge structures.

B. Tools that will provide a quantitative measure/statistical evaluation of the following:
1. The quality of fingerprint and/or palmprint impressions.
2. The strength of fingerprint and/or palmprint comparison data.

http://www.ncjrs.org/pdffiles1/nij/sl000698.pdf

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Last week we reviewed the CNN program "Reasonable Doubt, Can Crime Labs Be Trusted?".  They placed the transcripts for the program on the CNN website, so if you missed the show, you can read it in it's entirety:

http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/2005.01.09.html

and click on "CNN Presents Reasonable Doubt"

This week Craig Coppock would like feedback on the RTPRFI document he has been working on in conjunction with many others.
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Regional Training & Protocol Recommendations For Friction Ridge Individualization (RTPRFI)
 (A proposal for advanced training and standardization.)
Craig A. Coppock

ABSTRACT

Regarding the current public and legal review of the forensic sciences, a reactionary or defensive posture has prevented the implementation of positive solutions regarding issues relating to examiner performance and standardization in Dactyloscopy.  The current failure/success rate of the I.A.I. latent print examiner certification test is an illustration for a general need for examiner performance improvement.  In our current defense of the science we must not forget the scientist.

The Regional Training & Protocol Recommendations For Friction Ridge Individualization (RTPRFI) program is intended to be a primer for positive change, especially for agencies that would not normally seek formal accreditation.  This program includes improvements in training, standardization protocols, and the program is a means to assist in the implementation of SWGFAST guidelines.  Regional base efforts utilizing a standardized program would allow for the realistic application of such goals.  Regional efforts also permit agencies to work together to coordinate advanced training programs as needed with respect to specific needs of the area’s examiners.

The main issues of examiner performance have been linked to a lack of specialized training and inadequately applied comparison protocol.  Current SWGFAST guidelines are difficult to implement without an adoptable program that motivates management and examiners while creating goal orientated operational procedures.

The primary goal of the RTPRFI program is to help solve main issues regarding examiner performance, protocol implementation, accuracy improvement, and SWGFAST alignment.  Specific topics have been borrowed from SWGFAST, the I.A.I. Latent Print Training Manual, and Interpol.  In addition, numerous 10-print and latent print examiners from the United States and Canada have assisted with their input regarding details of this program.  The result is a voluntary program that would be a catalyst for realistic and positive change.

To access the RTPRFI, click on the link or copy/paste the following in your browser:

http://www.clpex.com/Articles/RTPRFIDetail1.htm

(http://www.clpex.com/Articles/RTPRFIDetail1.htm)
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To discuss this Detail, the message board is always open: (http://www.clpex.com/phpBB/viewforum.php?f=2)

More formal latent print discussions are available at onin.com: (http://www.onin.com)

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UPDATES ON CLPEX.com

No major updates this week
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Until next Monday morning, don't work too hard or too little.

Have a GREAT week!