Steve Scarborough brings us a look at how to incorporate ACE into latent print examiner testimony summation.
_________________________________________

Testimony Highlighting ACE
by Steve Scarborough

It is always good to share ideas and concepts with fellow fingerprint experts. Recently, when talking to the Wertheims, some stimulating conversation revolved around testimony techniques and I was inspired to compile these paragraphs.

The concept is to highlight ACE methodology when testifying and to add ACE to the summation statement.  This may be old hat to many fingerprint experts out there with Ridgeology training and classes, but there may be some fingerprint experts that that mqy want to take a look at certain aspects of this style of testimony.
 
    Most fingerprint experts adapt, improve, and adjust their testimony as their experience, training and the knowledge increases. [1]  Many experts have adapted the standard question list that is given to prosecutors to include questions about ACE methodology.[2] Many experts have just included that concept and all the various levels of ridgeology and ACE that apply to fingerprint comparisons within their testimony.

     One approach to testimony for the fingerprint expert would be to also add ACE methodology terms in the summation. Many of us were taught by the FBI and at training schools to add a summation statement to wrap up our examination conclusions. These summation statements usually involve something like “based upon my examination of the inked prints in the name of John Doe and the latent print from the gun, it is my conclusion that they were both made by the same person.”

     An approach using ACE might be a summation statement like: “After my Analysis of the latent print, observing and noting the clarity and quantity of ridge characteristics, ridge flow and ridge paths on the latent print. And then after my Comparison between the latent print and the known prints of John Doe, noting the areas and features in agreement, I made an Evaluation of the all the unique features and arrived at the conclusion that both impressions were made by the same person.”    

    A longer version of ACE summation testimony might proceed as follows:  

     “I analyzed all the variables of the friction ridge impression in question and noted all the many variables of a latent print such as surface and processing technique. I analyzed the latent print to determine if the quality and quantity of the latent print ridge paths, the clarity of all three levels of ridge detail was sufficient to proceed with my examination.

If this had not occured I would have stopped my examination.  I then proceeded on to the next phase.

     “I analyzed the known print to determine if it was of sufficient quality for comparison so I could proceed with the process. I then made a comparison with the latent print and the set of known prints. 

     "This is the point that I used my observation of the 3 levels of detail to orient the print, and using focal points made comparisons with the ridge formations in the latent and known print.  A side by side comparison was conducted to determine if the three levels of detail in the two impressions were in agreement.  I then noted all those unique formations and ridge paths that were in agreement.

     “I then made my Evaluation based upon the analysis and comparison. I made my conclusion based upon the information I observed in these impressions and based upon my training, experience and knowledge.

     “I determined that there was agreement between the friction ridge formations, in sequence having sufficient uniqueness to individualize.  The unique features that I observed in the latent print are in agreement with those in the known print. 

      “It is my conclusion that the latent from the crime scene and the known prints of John Doe were made by the same person.”

     Obviously, the individual fingerprint expert can choose which portions of these statements are right for their style of comparison testimony.  These statements can be shortened or expanded, but the essence is to incorporate ACE into the summation statement. Highlighting ACE in the summation is a proactive approach to fingerprint comparison testimony.
 

______________________________________________________________________
Feel free to pass The Detail along to other examiners.  This is a free newsletter FOR latent print examiners, BY latent print examiners. There are no copyrights on The Detail, and the website is open for all to visit.

If you have not yet signed up to receive the Weekly Detail in YOUR e-mail inbox, go ahead and join the list now so you don't miss out!  (To join this free e-mail newsletter, enter your name and e-mail address on the following page: http://www.clpex.com/Subscribe.htm  You will be sent a Confirmation e-mail... just click on the link in that e-mail, or paste it into an Internet Explorer address bar, and you are signed up!)  If you have problems receiving the Detail from a work e-mail address, there have been past issues with department e-mail filters considering the Detail as potential unsolicited e-mail.  Try subscribing from a home e-mail address or contact your IT department to allow e-mails from Topica.  Members may unsubscribe at any time.  If you have difficulties with the sign-up process or have been inadvertently removed from the list, e-mail me personally at kaseywertheim@aol.com and I will try to work things out.

Until next Monday morning, don't work too hard or too little.

Have a GREAT week!