http://theforensicforum.co.uk/Board/ind ... pic=2856.0
In the wake of the Shirley McKie case, the Forensic Science Society is holding a one day conference, focusing on the broad topic of Cognitive Bias in Forensic Science. It brings together experts in the fields of Psychology, Forensic Science practices and the legal profession to discuss the influence of psychological and other factors on the conclusions a forensic scientist may reach.
Aims:-
• Show how cognitive bias can affect judgments and decisions across a wide range of areas in forensic Science.
• Improve understanding of the nature of cognitive bias and how to counter its effects.
• Suggest means of countering the effects of subjectivity & influence.
Learning outcomes:-
• Give delegates a much greater understanding of cognitive bias in forensic science
• Show delegates how to identify how to take account of and counter cognitive bias in their own work.
Speakers:-
• Dr David Charlton, Senior Fingerprint Officer, Surrey and Sussex Police Joint Command.
• Joanne Tierney, Fingerprint Lead Scientist, Scottish Police Services Authority Forensic Sciences (SPSA).
• Callum Sutherland, La Plante Productions.
• Luke McGarr, The Fingerprint Society.
• Hannah Fawcett, Univeristy of Teesside.
• Dr Jennifer Saul, University of Sheffield
You will see the SPSA has a speaker in attendance. In Joanne Tierney, Fingerprint Lead Scientist. Given the first question to her at a Conference looking at how Cognitive Bias can affect judgements, must be ‘Was Cognitive Bias a factor in the misidentifications by current serving experts within the SPSA?” she must be in a position to respond. What cannot happen is a response of we don’t know. That leads to my conclusion the SPSA must be in a position to respond this weekend.
Any failures to respond would be deemed to me either grossly arrogant or extremely naïve. The Organisation responsible for arguably the biggest mistakes in Fingerprint Science must be in a position to respond on the very topic the Conference is being held to highlight.
Joanne Tierney’s presentation is entitled:
Fingerprints - Missing the Point
http://www.forensic-science-society.org ... nitiveBias
Interesting but I hope it doesn’t just illustrate that the SPSA has missed the point!
Would appreciate any update from anyone lucky enough to attend this conference as to how much Cognitive Bias was a factor in the misidentifications by SPSA experts in the Marion Ross case.