The previous research characterized VSP combinations using analytical instrumentation and expertise commonly available in forensic laboratories; developed statistically rigorous measurements of the strength of correspondence between VSP profiles; and measured the probative value of the resulting associations within well-defined experimental parameters. VSP were recovered from actual items of evidence: drug packaging, cell phones, handguns, and ski masks. The VSP were analyzed in an operational crime laboratory setting, using a practical, efficient analytical protocol. Under the experimental conditions, drug packaging showed excellent result for classification of test speciments (97 percent). Handguns and cell phones showed good classification results (90 percent and 87 percent, respectively). Ski masks showed poor results, with correction classification at 53 percent. Most misclassifications showed the correct source ranked remotely, indicating that these specimens did not have sufficient character to result in a strong association. VSP profiles on any given itemof evidence need not be complex and diagnostic. What is important is that on most they are unquestionably so. This finding encourages the follow-on research that will allow refinement and testing of the analytical and interpretational approach. 4 tables, 4 figures, and 10 references
Downloads
Similar Publications
- Droplets Wicking in Thin Materials Exhibit Universal Drying Dynamics
- Assessing the expanded capacity of modern μ-XRF SDD systems for forensic analysis through an interlaboratory study: Part II—Vehicle glass
- Evidence Management Steering Committee Report: Opportunities to Strengthen Evidence Management Processes