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 specimens (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 item of 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
- An enhanced computational method for age-at-death estimation based on the pubic symphysis using 3D laser scans and thin plate splines
- Validation of a Confirmatory Proteomic Mass Spectrometry Body Fluid Assay for Use in Publicly Funded Forensic Laboratories
- Application of the Optimized Summed Scored Attributes Method to Sex Estimation in Asian Crania