The Nature of Expertise in Fingerprint Examiners

• NCJ Number: 255286
• Journal: Psychonomic Bulletin Review Volume: 17 Issue: 2 Dated: 2010 Pages: 155-160
• Author(s): Thomas A. Busey; Francisco J. Parada
• Date Published: 2010
• Length: 6 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2005-MU-BX-K076; 2009-DN-BX-K226
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical); Report (Study/Research); Report (Grant Sponsored); Program/Project Description
• Award: The information content of friction ridge impressions as revealed by human experts; Adding human expertise to the quantitative analysis of fingerprints

Annotation

Since latent print examinations involve a complex set of psychological and cognitive processes, this article summarizes existing work that has addressed how training and experience creates changes in latent print examiners.

Abstract

Experience appears to improve overall accuracy, increase visual working memory, and lead to configural processing of upright fingerprints. Experts also demonstrate a narrower visual filter and, as a group, tend to show greater consistency when viewing ink prints. These findings address recent criticisms of latent print evidence, but many open questions still exist. Cognitive scientists are well positioned to conduct studies that will improve the training and practices of latent print examiners, and suggestions for becoming involved in fingerprint research are provided. 24 references (publisher abstract modified)