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An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

Fingerprints

DNA at Our Fingertips

Date Published
July 15, 2019

Forensic scientists have explored whether lifted and archived fingerprints retain forensically useful amounts of DNA.

Human Factors in Latent Print Examination

June 2011

The NIJ-sponsored Expert Working Group on Human Factors in Latent Print Analysis is clarifying potential sources of error in pattern recognition analysis. It will develop best practices to remove or minimize these sources. NIJ is addressing recommendations in the 2009 National Academy of Sciences' report titled "Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward." Specifically, the panelists focus on recommendation 5, which encourages research programs on human observer bias and sources of human error in forensic examinations.