Part 77, page 310

Transcript

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UNCLASSIFIED

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powders to detect the presence of latent friction ridge prints. The specific sequence of examinations and processes depends upon the nature of the evidence.

Friction ridge print examinations are conducted using the Analysis, Comparison, Evaluation, and Verification methodology (ACE-V), which includes an assessment of the quantity and quality of the information present. The steps of ACE-V are applied to each examination as appropriate.

Analysis is the assessment of a friction ridge print to determine if sufficient reliable details are present to conduct a comparison with another print and to reach an identification conclusion. If these conditions are met, the print is determined to be "of value".

Comparison is the direct side-by-side observation of friction ridge prints of value to determine whether or not the information in two prints is in agreement.

Evaluation is the formulation of a conclusion based on the information gathered during the analysis and comparison of the friction ridge prints.

Conclusions that can be reached are as follows:

• Identification - the determination that there is sufficient quality and quantity of detail in agreement to conclude that two friction ridge prints originated from the same source.

• Exclusion - the determination that there is sufficient quality and quantity of detail in disagreement to conclude that two friction ridge prints did not originate from the same source.

• Inconclusive - the determination that corresponding areas of friction ridge prints are absent and/or unreliable and therefore cannot be identified or excluded.

Verification is the independent application of the analysis, comparison, and evaluation phases of the ACE-V methodology to a friction ridge print by another examiner.

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Interpretations

Due to the many factors involved in the deposition of a friction ridge print, neither the absence of a friction ridge print on evidence nor the exclusion of a friction ridge print with a given source, disassociate that source from having touched the evidence.

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Page 2 of 3

110330009 QB ABW

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UNCLASSIFIED

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DB Cooper-33672