FKA 3 Flashcards

Question

List 7 factors that may be determined by the analysis of blood stains:

Answer 1

- Position/Movement of persons/objects during or after blood shedding - Origin of Impact - Mechanism or object used to create a specific pattern - Minimum number of impacts - Sequence of events - Agreement/Disagreement of patterns with statements - DNA profile from blood – victim/suspect

Answer 2

To locate trace or biological evidence, consider using forensic light sources. Ceilings, walls, under furniture, baseboards, bottom of chair legs, and anywhere hard to clean or they may not have thought of to clean.

Answer 3

Evaluating bloodstains on dark or multicoloured clothing – the background can appear white and the bloodstain dark in colour

Answer 4

Yes, it’s used as a search tool for blood which makes it a presumptive test – it reacts with blood but may also react with other chemicals, so only the lab can confirm if it is blood

Answer 5

Means a feature shared by two or more items of footwear. The footwear outsole design, and the physical size features of a footwear outsole – created during manufacturing.

Answer 6

A feature on a footwear outsole or tire tread resulting from interaction with an object including, but not limited to: cuts, scratches, tears, holes, stone holds, abrasions, and the acquisition of debris. The position, orientation, size, and shape of these characteristics differentiate a footwear outsole or tire tread from other footwear outsoles or tire treads with similar class characteristics. Randomly acquired characteristics are essential for an identification of a particular item of footwear or tire as the source of an impression. “Randomly Acquired Characteristic” use of this term over others previously used is that it provides a simple and general description of any random event on a shoe/tire. Standardized wording as per the NAS report.

Answer 7

- General Wear – most often occurs in the outer and rear portions of the heel. Shoes with minimal wear have fewer features that would enable them to be distinguished from another shoe of the same design and dimension. - Extreme wear - Can produce Randomly Acquired Characteristics - Specific wear – How someone walks can contribute to weight distribution and how a shoe may wear (striking their heel hard with each step vs. running on their forefoot)

Answer 8

Texture is a general word to describe a shallow pattern added to some mold surfaces after the basic mold design has been created. It becomes part of the outsole. It can be used during the comparison process. Texture is added through Hand Stippling or Acid Etching – so it is not typically reproduced in the exact same way on the tread of the shoe – except for in shoes like the Nike Air Force 1 as the stippling design has been introduced to the molds of the shoes and not added afterwards.

Answer 9

Exclusion, Degree of Association (previously Association of Class Characteristics and High Degree of Association), Identification

Answer 10

Footwear identification is established by the agreement of class and randomly acquired characteristics of such significance or number that no other logical conclusion can be reached.

Answer 11

To be able to better determine in an analysis what is or is not a class characteristic, wear, or randomly acquired characteristic. And to understand variations based on the method of manufacturing.

Answer 12

- Bias-ply - fabric cords that were imbedded in the rubber plies ran at a bias, i.e., diagonally from bead to bead. - Bias-belted – Bias-ply tires were later improved and reinforced with belts that were placed beneath the tread surface. The belts helped stabilize the bias tire and offered added protection against punctures and road hazards. - Radial (clamshell and segmented molds): Michelin patented and introduced radial tires – their plies run radially at a 90 degree angle from bead to bead – longer tread life, better handling, less rolling resistance, and increased gas mileage.

Answer 13

Groove Rib/Rib Element Sipes Wear Bar Indicators Noise treatment – size of tread blocks and order they are placed around the tire Tread Elements

Answer 14

Xinjiang Kunlun Engineering Tyre Co., Korle City (South Tashidian Road), China - 44th week of 2005

Answer 15

A misalignment of the two halves of a shell mold, occurring when the devices that align the halves are worn or broken. If there is sufficient mold rotation, the misalignment will be noticeable in the finished tire along the parting line in the center of the tire.

Answer 16

“Tread Design Guide” and “Who Makes It and Where? Tire Directory”

Answer 17

Under Inflation Over Inflation Balancing Improper toe-in/toe-out Improper Camber

Answer 18

Noise Treatment is the varied arrangement of different pitch lengths of tread elements around the circumference of a tire.

Answer 19

Private and House Brands – Large tire companies often have private and house brands. These are sold under a different name, but may use the same molds as the major brand’s existing or discontinued models. Eg. Canadian Tire’s MotoMaster brand has previously used tread patterns from Goodyear and Michelin. Allows retailers to offer a lower priced “budget” alternative that still uses proven, high-quality designs

Answer 20

Wheelbase – Measure from leading edge of front tire to leading edge of back tire.

Answer 21

Measuring the front two tire impressions from their centres (front track width) and the rear two tire impressions from their centres (rear track width)

Answer 22

In Maryland v. Rose, a Maryland State trial court judge found that the Analysis, Comparison, Evaluation, and Verification (ACE-V) process of latent print identification does not rest on a reliable factual foundation. The opinion went into considerable detail about the lack of error rates, lack of research, and potential for bias. As a result, the outcome of a friction ridge analysis is not necessarily repeatable from examiner to examiner or even by the same examiner presented in different context some time later. ACE-V provides a broadly stated framework for conducting friction ridge analyses. However, this framework is not specific enough to qualify as a validated scientific method for this type of analysis. ACE-V does not guard against bias; is too broad to ensure repeatability and transparency; and does not guarantee that two analysts following it will obtain the same results. For these reasons, merely following the steps of ACE-V does not imply that one is proceeding in a scientific manner or producing reliable results.

Answer 23

Critical time prior to pouring involves the proper temperature of the prill sulfur. You need to ensure it heats thoroughly without getting too hot – continuously stir and add until you have enough for the impression. When crystals begin to form in the liquid portion it will become cloudy, a signal that the sulphur is nearing its crystallization temperature and is ready to pour. Ensure it is continually stirred to ensure the sulphur stays at the same temperature

Answer 24

Recommendations: 1. Create a National Institute of Forensic Sciences (NIFS) 2. Standardize terminology and reporting practices 3. Expand research on the accuracy, reliability, and validity of the forensic sciences 4. Remove forensic science services from the administrative control of law enforcement agencies and prosecutors’ offices 5. Support forensic science research on human observer bias and sources of error 6. Develop tools for advancing measurement, validation, reliability, information sharing, and proficiency testing and to establish protocols for examinations, methods, and practices 7. Require the mandatory accreditation of all forensic laboratories and certification for all forensic science practitioners 8. Laboratories should establish routine quality assurance procedures 9. Establish a national code of ethics with a mechanism for enforcement 10. Support higher education in the form of forensic science graduate programs, to include scholarships and fellowships 11. Improve the medico-legal death investigation system 12. Support AFIS interoperability through the development of standards 13. Support the use of forensic science in homeland security This has impacted the policies and procedures of the RCMP: Integrated Forensic Identification Services has dedicated itself to ensure the RCMP is adhering to standardized terminology and reporting practices. Black and White Box studies regarding fingerprint comparisons have been completed as well as studies regarding bias and novices, which has helped validate the forensic sciences through research. The apprenticeship program and continued proficiency testing throughout your career as a specialist. Policy around comparisons and scene examinations are readily available through Standard Operating Guides and policy. Continued learning is encouraged and there are numerous courses offered by the RCMP. Major Case Management and Form 3407 (Forensic Identification Crime Scene Checklist).

Answer 25

Only two black box studies have been performed that measure examiner accuracy using ground truth data: 1. FBI/Noblis Black Box Study 2. Miami-Dade Study

Answer 26

OSAC determined the false positive rate to be 0.19% which is similar to the FBI/Noblis Black Box Study.

Answer 27

Stephan Cowans (2004) – Two Boston Police Deparment fingerprint analyst incriminating evidence was found to be fraudulent. There was a thumb print located on a water mug, which the BPD analysts testified they had identified to Cowan. Lana Canen (2012) - Canen’s fingerprints were compared to fingerprints located in the victim’s apartments by Elkhart County Sherif’s Department detective to conduct a comparison. Although the detective had training in fingerprint classification, he had no training in conducting laltent fingerprint comparisons. In 2012 the post-conviction defence lawyer had a private expert evaluate the fingerprint evidence. The detective admitted to having overstated his examination experience during the trial. The fingerprint was confirmed NOT to be Canen’s by the Indiana State Police Crime Lab. Dwight Gomas (2009) - Dwight Gomas spent 17 months in jail; accused of robbery, after a fingerprint from the crime scene was identified to him by NYPD Detective Eileen Barrett. Detective Charles Schenkel verified the identification. Detective Daniel Perruzza found the error just prior to Gomas’s trial.

Answer 28

Cognitive bias is a broad umbrella for “many observer effects in the human mind, some of which can lead to perceptual distortion, inaccurate judgment, or illogical interpretation.” It’s the way the mind essentially fills in the blanks based on “information-processing shortcuts (heuristics), motivational factors, and social influence.” Cognitive bias includes: “confirmation bias” – interpretation of evidence based on beliefs/expectations then interpreting additional information to confirm these beliefs/expectations. Taking information from the known to fit the unknown or knowing the conclusion of another qualified examiner. “contextual bias” – knowing the suspect has confessed or is in custody.

Answer 29

Transparent documentation: A report and contemporaneous supporting notes or materials should document the examination to make the interpretive process as transparent as possible. Although the degree of detail may vary depending on the perceived complexity of the comparison, documentation should, at a minimum, be sufficient to permit another examiner to assess the accuracy and validity of the initial examiner’s assessment of the evidence. AND That any modifications to the analysis (e.g. feature selection, utility assessment, discrepancy interpretation) after seeing a known exemplar should be specifically documented as having occurred after the comparison began.

Answer 30

That the false positive error rate was 0.1% and never by two examiners on the same comparison. Indicates that blind verification is highly effective. False Negative errors were more frequent at 7.5% - it is believed that a blind verification would have caught this, but it was not completed on exclusions in this study. The false positive errors involved complex fingerprint impressions. Frequently examiners differed on the suitability of an impression to reach a conclusion.

Answer 31

Two different examiners reaching the same fingerprint decision.

Answer 32

If the same examiner reaches the same decision on the same fingerprint.

Answer 33

The determination that there is adequate quality and quantity of detail in an impression for further analysis, comparison, or to reach a conclusion.

Answer 34

1. The unusual similarity of the prints – relying heavily on the “points” within the print totaling 10 – this constellation of points was similar for both Mayfield and Daoud, except for what the ridges were doing at these points differed. AFIS looks for minutiae arrangements similar to the encoded minutiae from the latent print and this was a close non-match. 2. Bias from the known prints of Mayfield – Confirmation Bias or circular reasoning – with 10 points in correlation the examiners began to “find” additional features in agreement which weren’t really there. 3. Faulty reliance on extremely tiny details – Level 3 details. Complex fingerprint and examiners misinterpreted distortions as real features corresponding to Level 3 details in Mayfield’s known impression. 4. Inadequate explanations of differences. The entire upper left portion of the unknown impression did not correspond to Mayfields fingerprint – explained away as a separate touch. 5. Failure to assess the poor quality of similarities. Limited clarity prevented examiners from making an accurate determination of the type of minutiae points – “quality” of agreement was inadequate to support the conclusion. 6. Failure to re-examine the latent impression following the April 13 “Negativo” Report. Should have determined the basis for the other lab’s disagreement before doubling down on their determination and they should have had a fresh examination from a new examiner who had not previously committed to a particular conclusion.

Answer 35

The erroneous identification of a fingerprint to Detective Constable Shirley Mckie inside of a house of a homicide in 1997. She stated she had never entered the home. McKie was suspended, fired, and eventually arrested for perjury (lying about being in the house) in 1998 due to the identification; but was acquitted in 1999. In March 2008 Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill announced a public inquiry would take place due to public concern regarding this matter. Key Findings: 1. There is no evidence other than the mark Y7 to suggest that Ms McKie at any time entered Miss Ross’s house beyond the area of the porch. 2. The mark Y7 on the door-frame of the bathroom in Miss Ross’s house was misidentified as the fingerprint of Ms McKie. 3. Ms McKie did not make the mark Y7. 4. There was no conspiracy against Ms McKie in Strathclyde Police and all reasonable steps were taken by that force to seek from SCRO confirmation of the identification of Y7. 5. The mark QI2 Ross was misidentified as the fingerprint of Miss Ross. 6. There was no impropriety on the part of any of the SCRO fingerprint examiners who misidentified the mark Y7 as having been made by Ms McKie or the mark QI2 Ross as having been made by Miss Ross. These were opinions genuinely held by them. 7. The marks Y7 and QI2 Ross were both misidentified by SCRO fingerprint examiners due to human error and there is nothing sinister about the fact that these two errors occurred in the same case. 8. The misidentifications of Y7 and QI2 Ross expose weaknesses in the methodology of fingerprint comparison and in particular where it involves complex marks. 9. Fingerprint examiners are presently ill-equipped to reason their conclusions as they are accustomed to regarding their conclusions as a matter of certainty and seldom challenged. 10. There is no reason to suggest that fingerprint comparison in general is an inherently unreliable form of evidence but practitioners and fact-finders alike require to give due consideration to the limits of the discipline. Key Recommendations (total of 86 recommendations) but 10 key recommendations: 1. Fingerprint evidence should be recognised as opinion evidence, not fact, and those involved in the criminal justice system need to assess it as such on its merits. 2. Examiners should discontinue reporting conclusions on identification or exclusion with a claim to 100% certainty or on any other basis suggesting that fingerprint evidence is infallible. 3. Examiners should receive training which emphasises that their findings are based on personal opinion; and that this opinion is influenced by the quality of the materials that are examined, their ability to observe detail in mark and print reliably, the subjective interpretation of observed characteristics, the cogency of explanations for any differences and the subjective view of ‘sufficiency’. 4. Differences of opinion between examiners should not be referred to as ‘disputes’. 5. The SPSA’s Standard Operating Procedures should set out in detail the ACE-V process that is to be followed. 6. Features on which examiners rely should be demonstrable to a lay person with normal eyesight as observable in the mark. 7. Explanations for any differences between a mark and a print require to be cogent if a finding of identification is to be made. 8. A finding of identification should not be made if there is an unexplained difference between a mark and a print. 9. The SPSA should develop a process to ensure that complex marks (such as Y7 and QI2 Ross) are treated differently. The examination should be undertaken by three suitably qualified examiners who reach their conclusions independently and make notes at each stage of their examination. The substantive basis for the examiners’ conclusions should be reviewed. The reasons why they have reached their respective conclusions should be explored and recorded, even where they agree that an identification can be made. 10. An emphasis needs to be placed on the importance not only of learning and practising the methodology of fingerprint work, but also of engaging with members of the academic community working in the field.

FKA 3 Flashcards

(60 cards)