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New Software Improves Rigor of Latent Fingerprint Examination

NCJ Number
251493
Date Published
January 2018
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This factsheet reports on an NIJ-funded project that developed software for improving the standardization and quantifiability of the latent print examination process as part of the FBI's Universal Latent Workstation.
Abstract
The software developed provides a platform for standards-based , detailed annotation of the latent print examination process for use in training new latent print examiners in standard, reproducible documentation, as well as for use by experienced case-working latent-print examiners in documenting their case work. This ACEware application from the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services Division provides latent-print examiners with tools to mark up latent print images, do comparisons of latent prints, and conduct latent-print searches on the Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS). Among the various crime labs in which the software has been tested, results have been positive; however, the ULW Software with ACEware has not been approved for release by the FBI.