NCJ Number
195642
Journal
Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 52 Issue: 3 Dated: May/June 2002 Pages: 263-348
Editor(s)
Alan L. McRoberts
Date Published
2002
Length
86 pages
Annotation
This special feature presents the current guidelines for quality assurance in forensic science prepared by the Scientific Working Group on Friction Ridge Analysis, Study and Technology.
Abstract
This special feature presents the current consensus guidelines of the Scientific Working Group on Friction Ridge Analysis, Study and Technology (SWGFAST). These guidelines provide the criminal justice system with generally agreed upon methods for quality assurance in the field of forensic science. SWGFAST is one of several working groups that has been created to help establish consensus standards in this field. This publication presents guidelines for professional conduct and training, as well as friction ridge digital imaging guidelines and validation measures of research and technology. Appendix A presents an example of a guideline for validation testing of an established technique or procedure using a formulation prepared by the tester of a member of the testing organization. Appendix B provides an example of a guideline for validation testing of an established technique or procedure using a commercially prepared product. Appendix C provides an example of a guideline for validation testing of a new or innovative technique or procedure. Also offered in this special feature are glossary terms on friction ridge automation, identification, anatomy, and fingerprint classification. The second section of this feature presents a periodic review of previous guidelines on the minimum qualifications for latent print examiner trainees, as well as the training to competency for latent print examiners, and quality assurance guidelines for latent print examiners. It is noted that the comment period for these periodic reviews ends August 12, 2002. Finally, the SWGFAST presents drafts for comment on the friction ridge examination methodology for latent print examiners; the comment period for this draft also ends August 12, 2002. More glossary terms on latent print processing and identification are offered as well as the bylaws and membership of the SWGFAST.