Thesis

Fingerprint identification and science : a comparative study of attitudes of criminal justice sector professions

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Creator
Awarding institution
  • University of Strathclyde
Date of award
  • 2010
Thesis identifier
  • T12763
Qualification Level
Qualification Name
Department, School or Faculty
Abstract
  • Fingerprint identification is currently undergoing a high level of scrutiny. A field which has been relatively unquestioned for 100 years suddenly finds itself under a barrage of questions on issues such as bias and error rate in its processes, and statistical probability or absolute certainty in its reported findings, which it has not had to deal with before. Commentary and argument over these issues has been developing steadily over the past ten to fifteen years, culminating currently with the publication of the National Academy of Sciences report on forensic science in 2009 and the ongoing Scottish Fingerprint Inquiry. It is clear from the available literature that there are a wide range of viewpoints regarding these issues; however the general viewpoint of practitioners may legitimately be different from those who actively publish. There has been no previous work done to gather views on these topics from practitioners, but if fingerprint practice is o change to attempt to solve some of the current issues, it is essential to understand the true views of the profession itself, as well as the opinions of others working closely with the fingerprint profession. This study aims to address this lack of information. An attitudinal survey of fingerprint practitioners and other forensic professionals was conducted to collate views on current issues around the scientific nature of fingerprint identification. The survey findings were significant at the 1% level. The results have shown areas of commonality and disagreement between different professions, differences in attitude between practitioners in different countries, and considerable confusion and misunderstanding about the nature of science.
Resource Type
DOI
Date Created
  • 2010
Former identifier
  • 821691

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