Introduction

Statistical Interpretation Software for Friction Ridge Skin Impressions (FRStat)

Statistical Interpretation Software for Friction Ridge Skin Impressions (FRStat)

Date

April 2018

Overview

The Defense Forensic Science Center (DFSC) developed FRStat in response to criticisms from legal and scientific commentators on the lack of an empirically demonstrable basis to substantiate conclusions in pattern evidence. This tool is intended to provide a statistical estimate of the strength of evidence to be used in conjunction with the examiner’s own conclusion. This workshop covered basic statistical concepts, interpretation and reporting of FRStat results, limitations, considerations for use, and implementation suggestions.  Read the in-brief to learn more about this workshop.

“As a community, we are moving towards stronger scientific foundations for fingerprint evidence. FRStat is a step in that direction.”

- Henry Swofford | Chief, Latent Print Branch at the Defense Forensic Science Center


Funding for this Forensic Technology Center of Excellence report was provided by the National Institute of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.

The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this report are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Contact us at ForensicCOE@rti.org with any questions and subscribe to our newsletter for notifications.


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