In today’s criminal investigations, biometrics play an essential role in helping agencies handle increasing case complexity and evidence volumes.
By incorporating such tools as biometric forensics software into their everyday processes, law enforcement agencies can better manage, assess, and confirm identity-related evidence consistently and accurately to help improve the overall criminal investigation process.
Improving Criminal Case Management With Biometrics
With advanced biometric technology, lab units can connect evidence among various cases, jurisdictions, and databases. Fingerprints, facial images, iris, and voice samples are encrypted and searched against one another to uncover hidden connections and information difficult to detect otherwise. By using biometric information within case management systems, lab units can monitor the progress of evidential data, link suspects to offenses, and eliminate duplication of effort. This facilitates teaming amongst examiners, investigators, and prosecutors, so lab units can accurately report their results and ensure evidence is legally defensible.
Latent Print Examination Can Assist in an Investigation
One of the oldest biometric tools in the forensic science toolbox is latent print examination. A latent print is the unintentional impression left behind on the surface of an object, most commonly a nonporous surface such as glass, metal, or plastic. The impression is normally developed by the examiner using powdered or chemical processing, or with an alternate light source. An image is captured and biometrically analyzed. The examiner then reviews the minutiae, which are the ridge characteristics of the print. Biometric systems can assist the examiner to make the image clearer, and they can even compare the latent print to others in a database. But, ultimately, the interpretation is left up to the examiner to provide probabilistic results.
The Biometric Expert and a Case for High-Level Biometric Analysis
Advanced biometric analysis assists the lab unit by increasing reliability and reducing human error in the results. By providing automated candidate lists, the examiner can be assured that they are not missing a potential positive identification and can concentrate on verification rather than spending hours looking for a result manually. This process is helpful for both high-volume and cold cases. Labs can now benefit from an even more sophisticated biometric tool, and it is extremely necessary to support the success of a case. As cases become more advanced, so must the way that forensic teams resolve them. Biometrics are just that — innovative and necessary. The use of biometrics for high-level biometric analysis is critical in helping forensics teams make accurate, fact-based decisions faster, especially in today’s environment, where timely results are imperative to the ongoing effort of the criminal justice system and maintaining public trust.
