Topic 2; the collection and processing of forensic evidence

Question 1

what are the FIVE motivating factors when collecting evidence?

Answer 1

• job satisfaction (rewards)
• hope and satisfaction in catching the criminal
• the importance of the case
• the need for closure and fear of making mistakes
• feelings associated with searching for and finding matches that links to the evidence

Question 2

what are fingerprints?

Answer 2

fine patterns on the pads of your thumbs or fingers

Question 3

what are fingermarks?

Answer 3

the pattern left by finger/thumb prints left on surfaces

Question 4

what is are latent marks?

Answer 4

patterns of ridges left by palms or soles of feet

Question 5

what is a disadvantage of using fingermarks for forensic evidence?

Answer 5

often poor quality, smudged, incomplete, distorted or obscured

Question 6

how do finger print experts overcome the problem of using fingermarks for evidence?

Answer 6

two fingerprint experts complete the identification in order to verify the judgements made and reduce the likelihood of misidentifcation

Question 7

what did Dror argue is a disadvantage of using finger print analysis?

Answer 7

lacked consistency - each fingerprint analysis differed from one another (inter-observer consistency) and ovet time, themselves (intra-observer consistency)

Question 8

why does fingerprint analysis lack consistency?

Answer 8

due to cognitive factors that can bias decision making - comparing the latent mark with the fingerprint of the suspect involves lots of attention and visual searching - as found in Moray’s study important information could draw someone’s attention whilst irrelevant information could distract them

Question 9

What are motivating factors for bias (Dror)?

Answer 9

• circumstances of the case and the pressure the fingerprint analysis feels under
• context can affect visual perception
• ## decision making can be affected by the emotional context; the more emotive the context the more motivated analysts are to finding a match