Topic 2; the collection and processing of forensic evidence Flashcards
what are the FIVE motivating factors when collecting evidence?
- 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
what are fingerprints?
fine patterns on the pads of your thumbs or fingers
what are fingermarks?
the pattern left by finger/thumb prints left on surfaces
what is are latent marks?
patterns of ridges left by palms or soles of feet
what is a disadvantage of using fingermarks for forensic evidence?
often poor quality, smudged, incomplete, distorted or obscured
how do finger print experts overcome the problem of using fingermarks for evidence?
two fingerprint experts complete the identification in order to verify the judgements made and reduce the likelihood of misidentifcation
what did Dror argue is a disadvantage of using finger print analysis?
lacked consistency - each fingerprint analysis differed from one another (inter-observer consistency) and ovet time, themselves (intra-observer consistency)
why does fingerprint analysis lack consistency?
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
What are motivating factors for bias (Dror)?
- 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
