The IAI took a position in August 1973, issuing a resolution declaring that: "No valid basis exists at this time for requiring that a predetermined minimum number of friction ridge characteristics must be present in two impressions in order to establish positive identification."
In June of 1995 the Ne'urim declaration was made. The Ne'urim declaration states: " There is no scientific basis requiring a specific number of matching ridge characteristics for a fingerprint identification."
Ashbaugh states: "Friction ridge identification is established through the agreement of friction ridge formations, in sequence, having sufficient uniqueness to establish individuality."
"The basis for individualization is that the friction ridge arrangement for each finger, palm, and foot is unique and permanent. Identification is a composite of several factors, each having a different relevance for each comparison conducted. The comparison process therefore is both qualitative and quantitative."
Accepting these four statements as the basis for the next venture into the mysteries of Fingerprint Dogma, how do we define:
Sufficient. The implication is to an amount. How much? How do I know when I have enough to proceed? In most instances, to define sufficient I first need to identify a target or goal, which leads us to:
Quantity. Again the implication is to an amount. How much? What value can I assign to what I observe?
Quality. If we are to judge the quality of a print, what is the criteria? What are the differing levels of Quality? Choice? Prime? Grade A? At the very least, there is a quality level which is unacceptable. What is it? Can it be described in words?
Again, Thank you for your considered opinions.