CLPEX Chat Board

I posted this on the onin forum but haven't had any luck with responses, so I will try here.

I am in the process of training in-house to become a latent print examiner, and I am completely stuck on this one question! In my research I have found that Germany requires a minimum of 12 points for identification, and Argentina 30 points. What I am trying to find out is - required by WHOM? Is it federal, state, city, etc. Any help on this is greatly appreciated! Thank you.

Hi FrogHog

most likely the fingerprint experts themselves, this is very old hat the only police I know of that require a given number is Ireland but I maybe out of date there, even the Russians don't.

Why not jump on google get the email adresses of the various Police and ask directly. I am sure Germany do not use the 12 point rule any more.

Neville,

Thank you for responding! I will definitely try to get in contact with their agencies.

We've just had a German Police Officer visit our section. Bearing in mind that she doesn't work in the Fingerprint Section in the German Police, she told me they required 7 points.

Another 'point' to consider - is it an 'identification' standard or a 'we'll give evidence in court' standard. For many years a self imposed court standard in NZ was 12 points, but identifications were made on less than 12. Now there is no minimum number of points required to make a positive identification and to present that evidence in court.

John T,

Thank you for the information. This has definitely been a frustrating and confusing research question, and it's only the beginning!