CLPEX Chat Board

I've been asked to do a short talk in mid-Nov. about what's new in fingerprint evidence and challenges. The target audience is Massachusetts criminal attorneys (defense and prosecution) who are experienced (3-7 years or more), but may not know much about print cases. I'll be refreshing my notes, looking over the journals, and going thru my clippings files over the next few weeks, but I thought I'd ask y'all for your thoughts too.

So what are you folks seeing as new trends in challenges, cross-exams, new tech and techniques coming along?

I expect to mention the Langill litigation. And there's been some Mass litigation about failure to examine evidence, particularly firearms.

Also, any suggestions from you folks for prosecutors and defense attorneys -- things you wish we knew or asked? Any pet peeves?

Any nifty studies that folks might want to hear about?

In Massachusetts, I'd have to say that the newest trend is accreditation. The Massachusetts State Police have already been visited by ASCLD auditors and will be accredited soon. I'm about to send in an application for Worcester and I believe Boston is close, as well. Also, there was a time (not too long ago) when I was one of only a few in the state to have IAI certification. Now, there are quite a few more and I'm confident this number will continue to grow.

I was excited to see that the NIJ recently funded the complete training for twenty latent print examiners and twenty tenprint examiners. For the latent print examiner trainees, this will include eleven weeks of training at the National Forensic Science Technology Center in Largo, FL. The training will be provided by Ron Smith and Associates, so I know it will be top notch. I know all this because one of my newest co-workers is one of the first twenty. If this program is a success and continues to be NIJ funded, this is an incredible opportunity for local, state and federal government agencies to provide training for our future examiners.

The biggest change in technology that I've seen in Massachusetts recently is the increase in the use of local AFIS computers. Worcester, Boston, Plymouth County, Barnstable County, Brookline, and, I think, Springfield all have a local AFIS. Pittsfield, has the necessary funding and is sending out bids for one. Most of these sites also have a state AFIIS workstation and also submit to IAFIS.

I'm finishing up the notes for that upcoming short talk for a group of prosecutors, defense attorneys, and judges on what's new in print evidence.

I'll talk about the good news -- better experts, labs, in MA, and increasing numbers of firearms latents found.

I'll talk a bit about Dror, context/confirmation bias, and blind verification as ongoing hot topics

I'll mention Langill (NH), Rose (MD), and Hull (MN) [Anyone have the actual motions/order/transcripts for Hull?]

Anything else for hot trends?

Anything you really wish defense attornies, prosecutors, and judge knew?

Any pet peeves?