ACE-V Methodology Program

ACE-V Methodology

What is ACE-V Methodology ?

Gives structure to & guides the examiner through the process.
Bases identifications upon sound scientific principles.
Conclusions are objective; based on faithful execution of this methodology, not mere observations or intuition.
Assures Validity and Reliability of the conclusions.
Consistency & Repetition of the methodology is assured.
Embraces all the factors required by sound scientific practices.

Please click each individual methodology tab for the Procedural Steps, Scientific Method/Daubert Applications, and Additional Insights.

This phase is a thorough examination of the latent print impression that is performed to fully understand the impression transfer/deposition parameters that are acting upon the appearance, clarity & distortion of the friction ridge features.

Part 1.
Impression-deposition factors.

Part 2.
Clarity assessment.

Part 3.
Medium/matrix/transfer Distortion assessment.

Part 4.
Value/No Value determination.

Procedural Steps, Scientific Method/Daubert Applications, and Additional Insights

For each of the following Parts, examine the friction ridge features for agreement with the known print within the Tolerance levels already established in the Analysis phase.

Part 1.
Choose a Target of friction ridge features.

Part 2.
Experimentation for Level One detail. The focus is on, but not limited to, print orientation, pattern type, ridge flow & focal points.

Part 3.
Experimentation for Level Two detail. The focus is on, but not limited to, the shape, location, orientation and group relationship of the minutiae.

Part 4.
Experimentation for Level Three detail. The focus is on, but not limited to, sweat pores and friction ridge edges.

Procedural Steps, Scientific Method/Daubert Applications, and Additional Insights

This phase of ACE-V places the philosophy and process of friction ridge identification squarely within the Scientific Method framework. Practitioners adhering to the ACE-V protocol will eliminate human errors, and will further establish the "Error Rate" for the Science of Friction Ridge Identification as being "Zero".

Part 1.
Propose a '"Tentative Conclusion" that "the latent came from the same source as the known print."

Part 2.
Examine the prints in their totality, in an exercise of continued observation of the friction ridge features in order to Test the "Tentative Conclusion".

Part 3.
Formulate a "Conclusion", whether an Individualization, Non-Identification or Inconclusive, based upon the ability of the observed friction ridge
features to "Finalize the Individualization".

Procedural Steps, Scientific Method/Daubert Applications, and Additional Insights

A second Examiner performs an independent examination of the Identified latent print impression. Upon completion of this phase, a confirmed Identification constitutes "Scientific Knowledge", which can be admitted as expert testimony meeting the Daubert challenge.

Part 1.
Independently perform the examination from the Analysis phase through the Evaluation phase.

Part 2.
Independently arrive at a Conclusion.

Part 3.
Discuss the two independently established Conclusions to ascertain agreement.

Part 4.
Record and report the Conclusion as a proven and finalized Identification.

Part 5.
If necessary, address any disagreement in accordance to your agency's written 'Conflict Resolution' procedures.

Procedural Steps, Scientific Method/Daubert Applications, and Additional Insights