Verification phase of ACE-V
Procedural Steps:
Friction Ridge Identification, like other disciplines in comparative Forensic Science, engages in an objective, independently-conducted Verification step as the last phase in the ACE-V methodology.
This second examination is performed without any expectations on behalf of the verifying examiner to assume the observations and assessments of the original examiner, thus the verifying examiner independently performs the examination from the Analysis phase through the Evaluation phase.
The Verification procedure can be applied as an adversarial scientific experiment biased towards invalidating the Identification established by the original examiner. The procedure of confirming a finalized Identification has been demonstrated as being repeatable and reliable.
Scientific Method / Daubert Issues Addressed:
The Verification phase is integral to ACE-V Methodology, as it serves to 'prove the Identification' to the satisfaction of the Scientific Method.
An Identification which is proven in the Verification phase constitutes a confirmation of the Identification as a valid, proven, tested hypothesis.
The continued action of the Verification phase confirms that the requisite skills of Examiners exist and that the underlying Hypothesis of the Science of Friction Ridge Identification is continuously being tested in accordance to the Scientific Method. ACE-V methodology is rendered even more scientific by its objective, open and explicit nature. Methodological and administrative error elimination, and confidence-building measures are inherent to the Verification phase.
The Verification phase also serves to address the Daubert criteria regarding the known or potential error rate of this methodology. ACE-V methodology incorporates no "false positives" into its assessments, execution or interpretation. The methodology may sometimes be subjected to 'practitioner error', whereby the examiner omits, short-cuts or mis-interprets some phase or application of the methodology.
Additional Insights: (Click on)
Scientific Method
Recording Verifications
Daubert challenge
Error rate
Copyright© 2010 Chespeake Bay Division - International Association for Identification (IAI)
Friction Ridge Identification, like other disciplines in comparative Forensic Science, engages in an objective, independently-conducted Verification step as the last phase in the ACE-V methodology.
This second examination is performed without any expectations on behalf of the verifying examiner to assume the observations and assessments of the original examiner, thus the verifying examiner independently performs the examination from the Analysis phase through the Evaluation phase.
The Verification procedure can be applied as an adversarial scientific experiment biased towards invalidating the Identification established by the original examiner. The procedure of confirming a finalized Identification has been demonstrated as being repeatable and reliable.
Scientific Method / Daubert Issues Addressed:
The Verification phase is integral to ACE-V Methodology, as it serves to 'prove the Identification' to the satisfaction of the Scientific Method.
An Identification which is proven in the Verification phase constitutes a confirmation of the Identification as a valid, proven, tested hypothesis.
The continued action of the Verification phase confirms that the requisite skills of Examiners exist and that the underlying Hypothesis of the Science of Friction Ridge Identification is continuously being tested in accordance to the Scientific Method. ACE-V methodology is rendered even more scientific by its objective, open and explicit nature. Methodological and administrative error elimination, and confidence-building measures are inherent to the Verification phase.
The Verification phase also serves to address the Daubert criteria regarding the known or potential error rate of this methodology. ACE-V methodology incorporates no "false positives" into its assessments, execution or interpretation. The methodology may sometimes be subjected to 'practitioner error', whereby the examiner omits, short-cuts or mis-interprets some phase or application of the methodology.
Additional Insights: (Click on)
Scientific Method
Recording Verifications
Daubert challenge
Error rate
Copyright© 2010 Chespeake Bay Division - International Association for Identification (IAI)