Gallery: The Science of Forensics

This story relates information about a proficiency test allegedly conducted by the International Association for Identification in 1995. It also infers that the recently published NAS study references that study in their report. Both allusions are factually incorrect. The IAI has never conducted a proficiency study regarding fingerprint examiners. Collaborative Testing Services (CTS), did attempt to conduct such a test in 1995. The IAI was not a part of that study. From time to time we are contacted to recommend sources for information and guidance. While those involved who participate may be members of the IAI, they do so as independent agents not representing the IAI. The CTS test was problematic in that it was poorly designed, allowed participants who were not trained fingerprint examiners and used examiners from international venues who practice to a different standard. The results of that test were long ago dismissed as unscientific and not reflective of the fingerprint community. Please remove any reference to an IAI proficiency test in your article. You are free, from my perspective to identify CTS, but it would be dishonest to represent that test as a measure of the competency of fingerprint examiners in the US. Thank you.

Bob Garrett,CSCSA, CLPE, FFS
President
International Association for Identification

garrett is making a pretty strong call of bs. If he is who he says he is, it would seem that he's correct