Comparison Between Direct and Indirect Methods Available for Human Bite Mark Analysis

• NCJ Number: 203996
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 49 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2004 Pages: 111-118
• Author(s): Roland F. Kouble B.D.S; Geoffrey T. Craig Ph.D.
• Date Published: January 2004
• Length: 8 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study assessed and compared the accuracy of direct comparisons between suspects' models and bite marks with indirect comparisons in the form of conventional traced overlays of suspects' models or a new method that uses photocopier-generated overlays.

Abstract

Eight dentate adults who exhibited variations in the presence, status, and arrangement of their upper and/or lower anterior teeth were selected for participation in the study. The variations included missing teeth; fractured, rotated, and displaced teeth; diastemas; and degrees of tooth wear. Cases chosen included relatively mild departure from the norm as well as more distinctive dentitions. Eight sets of stone models were used to produce experimental bite marks in pigskin. The resulting bite mark was then photographed alongside a scale. A further eight sets of bite marks were produced in eight additional pieces of pigskin but without the use of "Occlude" on the biting edges/surfaces of the teeth. In these cases the bitten skin was dusted lightly with black fingerprint powder by using a soft sable hair brush. Three methods of bite mark comparison were examined: a direct comparison of dental models to photographs and powder lifts; an indirect comparison of traced overlays to photographs and powder lifts; and an indirect comparison of photocopier-generated overlays to photographs and powder lifts. The bite mark photographs and fingerprint lifts were coded and randomized so that a blind comparison could be made with the models, traced overlays, and photocopier-generated overlays, using a modified version of the American Board of Forensic Odontology Scoring System for Bite Marks. The comparisons found that the photocopier-generated overlays were significantly more accurate at matching the correct bite mark to the correct models irrespective of whether the bite mark was recorded photographically or as a fingerprint lift. The photocopier-generated overlays were also found to be more sensitive at matching the correct bite marks to the correct models than the other two methods used. 3 figures, 8 tables, and 22 references