NCJ Number
95067
Journal
Journal of Police Science and Administration Volume: 12 Issue: 3 Dated: (September 1984) Pages: 287-296
Date Published
1984
Length
10 pages
Annotation
Although fingerprints can be accurately identified, experts making a fingerprint identification can make mistakes, as illustrated by the Minnesota trial of make mistakes, as illustrated by the Minnesota trial of Roger Sipe Caldwell for the murder of two women in 1977.
Abstract
The defendant was convicted largely from the analysis of a fingerprint on an envelope. However, in the appeal, three fingerprint experts contradicted the opinion of the expert who made the initial identification. The Minnesota Supreme Court called for a new trial. To avoid such mistakes in future cases, greater quality control through the use of second opinions is needed. A minimum number of points of similarity of fingerprints should not be required. Similarly, no interminable series of reviews is necessary. However, someone in a supervisory capacity in the chain of crime laboratory command should review and reevaluate the basis for the expert's opinion, whether for a fingerprint expert or another type of expert. Figures and a list of nine references are supplied.