Published: Jan. 3, 2022
We have outlined several problems with the state of error rate studies on firearm and toolmark examination. Fundamentally, we do not know what is for these types comparisons. This a failure scientific study toolmarks, rather than examiners themselves, but until this corrected multiple that meet criteria described in Section 3, cannot support use evidence criminal proceedings.
Language: Английский
Journal of Forensic Sciences, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 68(1), P. 86 - 100
Published: Oct. 1, 2022
Abstract This black box study assessed the performance of forensic firearms examiners in United States. It involved three different types and 173 volunteers who performed a total 8640 comparisons both bullets cartridge cases. The overall false‐positive error rate was estimated as 0.656% 0.933% for cases, respectively, while false negatives 2.87% 1.87% respectively. majority errors were made by limited number examiners. Because chi‐square tests independence strongly suggest that probabilities are not same each examiner, these maximum‐likelihood estimates based on beta‐binomial probability model do depend an assumption equal examiner‐specific rates. Corresponding 95% confidence intervals (0.305%, 1.42%) (0.548%, 1.57%) positives (1.89%, 4.26%) (1.16%, 2.99%) results this consistent with prior studies, despite its comprehensive design challenging specimens.
Language: Английский
Citations
29
Journal of Forensic Sciences, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown
Published: Feb. 14, 2025
Abstract Concurrent with studies on the accuracy, repeatability, and reproducibility of decisions based comparisons fired bullet cartridge cases, we also collected opinions participating examiners as to characteristics specimens provided difficulty making comparisons. Examiners rated ease which they determined every conclusion (easy, average, hard) estimated qualitatively amount visual information available them in determining a (limited, some, extensive). Comparisons deemed hard were perceived generally have somewhat fewer markings conducive for assessment, while where limited produced larger number inconclusive determinations. Perceived increased wider separation firing order (within or between three defined segments 700–850 total firings). The repeatability these qualitative assessments exceeded 60% their average was ~50%. Examination times did not vary significantly when rendering identification, elimination, inconclusive, although identifications appear taken slightly longer than those cases. Hard comparisons, limited, treated substantially differently from any other types comparison. No correlation found attempted. These results tend contradict assertions by critics that are tempted declare save time avoid an elimination identification conclusion, non‐representative casework, affected degree examiner participation.
Language: Английский
Citations
0
Journal of Forensic Sciences, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 68(5), P. 1721 - 1740
Published: July 2, 2023
Abstract In a comprehensive study to assess various aspects of the performance qualified forensic firearms examiners, volunteer examiners compared both bullets and cartridge cases fired from three different types firearms. They rendered opinions on each comparison according Association Firearm & Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE) Range Conclusions, as Identification, Inconclusive (A, B, or C), Elimination, Unsuitable. this part study, sets used previously characterize overall accuracy were blindly resubmitted repeatability (105 examiners; 5700 comparisons cases) reproducibility (191 bullets, 193 cases; 5790 comparisons) examinations. Data gathered using prevailing AFTE also recategorized into two hypothetical scoring systems. Consistently positive differences between observed agreement expected indicate that exceed chance agreement. When averaged over cases, decisions (involving all five levels Range) was 78.3% for known matches 64.5% nonmatches. Similarly 67.3%% 36.5% For reproducibility, many disagreements definitive inconclusive category. Examiner are reliable trustworthy in sense identifications unlikely when comparing non‐matching items, eliminations they matching items.
Language: Английский
Citations
11
Law Probability and Risk, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 19(3-4), P. 317 - 364
Published: Dec. 1, 2020
Abstract In the past decade, and in response to recommendations set forth by National Research Council Committee on Identifying Needs of Forensic Sciences Community (2009), scientists have conducted several black-box studies that attempt estimate error rates firearm examiners. Most these resulted vanishingly small rates, at least one them (D. P. Baldwin, S. J. Bajic, M. Morris, D. Zamzow. A Study False-Positive False-Negative Error Rates Cartridge Case Comparisons. Technical report, Ames Lab IA, Performing, Fort Belvoir, VA, April 2014.) was cited President’s Advisors Science Technology (PCAST) during Obama administration, as an example a well-designed experiment. What has received little attention, however, is actual calculation particular, effect inconclusive findings those estimates. The treatment inconclusives assessment errors far-reaching implications legal system. Here, we revisit area firearms examination, investigating their results. It clear there are stark differences rate results regions with different norms for training reporting conclusions. More surprisingly, decisions materials from sources notably higher than same-source some regions. To mitigate effects this difference propose unifying approach directly applicable forensic laboratories settings.
Language: Английский
Citations
28
Forensic Science International Synergy, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 2, P. 701 - 702
Published: Jan. 1, 2020
Language: Английский
Citations
15
Forensic Science International Synergy, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 4, P. 100228 - 100228
Published: Jan. 1, 2022
A sample (n = 79) of practicing firearm and toolmark examiners was queried about casework as well their views the potential role that statistics might play in future examinations expert witness testimony. Principal findings include: The modal response for time spent conducting bullet is 2–4 hours, cartridge casings 1–2 hours. average participant (median) makes an identification 65% casework, elimination 12% reports examination inconclusive 20% calls. vast majority work at laboratories permit eliminations when class characteristics agree. reported industry-wide false positive error rate 1%, though very few participants could name a study or give citation estimate. Qualitative responses were mixed.
Language: Английский
Citations
9
Journal of Forensic Sciences, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 68(3), P. 1097 - 1101
Published: April 21, 2023
Language: Английский
Citations
4
Journal of Forensic Sciences, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 69(6), P. 2028 - 2040
Published: Aug. 22, 2024
Abstract Traditionally, firearm and toolmark examiners manually evaluate the similarity of features on two bullets using comparison microscopy. Advances in microscopy have made it possible to collect 3D topographic data, several automated algorithms been introduced for bullet striae these data. In this study, open‐source approaches cross‐correlation, congruent matching profile segments, consecutive striations, a random forest model were evaluated. A statistical characterization was performed four datasets consecutively manufactured firearms provide challenging scenario. Each approach applied all samples pairwise fashion, classification performance compared. Based findings, Bayesian network empirically learned constructed leverage strengths each individual approach, relationship between results, combine them into posterior probability given comparison. The evaluated similarly approaches, results developed classified 99.6% correctly, resultant distributions significantly separated more so than when used isolation.
Language: Английский
Citations
1
Nature Communications, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 15(1)
Published: Sept. 8, 2024
Language: Английский
Citations
1
Multimedia Tools and Applications, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 82(13), P. 20655 - 20681
Published: Oct. 21, 2022
Abstract A crime scene can provide valuable evidence critical to explain reason and modality of the occurred crime, it also lead arrest criminals. The type collected by investigators or law enforcement may accordingly effective involved cases. Bullets cartridge cases examination is paramount importance in forensic science because they contain traces microscopic striations, impressions markings, which are unique reproducible as “ballistic fingerprints”. analysis bullets a complicated challenging process, typically based on optical comparison, leading identification employed firearm. New methods have recently been proposed for more accurate comparisons, rely three-dimensionally reconstructed data. This paper aims at further advancing recent introducing novel immersive technique ballistics comparison means Virtual Reality. Users examine shapes through intuitive natural gestures, from any vantage viewpoint (including internal iper-magnified views), while having their disposal sets visual aids could not be easily implemented desktop-based applications. user study was conducted assess viability performance our solution, fourteen individuals acquainted with standard procedures used agencies. Results clearly indicated that approach faster adaptation users UI/UX explainable results.
Language: Английский
Citations
7