Fingerprint evidence practice changes today
4 Sep 06
"Non-numeric" system is based on uniqueness and quality rather than 16 matching point standard
A new system of assessing fingerprint evidence comes into effect today, replacing a method that has been in place for the last 50 years.
Until now, the studying of fingerprints has required a 16-point match in order that experts can declare two fingerprints to be from the same person. The non-numeric system which replaces this is based on a consideration of the print as a whole, making a detailed assessment of its quality and uniqueness.
This system has been in place in Egnland and Wales for the last five years. It is also used in the US.
An overhaul of the Scottish Fingerprint Service was promised by Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson earlier this year. Shirley McKie, the former Strathclyde Police Officer, fought a nine-year case with the Scottish Criminal Records Office, after being accused of lying on oath about fingerprints found at a murder victim's home. Ms McKie was cleared of perjury and was awarded £750,000 when her case settled in January of this year.