An evaluation of the ACE-V latent fingerprint examination process in the Indonesian National Police

Abstract

This study investigated the implementation of ACE-V (Analysis, Comparison, Evaluation, and Verification) as the standard protocol for fingerprint examination in the Identification Centre of the Indonesian National Police. An online questionnaire-based survey was developed, and 71 Indonesian fingerprint examiners participated. The results showed significant variation in the sequential steps used during the examination process, suggesting the value of exploring more standardized procedures and improving transparency. The findings revealed considerable disparities in compliance with the ACE-V, with each participant adhering to a different sequence of processes during the examination. Several significant deviations from the ACE-V standard protocol were also identified. These included apparent oversights in the examination of discrepancies between the fingermark and reference print, the failure to assess the adequacy of the reference print, and the omission of analysis of distortion in the fingermark.

An absence of consensus was noted among examiners in this study when assessing suitability of fingermarks of moderate quality, which is consistent with the findings of other published studies. The data also indicate that the fingerprint examiner participants adjusted their confidence levels regarding the presence of minutiae in a fingermark after scrutinizing the reference print. These findings indicate the importance of improving detailed documentation of minutiae annotation during the analysis and comparison phase. It is suggested that to ensure that examiners are equipped with a comprehensive understanding of friction ridge skin characteristics and incorporating approaches to ensure the transparency and consistency of the examination process, current training and agency certification processes should be considered.