Non-Identifiable Fingermarks (NIFM): a new approach
Historically, those fingermarks that experts judge to be insufficient for identification are designated “No Value for Identification” and not used as associative evidence.
Frequent Occurrence
NIFMs occur very commonly and often have discernable characteristics that have been shown to form the basis for lesser degrees of correspondence and probability of occurrence within a population.- There are very large numbers of unused fingermarks
- Many more than identifiable prints
- In other locations, too small for identifiable prints
- Often in clusters showing activity and involvement
- Often in locations of material interest: door handles, keys, credit cards, cell phones, touch screens, ammunition, triggers, zip ties…
Very High Associative Value
Research has demonstrated that objective, quantitative measures of associative value can be applied to NIFMs and there is a strong potential for a high degree of association. Initial study results assigned a weight of evidence for these NIFMs ranging from a probability of occurrence from a random finger of 1 in 10 to more than 1 in 10 billion, with an average of 1 in 380,000.
Potential Contributions of NIFM
The high associative value combined with frequent and abundant make NIFMs an exceptional class of non-definitive circumstantial evidence – comparable to many eye-witnesses in one case, each with a measurable credibility, testifying to what was touched and by whom.Some of the more significant potential contributions include
- More information from available evidence
- Testing credibility of statements and testimony
- Alternative AFIS methods to develop suspects
- Establishing probable cause
- Links among cases
- Cold case investigations
- Post-conviction reviews and post-exoneration investigations
Additional practical benefits arise from the low cost of collection and processing, along with rapid processing methods that enable high throughput.
Stoney Forensic NIFM Research
David Stoney has produced research and publications on fingerprints dating back to his Doctoral Thesis in 1984.
His recent focus has been to lead Stoney Forensic’s program of research into the occurrence and potential utility of Non-Identifiable Fingermarks. This research has been funded by two recent awards from the National Institute of Justice:
Occurrence and Utility of Latent Print Correspondences that are Insufficient for Identification 2017-2019
Evaluation of the Occurrence and Associative Value of Non-Identifiable Fingermarks on Unfired Ammunition in Handguns for Evidence Supporting Proof of Criminal Possession, Use and Intent 2022-2024
Stoney Forensic NIFM Articles and Talks
Utility of Non-Identifiable Fingermarks – FSI 2020
Occurrence and associative value of non-identifiable fingermarks – FSI 2019
Associative Value of Latent Print Correspondences that are Insufficient for Identification – AAFS 2-21-19
Loss of the Fingerprint Exemption: Implications of Changes in Professional Practice
Proceedings of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, Vol. 22, p. 635, February, 2016.
Emergence of Scientific Latent Print Practices: Implications for Examinations, Findings,
Evidence and Decision Making. Proceedings of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, Vol. 20, pp. 253-254, February, 2014.