Finger print examination can be a very difficult and cumbersome process despite the technological advances that many countries have experienced. Fingerprints are used by forensic examiners who investigate different crimes (Dror, 2011). They are collected from the crime scene and taken to the lab to be processed. However, there have been challenges during collection and processing such distortion. As such, it needs technical knowledge and some level of expertise such as latent print examiners who are specialized and focus on comparing fingerprints that are collected from the crime scene with their sources.
Finger print examination and comparison can be termed as subjective or objective. Subjective means the comparison is based on feelings, intentions or perceptions of an individual and not the external factors on the other hand objective comparison relies on external variables or factors. It also means that it is done without prejudice or bias (Press, 2009).
An objective analysis of finger prints followed by an objective comparison will always arrive at an objective evaluation. According to respected examiners, there is no way an objective analysis will result in a subjective assessment. When making a decision based on your feelings about a particular phenomenon, it becomes a subjective decision, and when it is made based on physical facts and evidence, it is an objective decision (Moenssens et al., 1973). It is advisable that the examiners should work at reaching for an objective evaluation and decision.
A good example of a subjective decision is; closing your eyes when you reach an intersection and making a decision basing on what you feel about either continuing or stopping at the intersection. Comparing with an objective decision is when at the intersection you look at the red light on the traffic lights and knowing the fact that there are regulations against it you make a stop. In this case, your decision was made on observable physical facts and not by your feelings.
In fingerprints examination, when the information and details are clearer it means that the evaluation will be less subjective. As such, the higher the experience and level of training the less subjective the evaluation would be (Osterburg, 1969).
Finally, the process of finger print identification by use of computers programmed for duplication and accuracy can be considered as objective. However, some applications may not need any human verification or input.
References
Dror, I. E., Champod, C., Langenburg, G., Charlton, D., Hunt, H., & Rosenthal, R. (2011). Cognitive issues in fingerprint analysis: inter-and intra-expert consistency and the effect of a targetcomparison. Forensic Science International, 208(1), 10-17.
Moenssens, A. A., Inbau, F. E., & Starrs, J. E. (1973). Scientific evidence in criminal cases (p. 412). Foundation Press.Osterburg, J. W. (1969). The evaluation of physical evidence in criminalistics: subjective or objective process?. The Journal of Criminal Law, Criminology, and Police Science, 60(1), 97-101.
Press, S. J. (2009). Subjective and objective Bayesian statistics: principles, models, and applications (Vol. 590). John Wiley & Sons.
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