In the world of forensic science, time is often both friend and foe. On one hand, the precise, methodical nature of our work is crucial to producing reliable and defendable results. On the other hand, backlogs and long turnaround times can slow investigations and impact justice. The backlog issue is not new, but it’s one that continuously demands innovative solutions.
Enter the research by Rachel Hudman, Deborah Hines, and Shawna Hilliard, recently published in Forensic Science International (2024). Their study explores a particularly impactful intervention: a latent print Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) deferral policy implemented by the Latent Print Comparative Section (LPCS) of the Phoenix Police Department Laboratory Services Bureau (PPD LSB). By examining the outcomes over five years, they highlight how strategic deferrals can help forensic labs overcome growing backlogs and improve efficiency, thereby creating a model for other labs facing similar challenges.
Understanding the AFIS Deferral Policy
The AFIS deferral policy developed by the Phoenix Police Department is based on prioritizing latent print evidence submissions based on specific criteria rather than automatically sending all prints through the AFIS system. In traditional practice, latent print examiners process a vast volume of prints through AFIS, aiming to match latent fingerprints with known prints in the database. However, not all latent prints have an equal chance of yielding probative results. For example, low-quality or partial prints may have minimal chance of leading to a match, especially if insufficient ridge detail is available.
The deferral policy allows latent print examiners to postpone AFIS searches for prints that are unlikely to produce valuable matches. Instead, examiners can allocate resources and AFIS time to prints with a higher potential for success, streamlining workflow and reducing redundant efforts. This approach allows examiners to focus their expertise where it is most likely to yield results, ultimately helping reduce backlogs and turn-around times for latent print analysis.
The Impact: Measurable Reductions in Backlogs and Turnaround Times
Over five years, the LPCS found the deferral policy led to notable improvements, including a staggering 90.96% reduction in backlogged requests over a single year and a 26.32% decrease in turnaround times. These improvements are not merely numbers on paper; they translate to real-world benefits for ongoing investigations. Reducing turnaround time means that casework moves forward faster, aiding law enforcement and the justice system in their missions.
Imagine a scenario where a latent print found at a crime scene needs immediate processing. A backlog can delay this crucial analysis, potentially leading to missed investigative opportunities or prolonged cases. By implementing the deferral policy, the LPCS has freed up resources and capacity, allowing critical cases to be processed more promptly. A decrease in turnaround time also helps streamline communication with detectives and other criminal justice professionals who rely on timely forensic data to make informed decisions.
Why an AFIS Deferral Policy Matters
At first glance, deferring an AFIS search may seem counterintuitive. Isn’t the goal to search all prints to see if they match any known individuals in the database? In forensic science, pragmatism is often as essential as thoroughness. Deferring low-likelihood prints enables forensic professionals to focus their time and resources more efficiently. In a field where backlogs can slow down the justice process, making calculated choices about AFIS submissions can enhance a lab’s overall effectiveness.
The Phoenix Police Department’s experience serves as a proof-of-concept that deferral policies can provide clear, measurable improvements without sacrificing the quality of forensic analysis. The policy shifts focus to cases that matter most, ensuring that resources are directed toward cases with a better chance of yielding probative results.
The Role of Policy in Latent Print Examination
As crime scene technicians, friction ridge examiners, and latent print experts, we all know the pressure of backlogs. Every case that comes across our desks demands careful attention, yet many labs across the country struggle with resource constraints and an ever-increasing demand for forensic services. Policies like the AFIS deferral policy highlight the importance of institutional change as a tool for overcoming these challenges.
When a deferral policy is in place, it empowers examiners to make judgment calls based on the quality and utility of each print. The implementation of such policies requires training and support for latent print examiners, helping them develop criteria for selecting prints to defer. Over time, this knowledge enables examiners to work with greater autonomy, potentially enhancing job satisfaction by reducing the pressure to process every single print through AFIS.
Embracing Innovation and Continuous Improvement
The forensic science field must remain open to innovative policies like the AFIS deferral approach. The AFIS deferral policy offers a clear example of how business practices can evolve to enhance forensic laboratory performance. Adapting such policies not only requires administrative and institutional buy-in but also an openness from examiners to consider different ways of doing their work.
The Phoenix Police Department’s results emphasize that even small procedural changes, when applied strategically, can make a significant difference. Their success with AFIS deferral shows that efficiency doesn’t mean cutting corners; it means making intelligent, informed choices about where to apply one’s efforts. Forensic science is continuously advancing, and latent print examination must evolve alongside it.
What’s Next? Expanding the AFIS Deferral Model
Given the success of the Phoenix Police Department’s deferral policy, other forensic labs should consider evaluating their current practices and assessing whether a similar policy could alleviate their backlogs. Introducing an AFIS deferral policy may require initial planning and adjustments, but the benefits could far outweigh these challenges.
As forensic professionals, we should remain engaged with research and practice improvements within our field. Hudman, Hines, and Hilliard’s research is an excellent example of how strategic adjustments in casework processes can lead to substantial efficiency gains. The latent print community stands to benefit greatly from these types of policies, and it is up to us to advocate for their implementation in our own laboratories.
Takeaways for Latent Print Examiners
For those of us working in latent print examination, the Phoenix Police Department’s AFIS deferral policy offers several valuable lessons:
- Prioritize Print Quality: Not all prints are created equal and focusing on high-quality prints can save time and resources.
- Adapt and Innovate: Policies like the AFIS deferral model demonstrate the importance of innovation in forensic science, where changes can have lasting, positive impacts.
- Engage with Research: Staying informed about the latest research helps us understand potential improvements and apply them in our daily work.
- Advocate for Efficiency: Efficiency is not the enemy of thoroughness. Thoughtful policies can ensure resources are applied where they are most effective without compromising quality.
The work of Hudman, Hines, and Hilliard is more than a study; it’s an invitation to rethink our workflows. As latent print examiners, we’re tasked not only with high-quality analysis but also with finding ways to improve our field. The Phoenix Police Department’s experience shows that we can tackle challenges like backlogs and turnaround times with smart, calculated approaches. By considering the adoption of deferral policies, forensic laboratories across the country can benefit from reduced backlogs, improved turnaround times, and a more efficient workflow that ultimately serves the cause of justice.
Curious about implementing similar efficiency-boosting policies in your forensic lab? Dive into the research to learn how deferral strategies can improve workflow and case resolution times. Read the full study [Link to Study] and explore ways to enhance your lab’s performance.