RE: Re: DNA predictions flawed? DNA matches but the man doesn't.A major
difference between DNA, specifically the CODIS program, and "ballistic
fingerprinting" as used in the NIBIN system coordinated nationally by the ATF
and FBI, is in the nature of "matching." In CODIS, the computer actually makes
the "match." In NIBIN, the computer search reports possible matching records.
It is then the responsibility of a trained forensic firearms examiner to
examine the images, and eventually the actual evidence, and establish whether
or not there is a match involved. This is the same as the AFIS networks in use
for fingerprint identification; eventually a trained criminalist must look at
the specific items and determine if they do match, or merely have sufficient
cyber qualities that the computer reports them out as possibles.
Also, while "ballistic fingerprinting" as used in Maryland and New York uses
the same type hardware as NIBIN (FTI's IBIS), under the rules established by
the federal government, the systems are maintained seperate of each other. Of
course, as all reports have indicated, no "ballistic fingerprint" system has
identified a crime firearm; NIBIN routinely identifies crime scene evidence to
both other crimes and to standards submitted as part of criminal investigations.
Paul R. Laska
Forensic Consultant
www.PaulRLaskaForensicConsulting.com 561-722-4435
In the name of freedom, there has to be a correlation between rights and
duties, by which every person is called to assume responsibility for his or her
choices.
-- Pope Benedict XVI, addressing the UN General Assembly
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