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In “DNA from Fingerprints?” by Rebecca Kanable and “Fingerprints: Not a Gold Standard” by Jennifer Mnookin, both have opinions regarding fingerprinting in the nations crime laboratories. While equally agree that there is a need for improvement in fingerprint testing, Mnookin feels that the reliability of fingerprint analysis should be put to the test and Kanable feels that fingerprint testing has not lived up to its full potential. Each have valid arguments and are well proficient in their fields. Even though Kanable bases her arguments on testing already being done in the UK, Paul Giannellis article “Crime Labs Need Improvement” supports Mnookin and her skepticism regarding fingerprint analysis.
In the nations crime laboratories, there is no documented standard for fingerprint identification according to Mnookin and Giannelli. Mnookin feels that other aspects of evidence analysis has been scrutinized or has a minimum standard, so why hasnt fingerprinting? Giannelli agrees, asking why only three states have any kind of accreditation or standard. Mnookin states that ever since fingerprinting was first used it has never been questioned. She goes further in showing that while some laboratories use the “point-counting” method; others feel that the print should be looked at as a whole print. (Mnookin) Giannelli states that many laboratories lack sufficient funding and proficiency examinations.
Kanable has a more faithful view of fingerprint analysis. She feels that simple identification is not enough. Basing her argument on a process already occurring in the United Kingdom, Kanable believes that fingerprints could also be used in DNA analysis. Many of the fingerprints that are obtained can be smudged or only a partial. According to Kanable and her research, those fingerprints that are unidentifiable could be analyzed for DNA. Kanable states that most fingerprints have sufficient DNA to be tested and identified.
Mnookin and Giannelli, on the other hand, feel that the nations crime laboratories ability to effectively identify fingerprints is flawed. Mnookin bases this statement on the fact that too many of the laboratories use different techniques and minimum standards. Giannelli bases his claim on the lack of funds and advances available to the countrys laboratories. Both claim that each laboratorys practices should be evaluated. Mnookin and Giannelli want the government to realize that with the amount of responsibility that each laboratory has they should have standards for all aspects of evidence analysis including fingerprint identification.
Kanable believes that while fingerprint analysis and identification in the United States is accepted, it could be improved upon.