Forensic Technology: Algorithms Used in Federal Law Enforcement

Abstract

Federal law enforcement agencies GAO reviewed are primarily using three types of forensic algorithms to help assess whether or not evidence collected in a criminal investigation may have originated from an individual: probabilistic genotyping, latent print (fingerprint and palm print) analysis, and face recognition. To a lesser extent, agencies also use algorithms to compare iris images, speech, and handwriting. Each type of algorithm uses different characteristics in its assessment. For example, probabilistic genotyping uses statistics to analyze biological samples found during a criminal investigation to assist in comparisons to a known DNA sample taken from a suspect, or to DNA data profiles from a database of known persons. The Federal Bureau of Investigation currently uses probabilistic genotyping and latent fingerprint algorithms to help assess whether or not evidence collected in a criminal investigation may have originated from an individual and face recognition to generate investigative leads. The National Institute of Standards and Technology and other organizations have developed standards to facilitate transmission of data between agencies.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 12, 2020
Accession Number
AD1157070

Entities

People

  • Karen L. Howard

Organizations

  • United States Government Accountability Office

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Biometric Security
  • Criminal Investigations
  • Department Of Homeland Security
  • Federal Law
  • Governments
  • Homeland Security
  • Identification
  • Identification Systems
  • Identity Management Systems
  • Law
  • Law Enforcement
  • National Security
  • Recognition
  • Standards
  • United States
  • United States Government

Readers

  • Criminal Law
  • Government and Public Administration Law.
  • Image Processing and Computer Vision.

Technology Areas

  • AI & ML