Investigative Techniques: Federal Agency Views on the Potential Application of "Brain Fingerprinting"
Abstract
Brain Fingerprinting is a proposed investigative technique that incorporates the use of a test administered to a subject that consists of specific information related to a particular event or activity. According to its developer, the technique requires a sufficient amount of specific information about the event or activity that would be known only to the perpetrator and the investigator. The developer has indicated, therefore, that Brain Fingerprinting is not designed as a screening tool-a function that involves questioning a subject about events unknown to the investigator. In administering the Brain Fingerprinting test, a subject is shown a sequence of various stimuli on a computer screen in the form of words, phrases, or pictures-some that are related to the event or activity and others that are Irrelevant. An electroencephalograph (EEG)2 records the subject's electrical brain activity, which appears as a waveform. The technique employs a statistical method to analyze the components of the waveform to determine whether or not the subject recognizes the information. According to the developer, an investigator would be able to use this information as evidence for or against a suspect. For example, the developer has indicated that the technique could be used to determine whether a suspect has knowledge of details about a crime.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA397206
Entities
People
- Charles E. Grassley
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office