Forensic Databases
What is a database?
A collection of data that share common attributes, and
can be used to match or compare to a submitted item
Databases are searchable on a number of identifying
points
Example: Fingerprint characteristis
IAFIS
The Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification
System
Maintained by the FBI
Contains nearly 50 million fingerprint images
Free Fingerprint DB
Verifinger
Can be used to build your own database of prints
(limited to 10 prints)
NOT part of the FBI master database
Other Fingerprint DBs
Interpol
Local – by country
Limitations on Keeping
Records
Generally, can collect and keep for ALL felonies
Minors may not, depending on the country, be
included in that country’s DB
In US, generally have to apply to have fingerprints
removed from record if adjudged innocent
FBI DNA Database
Combined DNA Index System (CODIS)
Allows federal, state and local crime labs to exchange
and compare DNA profiles.
Collected by state
Felony sexual offenses
Other crimes, depending on state statutes
Can include children
Family Connections
A database may reveal that someone is related to the
actual suspect
For example, a brother or another blood relative
The law is not consistent on how it treats the nearmatches – are they permitted to use the presence of
relatives to search for suspects?
National Integrated Ballistics
Information Network
NIBIN
Maintained by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms,
and Explosives (ATF)
Does NOT match to a definite gun
Provides a list of POSSIBLE choices, that will be
verified by a professional examiner to compare with
As of 2007, no crime solved with assistance of ballistics
DB
International Forensic Automotive
Paint Data Query
PDQ
Contains chemical and color information on
automotive paints.
Maintained by RCMP (Mounties) of Canada
Used primarily for hit & run investigation
Shoe Prints
SICAR (Shoeprint Image Capture & Retrieval)
Commercially available database
Solemate
Other Databases
Use the Pearltrees list
Pearltrees
Using Comparisons in Forensic
Anthropology
Examine the handout (Which Pelvis is It?)
Work in pairs to determine the gender of each pelvis
Justify your results on paper – 1 submitted per team
Use the Product Rule
Case A
Case B
Case C
FGA 24,24 – 3.6 %
vWA 14, 19 – 6.2 %
CSF1PO 9.10 – 11.2
%
Th01 6,8 – 8.1 %
D21S11 30,30 – 3.9 % D185S51 14,17 – 2.8
%
D165539 11,12 – 8.9
%
D13S317 12,12 – 8.5
%
D8S1179 17,18 – 6.7
%
The above are 3 possible combinations of DNA characteristics that
may be found in a genetic profile. Rank from most common to
least common.