Sufficient Agreement and Best Known Nonmatch

Home > Cartridge and Shotshell Examination > Identification Process > Sufficient Agreement and Best Known Nonmatch

The second of the three principles of the AFTE Theory of Identification indicates that the degree of correspondence which must be exceeded to constitute sufficient agreement for an identification is the best known nonmatch (by each individual examiner) to have been produced by different tools. Ideally, the examiner would gain experience in this during their initial training period rather than when they begin to perform actual examinations on their own.

The third principle of the AFTE Theory of Identification indicates that, although founded on the scientific method and reproducibility of results, the interpretation is subjective in nature. It is the policy of most laboratories that a second qualified examiner verify the findings of the first examiner.

Ultimately, sufficient agreement is the product of the examiner’s personal training, skills, and experience in

recognizing corresponding patterns of matching striations,
recognizing corresponding patterns within impressed toolmarks,
determining the best known non-match in their personal experience,
training and experience in comparing striated and impressed toolmarks.

It is incumbent on each examiner to rely on their training and experience to identify and to be able to articulate the process used to determine sufficient agreement and best known nonmatch.

< Previous Page :: Next Page >