Error rates and proficiency tests in the fingerprint domain: A matter of perspective and conceptualization.

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this work is to critically analyse the aspects connected both with the measurement of error rates and with the design of proficiency tests and collaborative exercises in the fingerprint domain. All from the dual perspective of practitioners and organizers of PT's/CE's. A thorough analysis of the types of errors, of the methods to infer them through black-box studies and PT's/CE's is carried out, and the limits to the generalization of error rates are described, providing insightful indication on how to design PT's/CE's in the fingerprint domain, which are aimed to represent the complexity of casework.