Forensic analysis of visual patterns

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has asserted that forensic analysis based on observation of visual evidence, such as patterned impressions of fingerprints, does not qualify as metrology, the science of measurement; in response, a Perspective explores the fundamental processes underlying human sensation and perception and counters that biological sensory systems are quantitatively attuned to patterns as well as differences and similarities among objects and argues that the DOJ's assertion is incorrect and that clarification of such processes may improve the accuracy of forensic analysis.

Article #21-02702: "The US Department of Justice stumbles on visual perception," by Thomas D. Albright.

MEDIA CONTACT: Salk Communications, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA; email: press@salk.edu

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