Document #3 Standard for the Review of Testimony of

Friction Ridge Examiners (Latent/Tenprint) Ver. 1.0 

Date of First Issue 09/11/12 Current Issue Date 09/11/12 

Web Posting Date 11/24/12 

Date of Last Review N/A Date of Next Review 09-2017 Appendix present/Letter Yes/A 

1 of 4 

Document #3 

Standard for the Review of Testimony of Friction Ridge Examiners 

(Latent/Tenprint) 

1. Preamble

Testimony review is a required component of a Quality Assurance Program [1]. 

2. Scope 

2.1. Testimony review evaluates the performance of the examiner in legal proceedings. Each examiner whose 

duties include providing testimony shall have his or her testimony reviewed at least annually. 

2.2. Potential reviewers may include co-workers, supervisors, and officers of the court. 

3. Testimony Review 

3.1. The criteria to be reviewed shall include whether the examiner effectively

3.1.1. Exhibited professional demeanor and appearance. 

3.1.2. Described his or her qualifications, duties, and examination. 

3.1.3. Demonstrated verbal and non-verbal communication. 

3.1.4. Testified within the limits of his or her expertise. 

3.1.5. Conveyed scientific results to the court. 

3.1.6. Presented testimony in an impartial manner. 

3.1.7. Presented demonstrative exhibits. 

3.2. Testimony review mechanisms may consist of any of the following: 

3.2.1. Use of a testimony evaluation form (sample form in Appendix A). 

3.2.2. Communication with court officials. 

3.2.3. Review of written transcript, video, or audio recording of testimony. 

3.2.4. Personal observation of testimony 

3.3. If testimony is not given during the year, that fact shall be documented. 

3.4. The testimony review will be discussed with the examiner. 

3.5. The testimony procedure should also prescribe the corrective action that is to be taken should the review 

be less than satisfactory. 
Document #3 Standard for the Review of Testimony of

Friction Ridge Examiners (Latent/Tenprint) Ver. 1.0 

Date of First Issue 09/11/12 Current Issue Date 09/11/12 

Web Posting Date 11/24/12 

Date of Last Review N/A Date of Next Review 09-2017 Appendix present/Letter Yes/A 

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4. References 

[1] SWGFAST, Standard for a Quality Assurance Program in Friction Ridge Examinations, 9/28/06, Ver. 3.0. 
Document #3 Standard for the Review of Testimony of

Friction Ridge Examiners (Latent/Tenprint) Ver. 1.0 

Date of First Issue 09/11/12 Current Issue Date 09/11/12 

Web Posting Date 11/24/12 

Date of Last Review N/A Date of Next Review 09-2017 Appendix present/Letter Yes/A 

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APPENDIX A

[AGENCY NAME} 

Testimony Evaluation Form

The evaluation of the testimony of our staff is an important part of our quality assurance program. Your cooperation is 

requested in completing this form and returning it to us. 

Thank you for your assistance. 

Analyst 

Date of 

Testimony 

Court Location Case # Court Case #

Evaluator Title 

(Please Print Name/Sign) 

Agency Phone # 

Defendant(s) 

Subject of 

Testimony 

Please return to: [AGENCY NAME & ADDRESS] OR FAX TO: 

Rating 

Excellent Average Poor

1. Was the witness well prepared for trial? 

2. Did the witness have a professional demeanor and appearance? 

3. Did the witness effectively describe his/her qualifications, duties, and analysis? 

4. Did the witness demonstrate verbal and non-verbal communication? 

5. Did the witness testify within the limits of his/her expertise? 

6. How well did the analyst convey scientific results to the court? 

7. Did the analyst present evidence in an un-biased manner? 

8. If applicable, did the analyst present demonstrative exhibits effectively? 

9. Were you satisfied with the overall testimony? 

Please comment on the testimony or ways we might improve our service: [AGENCY USE]

Date Received by [AGENCY] 

Supervisor Date 

 Signature 

Testifying Examiner Date 

Signature 
Document #3 Standard for the Review of Testimony of

Friction Ridge Examiners (Latent/Tenprint) Ver. 1.0 

Date of First Issue 09/11/12 Current Issue Date 09/11/12 

Web Posting Date 11/24/12 

Date of Last Review N/A Date of Next Review 09-2017 Appendix present/Letter Yes/A 

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5. Revision Table 

Version Effective Start Effective End Posted Archived Change 

1.0 09/11/12 N/A 11/24/12 N/A Original Issue