Document #8 Standard for the Documentation of Analysis, 

Comparison, Evaluation, and Verification (ACE-V), Ver. 2.0

Date of First Issue 05/08/2009 Current Issue Date 09/11/12

Web Posting Date 11/24/12

Date of Last Review N/A Date of Next Review 09-2016 Appendix present/Letter Yes/A,B

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Document #8

Standard for the Documentation of Analysis, Comparison, 

Evaluation, and Verification (ACE-V)

(Latent)

1. Preamble

1.1. When friction ridge detail is examined using the ACE-V methodology, examiners’ documentation shall 

be such that another qualified examiner can determine what was done and interpret the data. 

Documentation shall be made at or near the time of the examination and may be in the form of 

annotated images, narratives, worksheets, annotated legible copies, sketches, Automated Fingerprint 

Identification System (AFIS) or electronic records, or any combination of these methods. This 

documentation will be a part of the case record. A case record consists of the administrative and 

technical records, whether hard copy or electronic, pertaining to a particular case. The case record may 

include digital or physical files of latent lifts, printed photographs, chain of custody, exemplars, case 

notes, requests, and reports.

1.2. Although all examinations require documentation, the extent of the documentation is related to the 

complexity of the examination. The friction ridge impression alone is not sufficient documentation. The 

impression or a legible copy shall be annotated or have accompanying notes.

1.3. It is understood that not all information may be available to the examiner. If the information is available, 

the relevant information shall be noted.

1.4. For the purposes of this standard, “latent print” refers to a questioned friction ridge impression and 

“known print” refers to exemplars of friction ridge skin. Additionally, the standard refers to the 

documentation of ACE-V on preserved latent prints (e.g., latent prints recovered on a lift or in a 

photograph). This standard does not apply to latent prints developed on evidence that are not 

preserved.

1.5. Agency policy should define what constitutes a latent print “of value”. For example, an agency may 

determine that latent prints are “of value” for comparison or that latent prints are “of value” for 

individualization.

2. Analysis

2.1. Latent prints of value

2.1.1. Analysis documentation of a latent print of value shall be completed prior to comparison. The 

quality and quantity of the information present in the latent print will dictate the extent of the 

documentation (Figure 1). At a minimum, the following shall be documented in the case record:
Document #8 Standard for the Documentation of Analysis, 

Comparison, Evaluation, and Verification (ACE-V), Ver. 2.0

Date of First Issue 05/08/2009 Current Issue Date 09/11/12

Web Posting Date 11/24/12

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2.1.1.1. Anatomical source (e.g., fingerprint, palmprint)

2.1.1.2. Anatomical orientation (e.g., distal direction)

2.1.1.3. Presence of level 1 detail

2.1.1.4. Presence of level 2 detail

2.1.2. When known, the following shall be documented within the case record:

2.1.2.1. Substrate

2.1.2.2. Development medium

2.1.2.3. Preservation method (e.g., lift, photograph, legible copy)

2.1.3. The analysis of latent prints may also include documentation of additional factors such as 

matrix, deposition pressure, lateral movement, rotational movement, level 3 detail, or other 

friction ridge skin detail (e.g., creases, scars) (Figure 1).

2.1.4. If the original latent print of value will not be maintained in the case record, a legible copy of the 

latent print shall be retained.

Discussion 

• An examiner marking or noting the anatomical source and anatomical orientation of latent prints 

documents how he or she searched or compared, or intends to search or compare, the latent print. 

• “Of value” can be indicated by symbols or markings. These symbols or markings could also denote 

the anatomical source, anatomical orientation, and presence of levels of detail. If used, the agency 

shall define each symbol and its meaning. If the anatomical source or orientation cannot be 

determined, this should be noted. For example, if the examiner is unsure of the anatomical source 

or orientation, a “?” could be placed next to the symbol marking the print.

• The substrate, development medium, or preservation method can have a significant impact on the 

appearance of a latent print. If the latent print or legible copy is part of the case record and contains 

this information, it may be considered documented. Substrate, development medium, or 

preservation method may be recorded in case notes. 

• Additional analytical factors, particularly on complex prints, provide the basis for distortion 

interpretation and explanations for variation in appearance. This information may be documented via 

annotated images, annotated legible copies of images, notations on a worksheet, or in a narrative 

description. See Section 6 (Documentation of Complex Latent Print Examinations).

•
Document #8 Standard for the Documentation of Analysis, 

Comparison, Evaluation, and Verification (ACE-V), Ver. 2.0

Date of First Issue 05/08/2009 Current Issue Date 09/11/12

Web Posting Date 11/24/12

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Figure 1

An example of an annotated legible copy of latent print from a lift card demonstrating a more detailed 

documentation of the analysis.

2.2. Latent prints of no value

The presence of friction ridge impressions that are of no value shall be documented (Figure 2).

Discussion 

• It is important to indicate in the case file that latent prints were analyzed and determined to be of 

no value. Documentation, for example, may be accomplished by making a “no value” notation 

(e.g., “NV”) on a lift, photograph, or legible copy retained as part of the case record. 

Documentation may be accomplished by indicating in case notes that “no value” impressions are 

present on a lift or photograph. 

• Although it is permissible to retain all latent prints, original or legible copies of latent prints that are 

of no value do not need to be retained in the case record. 
Document #8 Standard for the Documentation of Analysis, 

Comparison, Evaluation, and Verification (ACE-V), Ver. 2.0

Date of First Issue 05/08/2009 Current Issue Date 09/11/12

Web Posting Date 11/24/12

Date of Last Review N/A Date of Next Review 09-2016 Appendix present/Letter Yes/A,B

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Figure 2

Copy of lift card with latent prints of value and latent prints of no value documented. There is a semicircle over the 

top of each latent print of value for comparison (also marked “A” and “B”). The symbol represents the anatomical 

source, the anatomical orientation, and the presence of level 1 and level 2 detail. The “NV” indicates that there 

are latent prints of no value also present on the lift card. The substrate is listed on the lift card. The preservation 

method (lift) and development technique (powder) are evident. In this example, the legible copy is retained as part 

of the case record.

3. Comparison

3.1. Documentation that records the information relied upon during comparison shall be made for each 

comparison. Documentation of the comparison relies on both the latent print and known print.

3.2. A legible copy of the known prints used to effect an individualization to a latent print shall be retained in 

the case record. At a minimum, the following information shall be documented in the case record:

3.2.1. Unique identifier of the exemplar such as name, date of birth, assigned identification number, 

or reference to the specific exemplars (e.g., date of arrest, date of recording)

3.2.2. Anatomical source(s) represented in the exemplars (fingerprints, palmprints, or footprints)

3.3. When known, the following shall be documented within the case record:

3.3.1. Medium (e.g., ink, livescan)

3.3.2. Origin (e.g., printed from archive, direct submission)

3.4. If latent prints are not individualized to the known prints, a legible copy of the known prints used for 

comparison shall be retained or retrievable. The information listed in Section 2.1 shall be documented.

3.5. Known prints that are deemed insufficient for comparison, or that contain any factors that adversely 

affect the comparison, shall be documented. The quality and quantity of the information present will 

dictate the extent of the documentation. These factors include:
Document #8 Standard for the Documentation of Analysis, 

Comparison, Evaluation, and Verification (ACE-V), Ver. 2.0

Date of First Issue 05/08/2009 Current Issue Date 09/11/12

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3.5.1. Incomplete recording of the friction ridge skin

3.5.2. Missing anatomical sources (e.g., palms, areas of fingers)

3.5.3. Unclear recording of the friction ridge skin

3.6. If re-analysis of the latent print during the comparison results in new information, supplemental notes 

shall be added and dated.

4. Evaluation

4.1. The final conclusion of the comparison of each latent print to each individual shall be documented 

(Figures 3 and 4).

4.2. Documentation of an individualization shall include:

4.2.1. Specific latent friction ridge impression examined

4.2.2. Unique identifier of the exemplar(s) used to reach the conclusion

4.2.3. Specific anatomical source (e.g., right thumb, left palm)

4.2.4. Initials, signature, or equivalent (e.g., unique identifier, electronic signature) of examiner

4.2.5. Date conclusion reached

4.3. Documentation of an inconclusive shall include:

4.3.1. Specific latent friction ridge impression examined

4.3.2. Unique identifier of the exemplar(s) used to reach the conclusion

4.3.3. Specific anatomical source, if applicable (e.g., right thumb, left hypothenar)

4.3.4. Reason (e.g., better exemplars needed, specific anatomical sources needed, insufficient 

friction ridge detail in agreement)

4.3.5. Initials, signature, or equivalent (e.g., unique identifier, electronic signature) of examiner

4.3.6. Date conclusion reached

4.4. Conclusions shall be documented prior to verification.

Discussion

• Documentation of known prints used for comparison could be accomplished by maintaining a legible 

copy of the known prints in the case record. A legible copy may contain all the required information 

listed in 2.1 and 2.2.

• Another method of documentation for exclusions and inconclusive results could be a list of the 

known prints with the required information in the case notes.

• It is important to document the re-analysis of the latent print when new information is observed. New 

information may include a significant change to the orientation of the latent print, the anatomical 

source, or additional ridge detail. 

• If the examiner changes the “of value” decision, this shall be documented. The reason for changing 

the “of value” decision shall also be documented. Any conclusions reached up to the point the 

examiner changes the “of value” decision shall be documented.
Document #8 Standard for the Documentation of Analysis, 

Comparison, Evaluation, and Verification (ACE-V), Ver. 2.0

Date of First Issue 05/08/2009 Current Issue Date 09/11/12

Web Posting Date 11/24/12

Date of Last Review N/A Date of Next Review 09-2016 Appendix present/Letter Yes/A,B

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Figure 3

Legible copy of a lift card with one latent palm print of value documented with a bracket. The symbol documents 

the anatomical source and the presence of level 1 and level 2 detail. The bracket also indicates the anatomical 

orientation. The substrate is listed on the lift card. The preservation method (lift) and development technique 

(powder) are evident. The conclusion is documented on the legible copy of the lift card. In this example, the 

legible copy of the lift card is retained as part of the case record. The case file will require documentation of the 

known prints of John SMITH (e.g., a legible copy of the known prints).

Discussion

• As an example, individualizations could be documented in the case notes or on a lift, photograph, or 

legible copy retained as part of the case record (Figures 3 and 4). A legible copy of the specific 

known prints used to formulate the conclusion shall be retained in the case record.

• The minimum documentation of the known prints under Section 2.2 meets the documentation 

requirement for the “unique identifier of the exemplar(s) used to reach the conclusion”. For example, 

the examiner can record his or her conclusion for each individual for each latent print in case notes. 
Document #8 Standard for the Documentation of Analysis, 

Comparison, Evaluation, and Verification (ACE-V), Ver. 2.0

Date of First Issue 05/08/2009 Current Issue Date 09/11/12

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Figure 4

This worksheet demonstrates the analysis and evaluation for three latent prints. Note, this particular worksheet 

records the conclusions for only one subject; additional worksheets would be needed for additional subjects. In 

this example, the case record would also include the lift card or legible copy that contains markings indicating 

which latent prints were compared and the anatomical orientation. The case record would also contain 

documentation of the known prints of JONES (e.g., a legible copy of the known prints).

5. Verification

5.1. Verification shall be documented and include (Figure 5):

5.1.1. Specific latent friction ridge impression examined

5.1.2. Unique identifier of the exemplar(s) used to reach the conclusion

5.1.3. Anatomical source

5.1.4. Conclusion of the verifying examiner

5.1.5. Initials, signature, or equivalent (e.g., unique identifier, electronic signature) of the verifying 

examiner

5.1.6. Date of verification
Document #8 Standard for the Documentation of Analysis, 

Comparison, Evaluation, and Verification (ACE-V), Ver. 2.0

Date of First Issue 05/08/2009 Current Issue Date 09/11/12

Web Posting Date 11/24/12

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Figure 5

This worksheet demonstrates the analysis, evaluation, and verification for three latent prints. In this example, the 

case record would also include the lift card or legible copy that contains markings indicating which latent prints 

were compared and the anatomical orientation. The case record would also contain documentation of the known 

prints of JONES (e.g., a legible copy of the known prints).

Discussion

• All individualizations shall be verified. 

• Exclusions and inconclusive results may be verified.

• If the following information is available to the verifier, he or she would not have to separately 

document the specific latent friction ridge impression examined, the unique identifier of the 

exemplar(s), the anatomical source, and the conclusion. The verifier’s initials and the date of the 

verification could be placed on a lift, photograph, legible copy retained as part of the case record, 

or in the case examiner’s notes.
Document #8 Standard for the Documentation of Analysis, 

Comparison, Evaluation, and Verification (ACE-V), Ver. 2.0

Date of First Issue 05/08/2009 Current Issue Date 09/11/12

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6. Consultations

6.1. Consultations shall be documented and include:

6.1.1. Specific friction ridge impression(s) reviewed

6.1.2. Nature and result of the consultation (e.g., reviewed individualization)

6.1.3. Initials, signature, or equivalent (e.g., unique identifier, electronic signature) of examiner(s)

6.1.4. Date of consultation

7. Documentation of Complex Latent Print Examinations

7.1. Complex latent print examinations require extensive documentation by the examiner during the 

analysis and subsequent comparison phase of the examination process to establish a foundation for 

conclusions. Analysis of a complex latent print may be documented using images, in conjunction with 

annotations, notations on a worksheet, or narrative description. Analytical factors provide the basis for 

interpretation of distortion and understanding of variation in appearance. 

7.2. A number of factors may be involved in the analysis of a complex latent print that are not part of 

analysis for a non-complex latent print. These factors may include:

7.2.1. Superimposed impressions (e.g., double taps)

7.2.2. Extreme deposition pressure

7.2.3. Slippage

7.2.4. Non-contiguous ridge detail

7.2.5. Substrate distortion

7.2.6. Matrix distortion

7.2.7. Development medium (incomplete ridge development)

7.2.8. Indistinct minutiae

7.2.9. Tonal reversal

7.3. Extensive documentation is required and may include one or more of the following: area mapping, 

ridge tracing, minutiae marking, and detailed level 3 shape marking (Appendix A). Such documentation 

may be accomplished with the aid of high resolution copies of the complex impression image. The 

copies are annotated to indicate those areas of the impression which are problematic due to one or 

more of the factors listed in Section 6.1. The analysis of the latent print may be documented using a 

form similar to the sample in Appendix B. 

7.4. The American National Standards Institute/National Institute of Standards and Technology (ANSI/NIST)

2011 biometric data format provides a standard means of annotation and exchange of friction ridge 

Discussion

• Consultation is a significant interaction between examiners regarding one or more impressions in 

question [1]. Each agency shall define what constitutes a significant interaction.

• The purpose of documenting a consultation is to record information or guidance obtained as a 

result of the consultation. If examiners have significant interaction on a particular print, the 

consulted examiner shall not be used as the verifier for that particular print.
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Comparison, Evaluation, and Verification (ACE-V), Ver. 2.0

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markup that can be used for the documentation of complex examinations. Software such as the 

Universal Latent Workstation incorporates the ANSI standard markup tools.

7.5. Methods of annotating complex areas:

7.5.1. Indicate the area of complexity by outlining, shading, or highlighting the area(s). Delineated 

boundaries must be well defined.

7.5.2. Multiple image copies may be necessary to fully document the interpretation of the complexity 

of the impression.

7.6. Methods of annotating features:

7.6.1. All significant features should be marked on the enlargement(s) or copies of the original digital 

image in an appropriate manner to allow another examiner to clearly distinguish the features as 

interpreted during analysis.

7.6.2. Ridge paths may be traced using the application of a contrasting color to the image such as a 

highlighter for hard copy images or a paintbrush tool associated with digital imaging software.

7.6.2.1. Ridge paths can appear indistinct due to fragmentation caused by poor development 

or improper recording or flowing into an area of low clarity.

7.6.3. Scars and creases may be marked through shading, outlining, or highlighting using a 

contrasting color as described for ridge path mark up.

7.6.4. Minutiae may be marked using symbols that characterize the type of feature as well as the 

confidence level of the examiner regarding feature type and position (Figure 6).

Figure 6

7.7. Poor recording of exemplar or record prints can cause a number of the same problems as described 

with poor quality latent prints. If the examiner must use the recorded prints provided with no opportunity 

to acquire a better quality record, the exemplar should be annotated in a similar fashion as described 

with latent prints above.

Symbol 1 is used to signify an ending ridge with high confidence.

Symbol 2 is used to signify a bifurcation with high confidence.

Symbol 3 is used to signify a feature when the exact left to right positioning is in doubt. 

Symbol 4 is used to signify a feature when the exact left to right positioning and the

exact start and stop position of the feature are in doubt.

Changing the color of the symbol may be used to signify reanalysis of the feature.
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Comparison, Evaluation, and Verification (ACE-V), Ver. 2.0

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7.8. Documentation of the comparison

All significant features should be marked on the enlargements or copies of the digital images (known 

and unknown) in an appropriate manner to allow another examiner to clearly distinguish the features 

relied upon during comparison. Any significant differences in features observed during analysis and 

those relied upon during comparison and providing the basis for a conclusion shall be noted and 

discussed in the notes.

7.9. If enhanced verification is employed, the provisions of this standard shall apply [2]. 

8. References

[1] SWGFAST, Glossary, 5/8/09, ver. 2.0.

[2] SWGFAST, Standards for Examining Friction Ridge Impressions and Resulting Conclusions, 09/13/11 ver. 

1.0.

[3] National Institute of Standards, American National Standard for Information Systems: Data format for the 

interchange of fingerprint, facial & other biometric information, ANSI/NIST-ITL 1-2011, 2011. 

(http://fingerprint.nist.gov/standard)
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Comparison, Evaluation, and Verification (ACE-V), Ver. 2.0

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Appendix A

The example impression used to illustrate a complex latent print annotation displays a variety of 

problem areas that an examiner should acknowledge as part of their case notes using the markup 

techniques described in this document. This represents an extreme example of a complex latent 

print.

 Original Image Quality Mapping Using ULW-EFS

 Ridge Tracing Marking Minutiae
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Comparison, Evaluation, and Verification (ACE-V), Ver. 2.0

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Appendix B
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Comparison, Evaluation, and Verification (ACE-V), Ver. 2.0

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9. Revision Table

Version Effective Start Effective End Posted Archived Change

1.0 05/08/09 02/12/10 07/27/09 03/10/10 Original Issue

1.0 Draft 09/18/09 N/A 10/15/09 10/21/09 Draft For Comment

1.1 Revised 

Draft

09/18/09 N/A 10/21/09 03/10/10 Formatting

1.2 02/12/10 N/A 03/10/10 03/07/12 Added discussion 

1.2 Draft 03/07/12 N/A 04/21/12 Draft for Comment

2.0 09/11/12 N/A 11/24/12 N/A Added Complex documentation 

section 6 & Appendix A & B

Reformatted (start of new 

version number)