Exploratory study on classification and individualisation of earprints

• Published in: Forensic science international Vol. 140; no. 1; pp. 91 - 99
• Main Authors: Meijerman, Lynn, Sholl, Sarah, De Conti, Francesca, Giacon, Marta, van der Lugt, Cor, Drusini, Andrea, Vanezis, Peter, Maat, George
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ireland Ltd 10.02.2004; Elsevier; The Lancet Publishing Group, a division of Elsevier Science Ltd; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Analysis; Biological and medical sciences; Burglary; Classification; Cluster analysis; Crime scene mark; Crime scene searches; Ear; Ear, External - anatomy & histology; Earprint; Forensic Medicine - methods; Forensic Medicine - standards; Forensic sciences; Humans; Identification; Individualisation; Injuries of the nervous system and the skull. Diseases due to physical agents; Medical sciences; Pesticides, fertilizers and other agrochemicals toxicology; Studies; Toxicology; Traumas. Diseases due to physical agents; Earprint; Identification; Individualisation; Classification; Crime scene mark; Murder
• ISSN: 0379-0738; 1872-6283
• DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2003.10.024

The FearID research project is aimed at the individualisation of earprints for the purpose of forensic research. The study presented here was carried out within the framework of this project. It intends to combine a review of what is known from literature on the classification and individualisation of earprints with results from a preliminary study of earprints. Possibilities for, and limitations to, the use of earprints in forensic investigation are addressed. Differences between eliminating a suspect, placing a suspect at a crime scene, and linking crimes by prints left at different scenes are considered.