FP5 Response Accepted AI-assessed

Basis of conclusions

Recommendation

Experts should list all variables considered and state whether the conclusion has been reached through training and personal experience or on any other basis such as statistical analysis.

Published Evidence Summary
The following publicly available evidence relates to this recommendation:
According to Scottish Police Authority Forensic Services, 2016, SPA Forensic Services experts are now required to list all variables considered and state the basis for their conclusions, a practice implemented as part of their UKAS-accredited methodology. According to Scottish Police Authority Forensic Services, 2016, UKAS accreditation requirements enforce standardised methodology for fingerprint comparison, including documentation of the analysis process and basis of conclusions, and according to the available evidence, no further published evidence has been identified since 2016.
How was this assessed?
Assessed by gemini-2.5-flash on 19 Mar 2026
Checked data held on this site (government responses, progress updates, independent evidence)
External sources searched: www.gov.uk, www.gov.scot, www.legislation.gov.uk, hansard.parliament.uk
This recommendation asks for cultural or behavioural change, which is difficult to verify objectively. The assessment is based on policy commitments, not measured outcomes.
Jurisdiction
Scotland
Response
Accepted
Accepted Scottish Government
15 Dec 2011

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill responded on 15 December 2011, the day after the Fingerprint Inquiry report was published. The Scottish Government accepted the inquiry's recommendations. MacAskill stated: "I am confident that the recommendations from this Inquiry will further enhance these services." The Scottish Police Services Authority began drawing up an action plan to implement improvements in time for integration into the new Police Scotland in 2013.

Published Evidence

Published assessments of implementation progress from inspectorates, select committees, official progress reports, and other sources. Check the source type badge to see whether each assessment is independent or government self-reported.

Confirmed Completed
31 Dec 2016
Scottish Police Authority Forensic Services Other

Experts now required to list all variables considered and state the basis for their conclusions. Implemented as part of accredited methodology within SPA Forensic Services.

View detailed findings

UKAS accreditation requirements enforce standardised methodology for fingerprint comparison, including documentation of analysis process and basis of conclusions.

SPA Forensic Services How We Work, ongoing View Source
Source
Inquiry Fingerprint Inquiry
Report The Fingerprint Inquiry Report 14 Dec 2011
View Source
Responsible Bodies
SPA Forensic Services Primary
Themes & Tags
Clinical negligence harms learning Evidence Methodology Disclosure
Recommendation age 14.3 yrs
Last formal update 5213 days ago