FP9 Response Accepted AI-assessed

Features demonstrable to lay persons

Recommendation

Features on which examiners rely should be demonstrable to a lay person with normal eye sight as observable in the mark.

Published Evidence Summary
The following publicly available evidence relates to this recommendation:
According to the Scottish Police Authority Forensic Services, 2016, SPA Forensic Services implemented reformed presentation standards as part of UKAS-accredited practice, requiring features on which examiners rely to be demonstrable to lay persons. This reform ensures features are observable and demonstrable in court proceedings. 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

Features on which examiners rely are now required to be demonstrable to lay persons. Implemented through reformed presentation standards as part of UKAS-accredited practice.

View detailed findings

SPA Forensic Services reformed evidence presentation to ensure features are observable and demonstrable in court proceedings.

SPA Forensic Services overview 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 Presentation Court
Recommendation age 14.3 yrs
Last formal update 5213 days ago