FP-COMPLEX Response Accepted AI-assessed

Complex marks examination

Recommendation

Processes should be developed to ensure that complex marks such as those in question are treated differently, by examination by three suitably qualified examiners who reach their conclusion independently, make notes at each stage, and record reasons for their conclusions.

Published Evidence Summary
The following publicly available evidence relates to this recommendation:
According to Scottish Police Authority Forensic Services, 2016, SPA Forensic Services developed processes for the examination of complex marks by three suitably qualified examiners who reach conclusions independently, make notes at each stage, and record reasons for their conclusions. According to Scottish Police Authority Forensic Services, 2016, these procedures form part of the standard operating procedures within SPA Forensic Services and are maintained through UKAS accreditation, 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

Processes developed for examination of complex marks by three suitably qualified examiners reaching conclusions independently, with notes at each stage and recorded reasons. Implemented within UKAS-accredited practice.

View detailed findings

Complex mark examination procedures now form part of the standard operating procedures within SPA Forensic Services. UKAS accreditation ensures independent verification processes are maintained.

SPA Forensic Services Quality assurance 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 Complex Marks Methodology Verification
Recommendation age 14.3 yrs
Last formal update 5213 days ago