Ear print analysis

Ear print analysis is used as a means of forensic identification intended as an identification tool similar to fingerprinting. An earprint is a two-dimensional reproduction of the parts of the outer ear that have touched a specific surface (most commonly the helix, antihelix, tragus and antitragus).[1] The first ear print identification of a criminal was made in Switzerland in 1965[2] and ear print analysis has also been successfully used to solve crimes in the UK and the Netherlands.[3] In addition to identification, the height of an ear imprint at a crime scene may also provide investigators with information regarding the stature of the perpetrator.[4]

The European Commission is currently trying to create a database that will set the worldwide standard for ear print analysis.[5] Ear print analysis is considered to be more economical than DNA profiling, and is considered to be very reliable because it is unlikely a technician would leave an ear print behind in a crime scene.

To study the strength of ear prints as evidence the forensic ear identification, (FearID) research program was started in 2005 with ear prints from 1229 donors.[6]

Use as evidence

The use of ear prints as evidence in court is still being studied. The creation of the ear print identification system (similar to the fingerprint identification system) was developed by a University of Leicester Professor Guy Rutty along with a private forensics company. The team presented its work at the American Academy of Forensic Sciences in Dallas.[3]

References

  1. ↑ Curiel López de Arcautea, A.M.; Granell Navarro, J. (August 2006). "La huella de oreja como método de identificación" [Ear Print as an Identification Method] (PDF). Acta Otorrinolaringológica Española. 57 (7): 329–332.
  2. ↑ Berbell, Carlos (2005). CSI: casos reales españoles (in Spanish). La Esfera de los Libros. ISBN 9788497343510.
  3. 1 2 Catchpole, Heather (10 March 2004). "Ear prints used to catch a thief". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
  4. ↑ Van Der Lugt, C.; Nagelkerke, N.J.D.; Maat, G.J.R. (April 2005). "Study of the Relationship between a Person's Stature and the Height of an Ear Imprint from the Floor". Medicine, Science and the Law. 45 (2): 135–141. doi:10.1258/rsmmsl.45.2.135.
  5. ↑ "Ear Print Analysis". World of Forensic Science. encyclopedia.com. 2005. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
  6. ↑ Alberink, Ivo; Ruifrok, Arnout (2 March 2007). "Performance of the FearID earprint identification system". Forensic Science International. 166 (2–3): 145–154. doi:10.1016/j.forsciint.2006.05.001.


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