The 2016 ENFSI Fingerprint Working Group testing programme.

In 2016, the Fingerprint Working Group (EFP-WG) of the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI), officially established an advisory group with the task of organising proficiency tests (PTs), as well as collaborative exercises (CEs) as a way of raising standards within the fingerprint profession. This article will provide an overview of the Visualisation collaborative exercise and the Comparison proficiency test, which were carried out in 2016. Both the exercise and the test were organised and co-funded by the Prevention of and Fight against Crime Programme of the European Union [1-3], Direct Grant "Towards the Vision for European Forensic Science 2020 (TVEFS-2020)" HOME/2013/ISEC/MO/ENFSI/4000005962, work package T3 "Proficiency Tests and Collaborative Exercises for the Fingerprint Domain". The characteristics of the testing programme are summarised, followed by an overview of the knowledge that has been gained, including lessons learnt.

The 2015 ENFSI Fingerprint Working Group testing programme.

As early as 2004, the Fingerprint Working Group (EFP-WG) of the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI) has organised proficiency tests (PT's), as well as collaborative exercises (CE's), as a way of raising standards within the fingerprint profession. This article provides an overview of the three collaborative exercises carried out in 2015. The characteristics of the testing programme are summarised, followed by an overview of the knowledge that has been gained, including depicting what lessons have been learnt.

ENFSI collaborative testing programme for fingermarks: Past experiences and future perspectives.

As early as 2004 the Fingerprint Working Group of the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI) has organised proficiency tests (PT's) as well as collaborative exercises (CE's) as a way of raising standards within the fingerprint profession. Participation in PT's and CE's is a key element in the ISO/IEC accreditation process as they enable laboratories to monitor the quality of their analytical results. On the basis of the European Council Framework Decision 2009/905/JHA, of 30 November 2009, on Accreditation of forensic service providers carrying out laboratory activities[1], from November 15th of 2015, only accredited laboratories are allowed to exchange fingerprint data with other EU countries. This article will provide an overview of the ENFSI collaborative tests for fingermarks in the fields of visualisation, imaging and individualisation. The characteristics of the testing programme are summarised, followed by an overview of the knowledge that has been gained, including lessons learnt. It is hoped that this reflective process can outline the critical issues that should be addressed as well as highlight future opportunities in relation to Monopoly Project 2013, "Proficiency Tests and Collaborative Exercises for the Fingerprint Domain".