The statistical evaluation of torn and cut duct tape physical end matching.

摘要

Duct tape is often found in association with criminal activity. Through duct tape end matching, analysts can physically reunite separated fragments. Based on the principle that each tear is unique, this type of matching has a significantly high evidentiary value. This study researches duct tape physical end matching, including criteria for the matching process, a protocol for training analysts, and a statistical evaluation of the associated error and accuracy rates. The experimental design consists of a blind study in which three Graduate Student Researchers individually analyzed 2200 pairs of duct tape. This study confirms it is possible to use physical end matching to identify duct tape samples as matching or non-matching and that the differences between analysts, brands, tape grades, tape color, and methods of separation have varying contributions to misidentifications and inconclusive results. This study also demonstrates the importance of peer review in duct tape analysis.