QA
Quality Assurance
QC
Quality Control
Quality
The clarity of information contained within a friction ridge impression.
SWGFAST, Standard Terminology of Friction Ridge Examination 3-23-11 ver. 3.0
Qualitative
Concerned with quality or fundamental form and construction.
Quantitative-Qualitative Friction Ridge Analysis, David R. Ashbaugh 1999 CRC Press
Quality/Quantity Relationship
The two factors that combine in an inverse relationship to form the basis for determinations of
suitability or sufficiency of a friction ridge impression. The more quality that is present, the less
quantity is necessary, and vice versa.
Quality Assurance Measures
Procedures aimed at preventing defects, as opposed to inspecting the end product and detecting
defects. Quality assurance measures are part of the quality control system.
Quality assurance measures for the comparative process may include:
-specified requirements (e.g., do not ignore what does not fit, try to falsify your conclusion, look
for other possible conclusions)
-requirements for data used (e.g., only use objective data that can be demonstrated to others)
-tools available (e.g., consultation, AFIS, digital enhancement)
-documentation (e.g., the basis for the conclusion, supporting data)
-requirements for conclusions (e.g., point standard, demonstrable, conclusions that holdup to
scrutiny, only plausible conclusion)
Verification as a means of detecting defects is neither a QA or QC measure since it detects
defects, instead of preventing them from happening.
Quality Control Measures
Procedures to ensure and improve a system, as opposed to a process within a system. Quality
control measures may include activities to evaluate that the quality assurance measures are
meeting the objectives, such as reviews of casework, case audits, testing reagents, maintenance
logs, and inspections.
In the 1920’s, Joseph Juran hypothesized that in order to achieve true quality there needed to be
a change in thinking towards the overall system, including the process, and away from focusing
on detecting defects at the end of the process. Juran is known for developing the gold standard in
Quality theory.
Quantitative
Concerned with quantity or quantities.
Quantitative-Qualitative Friction Ridge Analysis, David R. Ashbaugh 1999 CRC Press
Quantity
The amount of information contained within a friction ridge impression.
SWGFAST, Standard Terminology of Friction Ridge Examination 3-23-11 ver. 3.0
Quickprint
A white adhesive vinyl lifter with a clear polyester cover sheet useful for taking major case prints,
prints from the deceased, or lifting latent prints deposited on skin. Available in several sizes,
including a 1.5 inch x 1 7/16 inch which is perfect for a tenprint card, from Arrowhead Forensics.
See Handiprint.