In the forefront of modern technology, WPC Software Limited, of Keynsham near Bristol, is assisting in the development of software for a new type of forensic advance, an enhanced Earprint Database System for the National Training Centre for Scientific Support to Crime Investigation (NTCSSCI) which is based in County Durham. The NTCSSCI is co-operating with other European Police Institutes in developing this project which is funded under the EU OISIN programme.

There is an increasing interest in the recovery of 'earprints' at Crime Scenes and police Crime Scene Examiners are becoming more aware of this innovative method of investigation. A criminal who leans against a window or door, in order to listen on the other side, will leave his or her own distinctive ear impression. A database of over 500 individual records taken from volunteers has already been established. Each record consists of 3 pairs of earprints corresponding to 'light, medium and heavy' pressures when pressing the ear against a flat surface. The system stores images of left and right earprints, and allows viewing of a reference ear for comparison. The next stage of the research is to acquire a representative pan European database of earprints.

WPC will be responsible for enhancing the search capabilities of the existing database system, providing additional functions when required, and for packaging the application to enable it to be easily installed at several European centres.

Keith Fryer, Assistant Director of the National Training Centre said:

Earprint evidence is now being recognised as another crime detection tool and this project will provide an extremely valuable reference source for Earprint Examiners throughout Europe.