Page 39 - 2018 WCSO ANNUAL REPORT HTML5 ONLY
P. 39

of the system. After presenting data,
 it was agreed a change could result
 in  an  increase  in hit  ratio.  A  proposed
 threshold level change was presented
 to the vendor, who then agreed to the
 recommendations.





 Once  the threshold was changed  to
 the suggested level, the test prints
 were searched again under the same
 conditions as the initial research study
 in  order to compare  resultant hit
 ratios produced by the system at both
 threshold levels. An increased hit ratio
 of 30% was obtained.


 An increased hit ratio allows FSU
 to identify more prints, essentially
 providing  more  information  to
 investigators and creates the potential   BAIT PACKAGE PROGRAM - DEPUTIES
 to close more cases.


 FACES OF WCSO - MEET NIKKI WAGAR  HELP DELIVER STOLEN PACKAGES
 RESEARCH STUDY INCREASES ACCURACY  Nikki  Wagar joined the  WCSO as a

 Testing fingerprints from crime scenes is a common   Forensic Analyst in 2008. Her specialties for the past   The  2018  holiday  season  wrapped  up  with  the  fourth  this innovative program, package thefts could increase
 twelve years are in latent print examination and crime
 practice for forensics. Each time a print is analyzed and   scene processing. She holds certification as both a   successful year of the WCSO Bait Package Program. This  up to 20% over the holidays.
 tested, it is compared to fingerprints in the criminal   Certified Latent Print Examiner and a Certified Crime   unique initiative, designed to deter thefts of mail and
 justice system. In 2018, Forensic Analyst Nikki Wagar   Scene Analyst through the International Association for   packages, yielded several arrests as well as the recovery  PCU  attributes  the  success  of  this  program  largely  to
 began a research study with the intent of establishing   Identification (IAI).   of stolen mail.   patrol deputies who support the mission in the field by
 a best practices guideline for the local biometric             their quick response to bait package activations. PCU
 database in order to maximize search efficiency and   When Nikki first graduated high school, she had the   On  Sunday, December 9, 2018 deputies responded to  has expanded to a year-round hybrid deployment model
 tailor the FSU approach based on the lab’s needs and   lofty dream of becoming an artist, with sculpture and   an alarm activation from a bait package at a residence  for similar programs, including bait cars, motorcycles,
 system configurations.  near Tualatin Valley Highway and 170th Avenue in Aloha.  power tools and bicycles. Deputies and detectives alike
 photography as her focus. However, an introductory   They were able to track the stolen package using GPS  continually evaluate geographic locations for patterns
 anthropology course soon introduced Nikki to the   technology, leading them to a 29-year-old suspect from   and problem areas.
 To begin her research, Wagar chose 150 latent prints for   world of forensics, where she fell in love with the
 searching, each with variable levels of quality. She then   sculptural nature of the skeletal system and she never   Portland, who was also an Amazon delivery driver. He
 launched tests utilizing specific searching techniques,   looked back.   admitted to stealing the bait package while delivering   SUPPORT FOR TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS
       another shipment to the same address.
 resulting in 1,200 total searches. Data was then               IN LAW ENFORCEMENT
 collected and analyzed to create an efficiency flowchart   Locally, Nikki is the 2nd Vice President of the Pacific   Deputies located a total of 18 Amazon packages inside   Programs like the  bait package program would not be
 guideline for streamlined searching.                           possible without the support of the Washington County
 Northwest  Division  of  the IAI  and a  member  of the   the suspect’s vehicle and  personally delivered the
 Northwest Regional Response Team, which is a team of   remaining packages to avoid delays.  Detectives from   Sheriff’s Office Foundation. Their support of innovative
 The intended research study quickly morphed into   forensic professionals who are trained in mass fatality   the WCSO Property Crimes Unit (PCU) deployed numerous   solutions and projects work to improve neighborhoods
 a validation study of the database.  The research   incident response. She has a master’s degree in Forensic   bait packages throughout Washington County to prevent   and strengthen our community.
 indicated a potential improvement that could be made   Science and has worked extensively on grant proposals,   potential thieves and catch those who steal during the
 to the configuration of the system, specifically to the   policy and procedure development and accreditation   season of giving.   A special thank you to the Sheriff’s Office Foundation
 threshold level originally set by the vendor. Data from   efforts within her agency.  for the purchase of the technology used in this program.
 the research study was then presented to the vendor   Detective Patrick Altiere, who has overseen the bait   Learn more: www.wcsofoundation.org
 to better understand the capabilities and limitations   package program since its inception, believes without
   34   35   36   37   38   39   40   41   42   43   44