Candidate Match
Definition
An AM/PM pairing proposed by the database software or by manual review as possibly representing the same individual, based on concordant dental (or other) features. A candidate match requires expert review before it can become a confirmed identification.
- Source
- Database software or manual review comparison
- Status
- Provisional, requires expert review before confirmation
- Typical basis
- Concordant dental or other identifying features
- Context
- INTERPOL DVI reconciliation process
Common questions
What separates a candidate match from a confirmed identification?+
A candidate match is a proposed AM/PM pairing awaiting expert scrutiny. Confirmation requires an odontologist or other qualified examiner to independently verify that the concordant features are sufficient and free of unexplainable discrepancies before the reconciliation is finalized.
Can a case have multiple candidate matches for the same postmortem record?+
Yes, database software often proposes several plausible antemortem candidates for one postmortem record, especially when records are incomplete. Reviewers rank or eliminate candidates using additional evidence until one match withstands full comparison.
Why does INTERPOL require independent review of candidate matches?+
Independent, typically dual, review by separate examiners reduces the risk of confirmation bias and clerical error carrying through the whole reconciliation process, which is critical when the outcome determines a victim's identity in a disaster victim identification setting.
Related terms
- FDI Two-Digit Notation (ISO 3950)
- The international tooth numbering system mandated for INTERPOL DVI forms. Each tooth has a two-digit code: first digit is the quadrant (1-4...
- INTERPOL DVI Guide
- The international reference document that codifies the procedures, forms, and standards for DVI operations. Currently in its second version (Version 2, 2018)....
- Pink Form (AM Dental)
- The INTERPOL DVI ante-mortem dental form, colour-coded pink to prevent confusion with PM data. Completed by the AM team from family interview,...
- Plass Data / DVI System International
- A Norwegian software company (Plass Data Software AS) and their DVI management product, the most widely deployed dedicated DVI database platform globally,...
- Yellow Form (PM Dental)
- The INTERPOL DVI post-mortem dental form, colour-coded yellow. Completed by the forensic odontologist at the mortuary from direct examination of the remains....