Which stage of the ACE-V process involves evaluating the agreement of ridge formations?

The Comparison stage of the ACE-V process is crucial for establishing the similarities and differences between the two prints being assessed. During this phase, the examiner systematically evaluates the ridge formations found in both the latent print and the known print, looking for characteristics that indicate a match. These characteristics include ridge patterns, bifurcations, scars, and other unique features that are crucial for determining whether the prints originated from the same source. By analyzing and comparing these details, the examiner forms a basis for concluding whether there is agreement in ridge formations. This stage is foundational, as it lays the groundwork for subsequent evaluations and decisions on the prints involved in the investigation.