Recently, I was asked to listen to 23 phone intercept recordings and determine if any of the voices in these conversations were repetitive. As an audio forensic expert, when I conduct a voice identification test, I have to have an exemplar or voice sample of the accused.
Back to back voice samples are the first step to a task like this. Each telephone conversation included two voices. The first thing I did was separate the voices and create two new audio project files. That way I can critically listen to all voices back to back in order to determine if any of the voices were identical or at least had similar characteristics.
These telephone recordings were created by federal law enforcement and were very clean. No noise reduction was necessary as it was back in the analogue days.
Once I completed this back to back assembly process, I had the recordings transcribed so I could choose phrases and sentences to use when creating the exemplar. An exemplar is a known sample of speech recorded as exact as possible to the original evidence. The exemplar is created under supervision so I know the identity of the person speaking (who is the accused).
When the exemplar recording is complete, those phrases that were recorded are now inserted into the original evidence recordings in the new audio project files for critical listening. In this particular case, I noticed that the exemplar did match some of the telephone conversation evidence that was recorded by the federal authorities.
The next step is to create work notes listing all the similarities as well as differences observed during the critical listening phase of the voice identification testing. These notes help me create my report when the voice identification testing is complete.
I also use spectrum analysis and sonograms to help with the identification process. I often print out the display of these two electronic measurement devices and include these print outs with my report.
One thing I have learned over the 25+ years as a forensic expert is to keep it simple. Judges like an uncomplicated decision from a qualified forensic examiner. They become frustrated when they have to interpret new information they have never heard of or are not familiar with.
Voice identification is both an art and a science. As a voice identification expert, I use my talent skill and ability in every case I am assigned to. The science is acceptable in court and the art is the ability to adapt every case to scientific standards.
