Course Description
Due to their infrequent submission into forensic laboratories, friction ridge impressions recovered at the scene of a crime that originate from the foot/sole (plantar) can challenge even the most tenured comparison analyst. Additionally, it is very likely that if you have never received formal training specific to analyzing and comparing plantar impressions, you have probably misinterpreted a plantar impression as coming from a palm or a finger! Even if the interpretation, analysis, and comparison are not problematic, what are the subsequent legal aspects? This 16-hour course is designed to provide the participant with the biological fundamentals, legal admissibility scenarios, source recognition, recording techniques, and a vigorous practical comparison experience with plantar friction ridge impressions.
Numerous practical exercises, supplemented by lectures and discussions, are among the techniques used to provide attendees with a tangible comparison experience with plantar impressions. The attendee will leave the course with valuable experience and an increased knowledge of associated philosophies and methodologies.
Target Audience
Due to their infrequent submission into forensic laboratories, friction ridge impressions recovered at the scene of a crime that originate from the foot/sole (plantar) can challenge even the most tenured comparison analyst. Additionally, it is very likely that if you have never received formal training specific to analyzing and comparing plantar impressions, you have probably misinterpreted a plantar impression as coming from a palm or a finger! Even if the interpretation, analysis, and comparison are not problematic, what are the subsequent legal aspects? This 16-hour course is designed to provide the participant with the biological fundamentals, legal admissibility scenarios, source recognition, recording techniques, and a vigorous practical comparison experience with plantar friction ridge impressions. Numerous practical exercises, supplemented by lectures and discussions, are among the techniques used to provide attendees with a tangible comparison experience with plantar impressions. The attendee will leave the course with valuable experience and an increased knowledge of associated philosophies and methodologies.
Course Logistics
Prerequisites
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be (better) able to:
- Understand and utilize the Level I Detail of plantar impressions
- Understand and utilize the Level II Detail of plantar impressions
- Understand and utilize the Level III Detail of plantar impressions
- Understand the differences (and similarities) of ridge flow characteristics between plantar, palmar, and fingerprint impressions
- Understand and utilize the ACE-V identification process of plantar impressions
- Understand and demonstrate key aspects of the analysis process (recognition/distinguish of plantar impression, substrate, matrix, etc.)
- Conduct basic, intermediate, and advanced comparisons of plantar friction ridge impressions
- Document the conclusions of an analyzed latent plantar impression
- Understand basic problems and practices in comparing plantar impressions
- Understand the past legal admissibility and the present legal components of plantar impressions
Should be Able to Perform
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be (better) able to:
- Understand and utilize the Level I Detail of plantar impressions
- Understand and utilize the Level II Detail of plantar impressions
- Understand and utilize the Level III Detail of plantar impressions
- Understand the differences (and similarities) of ridge flow characteristics between plantar, palmar, and fingerprint impressions
- Understand and utilize the ACE-V identification process of plantar impressions
- Understand and demonstrate key aspects of the analysis process (recognition/distinguish of plantar impression, substrate, matrix, etc.)
- Conduct basic, intermediate, and advanced comparisons of plantar friction ridge impressions
- Document the conclusions of an analyzed latent plantar impression
- Understand basic problems and practices in comparing plantar impressions
- Understand the past legal admissibility and the present legal components of plantar impressions.
Course Schedule
| Duration | Day 1 | Day 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Hour | Registration / Course Overview / Introductions | Plantar Recording Techniques |
| 2 Hours | Jon's Commentary & Philosophy / Plantar lecture | Plantar Comparison |
| 1 Hour | Legal Aspects | Contemporary Issues and Video |
| 1 Hour | Lunch | Lunch |
| 2 Hours | Terminology and Tracing Exercise / Plantar Association | Plantar Comparison |
| 2 Hours | Plantar Comparison | Plantar Bingo! and Plantar Jeopardy! / Closing Comments and Questions |
Must Bring to Class
- There will be numerous 1:1 comparison exercises conducted throughout this course; therefore, fingerprint magnifiers are required.
- Ridge counters are encouraged but optional.
- Each student must bring a notebook.
- A portable lamp/light should be considered.
- Dress is business casual as the course will be conducted in a professional environment and facility.
Recommended Reading
- Cummin & Midlo, Fingerprints, Palms and Soles, Chapter 6-Soles, Dover Publications, 1943, pp 120-140.
- Moenssens, A., Fingerprints and the Law, Chilton Book Company, 1969, pp 60-62, 136-143, 207.
- Wiley Encyclopedia of Forensic Science, Friction Ridge Skin: Morphogenesis and Overview, Wiley & Sons, LTD. 2009.
Training Certification and Recertification Credits
Comparison of Plantar Friction Ridge Impressions may qualify for specific continuing education training credits. Use's summary below as a quick reference for organization and discipline specific applicability. The approving organization has final authority and their website should be referenced before submitting any request for training credits.
International Association for Identification (I.A.I.) Latent Print Certification Board Approved for 16 Certification Credits
International Association for Identification (I.A.I.) Latent Print Certification Board Approved for 16 Re-Certification Credits