Examiners without prior comparison experience, or with only basic comparison experience, should complete that level of training prior to participating in this course. Students will be expected to participate in the daily performance of intermediate-level comparisons, including, but not limited to, offering opinions, answering questions directed at them, and taking a position on an issue. Students are in a training environment and, as such, will be encouraged to explore new concepts, procedures, and ideas.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be (better) able to:

• Understand and utilize feature selection (ridge flow, pattern elements, minutia, ridges, etc.) of friction ridge impressions.
• Understand and utilize feature attributes (components of features that can be measured and counted) in friction ridge impressions.
• Utilize the analysis process to determine the friction ridge impressions' value.
• Understand and demonstrate key aspects of the analysis process (substrate, matrix, pattern elements, etc.)
• Understand and utilize focal and target areas to assist in the identification process.
• Understand and utilize smart searching techniques to assist in the identification process.
• Conduct intermediate and possibly advanced-level comparisons of fingerprint, phalange, and palm impressions.
• Understand and associate observed creases in our fingers, phalanges, and palms.
• Document the conclusion of an analyzed and compared latent print impression.
• Understand basic problems and practices in comparing friction ridge impressions.
• Understand the fundamentals of our visual and cognitive processes.

• There will be numerous 1:1 comparison exercises conducted throughout this course; therefore, comparison magnifiers are required. Ridge counters are encouraged, but optional. Colored highlighters and a portable lamp/light should be considered.
• Dress is business casual as this course will be conducted in a professional environment and facility.

• Ashbaugh, David; Quantitative-Qualitative Friction Ridge Analysis, 1999.
• ------------ ; Palmar Flexion Crease Identification, J. For. Indent., 41 (4), 1991.
• ------------ ; The Premises of Friction Ridge Identification, J. For. Indent., 44 (5), 1994.
• Cowger, James F.; Friction Ridge Skin, Chapter 7, CRC Press, 1982.
• Olsen, Robert D.; Friction Ridge Characteristic and Points of Identity, JFI, 41(3), 195, 1991.
• OSAC, Standard for Feature Selection in Friction Ridge Examination, Version 2.0, August 2023.
• OSAC, Standard for Friction Ridge Examination Training Program, Version 1.0, December 2017.
• Smith, Ron; Demystifying Palm Prints Handbook.
• Vanderkolk, John; Forensic Individualization of Images Using Quality and Quantity of Information, JFI, 49 (3), 1999.
• Wertheim, Pat; Scientific Comparison and Identification of Fingerprint Evidence, Fingerprint Whorld, 26 (101), 2000.
• ------------- ; The Ability Equation, J. For. Indent., Vol. 46 (2), 1996.
• White, Alice; Features of the Friction Ridge Skin: Attributes, Diagnosticity, and Limitations, JFI, 2022 72(1) 33-127.

Friction Ridge Search and Comparison Techniques 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.