Course Description
This 40-hour intermediate-level course is designed to assist forensic science professionals who are currently comparing friction ridge evidence and feel they could enhance their skills and knowledge by participating in a formalized course. Numerous practical exercises, supplemented by lectures and discussions, are among the techniques used to enhance the students' understanding of the identification methodology. From determining useful target areas, to the friction ridge characteristics used to individualize (Levels II and III), each step of this course will enable the student to effectively analyze, search, compare, and evaluate developed friction ridge evidence.
The course focuses primarily on practical exercises, each designed as a step-by-step process to increase the student’s application of the identification methodology. In turn, this makes for a more efficient and accurate analyst. Additionally, this course complements the International Association for Identification’s Friction Ridge Skin Identification Training Manual (supplementing the goal and objectives of the Supervised Comparison Training, Sections C, D, E, F & G).
The objective of this course is to provide each participant with a greater understanding of friction ridge science, with an emphasis on locating, analyzing, searching, comparing, and evaluating latent fingerprints. Phalange, crease, scar, and palm print analysis and comparison will also be discussed.
Target Audience
This course is designed for the intermediate-level examiner/analyst; it is not designed as an introductory-level course. Examiners/analysts with some experience will benefit from both the course content and the many practical exercises. Attendees without any prior comparison experience or at a very basic level of comparison experience should probably satisfy that level of training and experience prior to participating in this course. Students with active experience levels ranging from 6 months to 20+ years have attended this course and benefited from the different difficulty levels of the exercises available to participants.
Course Logistics
Prerequisites
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.
Should be Able to Perform
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be (better) able to:
- Understand and utilize Level I, II, and III Details of friction ridge impressions.
- Understand and utilize the ACE-V identification process of 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, 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.
Course Schedule
| Duration | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Hour | Instructions / Course Overview | Comparative Concentration Exercises 1-12 | Crease Association Lecture and Exercises | Phalange Lecture and Exercises | Palm Print Tracing and Association Exercises |
| 1 Hour | Our Past, Present, and Future | ||||
| 1 Hour | Focal and Target Area Lecture | Comparison Exercise A | Comparison Exercise C | Palm Print Concentration | |
| 1 Hour | ACE-V and Scientific Methodology | Target Area Exercise | Palm Print Comparison | ||
| 1 Hour | Lunch | Lunch | Lunch | Lunch | Lunch |
| 1 Hour | Photo Hunt Exercise | Scar Comparison Exercise | Contemporary Issues Presentation | Contemporary Issues Presentation | Contemporary Issues Presentation |
| 1 Hour | Friction Ridge Discrimination | Searching Smart -Loops, Arches, and Whorls | Comparison Exercise B | Comparison Exercise C | Plantar Presentation |
| 1 Hour | Alpha Comparison Exercise 1-12 | Comparison Exercise A | Friction Ridge Jeopardy | ||
| 1 Hour | Visual Perception Lecture | Course Summary / Closing Remarks |
Must Bring to Class
- Each student must bring a fingerprint magnifier, ridge counters are encouraged, and a desk lamp may be beneficial.
- Dress is business casual as the course will be conducted in a professional environment and facility.
Recommended Reading
- Ashbaugh, David; Quantitative-Qualitative Friction Ridge Analysis, 1999.
- Olsen, Robert D.; Cult of the Mediocre, Journal of Forensic Identification, 42(1), 1991.
- Wertheim, Pat; The Ability Equation, Journal of Forensic Identification, Vol. 46 (2), 1996.
Training Certification and Recertification Credits
Latent Print Search & 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.
International Association for Identification (I.A.I.) Latent Print Certification Board Approved for 40 Certification Credits
International Association for Identification (I.A.I.) Latent Print Certification Board Approved for 40 Re-Certification Credits