Presented by Ron Smith and Associates, Inc., and the

Instructors: Debbie Benningfield, CLPE & Charles Richardson, CLPE

 

Course Description

This course is the next in a series of classes to assist the examiner in understanding the complexity of friction ridge detail.  The instruction progresses into the areas of tonal reversal, mirror prints, overlapping prints, distorted prints, etc.  Even with the most challenging friction ridge detail, there are usually visual clues that can be used in the individualization process.  Step by step instructions and practical exercises in the ACE-V Methodology will give the student more insight to assist them in properly analyzing these complex prints.   Do you conduct verifications of all individualization?  If so, have you heard of “Confirmation Bias?” How does it affect your decision making process? 

Too often, inked prints do not contain the needed ridge detail to complete an examination.  Examiners will learn the importance of Major Case Prints and how to properly obtain them.  How do these manually recorded prints compare to electronically (live-scan) captured prints? Can electronically recorded prints capture all the required friction ridge detail needed to conduct a conclusive comparison?  What are the “pitfalls” of electronically recorded known prints?  These questions will be answered in presentations and subsequent class discussions.

How do Frye, Daubert and Kumho affect you?  What are some of the questions you can expect at a “Daubert Hearing?” What resources do you have available to assist you in responding to a Plaza style challenge to the science of fingerprints?  What is a Plaza challenge? What resources do you have available for your personal development in the science?  What resources do you have at your disposal in establishing guidelines for your latent print unit?  All these questions and more will be answered during this intense week of presentations, comparison exercises, conducted both individually and as a group (bring those magnifiers), and a “hands on” application of much of the material presented. 

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTORS
 
Charles M. Richardson, CLPE

Charles “Chuck” Richardson has been employed in the field of fingerprints since beginning his career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in June 1963. He served as a Senior Fingerprint Specialist with the FBI for 18 years, as a Fingerprint Specialist with the U.S. Secret Service for 10 years and as a Senior Fingerprint Specialist and Program Manager with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for 11 years. At the DEA, with seven laboratories throughout the country with fingerprint and photographic programs, he managed the next to the largest fingerprint/photographic program in the Federal government. He holds certifications as a Latent Print Examiner from both the International Association for Identification (I.A.I.) and the FBI.

Mr. Richardson has served as an instructor in all phases of the science of fingerprints at both the FBI and the Department of Justice Academies. He has assisted in the training of FBI and DEA Fingerprint Specialists, DEA Forensic Chemists and FBI, DEA and U.S. Air Force, Office of Special Investigations, Special Agents. He has also assisted in the training of Assistant U.S. Attorneys at the Department of Justice’s Judge Advocate General’s School. In addition, he has conducted 40-hour courses for local police agencies in Advanced Latent Fingerprints and Courtroom Testimony and Demeanor throughout the country.

Mr. Richardson is a former Member of the Board of Directors of the I.A.I. and a former Member of the I.A.I.’s Latent Print
Certification Board. He has testified in excess of 100 times in Federal, State, and/or Military Courts in thirty states and Puerto
Rico.

Mr. Richardson is currently a member of the FBI’s Scientific Working Group on Friction Ridge Analysis, Study and Technology
(SWGFAST). This group establishes science of fingerprint guidelines to be used on a nationwide basis.

Debbie Benningfield, CLPE
 

Debbie Benningfield is a retired Deputy Administrator of the Houston Police Department.  She began her career with HPD in 1975 and was assigned to the Identification section throughout her career.  Her assignment included performing tenprint work, serving as AFIS Manager, and in 1993 was promoted to the latent laboratory section.  She is an International Association for Identification Certified Latent Print Examiner (CLPE) and holds an Instructor’s license from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCLOSE).

Ms. Benningfield has been an instructor for the Houston Police Department,  Harris County District Attorney’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety and Ron Smith and Associates, Inc.  She has been a guest speaker for the Texas Division of the International Association for Identification (TDIAI), the International Association for Identification (I.A.I.), Mystery Writers of American, Texas County District Attorney’s Association and many other organizations.  In addition, Debbie has published articles in both the Journal of Forensic Identification (JFI) and the Texas Division of the International Association for Identification (TDIAI).

Ms. Benningfield currently serves as 1st Vice President and Chairman of the Training and Education Committee for the Texas Division of the International Association.  In 2003, she was appointed a member of the Scientific Working Group for Friction Ridge Analysis Study and Technology (SWGFAST) and in 2004 she was appointed to the IAI Latent Print Certification Board.  Ms. Benningfield formerly served as presiding officer of the Texas Forensic Science Commission which is responsible for overseeing forensic programs in the state of Texas.


 

GENERAL COURSE INFORMATION

Daily Schedule: This course will begin promptly at 8:00 a.m.

Class attire should be casual and comfortable.

This training seminar has been approved for 40 hours of Continuing Education Credit required for I.A.I. Certification and Re-certification

Certificates of attendance, authorized by the International Association for Identification, will be awarded to each student successfully completing the seminar.

TUITION: See course registration page
 

COURSE CALENDAR

July 28 - August 1, 2008
December 1-5, 2008
 

 

 

WAYS TO ENROLL

Online:
Visit the registration link for the scheduled date and location in which you are interested and fill out the online registration form associated with this course.

By FAX:
Complete all the information on the registration form, print it out and fax it to us at 601-626-1122.

By Mail:
Complete all the information on the registration form, print it out and mail it to us at:

Ron Smith & Associates, Inc.
Attention: Training Division
P.O. Box 670
Collinsville, Mississippi 39325


By Phone:
Call us toll free at 1-866–TEAM RSA (832-6772) and register directly with one of our Training
Division staff members.

PAYMENT OPTIONS:
By Check:
Checks are to be made payable to “Ron Smith & Associates, Inc.” All registrants should forward a
department check, personal check or purchase order, along with a copy of their completed registration
form to Ron Smith & Associates, Inc.


By Credit Card:
To pay by credit card, please contact Ron Smith & Associates, Inc. and speak with one of our
representatives. Call toll free at 1-866–TEAM RSA (1-866-832-6772)