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

Instructor: Mike Campbell, CSCSA
 

Course Description

5 Day Course

The knowledge of how to evaluate, compare and individualize friction skin is accomplished through many hours of training and experience that involves independent study and one on one mentoring by an expert. This course is designed to start that process through a series of lectures, practical exercises and drills that are specifically designed to increase the student’s knowledge and foster confidence in the usefulness of the science and their ability to use it. Many different facets of friction skin examination will be explored and the challenges associated with the science will be discussed in detail. Each participant will understand the principles underlying the science and as a result, they should have a practical, functional knowledge of how to examine friction skin upon completion of the course. The course starts by teaching the “language” of friction skin examination and pattern recognition. Then the student will learn how to use all three “levels of detail” and apply A.CE.-V. methodology as the basis for the examination process. 

At the completion of this 40 hour course the student will be able to understand the following: 

  • Understand the difference between the “Classification” of fingerprints and the “Identification” of fingerprints
  • Understand the three types of “classification systems” in use today – Henry, NCIC and IAFIS
  • Understand, interpret and recognize the three basic fingerprint patterns and their eight sub-sets – arches, loops and  whorls
  • Understand the basic principles behind the use of fingerprints as a means of positive human identification – Uniqueness and Persistence.
  • Understand the three “Levels of Detail” used today in fingerprint examination – fingerprint patterns with their ridge flows, ridge events or points of identification and the individual ridge units made up of pores and the sides of the ridges.
  • Understand A.C.E. – V. methodology used by experts to compare and individualize or eliminate fingerprints
  • Understand the concepts for “prints of value”
  • Understand the use of “Point Standards” in some countries and by some prosecutors
  • Understand the various concepts related to the “verification” process of A.C.E. – V.
  • Understand that absolutely no decision is reported without verification by another expert
  • Understand the Daubert decision as it relates to fingerprint examination
  • Understand what an “AFIS computer system” does and how it is used in various ways to assist fingerprint examiners as well as how “Live Scan” technology impacts this process today

At the completion of the course the student will be able to perform the following: 

  • Understand and be able to use current terminology for the fingerprint science (the language of the science)
  • Fully classify fingerprint cards using the NCIC and IAFIS codes and understand the Henry classification system as it is used today
  • Accurately determine the proper pattern type of a fingerprint, especially for use with an AFIS
  • Begin to properly determine the “Value” or suitability of a fingerprint for comparison
  • Understand all three levels of detail and begin to accurately compare friction skin using them
  • Properly use A.C.E. – V. methodology to make decisions during the examination process with real friction skin of various types, tips, joints, etc….
  • Understand the significance of recording “good” fingerprints at the time of booking or capture

 

COURSE TARGET AUDIENCE:

This course has been designed with many different groups in mind and is suited for law enforcement personnel and students who are new to forensics as well as law enforcement personnel and students who are already familiar with forensic identification matters including experienced 10 Print and Latent Print examiners who are already conducting examinations or are being trained to do so. Because of the scope of material covered, this course is beneficial for all but the seasoned examiners and it can serve as an excellent introduction into the science for those of other disciplines, particularly crime scene personnel. Law enforcement personnel will be able to return to work and immediately use this training to continue their development as examiners. Students would be able to apply for jobs that require such training as a requirement. Other professionals involved in both the academic and judicial systems would also benefit as they would receive a broad overview of the science without having to put it to practical use.

 
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR  

 

Michael J. Campbell
Training Coordinator, RS & A, Inc.
Pewaukee, WI

 

Your instructor, retired Captain of Police Mike Campbell is a 28-year veteran of the City of Milwaukee Police Department, recently retiring as the Commanding Officer of their Identification Division. After his retirement Mike accepted a position as the Training Coordinator for Ron Smith and Associates, Inc. a forensic training and consulting company based in Meridian, MS.

In addition to his work related practical experience coming from more than 20 years as a crime scene and fingerprint identification specialist with the department, Mike has been blessed to receive more than 1,200 hours of training in the fields of forensic identification, crime scene processing, evidence photography and crime scene and personnel management.

During his time with the department he provided much of the training for the department in these areas. In addition Mike has taught well over 250 courses to several thousand students in 25 states and Canada and has lectured dozens of times on these matters for various forensic groups and conferences.

Presently Mike is a member of the FBI sponsored Scientific Working Group on Friction Skin Analysis, Study and Technology (SWGFAST) group and he currently serves on the International Association of Chief’s of Police Forensic Committee, the Board of Directors for the International Association for Identification and is the past board chair and president of the Wisconsin Association for Identification. He holds active membership in the Canadian Identification Society and the Midwest Association of Forensic Scientists and serves on other various boards and panels.

GENERAL COURSE INFORMATION

Daily Schedule: This course will begin at 8:00 a.m. on the 1st day of the workshop. Classes will begin each day promptly at 8:30 a.m. and conclude by 4:30 p.m. On the last day, the class should conclude no later than 4:30 p.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

October 6-10, 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)