Debbie Benningfield, CLPE   Charles M. Richardson, CLPE

Complex Latent Print Examinations

About this Course

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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.

Have you heard that the National Academy of Science (NAS) in their recently released report stated they believe Certification should be mandatory? Students will be given an overview of the International Association for Identification (IAI) Latent Print Certification Program.

Students will learn the following:

• Searching Smart techniques
• Palm Print location/orientation
• Analyzing complex prints such as tonal reversed, image reversed, overlay, pressure distortion issues, etc.)
• Footprint Ridge Detail
• Daubert issues
• SWGFAST Documentation Standard
• IAI Latent Print Certification Program Overview