Advanced Latent Print Development Techniques

Dates & Locations:

Please contact us if your department would like to host this course.

Certified: California POST Plan IV

Note: This course is open only to current employees of a law enforcement or correctional agency.

Course Goals: Provide the investigator, CSI, fingerprint technician or those preparing to become Certified Latent Print Examiners with the essential skills and knowledge concerning the proper methods for finding, developing, recovering, and documenting latent fingerprint evidence. Minimize lecture time and maximize hands-on practice with latent print development materials. In addition, prepare the student to successfully present latent print evidence in a court of law.

Course Objectives: The student will demonstrate essential knowledge and skills in regards to...

• The most effective uses of Superglue to develop latent prints
• Selection and use of the most effective chemical processes to visualize latent prints
• The application of magnetic and non-magnetic powder and proper brush techniques to locate latent fingerprints on simulated evidence
• The use of forensic light sources to locate latent prints
• Techniques to develop latent prints on evidence involved in arson cases
• The application of Small Particle Reagent (SPR) to develop latent prints on a wet surface
• Photography of latent print impressions simplified to the level of "point-and-click"
• Lifting and mounting techniques for latent prints developed with powder
• Awareness and concern for personal safety in processing evidence for latent prints
• The use of "sticky-side powder" on the adhesive side of tape
• Determining if a latent print is of value for AFIS search
• Choosing the techniques that will maximize success for developing latent prints on a variety of surfaces
• Documentation procedures and maintenance of chain-of-custody records for latent prints
• Presentation of testimony in reference to the submission of latent print evidence in a court of law

Instructor: FBI Special Agent Mike Stapleton, M.A. (Retired)

For further information contact e-mail Mike Stapleton or call (916) 939-2211.

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Advanced Latent Print (Palm & Finger) Comparison & Identification

Dates: April 19 - 23, 2010 and November 15 - 19, 2010

Who May Attend: This course is open to non-law enforcement who meet the prerequisite cited below

Cost: $79 California Resident -- $341 Non-CA Resident

Certified: California POST Plan IV

Location: The Sacramento Regional Public Safety Training Center, Sacramento,CA

College Credit: 1.5 Units

Prerequisite: Must have successfully completed the 5 day Fingerprint Identification & Classification course, or the 40 hour FBI Basic Fingerprint Classification Course, or an equivalent course recognized by the instructor.

Course Description: This intensive five day course is designed for law enforcement and correctional professionals who desire to learn how to compare and identify partial latent prints to inked fingerprint and palm print impressions. Others who may consider this course would be AFIS and Ten-Print Technicians and those preparing to become Certified Latent Print Examiners. The course will consist of lecture, demonstrations, and extensive hands-on practical comparison exercises. The student will be equipped with the essential skills and knowledge in regards to…

• An understanding of the basis for the science of absolute identification by friction ridge impressions
• Familiarization with the various friction ridge formations and ridge flows found on the fingers, thumbs, and palmer surface of the hand
• "Roadmaps" to use to help locate and orient the latent print impression for comparison to the known impression
• Verification protocols, note taking, and documentation matters
• The initial elimination or inclusion of a suspect by fingerprints or palm prints
• Developing proficiency with the ACE-V Scientific Method to compare and identify partial friction ridge impressions
• Preparation of fingerprint charts with Adobe Photoshop® to illustrate an identification to a jury
• The presentation of expert testimony in a court of law
• An understanding of what juries want to see & hear from a latent fingerprint expert
• Developing a list of “qualification questions” and answers to use when testifying as an expert fingerprint witness in the future

A rigorous pre-test / post-test examination will be conducted during the first and last day of the course.  The test will be composed of many of the types of questions that are likely to appear on the IAI Latent Print Examiner Certification test.  The questions will be taken from the reading material the IAI recommends for those preparing to become certified examiners.  The test will also include difficult and complex partial fingerprint and palm print comparison material.  Certificates of completion will be awarded to those who successfully pass the course.

Fingerprint magnifiers will be loaned to the students. The course fee includes a three binder containing copies of reference material, practical exercises, and lecture notes.

Class size limited to 30 students.

Instructor: FBI Special Agent Mike Stapleton, M.A. (Retired)

For more information contact e-mail Mike Stapleton or call (916) 939-2211

To register: Contact the Sacramento Regional Public Safety Training Center, Sacramento, CA, phone number - (916) 570-5000. Download Course Flyer and Registration Instructions

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Fingerprint Identification & Classification, Sacramento

Dates: January 25 - 29, 2010 and September 13 - 17, 2010

Who May Attend: This course is open to non-law enforcement with no prerequisites

Cost: $86 California Resident -- $426 Non-Resident

Certified: California POST Plan IV

Location: The Sacramento Regional Public Safety Training Center, McClellan, CA

College Credit: 2 Units

Course Description: This five day 40 hour course is designed for law enforcement and correctional professionals who desire to learn how to identify and classify fingerprints. It is especially suited for those who desire to become Certified Ten-Print Examiners. The course will consist of lecture, demonstrations and many hands-on practical exercises. The student will be equipped with essential skills and knowledge in regards to…

• Accurately identify the eight types of fingerprint patterns according to the Henry System of Fingerprint Classification and the NCIC System
  
• Analyze, compare, evaluate and verify fingerprint identifications - (The ACE-V Method)
  
• Methods for taking legible inked fingerprints and Major Case / Elimination prints
• Develop and recover latent fingerprint impressions through the use of powders, forensic light sources, and cyanoacrylate ester (Superglue) fuming
  
• Photography of latent crime scene fingerprint impressions
• The presentation of expert fingerprint testimony

A three ring binder containing the course material will be provided and fingerprint magnifiers will be loaned to the students. The class is limited to 30 students.

Instructor: FBI Special Agent Mike Stapleton, M.A. (Retired)
E-mail Mike Stapleton or call (916) 939-2211 for more information

To register, contact the Sacramento Regional Public Safety Training Center, McClellan, CA, phone number - (916) 570-5000. Download Course Flyer and Registration Instructions

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Crime Scene Investigation (CSI)

Dates: Check back often for new dates

Location: Call to host this course at your department

Certified: California POST Plan IV

Note: This course is ONLY open to current employees of a law enforcement or correctional agency.

Course Description: CSI is a 40 hour course for front line law enforcement professionals who are responsible to manage, document, collect and preserve crime scene evidence. The instructors will be highly trained and experienced FBI Special Agents (retired) who have many years of hands-on experience at major crime scenes. They managed the crime scenes in such cases as the Unabomber (Ted Kaczynski), the Polly Klaas Kidnapping and Murder Investigation, the Oklahoma City Federal Building Bombing and the World Trade Center bombings.

This course is designed to maximize “hands-on” training and student participation. Students will experience the many facets of processing a crime scene using the latest techniques and technology. Topics include…

• Crime Scene Management and Documentation
• Techniques for Sketching the Crime Scene
• How to Properly Photograph the Features of a Crime Scene
• Techniques for the Photography & Recovery of Latent Fingerprints
• Collection Biological Fluids/DNA
• Collection & Preservation of Firearm Evidence and Discussion of Scene Reconstruction Techniques
• Recovery of Hair, Fiber and Other Trace Evidence
• Techniques to Recover Shoeprint, Tire Print and other Impression Evidence
• Preparation and Submission of Evidence to a Laboratory
• Elements of a Successful CSI witness - Preparing to Present Physical Evidence in a Court of Law
• Crime Scene Safety Considerations

Practical exercises will highlight each topic for the participants to experience the techniques and processes. A final major mock crime scene practicum will challenge the participants to utilize the skills taught and developed during the training.

This is a California POST Plan IV Reimbursable training course. Register early due to limited enrollment. Students are encouraged to bring any equipment they utilize on a day-to-day basis at crime scenes (such as cameras). Expendable supplies and other crime scene equipment will be provided by the instructors. This is a California POST Plan IV course. Register early due to limited enrollment. Students are encouraged to bring any equipment they utilize on a day-to-day basis at crime scenes (such as camera equipment). Expendable supplies and other crime scene equipment will be provided by the instructors.

Course fees include the following...

• Three ring binder with training material and job aids
• Course completion certificate

E-mail Mike Stapleton or call (916) 939-2211 for more information.

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Crime Scene & Forensic Photography Course

Dates: May 4 - 6, 2010; and October 19 - 21, 2010

Who May Attend: This course is open to non-law enforcement with no prerequisites

Cost: $53

Certified: California POST Plan IV

Location: The Sacramento Regional Public Safety Training Center, McClellan, CA

College Credit: .5 Units

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This training course provides the student with extensive knowledge and practical experience pertinent to crime scene and forensic photography of physical evidence and latent prints found or developed on evidence. Also, equipment and procedures pertinent to crime scene and forensic photography and the detection and preservation of physical evidence will be covered in this course. Additional major topics included in this course are the proper selection of cameras, lenses, tripods, films, filters, specialized lighting techniques and high energy forensic lights.

COURSE GOALS: The student will become familiar with the operation of typical camera controls and obtain a basic understanding of how best to photographically record and document a crime scene and all its pertinent features

COURSE OBJECTIVES: Upon completion of this course students will…

• Select camera settings to properly expose digital film
• Demonstrate the ability to use Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual Modes on modern digital cameras
• Demonstrate the use of available light and electronic flash to properly expose digital film
• Explain how lens aperture settings may be used to increase or decrease depth-of-field
• Explain and demonstrate how to properly photograph a crime scene and individual evidence
• Demonstrate the ability to operate digital cameras in general photography, crime scene, and macro photography
• Explain the importance of documenting every photograph taken at a crime scene via photographic logs, sketches, evidence recovery logs, latent print lift logs, and identification tags
• Demonstrate the techniques of "painting" a scene with light
• Demonstrate the techniques to photograph fluorescent latent prints with forensic light sources
• Explain the four major vantage points (view positions) of crime scene photography
• Explain the requirements to present digital photographic evidence in a court of law

A three ring binder containing the course material is included. The class size is limited.

Instructor: FBI Special Agent Mike Stapleton, M.A. (Retired)
E-mail Mike Stapleton or call (916) 939-2211 for more information

To register, contact the Sacramento Regional Public Safety Training Center, McClellan, CA, phone number - (916) 570-5000. Download Course Flyer and Registration Instructions

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