1.1. Four (4) year college degree from an accredited college or university

 

Or

 

1.2 Two (2) year associate degree or sixty (60) college semester hours, plus two years job related experience

  Or

 

1.3 High school diploma or equivalent plus four (4) years of job related experience

  Examples of job related experience:

    - Ten-print work

    - AFIS ten-print/latent work

    - Crime scene processing

    - Crime scene photography

    - Criminal investigation

 

1.4 It is recommended that by the year 2005, a four (4) year college degree from an accredited college or university be the minimum education required for a latent print examiner trainee

2. Personal background

  2.1 No prior felony convictions

2.2 Pre-employment drug screen

2.3 Background investigation to be completed by the hiring agency

Training to Competency in Friction Ridge Analysis

The following outline provides the recommended training program to achieve expertise in friction ridge analysis.

1. Introduction to friction ridge skin analysis

  1.1 Principles and foundation

 

1.1.1 Required objectives

 

1.1.1.2 An understanding of the basic foundation for friction ridge analysis (permanence and individuality) as a means of identification

1.1.1.3 An understanding of the biology/physiology of friction ridge skin

1.1.1.4 An understanding of scientific methodology and its application to friction ridge analysis

 

1.1.2 Supplemental objectives

  1.1.2.1 An understanding of early methods of personal identification, such as scars, marks and tattoos

1.1.2.2 An understanding of identification methods other than friction ridge skin

1.1.2.3 An understanding of government and civilian applications of fingerprints, palm prints and footprints through friction ridge identifications

1.1.2.4 An understanding of the applications of friction ridge impressions for manual and/or automated repositories for `single print' and `unidentified latent prints'

1.1.2.5 An understanding of early recordings and awareness of fingerprints

 

1.2 Friction ridge pattern recognition and interpretation

  1.2.1 Required objectives

 

1.2.1.1 An understanding of common terminology and definitions associated with friction ridge pattern recognition (arch, loop, whorl) and interpretation, as defined by the FBI publication, The Science of Fingerprints

1.2.1.2 An understanding of pattern recognition and interpretation associated with operational needs of the individual agency

1.2.1.3 An understanding of friction ridge formations as they relate to recognition, interpretation and individualization

 

1.2.2 Supplemental objective

  1.2.2.1 An understanding of various classification systems (definitions and formulas)

 

1.3 Standards to measure competency

  1.3.1 Student must pass written tests and/or practical exercises of the `Required objectives'

1.3.2 Student must successfully demonstrate knowledge of the `Required objectives' through verbal communication

 

2. Friction ridge analysis (Evaluation, Comparison and Identification)

  The following objectives are required. The student must demonstrate knowledge of these objectives by passing written tests and/or practical exercises, and by verbally communicating an understanding of the objectives and underlying principles.

2.1 An understanding of the individual friction ridge structure (i.e., continuity, texture, pore and edge definition) for determining the existence of characteristics

2.2 An ability to evaluate friction ridge detail to determine the value for identification

2.3 An ability to recognize and utilize friction ridge flow, scars, creases, and other friction ridge detail for supporting the comparison process

2.4 An ability to recognize and properly determine, when possible, the area from which the friction ridges originated

2.5 The knowledge to properly interpret friction ridge impressions which present unusual appearance (due to effects such as color reversal, pressure distortion, slippage and overlays) during the evaluation and comparison process

2.6 An ability to render a proper identification decision

2.7 A knowledge of the benefits associated with obtained `elimination prints' and `major case prints'

2.8 The ability to recognize simultaneous or adjacent latent impressions and their value for comparison purposes

2.9 A knowledge of different policies regarding identifications in countries other than the United States of America

 

3. Documentation of examination

  An understanding of the proper procedures for recording of examination activities is required. The student must demonstrate through written tests and/or practical exercises and verbal communication an understanding of these objectives

3.1 Documentation must be in a form such that a qualified latent print examiner would be able to evaluate what was done and replicate any comparisons

3.2 Documentation must include, as a minimum, case identifier(s), identify of examiner(s), date of activities, number and description of items for examination, results/conclusions of the examinations and the identity of the verifier in the event an identification is made

3.3 A well documented chain of custody must be maintained

 

4. Communication

  4.1 The ability to effectively communicate in writing is required. The student must successfully demonstrate, through testing and/or practical exercises, an ability to accurately reflect case examinations and conclusions in written form

4.2 The ability to effectively communicate verbally is required. The student must successfully demonstrate an ability to verbally present case examinations and conclusions

 

5. Internship

  5.1 Required objective

 

An ability to practically demonstrate all phases of training under the direction/review of an instructor

 

5.2 Supplemental objective

  Active participation in other education sources, such as seminars, conferences, schools and lectures

 

5.3 Standard to measure competency

  Must successfully perform case examinations to the level at which internship is no longer necessary

 

6. Instructor qualifications

  6.1 Essential qualifications

 

6.1.1 Instructor must possess the knowledge, skills and abilities for the courses being instructed

6.1.2 Instructor for friction ridge analysis segment of training must have been accepted in court as an expert in friction ridge identification

 

6.2 Desirable Qualifications

  6.2.1 Instructor should have received training courses on how to be an instructor

6.2.2 Instructor should have attained accreditation/certification from recognized institutions, agencies or professional organizations

6.2.3 The instructor should have completed a structure training and internship program covering the same topic matter

Quality Assurance Guidelines

Friction ridge examinations are based on the following premises:

  The fundamentals of the science of friction ridge identifications are permanence and individuality. The comparison and identification of two areas of friction ridge skin impressions are based on the examination of infinite combinations of ridge structure, individual ridge appearance, pores, minutiae and spatial relationships.

There is no scientific basis for requiring that a minimum number of corresponding friction ridge features be present in two impressions in order to effect an identification.

 

1. Fundamental principles of quality assurance in friction ridge analysis

  1.1 Latent print examiners must be successfully trained to competency before effecting an identification.

1.2 All identifications must be verified by an qualified latent print examiner.

 

2. Friction Ridge Analysis

  2.1 Definitions and conclusions

 

2.1.1 Print Evaluation

 

Prints are of value for comparison or they are not. `Of value for comparison' means that sufficient ridge detail is present to warrant a comparison in the opinion of the examiner.

 

2.1.2 Identification

  An `identification' is the determination that two corresponding areas of friction skin impressions originated from the same person to the exclusion of all others.

 

2.1.3 Non--identification

  `Non--identification' is the determination that two corresponding areas of friction skin impressions did not originate from the same person.

 

2.1.4 Incomplete or unclear known impressions

  Incomplete or unclear known friction skin impressions may result in the inability to reach either an identification or non--identification decision.

 

2.1.5 Qualified Identifications

  Friction ridge identifications are absolute conclusions. Probable, possible, or likely identification conclusions are outside the acceptable limits of the science of friction ridge identification.

 

2.2 Errors

  2.2.1 Erroneous Identifications

 

An erroneous identification is the incorrect determination that two areas of friction ridge impressions originated from the same person. An erroneous identification is the most serious error an examiner can make in technical casework.

 

2.2.2 Erroneous Verifications

  Verification of an erroneous identification is equal to having effected the original erroneous identification.

 

2.2.3 Clerical and Administrative Errors

  Clerical and administrative errors are not erroneous identifications. Examples include, but are not limited to, writing the wrong finger number or name.

 

2.2.4 Missed Identifications

  A missed identification is the failure to make an identification when in fact both friction ridge impressions are from the same origin. This is not an erroneous identification.

 

2.3 Conflict Resolution

  Each agency should define in writing the procedures to resolve conflicting opinions.

 

2.4 Corrective Actions

  The agency is responsible for writing and enforcing policy to handle fingerprint errors. When preparing a written policy governing comparison errors, a variety of correction actions should be included. The corrective actions should be appropriate depending on the level of the error, the skill level of the examiner, and the circumstances.

 

3. Quality Manual

  Quality Manual(s) must be maintained. Quality Manual(s) must contain documentation on all significant aspects of latent development and analysis procedures as well as any related documents or laboratory records that are pertinent to the analysis or interpretation of results. Documentation must exist for the following topic areas as applicable:

3.1 Methods and Procedures for Latent Print Development

 

This document must describe in detail the procedures currently used for the development of latent prints. Revisions must be clearly documented and appropriately authorized.

 

3.2 Formulary for the preparation and storage of chemicals

  Commercially obtained chemicals must list suppliers and complete ordering information.

 

3.3 Laboratory safety procedures

  Laboratory safety procedures shall comply with state and federal guidelines. All chemicals and supplies must be stored, used and disposed of under conditions recommended by the manufacturer and in a manner conforming to established safety requirements.

 

3.4 Material Safety Data Sheets

3.5 Evidence Handling Procedures

3.6 Proficiency Testing

3.7 Training and Qualification Records

  The agency shall maintain a current copy of each examiner's in--service training and curriculum vitae.

 

3.8 Equipment calibration and maintenance logs

3.9 Method validation records

3.10 Policy and procedures manual for electronic fingerprint systems

3.11 Testimony review

  4. Evidence Handling Procedures

  Evidence and samples from evidence must be collected, received and stored so as to preserve the identity, integrity, condition and security of the item.

4.1 Lifts and photographs/images shall include at a minimum the following:

 

4.1.1 Unique case number or identifier

4.1.2 Date and initials or date and personal marking

4.1.3 Impression source (description or identifier)

4.1.4 Scale in non 1:1 photographs

 

4.2 The following information should be referenced in case notes (or directly on lifts or photographs/images):

  4.2.1 Scene location or address

4.2.2 Significant information on orientation or position of the latent on the object.

4.2.3 When appropriate, a diagram can be used to indicate the origin of the lift.

 

4.3 Chain of Custody

  A clear, well--documented chain of custody must be maintained from the time that the evidence is collected or received until it is released.

 

4.4 Evidence Handling and Storage

  Each agency will prepare a written policy to ensure that all evidence will be handled, processed and preserved so as to protect against loss, contamination or deterioration. Disposition of evidence should be in accordance with legal requirements and agency regulations.

 

5. Case Work Documentation and Report Writing

  Procedures must be in place to ensure the accuracy and completeness of documentation.

5.1 Case Work Documentation

 

5.1.1 Documentation must be sufficient to ensure that any qualified latent print examiner would be able to evaluate what was done and replicate any comparisons.

5.1.2 Verifications of all identifications must be documented.

 

5.2 Report Writing

  Reports must contain the following:

5.2.1 Case identifier

5.2.2 Identity of examiner

5.2.3 Date of report

5.2.4 Description of exemplars

5.2.5 Results of latent print examination

 

6. Proficiency Tests

  A proficiency test should be administered to each latent print examiner annually.

6.1 Proficiency tests may be purchased externally, developed in--house or obtained from another agency. Random technical case review by a competent latent print examiner shall be considered as equal to proficiency testing.

6.2 The specific policies, procedures and criteria for any corrective action taken as a result of a discrepancy in a proficiency test should be clearly defined in writing by each agency.

6.3 At a minimum, proficiency test records should include examiner's name, date and test results.

 

7. Continuing Education

  7.1 Examiner skills must be maintained and improved by activities such as:

 

7.1.1 Receiving specialized training

7.1.2 Attending educational seminars

7.1.3 Reading professional publications

7.1.4 Conducting and publishing research

7.1.5 Completing self--study programs

7.1.6 Instructing specialized classes or seminars

7.1.7 Continuing formal education

 

7.2 Agency management must provide the opportunity to comply with these requirements.

  8. Testimony Review

  Agencies must have written procedures for review and should review annually the testimony of each examiner. Review may consist of:

8.1 Personal or video tape observation of testimony

8.2 Testimony evaluation survey form

8.3 Verbal communication with court officials

8.4 Review of written transcript of testimony