NCJ Number
177463
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 26 Issue: 3 Dated: March 1999 Pages: 70-73
Date Published
1999
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes a home study course that trains police officers in eliminating fingerprints and making better referrals to the latent print lab.
Abstract
The American Institute of Applied Science, which has been in the field of forensic identification and investigation since 1916, offers a 26-lesson fingerprint identification home-study course (101F). The total cost for the course is approximately $500, which is substantially less than the cost to attend a formal class. The course covers the FBI method of classifying fingerprints, but students learn the Henry classification system first, since it is the foundation of the FBI's method, known as Modifications and Extensions of the Henry System. After the initial history of fingerprinting, the course moves into pattern types and pattern interpretation. The next 10 lessons deal with everything from the Henry classification system to the FBI extensions and the NCIC computer classification system. After primary classification is addressed, there is a lesson on sub- classification, including whorls, lettered loop, and subsecondary combination. The last six lessons cover court exhibits, testifying as an expert, palm and footprints, post mortem fingerprinting, and AFIS and laser technology. A comprehensive final exam completes the course. Successful completion of the final exam warrants a Certificate of Completion. The average student with no previous experience can expect to put in close to 160 hours of study to complete the 26 lessons and final exam.