Forensics R Us

Advanced Latent Print Development Techniques

Dates & Locations:

July 30 - August 1, 2008 - Ventura Police Department, 1425 Dowell Drive, Ventura, CA

October 7 - 9, 2008 - Kern County Sheriff's Department, Bakersfield, CA

Certified: California POST Plan IV

Cost: $495

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

Course Goals: Provide the investigator, CSI, or fingerprint technician with the essential skills and knowledge concerning the proper methods for finding, developing, recovering, and documenting latent fingerprint evidence. Others who may consider this course would be AFIS and Ten-Print Technicians and those preparing to become Certified Latent Print Examiners. 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 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 exposed to fires
• The application of Small Particle Reagent (SPR) to develop latent prints on a wet surface
• Photography of latent print impressions
• Lift and mount powdered latent print impressions
• Awareness and concern for personal safety in processing evidence for latent prints
• Selection and use of chemical processes to visualize latent prints
• 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 recovered from a crime scene and/or on items of evidence
• 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 Mike@forensicsRus.com or call (916) 939-2211.

Download Registration Form for Ventura P.D. Course

Download Registration Form for Kern County S.D. Course

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Advanced Latent Print (Palm & Finger) Comparison & Identification

Dates: October 20 - 23, 2008

Cost: $40 California Resident -- $126 Non-CA Resident

Certified: California POST Plan IV

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

College Credit: 1/2 Unit

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 four day, 32 hour, course is designed for law enforcement and correctional professionals who desire to learn how to compare and identify 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 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
• Become proficient with the ACE-V Scientific Method to compare and identify latent print 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

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 25 students.

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

For more information contact Mike@forensicsRus.com or call (916) 939-2211

To register: Contact the Sacramento Regional Public Safety Training Center, McClellan, CA, phone number - (916) 570-5000.

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Fingerprint Identification & Classification

Dates: September 8 - 12, 2008

Cost: $82 California Resident -- $426.00 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 Certifed 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)
Contact Mike@forensicsRus.com 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.

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Crime Scene Investigation (CSI)

Dates: Call to Host This Course at Your Department

Location: Hosting Department Receives Several Free Seats

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.

Included in the course are the following...

• Reference material and job aids
• Course completion certificate

Contact: Mike@forensicsRus.com or call (916) 939-2211 for more information.

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