Introduction

Fingerprints have been used as a means of personal identification for thousands of years. The men considered to be “early pioneers” of the science of friction ridge identification were typically police officers or scientists who stumbled across fingerprints as a means of individualization. Their studies and research into the individuality and permanence of fingerprints have become the backbone of the science still used today. Fingerprint identifications play a vital role in many criminal investigations. Sufficient knowledge and training must exist before any fingerprint examiner can take part in an investigation.

Background
This course has been developed as an introduction to the principles underlying the science of fingerprints. Students will obtain a general understanding of the methodology involved and a foundation to begin comparing all friction ridge skin. West Virginia University Extended Learning and WVU’s Forensic Science Initiative presents these learning materials and this course to you on-line.

Objectives

Course Goal
This course will provide you with a basic, introductory overview of all friction ridge skin, including fingerprints, palm prints, and foot prints. You will learn basic processing and development techniques, but this will in no way replace the physical practice required when dealing with actual casework. These units are designed to be an educational introduction to the science of fingerprints. Naturally, more education and training is required to be considered an expert latent fingerprint examiner.

Course Objectives
By completing this course, the student will learn:

• How to use and understand the current terminology of the science.
• How to determine the correct pattern type of a fingerprint.
• The three different levels of detail used to accurately compare fingerprints.
• The ACE-V methodology and how to use it to make accurate decisions when comparing fingerprints.
• The current controversies surrounding the science.

Overview

Course Structure and Schedule
This is a non-credit course offering 3.2 ILUs. Average completion time for the course is 33 hours. The instructor should be notified if an extension is required. The course cost is $199 per registration, and a certificate for course completion will be issued to the student.

Public Laboratory Employees are funded by NIJ Award 2001-RC-CX-K003 and 2003-RC-CX-K001. A $30 processing fee will be charged to the Individual for any student that doesn't access or finish the class in the time alloted.  See below on how to register.

Overview/Subject Matter
Topics covered in this course are:

• History of Fingerprints
• Morphogenesis of Friction Ridge Skin
• Structure of Friction Ridges/Pattern Types
• Other Types of Friction Ridge Skin
• Classification Systems
• Types of Fingerprints and Methods of Fingerprinting
• Development and Preservation of Latent Fingerprints
• Fingerprint Comparisons
• AFIS and Automation
• Legal Issues
• Case Studies

Requirements

Prerequisite(s)
No prerequisites or course materials are required for the course.

Computer Requirements

• Internet Explorer
• Macromedia Flash Player
• Java Runtime Environment (JRE) Version 5.0 Update 7

(Free software plug-ins are available in the Getting Started area of the course.)

Basic computer skills required (i.e. turning on your computer, navigating to websites, etc.). The course is user-friendly but support is available if needed.

Materials
All required readings are provided in PDF format. There is no required text.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to have prior knowledge of fingerprints?No. The course is an introductory course, so the basics of fingerprints will be covered.Q: Do I qualify for NIJ funding?If you are in any type of forensic public sector, you qualify. NIJ provides funds so that forensic scientists, law enforcement, crime scene personnel, and related professionals can receive proper training. The exceptions are individuals working in the private sector, federally funded employees, and individuals working in academia.
Q: Do I need to be technically savvy?As long as you have basic computer skills (i.e. turning on your computer, navigating to websites, etc) you will be fine. The course is user-friendly but support is available if needed.
Q: How long will it take for me to complete the course?On average, the course can be completed in approximately 33 hours. Students work at their own pace and convenience and may work as much or as little as they would like during each session.  The student has until the end of the semester to complete the course, although extensions may be granted upon request.
Q: What level is this course geared toward?This course is at an introductory level. It is a useful tool for anyone who would like to learn more about the science of fingerprints.
Q: Who should I contact for more information?Instructor: Samantha.Neal@mail.wvu.edu or 304-293-5836

Registration Information

To Register
Public laboratory employees are funded by NIJ Award 2001-RC-CX-K003 and 2003-RC-CX-K001. Please fill out the Supervisor Approval Form and fax or mail it. No other form is required to register. Students that submit a Supervisor Approval Form will receive registration confirmation by email showing a charge of $199. Please disregard this charge if you are a public laboratory employee funded by the NIJ Award. When WVU Extended Learning receives the Supervisor Approval Form, you will receive class access information by email within 5 business days. If you are not notified, please contact WVU Extended Learning at (800) 253-2762 or (304) 293-7570.

Others: Register online through our secure server or fill out this form and fax or mail it to Extended Learning. You will be given class access by email within five working days. Call 1-800-2Learn2, or email WVUEnrich@mail.wvu.edu if you have any questions. Major credit cards and electronic checks are accepted.

Refund Policy

For all students: A $30 processing fee will be charged to the individual for any student that does not access or finish the class in the time allotted.

Others: All requests for cancellations/refunds must be in writing. Requests must be made within one week from when the class access information was emailed to the student. Mail to: WVU Extended Learning, P.O. Box 6800, Morgantown, WV, 26506 or email to WVUEnrich@mail.wvu.edu

More Course Information

Contact
Forensic Science Initiative at fsi@mail.wvu.edu or (304) 293-6214.