The new latent print examiner or any investigator or civilian technician with limited comparison experience will benefit from this 40-hour seminar designed to introduce the novice to the fundamentals of latent fingerprint comparison. Lecture topics include an introduction to fingerprint classification (a valuable tool when comparing latent prints with known prints,) an overview of the fingerprint science, terminology, basic comparison techniques, problems and practices in comparing fingerprints of unknown deceased and courtroom testimony. Each student will take part in practical exercises of comparing latent fingerprints with known fingerprints. The class is designed to increase the student's overall knowledge of the fingerprint science with emphasis on locating, evaluating, comparing, and identifying latent fingerprints. Basic palm print comparison will also be discussed. The student can expect to spend a large portion of the classroom time comparing latent prints under the supervision and guidance of the instructor. Each student must bring a magnifying glass. The student will also learn the proper method of explaining how fingerprints are compared and identifications effected, the scientific basis for the use of fingerprints as a means of identification, and fingerprint terminologies and definitions. Students will be given the opportunity to practice these in a mock courtroom testimony session. Although designed for the novice, Basic Latent Fingerprint Comparison would also serve as an excellent review for the experienced examiner.

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