Fingerprint Training

I've been working on a basic pattern recognition and verification course which started as a project for a non criminal automated system. While I was preparing the course I realized that if I did it on line I could reach a broader audience. The course could be used by law enforcement as a basic foundation course to develop latent examiners, individuals working on automated fingerprint systems or even law offices so they could actually evaluate the fingerprint and know when they need a fingerprint expert.

In today's world dominated by the automated fingerprint identification systems training has been simplified, we no longer need to know the full fingerprint classification formula. While the classification formula has been simplified the ability to determine pattern should not be simplified. As all experienced latent or tenprint examiners know; the ability to distinguish pattern type to include the sub-groupings is critical in learning and understanding fingerprint basics. Many automated systems use pattern as a filter or binning tool to increase the speed and accuracy of the system. The fingerprint examiner has to understand the difference between a left slant loop and a central pocket loop whorl or a left slant loop and a spoiled loop tented arch. If the differences aren't understood the database gets corrupted and system accuracy will be diminished. People tend to concentrate on the experienced latent fingerprint examiner and fail to realize that the database the examiner uses is updated and maintained by individuals with far less experience and training.

A good basic pattern recognition/verification course is essential in developing a good database as well as latent examiners, preventing fingerprint errors and creating reliable search databases.




Bob McAuley
Dir. Operations/Training
Forensic Biometric Identification Solutions LLC.