An advanced, hands-on course focused on the use of fluorescent dye stains, powders, alternate light sources, and specialized photography techniques to visualize, document, and preserve latent fingerprint evidence.
Course Overview
This advanced 24-hour course provides participants with in-depth instruction on the application of fluorescent fingerprint processing techniques and the specialized photography required to document fluorescent reactions effectively. The course emphasizes when and why fluorescent methods are appropriate, particularly in challenging scenarios involving complex backgrounds, low contrast, or impressions not readily visible to the naked eye.
Instruction combines lecture with extensive hands-on exercises covering fluorescent dye stains, powders, alternate light sources, and advanced photographic techniques. Participants will learn to capture examination-quality images suitable for analysis and courtroom presentation when traditional processing methods are insufficient.
Hands-on instruction emphasizes controlled fluorescent processing, proper chemical handling, and documentation under real laboratory conditions.
Course Structure
The course is delivered over three days and includes:
- Progressive instruction in fluorescent fingerprint processing techniques
- Hands-on processing and photography exercises each day
- Practical application on porous, non-porous, and challenging substrates
- Final review, evaluations, and certificate presentation
Hands-on training is emphasized throughout the course to ensure participants gain practical proficiency.
What You’ll Learn
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Determine when fluorescent processing methods are appropriate based on surface type and evidentiary needs
- Apply fluorescent dye stains, powders, and post-cyanoacrylate enhancement techniques to develop latent fingerprints
- Process and document latent prints on porous and non-porous surfaces using fluorescent methods
- Enhance and properly document bloody latent fingerprint impressions
- Select and utilize alternate light sources (ALS) to visualize fluorescent reactions
- Capture exam-quality photographs of fluorescent latent prints using specialized lighting and macro photography techniques
- Apply proper PPE and chemical safety protocols during fluorescent processing
Who Should Attend
This course is designed for:
- Crime scene investigators
- Forensic technicians
- Latent print examiners
- Law enforcement personnel responsible for processing latent fingerprint evidence
Participants should have prior experience with basic latent print processing concepts.
Certification & Credit Hours
This course is approved by the International Association for Identification (IAI) and qualifies toward certification and recertification requirements.
Credit hours are structured to support multiple forensic disciplines:
- Crime Scene Investigation — 24 hours
- Latent Prints — 24 hours
Course Format & Details
- Format: Lecture and hands-on practical exercises
- Duration: 24 hours (3 days)
- Prerequisites: Prior latent print processing experience recommended
- Materials Provided: Instructor-supplied training materials
- Certification Credit: Approved for International Association for Identification (IAI) certification and recertification
- Safety: Proper PPE use and chemical safety protocols emphasized throughout the course
Validation study assistance may be provided upon request.
Hosting Information
This course may be hosted by:
- Individual agencies
- Regional training groups
- Conferences
Training delivery and scheduling may be tailored to meet the needs of the hosting organization.