A comprehensive, hands-on course focused on the processing, recovery, and photographic documentation of latent fingerprint evidence using both mechanical and chemical techniques.
Course Overview
This intensive 40-hour course provides participants with in-depth instruction on the proper processing, collection, preservation, and photographic documentation of latent fingerprint evidence. The course emphasizes how technique selection, surface type, and documentation methods directly affect evidentiary value and downstream analysis.
Instruction combines lecture with extensive hands-on exercises covering a wide range of substrates, processing methods, and photographic techniques. Particular emphasis is placed on evidence photography, including the use of forensic light sources and specialized lighting techniques when latent prints cannot be otherwise preserved or readily visualized.
Hands-on instruction reinforces processing decisions, surface-specific technique selection, and documentation practices that directly affect latent print analysis.
Course Structure
The course is delivered over five days and includes:
- Progressive instruction in latent print processing concepts
- Daily hands-on exercises reinforcing lecture material
- Extensive photography workshops using forensic light sources
- Final review and certificate presentation
Hands-on training occurs throughout the week, allowing participants to immediately apply techniques under instructor guidance.
What You’ll Learn
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Process and recover latent prints using both mechanical and advanced chemical methods, with emphasis on surface-specific technique selection
- Apply and document chemical enhancement techniques, including workflows that support defensible analysis
- Select appropriate processing and documentation methods based on surface type, scene conditions, and evidentiary impact
- Capture exam-quality fingerprint photographs using specialized lighting and alternate light sources (ALS)
- Document latent print evidence when physical collection is not possible or not appropriate
- Take legible fingerprints suitable for booking, eliminations, and comparison
- Recognize how improper processing or documentation decisions can compromise downstream analysis and evidentiary value
Course content integrates latent print fundamentals, examiner-informed workflows, surface-specific processing strategies, and best practices used in operational forensic laboratories.
Who Should Attend
This course is designed for:
- Law enforcement personnel
- Crime scene investigators
- Detectives
- Forensic technicians
- Latent print examiners and identification specialists
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 – 40 hours
- Latent Print – 40 hours
- Photography – 16 hours
Course Format & Details
- Format: Lecture and hands-on practical exercises
- Duration: 40 hours (5 days)
- Prerequisites: None
- Materials Provided: Instructor-supplied training materials
- Certification Credit: Approved for International Association for Identification (IAI) certification and recertification
- Safety: PPE use and laboratory safety emphasized throughout all exercises
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.