Beyond the Blur – Advanced Tenprint Analysis of Distorted Exemplars

16 Hours | Tuition: $350.00 | 30 Day Access

Course Description

Beyond the Blur is an advanced online training course from RSA Forensics designed for forensic professionals seeking to strengthen their ability to analyze, search, and compare distorted or difficult tenprint exemplars.

When distortion affects the clarity, appearance, or usability of friction ridge detail, examiners may face significant challenges throughout the examination process. This course provides an advanced, practical approach to recognizing and evaluating distortion, developing effective search strategies, and navigating difficulties encountered during comparison.

Participants will explore four core areas: Analysis, Distortion, Effective Searching, and Comparison Difficulties. The course combines instructional content with practical exercises that allow participants to apply concepts to challenging scenarios, including Livescan and post-mortem examinations.

Instructor

CCSA, CLPE Dave Pinner

David Pinner is currently employed with Ron Smith and Associates as a forensic consultant. He has worked in the Law Enforcement field since 2005. He has worked as a dispatcher, an animal control officer, a police officer, and a crime scene technician. When he left law enforcement, he was the Officer in Charge of the Crime Scene Unit and was a Latent Fingerprint Examiner. David earned an Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice and is a Level 3 Animal Cruelty Investigator through the University of Missouri. He is a board-certified Crime Scene Analyst and Latent Fingerprint Examiner through the International Association for Identification.

Course curriculum

1. Your Instructor - David Pinner
2. Course Outline
3. Instructor/Support Contact Information
1. Welcome
1. Analysis Lecture Slides (PDF)
2. Analysis Lecture
3. Analysis Review Questions
1. Distortion Lecture Slides (PDF)
2. Distortion Lecture
3. Distortion Review Questions
1. Effective Searching Lecture Slides (PDF)
2. Effective Searching Lecture
3. Effective Searching Review Questions
1. Comparison Difficulties Lecture Slides (PDF)
2. Comparison Difficulties Lecture
1. Known Tenprint Cards Set - TIFF Format (.ZIP)
2. Known Tenprint Card Set - PDF Format (.ZIP)
1. Analysis Exercise 1 Introduction and Print 1 Example
2. Analysis Exercise 1 (PDF)
3. Analysis Exercise 1 Review Prints 2-10
1. Analysis Exercise 2 Introduction and Print 1 Example
2. Analysis Exercise 2 (PDF)
3. Analysis Exercise 2 Review Prints 2-10
1. Livescan Exercise Introduction and Print 1 Sample
2. Livescan Exercise (PDF)
3. Livescan Exercise Answer Sheet
4. Livescan Exercise Review Prints 2-12
1. Post-Mortem Exercise Introduction and Print 1 Example
2. Post-Mortem Exercise (PDF)
3. Post-Mortem Exercise Answer Sheet
4. Post-Mortem Exercise Review Prints 2-12
1. Final Words
1. Comparison Exam - Instruction Sheet
2. Comparison Exam - All Images (PDF)
3. Searching Exam Answer Sheet
1. Searching Exam - Instruction Sheet
2. Searching Exam - Known Images (.zip)
3. Searching Exam - Latents L1-L10
4. Searching Exam Answer Sheet
1. Course Survey

About this course

$350.00

Target Audience

This training course is designed for forensic professionals who perform or support tenprint examinations, analysis, searching, and comparison.

This advanced-level course is particularly appropriate for:

Tenprint examiners and fingerprint examiners
Latent print examiners who work with tenprint exemplars
Forensic identification specialists
AFIS/biometric identification professionals
Livescan personnel involved in fingerprint capture and quality assessment
Post-mortem fingerprint examiners and identification personnel
Supervisors and quality assurance personnel responsible for tenprint examination practices
Experienced forensic professionals seeking to strengthen their skills in evaluating distorted, challenging, or difficult exemplars

I.A.I. APPROVED

4 Hours

This RS&A online course has been approved by the International Association for Identification for 4 Hours of continuing education credits for Tenprint Examiner Certification and Re-Certification.

Prerequisites

This course is intended for participants with a foundational understanding of friction ridge examination and tenprint analysis.

Because the course focuses on advanced analysis, distortion, searching, and comparison difficulties, prior experience with fingerprint examination and identification principles is recommended.

Should be Able to Perform

Participants will learn how to:

Analyze distorted tenprint exemplars using a systematic and informed approach.
Recognize and evaluate distortion and understand how it can affect the appearance and interpretation of friction ridge detail.
Identify useful information within challenging exemplars and determine how distortion may influence the examination process.
Develop effective searching strategies for difficult or distorted tenprint impressions.
Approach comparison difficulties in a structured and methodical manner.
Apply analytical techniques to practical case scenarios involving challenging exemplars.
Evaluate Livescan impressions and address issues that may affect their examination and search potential.
Apply appropriate techniques to post-mortem exemplars and recognize challenges associated with these impressions.
Integrate analysis, searching, and comparison skills when working through complex tenprint examinations.
Demonstrate competency through practical application and examination, including a final practical exam and written assessment.

Must Bring to Class

Attendees must either have a digital editing software (such as Photoshop) or a magnifier and pointers

DOWNLOADABLE COURSE BROCHURE

BTB - Course Brochure.pdf