Training latent print examiners to competency should include formal instruction in the following areas:

• The Scientific Method
  
• Basic Probability Theory and Statistics
• Friction Ridge Experiments
  
• The Largest and Best Amounts of Corresponding Ridge Features Ever Seen in a Non-Match
  
• The Largest and Best Amounts of Non-Corresponding Ridge Features Ever Seen in a Match 
• Empirical Fingerprint Match Probability Modeling 

Henry Templeman currently offers the following certificate courses to latent print examiners:

• Introduction to Dactyloscopy  (40 hrs)
• Fingerprint Experiments (120 hrs) 
  

Contact Henry Templeman at 925-997-2247 for further information.  

The following web site, latent print examiners and/or scientists are some recommended resources for information and/or instruction in one or more of the above areas: 

• www.statistics.com
• Christophe Champod:  cchampod@mac.com
• Glenn Langenburg: glenn.langenburg@state.mn.us 
  
• Cedric Neumann: cedric.neumann@mac.com
• Alice Maceo: a7828m@lvmpd.com
• John "Dusty" Clark: dusty.clark@sbcglobal.net
• Michele Triplett: Michele.Triplett@kingcounty.gov     
  

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Top 10 Web Sites 

Top 10 web sites to learn about fingerprints and current issues in the practice of fingerprint identification:

1.  Interpol European Expert Group on Fingerprint Identification [IEEGFI 1] [IEEGFI 2]

3.  John "Dusty" Clark's Web Site [Latent Prints]

4.  Ed German's Web Site [Latent Print Examination]

5.  Ridges and Furrows [R & F]]

6.  Scientific Working Group for Friction Ridge Analysis, Study and Technology [SWGFAST] 

7.  International Association for Identification [IAI]

8.  Michele Triplett's Fingerprint Terms [Fingerprint Terms]

9.  Ron Smith & Associates, Inc. [RS&A] 

10.  The Shirley McKie Case [Link]

Top 10 Reads

Top 10 reads about fingerprints and current issues in the practice of fingerprint identification:

1.   On February 18, 2009, a congressionally mandated report was released from the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), stating it finds serious deficiencies in the nation's forensic science system and calls for major reforms and new research.  Specifically it states that rigorous and mandatory certification programs for forensic scientists are currently lacking, as are strong standards and protocols for analyzing and reporting forensic evidence including fingerprints. 

2.  IAI memo which advises members not to states conclusions in absolute terms. [Link] 

3.   A Review of the FBI's Handling of the Brandon Mayfield Case by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General [Full Report]

4.   State of Maryland v. Brian Rose Circuit Court of Baltimore Count, Case No. K06-0545, Memorandum Decision [Decision] and the Memorandum Decision Re Reconsideration [Decision] 

5.  Fingerprints and Other Ridge Skin Impressions by Christophe Champod et al  [Book]

6.  Quantitative-Qualitative Friction Ridge Analysis:  An Introduction to Basic and Advanced Ridgeology by David Ashbaugh [Book]

7.  The Inference of Identity of Source:  Theory and Practice by Christophe Champod [PDF]

8. A Critical Analysis of Quantitative Fingerprint Individuality Models, Journal of Forensic Sciences, JFSCA, Vol. 31, No.4, Oct. 1986, by David A. Stoney and John I. Thornton

9. Defending Against the Critic's Curse, by Glenn Langenburg September, 2002 article for [CLPEX]

10.  ACE-V - Is it Scientifically Reliable and Accurate? by John "Dusty" Clark [Latent Prints]