Introduction

West Virginia University Extended Learning and WVU’s Forensic Science Initiative is pleased to present these learning materials and this course to you on-line. The materials in this course have been gathered to assist you in learning the preliminaries of forensic automated fingerprint identification systems.

Computer Requirements

• Internet Explorer
• Adobe Acrobat
• QuickTime Player
• Macromedia Flash Player
• Java Runtime Environment Version 1.4.2 - (Do not install the newest version Java 1.5)

(Free software plug-ins are available in the Getting Started portion of the course.)

Course Structure and Schedule

This is a non-credit course offered for 15 clock hours or 1.5 CEUs. The student can register at any time during the year, and should be able to complete the course within an 8-week period. The instructor should be notified if an extension is required. The course cost is $177 per registration, and a certificate for course completion will be issued to the student.

Public Laboratory Employees are funded by NIJ Award 2001-RC-CX-K003 and 2003-RC-CX-K001. A $30 processing fee will be charged to the Department for any student that doesn't access or finish the class in the time alloted. See below on how to register.

No prerequisites are required for the course. The text, Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems written by Peter Komarinski, is strongly recommended as a laboratory copy but each participant does not need one.

Topics to be Studied

Unit 1: History of Fingerprints
Unit 2: Classification Systems
Unit 3: AFIS Overview
Unit 4: Tenprint Record Processing
Unit 5: Latent Print Processing
Unit 6: Palm Print Overview
Unit 7: Forensic and Civil Applications Overview
Unit 8: Standards
Unit 9: Other Biometrics Overview
Unit 10: Current Challenges
Unit 11: SWOT Analysis
Unit 12: Acquisition and Testing (Optional)

Methods of Evaluation

• Pretest
• Posttest
• Course Evaluation

FAQs

Q: Do I need to have access to an AFIS? No. The course is set up so that any part of the system you may need to view, you can through provided animations and screen shots.

Q: Do I qualify for NIJ funding? If you are in any type of public sector, you qualify. NIJ provides funds so that forensic scientists can receive proper training. The exceptions are individuals working in the private sector.

Q: Is there a required text?It is strongly recommended that there is a copy available to your agency. The content is based on this text, however it may serve as a valuable resource. We do not think it is necessary for each individual to own a copy.

Q: Do I need to be technically savvy? As long as you have basic computer skills (i.e. turning on your computer, navigating to websites, etc) you will be fine. The course is user-friendly but support is available if needed.

Q: Who should I contact for more information? Forensic Science Initiative at fsi@mail.wvu.edu or 293-6214.

Q: What level is this course geared toward? This course is at an introductory level. It is a useful tool for anyone who would like to learn more about AFIS systems.

Registration

Public Laboratory Employees are funded by NIJ Award 2001-RC-CX-K003 and 2003-RC-CX-K001. Please fill out the Supervisor Approval Form and fax or mail it. No other form is required to register. Students that submit a Supervisor Approval Form will receive registration confirmation by email showing a charge of $177. Please disregard this charge if you are a public laboratory employee funded by the NIJ Award. When WVU Extended Learning receives the Supervisor Approval Form, you will receive class access information by email within 5 business days.

Others: Register online through our secure server or fill out this form and fax or mail it to Extended Learning. You will be given class access by email within five working days. Call 1-800-2Learn2, or email WVUEnrich@mail.wvu.edu if you have any questions. Major credit cards and electronic checks are accepted.