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 offering 3.1 ILUs. The student can register at any time during the year, and should be able to complete the course within a 34 hour period. The instructor should be notified if an extension is required. The course cost is $199 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 individual 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 is provided through animations and screen shots.
Q: Do I qualify for NIJ funding?If you are in any type of forensic public sector, you qualify. NIJ provides funds so that forensic scientists, law enforcement, crime scene personnel, and related professionals can receive proper training. The exceptions are individuals working in the private sector, federally funded employees, and individuals working in academia.
Q: Is there a required text?It is strongly recommended that there is a copy of Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems written by Peter Komarinski 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: How long will it take to complete the course? On average, the course can be completed in approximately 34 hours. Students work at their own pace and convenience and may work as much or as little as they would like during each session.  The student has until the end of the semester to complete the course, although extensions may be granted upon request.
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.Q: Who should I contact for more information?Instructor: Samantha.Neal@mail.wvu.edu or 304-293-5836

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 $199. 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. If you are not notified, please contact WVU Extended Learning at (800) 253-2762 or (304) 293-7570.

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.

Refund Policy

For all students: A $30 processing fee will be charged to the individual for any student that does not access or finish the class in the time allotted.

Others: All requests for cancellations/refunds must be in writing. Requests must be made within one week from when the class access information was emailed to the student. Mail to: WVU Extended Learning, P.O. Box 6800, Morgantown, WV, 26506 or email to WVUEnrich@mail.wvu.edu.