Basic Fingerprinting Course

This 2-day hands-on course is designed to equip patrol officers and detectives with the essential skills needed to locate, dust, and lift latent fingerprint evidence from crime scenes. Recognizing that latent prints are often the most challenged pieces of evidence in court, this training emphasizes meticulous attention to detail and proper techniques to ensure high-quality lifts suitable for identification.

Participants will learn various recognized methods of dusting for latent fingerprints and practice lifting prints using the correct tools and procedures to preserve evidence integrity. The course offers a comprehensive foundation in fingerprinting, covering the history, importance, and basic principles of fingerprint identification, along with practical exercises to build confidence in fingerprint collection, analysis, and preservation.

Ideal for new officers, detectives, and crime scene investigators, this program combines lectures, hands-on practice, and interactive discussions to prepare law enforcement personnel to effectively support investigations through expert fingerprint evidence collection.

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Understand the history and importance of fingerprinting in law enforcement
• Identify and analyze different types of fingerprints, including latent, patent, and plastic prints
• Recognize and classify fingerprint patterns, including loops, whorls, and arches
• Use ink and paper, as well as live scan devices, to collect fingerprints
• Identify and collect fingerprints from various surfaces and objects
• Preserve and store fingerprints for future analysis and comparison

The course is designed to be engaging, interactive, and relevant to real-world law enforcement applications. Students will have the opportunity to practice their skills through hands-on exercises and case studies; students will receive feedback and guidance from experienced instructors.