Friction Ridge Analysis

Friction Ridge Analysis is a 40-hour course that will cover identifying ridge flow, ridge patterns, the orientation of friction ridge impressions, and different ridge characteristics. The course will offer accepted methods of documenting these observations through note-taking. Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to successfully perform the analysis of friction ridge impressions and determine if they are valuable for comparison.

This class will be Monday - Friday, 8:00 am-5:00 pm.

What to Bring:

Participants should bring a fingerprint magnifier with a Henry disc, one ridge counter, a computer with Microsoft capabilities, and the required LPE texts listed below:

1. Ashbaugh, D. R. Quantitative-Qualitative Friction Ridge Analysis: An Introduction to Basic and Advanced Ridgeology. CRC Press, Boca Raton, 1999. 2. Champod, Christophe et al. Fingerprints and Other Ridge Skin Impressions (2nd Edition). CRC Press, Boca Raton, 2016. 3. The Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Science of Fingerprints. U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington DC, 1979 4. Moenssens, Andre A., Meagher, Stephen B. The Fingerprint Sourcebook. National Institute of Justice. 2011

Disclaimer: Due to the substantial academic rigor of the Latent Print Examiner courses being offered by the Georgia Forensic Academy, some texts or lessons may contain challenging or controversial topics. The information and educational material contained herein are meant to promote generally accepted practices, understanding, and dialog of topics by forensic science professionals and related parties in latent print and impression evidence fields. Such information is not meant or intended to substitute for any individual’s experience or judgment. Attendance of these courses is strictly voluntary and should be undertaken only by individuals employed by a recognized law enforcement agency and currently assigned the complex tasks of Latent Print Examiner duties. Courses taught by the Georgia Forensic Academy are intended to be practical in impact and prepare students to be successful in the field of forensic sciences and, therefore, contain rigorous practical exercises and examinations that meet everyday challenges experienced by forensic professionals.