​Instructors:  Pat A. Wertheim, CLPE, CTPE,
​          & Deborah E. Smith, MSFS, CLPE, CMQ/OE
Course length: 40 hours

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The Comprehensive Latent Print Comparison course is one that involves a significant amount of latent print comparisons, as well as the pertinent information on the science.  This will be far more involved than a basic-level comparison class but will be one that could be taken by any level of examiner, new or experienced, as it will have various levels of comparison exercises and knowledge throughout the course.

​Target Audience

This forty-hour course is best suited for individuals performing any level of tenprint/latent print comparisons - from basic to advanced.  (Foundational knowledge and working vocabulary of fingerprint terminology recommended.)  It is also applicable to crime scene personnel who play a key role in the collection and evaluation of latent print evidence.

Goals of the Workshop

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will increase in both speed of comparisons and in ability to make difficult identifications.  Students will improve their understanding of latent print documentation and their effectiveness at court testimony.  Students will be able to explain philosophies of the science, including that under which statistical modeling is gaining acceptance in fingerprint identification, and will understand the requirements under various accrediting authorities.  Students will be able to testify in accordance with current best practices in the field of fingerprint identification.

Course Schedule

DAY 1

• Introductions, Objectives and Administrative Matters
• Theory of Latent Print Comparisons
• Practice of Latent Print Comparisons
• Latent to Inked Comparison Exercises*

 
DAY 2

• Review Day 1
• Latent to Inked Comparison Exercises*
• QA/QC in Latent Prints
• Latent to Inked Comparison Exercises*

 
DAY 3

• Review Day 2
• Latent to Inked Comparison Exercises*
• Understanding Bias and Error in Latent Prints
• Latent to Inked Comparison Exercises*

 
DAY 4

• Review Day 3
• Latent to Inked Comparison Exercises*
• Expert Latent Print Testimony
• Latent to Inked Comparison Exercises*

 
DAY 5

• Review Day 4
• Latent to Inked Comparison Exercises*
• Continuous Improvement
• Review for Final Exam
• Final Exam

 
*Latent to Inked Comparison Exercises will be assigned at the students’ skill level and will become increasingly more difficult as the course progresses.
 
Created and Developed by Pat A. Wertheim, CLPE, & Deborah E. Smith, CLPE

Pat A. Werthiem, CLPE, CTPE

Hold a Bachelor’s degree in geophysics from Texas A&M University in 1971 and began his law enforcement career in 1973, Pat Wertheim has worked for the Kerrville, TX, Police Department; the Plano, TX, Police Department; the Arizona Department of Public Safety; the US Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory; and as a private consultant. Pat is currently employed as a Latent Print Examiner with the Fort Worth, TX, Police Crime Laboratory.

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Deborah E. Smith, CLPE

Holding a Master of Science in Forensic Sciences with an emphasis in Forensic Science Administration from Oklahoma State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Government with an emphasis in Legal Studies and a minor in Criminal Justice from Texas Woman’s University, Deborah E. Smith is a strong advocate for quality management and assurance, she involves herself in every opportunity to share knowledge and communicate best practices in the field of fingerprints.

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