Accomplished latent print examiner with 13 years experience. Vast background in crime scene processing and laboratory work. Energetic instructor in various forensic disciplines.
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Conduct latent print comparisons to known record prints. AFIS entry. Report writing and courtroom testimony. Footwear and tire impression examination and comparison.
Manage the Forensic Services Unit of the West Valley City Police Department, including all budgeting and purchasing.
Respond to and supervise major crime scenes and process them for probative evidence. Assign cases to Forensic Investigators and complete and administrative review of all cases completed.
Chemical processing of evidence to developed fingerprints in the laboratory. Latent print examination and comparison to known record prints. AFIS searches. Report writing and courtroom testimony. Training of Forensic Investigators and police officers in various forensic disciplines to include fingerprint development and processing and comparison and examination.
Respond to major crime scene and process them for probative evidence. Chemical processing of evidence to developed fingerprints in the laboratory. Latent print examination and comparison to known record prints. AFIS searches. Report writing and courtroom testimony. Training of new employees and police officers in fingerprint development and processing.
Responded to calls for service. Took reports and investigated criminal complaints. Basic crime scene investigation to include evidence collection and processing and latent fingerprint development.
Implemented the Community Payback Program for juvenile offenders.
Officer of the month award - October 1999.
Latent Print Identification - April 18 - 20, 2000 - 32 Hours
Taught by the FBI, this 3 day course covered fingerprint comparison techniques.
Advanced Palm Print Identification - November 6 - 8, 2000 - 24 Hours
Taught by Ron Smith
DO YOU KNOW what part of the palm made these prints? DO YOU KNOW if the left or right hand made these prints? DO YOU KNOW what the correct vertical position of these prints are? If you have an Automated Palm Print System, DO YOU KNOW how to position the latent palm print to maximize the search accuracy and efficiency of your system? DO YOU KNOW how to teach palm print comparison techniques to the people you supervise? If the answer is “NO” to any of these questions, then you can benefit from this workshop.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this three day workshop is to substantially improve the ability of the latent print examiner to conduct latent print comparisons in a more time and cost efficient manner. This workshop is designed to benefit examiners at all expertise levels from the new trainee to the latent print supervisor. The practical exercises have been prepared in such a manner that each student will be working with material equal to their level of expertise and progress to more difficult assignments as their ability grows. These techniques can be immediately applied to both manual and automated palm print searching.
NEED: The reason that there is a need for this type of training is twofold. First, many, if not most latent print examiners have never had any formal training in the area of latent palm print searching. This is because, except on a very limited basis, none existed - UNTIL NOW!. Second, although the development of A.F.I.S. systems has been monumentally successful in identifying latent fingerprints, it has indirectly contributed to a new problem - a whole generation of latent print examiners who cannot effectively deal with palm prints. This seminar is designed to meet the need by training the students to “Search smart before they search hard!” This is accomplished by teaching the students how to recognize the numerous “position orientation clues” that normally appear in palm prints.
Basic Friction Ridge Analysis - October 22, 2003 - 8 Hours
Taught by Jon Stimac, this 1 day course covered basic tips and tricks for fingerprint examination and comparison.
Fingerprints and the Law - October 25, 2006 - 8 Hours
Taught by Stephen B. Meagher, this 1 day course discussed fingerprint testimony for court.
Techniques for the Examination and Comparison of Latent Prints - May 10, 2007 - 8 Hours
Taught by Kent Timothy, this 1 day course discussed techniques to help examination and comparison.
Introduction to the Science of Fingerprint Identification - October 6 - 10, 2008 - 40 Hours
Taught by Mike Campbell - Ron Smith & Associates.
The knowledge of how to evaluate, compare and identify friction skin is accomplished through many hours of training and experience that involves independent study and one on one mentoring by an expert. This course is designed to start that process through a series of lectures, practical exercises and drills that are specifically designed to increase the student's knowledge and foster confidence in the usefulness of the science and their ability to use it. Many different facets of friction skin examination will be explored and the challenges associated with the science will be discussed in detail. Each participant will understand the principles underlying the science and as a result, they should have a practical, functional knowledge of how to examine friction skin upon completion of the course. The course starts by teaching the “language” of friction skin examination and pattern recognition. Then the student will learn how to use all three “levels of detail” and apply ACE-V. methodology as the basis for the examination process.
At the completion of this 40 hour course the student will be able to understand the following:
•Understand the difference between the “Classification” of fingerprints and the “Identification” of fingerprints
•Understand the three types of “classification systems” in use today – Henry, NCIC and IAFIS
•Understand, interpret and recognize the three basic fingerprint patterns and their eight sub-sets – arches, loops and whorls
•Understand the basic principles behind the use of fingerprints as a means of positive human identification – Uniqueness and Persistence.
•Understand the three “Levels of Detail” used today in fingerprint examination – fingerprint patterns with their ridge flows, ridge events or points of identification and the individual ridge units made up of pores and the sides of the ridges.
•Understand A.C.E. – V. methodology used by experts to compare and individualize or eliminate fingerprints
•Understand the concepts for “prints of value”
•Understand the use of “Point Standards” in some countries and by some prosecutors
•Understand the various concepts related to the “verification” process of ACE – V.
•Understand that absolutely no decision is reported without verification by another expert
•Understand the Daubert decision as it relates to fingerprint examination
•Understand what an “AFIS computer system” does and how it is used in various ways to assist fingerprint examiners as well as how “Live Scan” technology impacts this process today.
Essential Ridgeology Concepts - April 6 - 10, 2009 - 40 Hours
Taught by John Black - Ron Smith & Associates.
This five day introductory course is designed to familiarize the student with the fundamental concepts of Ridgeology, which is a holistic approach to fingerprint examination. This course examines in detail the following topics: theory, technique, standards and standards for conclusions. The theories of skin growth, persistency and biological uniqueness are presented, along with the contributions of key researchers in the science of fingerprints.
The focus then shifts heavily toward technique. Considerable time is spent discussing ACE-V methodology, but preferential treatment is given to the analysis phase. Students will analyze numerous impressions, record their bench notes and then articulate and defend those notes for the class. This will reinforce the material presented and will better enable the student to understand the appearance of a given impression. It will also highlight the importance of a transparent case record that can withstand scientific scrutiny. Students will also complete two (2) separate comparison exercises.
Both legal and scientific standards will then be discussed, along with what comprises our standards for conclusions. Key legal decisions pertaining to the science of fingerprints will be discussed, as will issues raised by prominent critics of the science. Students will complete a written assessment at the end of the course.
Course objectives:
•Understand and explain skin growth, persistency (permanence) and biological uniqueness
•Understand and articulate the dynamics involved in the production of a friction ridge impression
•Understand the importance of a thorough analysis of a friction ridge impression
•Proper application of the ACE-V methodology to draw sound conclusions
•Understand the relationship between ACE-V and hypothesis testing
•Understand applicable standards for conclusions
•Understand the applicable legal and scientific standards for friction ridge skin identification.
Complex Latent Print Examination - September 21 - 25, 2009 - 40 Hours.
Taught by Charles Richardson & Debbie Benningfield - Ron Smith & Associates.
This course is the next in a series of classes to assist the examiner in understanding the complexity of friction ridge detail. The instruction progresses into the areas of tonal reversal, mirror prints, overlapping prints, distorted prints, etc. Even with the most challenging friction ridge detail, there are usually visual clues that can be used in the individualization process. Step by step instructions and practical exercises in the ACE-V Methodology will give the student more insight to assist them in properly analyzing these complex prints. Do you conduct verifications of all individualization? If so, have you heard of “Confirmation Bias?” How does it affect your decision making process?
Too often, inked prints do not contain the needed ridge detail to complete an examination. Examiners will learn the importance of Major Case Prints and how to properly obtain them. How do these manually recorded prints compare to electronically (live-scan) captured prints? Can electronically recorded prints capture all the required friction ridge detail needed to conduct a conclusive comparison? What are the “pitfalls” of electronically recorded known prints? These questions will be answered in presentations and subsequent class discussions.
How do Frye, Daubert and Kumho affect you? What are some of the questions you can expect at a “Daubert Hearing?” What resources do you have available to assist you in responding to a Plaza style challenge to the science of fingerprints? What is a Plaza challenge? What resources do you have available for your personal development in the science? What resources do you have at your disposal in establishing guidelines for your latent print unit? All these questions and more will be answered during this intense week of presentations, comparison exercises, conducted both individually and as a group (bring those magnifiers), and a “hands on” application of much of the material presented.
Have you heard that the National Academy of Science (NAS) in their recently released report stated they believe Certification should be mandatory? Students will be given an overview of the International Association for Identification (IAI) Latent Print Certification Program.
Students will learn the following:
•Searching Smart techniques
•Palm Print location/orientation
•Analyzing complex prints such as tonal reversed, image reversed, overlay, pressure distortion issues, etc.)
•Footprint Ridge Detail
•Daubert issues
•SWGFAST Documentation Standard
•IAI Latent Print Certification Program Overview.
Testified as a Latent Print Examiner on May 23, 2011 in Clark County District Court. Attached letter from Deputy District Attorney Amy L. Ferreira regarding my testimony.
International Association for Identification (I.A.I.)
Active Member since 2001.
Utah Division of I.A.I.
Active Member since 2000.
Various Board of Director positions from 2002 - 2010.
Nevada Division of I.A.I.
Active Member since 2010.
President since 2011.
Rocky Mountain Division of I.A.I.
Active Member since 2006.
International Association of Bloodstain Pattern Analysts
Provisional Member since 2007.
Lecture - Rocky Mountain Division of I.A.I. - 2006 Fall Conference.
Lecture & Workshop - 3rd Annual Tri-Division Educational Conference 2008.
Lecture & Workshop - 4th Annual Tri-Division Educational Conference 2009.
Lecture & Workshop - 6th Annual Tri-Division Educational Conference 2011.
Lecture & Workshop - California Division of I.A.I. Educational Conference 2012.
Lecture & Workshop - Souther California Association of Fingerprint Officers
21st Annual Training Conference 2012.
Lecture & Workshop - Florida Division of I.A.I. Educational Conference 2012.
Lecture & Workshop - 7th Annual Tri-Division Educational Conference 2012.
Special Function Officer - POST - 200 hours - November 1998
Utah Crime Scene Academy - POST - 40 Hours - May 2000
Courtroom Testimony & Footwear Collection - Utah IAI - 8 Hours - November 2000
Child Injury & Death Investigation - PATC - 16 Hours - August 2001
Death & Homicide Investigation - PATC - 24 Hours - August 2001
Advanced Homicide Investigations - UCPOWER - 32 Hours - November 2001
Recovery & Examination of Footwear Impressions - W.J. Bodziak - 40 Hours - April 2002
Blood Pattern Analysis - UCPOWER - 40 Hours - April 2002
Death Investigation Training - Utah IAI - 8 Hours - April 2002
Crime Scene Photography - Utah IAI - 8 Hours - November 2002
Crime Scene Investigation & Evidence Reclamation - UCPOWER - 16 Hours - March 2003
Handwriting Examination & Counterfeiting - Utah IAI - 8 Hours - May 2003
Crime Scene Processing - UCSI - 16 Hours - August 2003
Marijuana Leaf Identification Course - POST - 40 Hours - January 2004
Video Camera Techniques - W. Sawabini - 24 Hours - March 2004
Serial Number Restoration - ATF - 24 Hours - March 2004
Training to Certification - Utah IAI - 8 Hours - April 2004
89th IAI Educational Conference - IAI - 40 Hours - August 2004
Utah IAI Fall Conference - Utah IAI - 24 Hours - October 2004
Advanced Homicide Investigations - UCPOWER - 40 hours - November 2004
Recovery of Buried Remains - Utah IAI - 8 Hours - May 2005
RUVIS Training - Sirchie - 8 Hours - May 2005
Utah IAI Fall Conference - Utah IAI - 32 Hours - October 2005
Courtroom Testimony Techniques - RS&A - 16 Hours - December 2005
Drug UNIT Testing - POST - 4 Hours - February 2006
Forensic Applications of Photoshop - Utah IAI - 6 Hours - May 2006
Crime Scene and Arson Investigation - LETC - 40 Hours - June 2006
1st Tri-Division Educational Conference - 24 Hours - August 2006
Rocky Mountain IAI Fall Conference - RMDIAI - 24 Hours - September 2006
Advanced Homicide Investigations - UCPOWER - 40 Hours - December 2006
Utah Forensic Academy - LETC - 40 Hours - April 2007
92nd IAI Educational Conference - IAI - 40 Hours - July 2007
2nd Tri-Division Educational Conference - 40 Hours - November 2007
Biological Evidence Collection - Sorenson Forensics - 8 Hours - February 2008
Sudden Unexplained Infant Death Investigation - Utah IAI - 7 Hours - June 2008
WMD Crime Scene Management - FEMA - 8 Hours - June 2008
WMD HAZMAT Evidence Collection - FEMA - 16 Hours - June 2008
WMD Hands-On Training Course - FEMA - 16 Hours - June 2008
93rd IAI Educational Conference - IAI - 40 Hours - August 2008
3rd Tri-Division Educational Conference - 32 Hours - October 2008
COBRA-Hazard Assessment & Response Management - FEMA - 24 Hours - December 2008
Management & Leadership Training - B. Soffe - 16 Hours - May 2009
4th Tri-Division Educational Conference - 32 Hours - November 2009
95th IAI Educational Conference - IAI - 40 Hours - July 2010
5th Tri-Division Educational Conference - 32 Hours - October 2010
California IAI Educational Conference - CSDIAI - 40 Hours - May 2011
NAS Report, DNA, Courtroom Testimony - NSDIAI - 8 Hours - July 2011
6th Tri-Division Educational Conference - 32 Hours - October 2011
Basic Bloodstain Pattern Recognition - C. Moore - 40 Hours - October 2011
California IAI Educational Conference - CSDIAI - 40 Hours - May 2012
Digital Summit International Conference - DSI - 32 Hours - August 2012
SCAFO 21st Annual Training Conference - SCAFO - 16 Hours - October 2012
Florida IAI Educational Conference - FDIAI - 40 Hours - October 2012
7th Tri-Division Educational Conference - 32 Hours - November 2012
ISO/IEC 17020 & Audit Preparation Workshop - FQS - 16 Hours - March 2013
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