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Automated Fingerprint Identification System

Overview

The goals of this course are twofold: to have the student understand the operations of an Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS); and to understand opportunities to improve the cause of justice using the power of AFIS systems. Students will be taught the key elements of AFIS systems, actions and data that can affect outcome, and opportunities to make more identifications.

Cost: $0-225. This course takes 23 Hours to complete, on average.

The goal of the Automated Fingerprint Identification System course is to have students understand the operations of an Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS). Students will be introduced to the key elements of AFIS systems, actions and data that can affect outcome, and opportunities to make more identifications. The course is designed as an introductory level course.

Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

Describe the need for classification systems
Describe the major AFIS databases
Describe the best locations for minutiae placement
Discuss how tenprint records enter AFIS
Discuss why the latent print examiner, not AFIS, makes the latent print ident
Describe the need for fingerprint standards

Course Structure and Schedule

This is a non-credit course offering 3.72 ILUs. (What is ILU?) Average completion time for the course is 23 hours. The course cost is $225 per registration (with the exception of public lab employees, law enforcement, public attorneys, and federal employees – please see "Registration Information" below). A certificate of completion will be issued to students successfully meeting course requirements.

Unit 1: History of Fingerprints
Unit 2: Classification Systems
Unit 3: AFIS Overview
Unit 4: Minutiae Placement
Unit 5: Tenprint Record Processing
Unit 6: Latent Print Processing
Unit 7: Palm Print Overview
Unit 8: Forensic and Civil Applications Overview
Unit 9: Standards
Unit 10: Other Biometrics Overview
Unit 11: AFIS Current Challenges
Unit 12: SWOT Analysis
Unit 13: Acquisition and Testing (Optional)

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this class. A printable version of the course content is available in PDF format in the course library for future reference. Course readings are also available in PDF format. Access to an AFIS system is not required for this course.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to have access to an AFIS system for this course?

Answer: No, you will not need to have access to an AFIS system to take the course. Although knowledge of how an AFIS operates would be beneficial when taking this course, it is not necessary.

Computer Requirements

Mozilla Firefox (recommended) or Internet Explorer
Adobe Acrobat Reader
QuickTime
Macromedia Flash Player
Java

(Free software plug-ins are available in the Getting Started area of the course.)

Basic computer skills required (i.e. turning on your computer, navigating to websites, etc.). The course is user-friendly but support is available if needed.

Instructor Information

Anthony Iten is a Forensic Science Technician with Forensic Science Initiative. He graduated from Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota with a Bachelors of Arts degree and Forensic Science Certificate. Anthony has spent time working in the Drug Chemistry and Latent Print sections in the St. Paul Police Department Crime Lab in St. Paul, Minnesota. His responsibilities include online course development and assistance in training professionals in the forensic field. He is currently developing a Latent Print online course. Contact: anthony.iten@mail.wvu.edu, 304-293-5186

Samantha Neal is the Instructional Coordinator for the Forensic Science Initiative, a program that develops research, scientific resources, and professional training for forensic scientists and related professionals. Her primary responsibilities are the development and coordination of online continuing education courses in forensic science and continuing education programs. She has undergraduate degrees in both Forensic and Investigative Sciences and Chemistry.
Contact: samantha.neal@mail.wvu.edu, 304-293-5836

Forensic Science Initiative: http://fsi.research.wvu.edu/, Contact: fsi@mail.wvu.edu
Technical Assistance: 304-293-4444 (non-credit eCampus student)
Extended Learning: http://continuinged.wvu.edu, Contact: WVUEnrich@mail.wvu.edu

Registration Information

Please read below to determine your eligibility. If you have any eligibility questions please contact Forensic Science Initiative at FSI@mail.wvu.edu BEFORE you register. Registration is accepted year-round for this course.

Law Enforcement, Public Lab Employees & Public Attorneys

Anyone employed by state, county, or city Law Enforcement or Public Safety Agency, or those employed by a Public Forensic Laboratory are eligible. Attorneys employed in the public sector at a state or county department are eligible.

Registration Steps:

Go to our Online Registration System, log in or create new profile.
Navigate to the category Forensics – Public Lab Employees
Select Course and Click on "Add to Cart" (Instructions under "How to Register")
Completely Fill out "Supervisor Approval Form: Release Form" and Click "Submit". Please note that we cannot accept registrations that list the Student as his or her own Supervisor.
Proceed to Checkout (even though charge is $0 this MUST be done)
You will receive a confirmation email verifying course registration
Course Access information will be emailed to students within 5 business days from WVUEnrich@mail.wvu.edu

Penalty Fee (Public Lab Employees, Law Enforcement, and Public Attorneys ONLY):

Public Laboratory Employees, Law Enforcement, and Public Attorneys are funded by NIJ Award 2009-DI-BX-K012. A $30 penalty fee will be charged to the individual for any student that does not access or finish the class in the time allotted. The student will be held responsible for the $30 penalty even if they have left the agency. If the student defaults on the payment, the agency will be responsible for the $30 penalty fee. Failure to pay the $30 penalty fee will result in the individual student and the agency’s ineligibility to register for future FSI online and onsite courses. Each situation will be handled on a case by case basis but exceptions are rarely given.

Cancellation Fee

This $30 fee is a technology fee and is charged once registration is submitted- if there is any question concerning eligibility, please check PRIOR to registering.

Federal Employees

Anyone employed by the United States Federal Government is eligible to enroll in any course that directly impacts their job position for a cost of $30.

Registration Steps:

Go to our Online Registration System, log in or create new profile.
Navigate to the category Forensics – Federal Employees
Select Course and Click on "Add to Cart" (Instructions under "How to Register")
Completely Fill out "Supervisor Approval Form: Release Form" and Click "Submit". Please note that we cannot accept registrations that list the Student as his or her own Supervisor.
Proceed to Checkout & Pay $30 course fee
You will receive a confirmation email verifying course registration
Course Access information will be emailed to students within 5 business days from WVUEnrich@mail.wvu.edu

Refund Policy (Federal Employees ONLY):

The $30 course cost is non-refundable under any circumstance.

General Public

All others employed by private agencies, universities, agencies out of the United States, or anyone interested in taking the course.

Registration Steps:

Go to our Online Registration System, log in or create new profile.
Navigate to the category Forensics – General Public
Select Course and Click on "Add to Cart" (Instructions under "How to Register")
Proceed to Checkout & Pay $225 course fee
You will receive a confirmation email verifying course registration
Course Access information will be emailed to students within 5 business days from WVUEnrich@mail.wvu.edu

Refund Policy (General Public ONLY):

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. Email your request to WVUEnrich@mail.wvu.edu or mail your request to: WVU Extended Learning, P.O. Box 6800, Morgantown, WV, 26506.

For general FAQs for the FSI online courses please click here.

Testimonials

"All the classes that I have enrolled in have been great. The courses have so much information. I am very confident that any situation I come in contact with will aid me.

I want to thank all the teachers and staff of West Virginia University for the service they provide to law enforcment and other public service employees.

Great Courses."

3 OPTIONS FOR REGISTRATION

Federal Employees

Law Enforcement, Public Lab Employees & Public Attorneys

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