How much training

[Mike]

How much training do your agencies require for a person to be able to start comparing latent prints.

[Rebecca]

I trained for a year and a half before I was able to begin my own latent comparisons. I worked with certified latent examiners, examining cases, then discussing the results with them. I attended two 40 hour latent classes (Ashbaugh and an Advanced course) and Ron Smith's Palm print class during that year and a half. All of my work was verified twice. I began actually signing my name to cases after tons of cases (basically it looked like we were completing twice the casework since I would complete a case, then a senior examiner would work the case independently before checking my results.) I am on my own now, however only senior examiners can verify an identification, those of us without certification or a long time on the job cannot.

[Charles Parker]

Mike,

In response to your question. If someone is hired that has no background (crime scene, ten-prints, etc) the training period is one year, but can be exteded to 18 months.

If someone has some background in some areas then training time can be reduced, but that is dependent upon their background and how fast they can progress. Some go faster than others.

They are not cleared to do cases until the examiners in the office agree that they are competent. Then they may only do property crimes for another year before being released to do crimes against persons.