I am interested in finding out how many agencies administer visual acuity (VA) testing as a condition of pre-employment for their latent print examiner trainees. These VA tests seem to be predictive of a person's ability to discern information on both macro and micro scales. From an employer standpoint, it seems reasonable to make sure the prospective LPE candidate can actually see the details necessary to function successfully in this profession. It also seems to be a proactive measure to essentially 'protect your investment' since it takes considerable resources to train a new examiner.
Thank you in advance for your input.
Visual acuity testing
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John Black
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Bill Schade
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- Location: Clearwater, Florida
Re: Visual acuity testing
Not done here but I would like to know more.
Are there general tests out there or are specific pattern evidence tests being used? Are they available? At what cost?
The only visual acuity test I have ever seen (briefly) was the one used to screen candidates for the Latent Print Academy held at NFSTC quite a few years ago
Are there general tests out there or are specific pattern evidence tests being used? Are they available? At what cost?
The only visual acuity test I have ever seen (briefly) was the one used to screen candidates for the Latent Print Academy held at NFSTC quite a few years ago
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Dr. Borracho
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Re: Visual acuity testing
I suggested such testing to my agency a few years ago. HR shut it down real quick by invoking the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Their explanation was that banning people with bad sight from becoming latent print examiners would violate the ADA. I tried to argue that good vision is a job related necessity, but they would have none of it. I lost. No vision testing takes place.
"The times, they are a changin' "
-- Bob Dylan, 1964
-- Bob Dylan, 1964
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timbo
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Re: Visual acuity testing
We have used one for some new examiners, it is a test available through RS&A. Personally I think it makes a lot of sense to use one for people new to the field.
They do a vision test for driver's licenses to make sure you can see well enough to drive - so why not a visual acuity test for latent print examiners, where you need not only good vision but good visual acuity? It sounds like your HR department was being unnecessarily worried about potentially being sued. Maintaining a valid driver's license is a condition of my employment - as I'm sure it is of most if not all latent print examiner positions out there. How is visual acuity testing much different?
They do a vision test for driver's licenses to make sure you can see well enough to drive - so why not a visual acuity test for latent print examiners, where you need not only good vision but good visual acuity? It sounds like your HR department was being unnecessarily worried about potentially being sued. Maintaining a valid driver's license is a condition of my employment - as I'm sure it is of most if not all latent print examiner positions out there. How is visual acuity testing much different?