New IAI Standards?

[Whisler]

In a previous post another author mentioned the IAI was "looking into an additional certification test (for those that do this job but can’t take the present test because they don’t qualify yet)"

I'm curious about the thoughts and opinions of others about this concept. I was initially against this, however I had limited information on the issue (one sentence to be exact). I've researched it more and am still undecided. I would like more information from those of you that have insight and opinions to help me look at it more objectively (no driver's license analogies this time Steve. I've been told I'm not very good at it).

I realize the IAI will do what they want regardless if I like it or not. The real problem I have with the whole concept started when I first heard the Association would allow comparitors to be used. Then they increased the time limit. Now its reducing the number of comparisons and offering a title for this new standard. It initially came across like a used car salesman struggling to make a deal.

Another perspective of this that it's not a lesser standard, it's just simply a different standard, like having a Bachelors Degree and a PHD.

I agree that many more members will likely join the Association and a significant number will probably seek certification under the new proposed standards (assuming the new standards are adopted by the Association). How long will it be before the new lower standards are the majority standards?

So, your thoughts? Opinions? Insight? Lesser Standard, or Newer Standard?

[Charles Parker]

Jason, I think there are a couple of things going on here. The first one is that the Crime Scene Certification Board has approved having college students take a level of the Crime Scene Certification test even though they are not qualified by being employed by a governmental agency yet. If you contact someone from the Crime Scene Certification Board they might be able to shed more light on the student certification program.

When you mentioned the Comparators, I think that comes from the Latent Print Certification Board. I think the board approved that mechanical comparators can be used because some agencies do not use magnifiers the way you are I use them, but use comparators. However the comparators cannot be the type that can make copies or duplicates of those images being viewed.

Soon the Latent Print Certification Board will be meeting to discuss whether to make or not make a 2nd tier test for the Latent Print Certification Program. However at this time I do not think a decision has been reached and I have no idea which way they will go.

I think there is a lot of misinformation and rumor going on about it but to my knowledge no final decision has been reached.

I think that your thoughts PRO or CON on a two tier test for Latent Print Certification should be addressed to the LPC Board. Even if you are not certified I think your ideas would be important to the Board.

By the way the test and rules governing the Latent Print Certification test have been changed a number of times since it began in 1978. Like anything else it needs to adapt or it will cease to be, but maybe now is not a time to adapt. How is that for middle of the road?