CLPEX Chat Board

Both the old and new guidelines for IAI Latent Print Certification have the verbage "Minimum of 2 years full-time experience in the comparison and identification of latent print material and related matters." Is it possible to get some clarification on what is an acceptable definition for related matters? If someone processes crime scenes for latent prints or processes evidence in a lab for latent prints but does not do comparisons, is this considered "related matters"? If so, does that mean a Crime Scene Analyst with 2 years experience working crime scenes can test? Many crime scene personnel have the required training. With FBI, State and local classes, the Palm Print Symposium and the Advanced Ridgeology course, it is possible that a non-practicing individual may pass the test. Is this okay? Most examiners have their opinion on whether or not this should be allowed. The fact is that no matter what our opinion, the guidelines are what determine who can and cannot test. I'm not asking to argue the matter. I just wish clarification because I have been asked by several individuals whether they can qualify to test and I cannot answer them. Can anyone help?

I think that the Latent Print Certification Board would be willing to review someone's resume and give an opinion as to whether or not they qualify to apply for the test. My concern would be that even with a few classes, that if the person didn't do comparisons on a routine basis, they would not pass the exam. The test is not easy and someone who took a class or two last year or even a couple of months ago but never did any case work on a daily or at least weekly basis would find the test very difficult to pass.

Since even practicing examiners can struggle with the test, I feel "non-practicing examiners" wouldn't stand a chance of passing the exam. Of course, there will be exceptions - there could be a few individuals with special talents who could pass the exam after a few classes. But, for the majority of the rest of the folks, they would not pass.

Just my opinion.

Kathy Saviers

Kathy, you are absolutely correct. Each application is reviewed first at the state level and then with the parent body. The problem is, I will be the new appointee at the state level soon! I'm ecstatic about being able to serve a post with the IAI for the first time, but it means that I personally have to be able to answer questions. This is the most common question I am receiving. It can be very hard to operate under a guideline that can be interpreted in several ways. It means one thing to me and another to CSI. Without clarification I will have to operate under the loosest interpretations possible. I'm not sure that's what the IAI intended.

The best advice would be to contact Secretary Lyla Thompson. Your experience must be related to latent print matters. You may need additional time working with latent prints if it is not 100% of your current duties. Remember the application fee is non-refundable. This is due to the fact that there is a considerable amount of expense involved in administering the program. I agree with the other posts, if you are not doing this full time it will be difficult to pass.

For those who are interested, I received the answer that I needed. For certification "related matters" must be latent comparison related. Latent print development related, 10-print related, do not meet the requirement. Once certified, an examiner needs only 80 hours of training each 5 years to maintain certification. An examiner may retire and remain certified as long as he/she continues to go to school or teach. Thank-you for your replies.