Analysis of Distortion in Latent Prints

This two-day (16 hour) workshop focuses on the analysis of the ACE-V methodology as it pertains to distortion created by movement of the friction ridge skin when it touches a surface. All impressions of the friction ridge skin bear distortion. Each time the skin contacts a surface, pressure and movement cause the skin to stretch and compress in response. Each touch is different and distorts the skin in its own way, creating variation in appearance among impressions of the same area of friction ridge skin. Workshop topics will include: The affect pressure and movement have on the appearance of the skin, basis for uniqueness and persistence of friction ridge skin, anatomy of distortion, elements of analysis and documentation, analysis of deposition pressure, analysis of horizontal movement, vertical movement, and rotation, analysis of pressure changes in one movement, simultaneous movements (rotation during a horizontal or vertical movement), analysis of two sequential movements (with and without a pressure change), biological distortion (scars), current topics, application of skills to "real world" latent prints. Each class is limited to 30 students. This course is POST reimbursable, Plan IV.