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Course Description
The AIST curriculum using the very latest textbooks concerning the science of fingerprints that has been
prepared by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
The fingerprint course will teach you about the historical background of the science of fingerprints. In the
next step, the course acquaints you with sufficient knowledge necessary to identify, understand, and
implement the eight basic fingerprint patterns according to the Henry System of Fingerprint Classification,
as prepared by the FBI.
Sir Edward Henry was an Assistant Commissioner of Police at Scotland Yard in 1901 that developed the
eight basic fingerprint patterns classification system that is still being used by the FBI, Scotland Yard, and
law enforcement agencies throughout the world.
With AIST fingerprint course, you will learn to classify fingerprints according to the Henry System. A
significant portion of the study’s concentration will be focused on the orientation of prints; detailed
instructions and practical applications of fingerprint patterns, ridge counting, whorl tracing, and
interpretation; the study and evaluation of loops, whorls, and arch pattern characteristics, and comparison of
prints.
The AIST fingerprint course is designed to acquaint you with sufficient knowledge in order to identify,
understand, and implement the Henry System of the Fingerprint Classification Formula (FPC) that is
currently used on all law enforcement fingerprint cards, for classification.
A significant portion of the course will be spent on detailed instructions and practical applications of the
classification formula, which comprises the following six divisions: Key, Mayor, Primary, Secondary,
Sub-secondary, and Final. You will learn to classify and take ink prints on fingerprint cards according to the
proper FPC formula.
You will learn how to physically obtain fingerprints for classification and / or comparison. You will also learn,
understand, and know how to conduct ACE-V (An acronym for Analyze, Comparison, Evaluation, and
Verification) methodology, which is the most current method used for identification or exclusion of an
individual fingerprint. You will learn how to present ACE-V examinations as evidence in a court of law.
This portion of the AIST fingerprint course will provide students with sufficient knowledge in order to identify,
understand, and implement the codes used by the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), which is a
computerized information system established to service all law enforcement agencies, including local,
state, and federal governments.
Understanding the NCIC is crucial because it is a widely used system that was developed to meet the
needs of police, as well as those of prosecutors, courts, and correctional institutions for prompt, up-to-date
information concerning an individual’s past criminal history. As part of AIST’s comprehensive course, You
will learn to classify fingerprints according to the proper NCIC codes.
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