Presented by Ron Smith and Associates, Inc., and the

Instructor: David Ashbaugh
 

Course Description

ATTENTION: LATENT PRINT EXAMINERS

This course is applicable to both veteran and novice latent print examiners. The purpose of the course is to introduce examiners to the holistic approach to friction ridge identification as presented at the Daubert Hearing in Federal Court in Philadelphia during the summer of 1999.

Quantitative-qualitative friction ridge identification has a strong basis in science. The four key areas of knowledge required to support friction ridge identification are theory, technique, standards, and conclusions. These are presented, and their application to the various issues, recently identified in court challenges, are reviewed and discussed.

Latent print examiners are instructed how to apply the theory behind friction skin uniqueness and persistency to the technique used to individualize friction ridge prints. This step by step process culminates with an opinion of an expert. Most of the identification process presented is objective in nature and is capable of being falsified, an important aspect of scientific methodology.

Each examiner participates in class and syndicate analysis using ACE-V methodology. Class participation is designed to develop a candidate’s ability and confidence when describing the various steps involved in the evaluative friction ridge identification process. The Forensic Ridgeology Course gives structure to the friction ridge identification science, promotes communication and introduces examiners to forensic report writing.

The Forensic Ridgeology Course has a testing phase where students demonstrate their knowledge of theory, technique and the ability to prepare a written analysis report.
 
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR  

David R. Ashbaugh
Staff Sergeant (Retired)
Royal Canadian Mounted Police


David R. Ashbaugh is a Staff Sergeant (retired) from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Ashbaugh has been a sworn police officer for 36 years and has served 28 years as a Certified Forensic Identification Specialist. He received his forensic training at Ontario Police College in Aylmer, Ontario. Ashbaugh is an active member of numerous professional organizations including the International Association for Identification, the Fingerprint Society, and the Canadian Identification Society. He has presented expert testimony at the various levels of court in both Canada and the United States.

During the last 27 years, Ashbaugh has carried out extensive research into the scientific basis and identification process of the friction ridge identification discipline. He coined the term “Ridgeology” in 1982 to describe a modern evaluative friction ridge identification process based in science. Mr. Ashbaugh has lectured on the subject of ridgeology extensively in the U.S. and several foreign countries. He has also authored the book “Quantitative-Qualitative Friction Ridge Analysis”, which has rapidly become the most widely used technical resource book on the subject of friction ridge identification. Ashbaugh has received several prestigious awards for his research in friction ridge identification.
 

GENERAL COURSE INFORMATION

Daily Schedule: This course will begin promptly at 8:00 a.m.

Class attire should be casual and comfortable.

This training seminar has been approved for 40 hours of Continuing Education Credit required for I.A.I. Certification and Re-certification

Certificates of attendance, authorized by the International Association for Identification, will be awarded to each student successfully completing the seminar.

TUITION: See course registration page

COURSE CALENDAR

February 18-22, 2008
March 10-14, 2008

 

 

WAYS TO ENROLL

Online:
Visit the registration link for the scheduled date and location in which you are interested and fill out the online registration form associated with this course.

By FAX:
Complete all the information on the registration form, print it out and fax it to us at 601-626-1122.

By Mail:
Complete all the information on the registration form, print it out and mail it to us at:

Ron Smith & Associates, Inc.
Attention: Training Division
P.O. Box 670
Collinsville, Mississippi 39325


By Phone:
Call us toll free at 1-866–TEAM RSA (832-6772) and register directly with one of our Training
Division staff members.

PAYMENT OPTIONS:
By Check:
Checks are to be made payable to “Ron Smith & Associates, Inc.” All registrants should forward a
department check, personal check or purchase order, along with a copy of their completed registration
form to Ron Smith & Associates, Inc.


By Credit Card:
To pay by credit card, please contact Ron Smith & Associates, Inc. and speak with one of our
representatives. Call toll free at 1-866–TEAM RSA (1-866-832-6772)