Fingerprint Training/Certification

[lrb111]

For those of you that fingerprint, where did you get your training? The way I read it, it seems one needs to be certified.
Can someone clarify this for me?
tia..

[Greybeard]

Several years ago, when DPS established guidelines for non-LEOs to be able to do it, I contacted my county sheriff's dept. and attended the "fingerprinting" portion of training for jailers.

Bottom line is: the more I learned about it, the less I wanted to do it - by the old manual method anyway. With Identix now having the contract to do it electronically statewide - with minimal probability of rejections (and subsequent hassles for all) - the fingerprinting is the about the only thing I don't do as a part of the CHL classes.

[KBCraig]

I don't work R&D (Receiving & Discharge), so my experience with fingerprinting has been minimal. But, I did learn how as part of my initial training 15 years ago, and I've done it a few dozen times over the years (after-hours transfers and self-commitments, etc.)

By the traditional inkpad method, it's not difficult with a cooperative subject. Ink the digit(s) in question, then either press or roll as called for on the card. For anyone who will follow the instructions, 10 minutes of instruction and a couple of turns at practice is sufficient.

I was just speaking on Thursday with one of our R&D officers, about the new JABS computer (which is connected to a DoJ-wide electronic fingerprint system). He said that while it's a no-brainer to operate, it's much slower than traditional fingerprinting. Granted, this is from a guy with almost 20 years of experience of processing in 40-inmate busloads.

Kevin

[lrb111]

Several years ago, when DPS established guidelines for non-LEOs to be able to do it, I contacted my county sheriff's dept. and attended the "fingerprinting" portion of training for jailers.

Bottom line is: the more I learned about it, the less I wanted to do it - by the old manual method anyway. With Identix now having the contract to do it electronically statewide - with minimal probability of rejections (and subsequent hassles for all) - the fingerprinting is the about the only thing I don't do as a part of the CHL classes.

Thanks I appreciate the sourcing. I'm coming around to the same line of thinking,,, fewer problems all the way around.
I still feel it will be helpful on the occasion where an applicant needs to get things done more expeditiously. So, I think the certification is still a valid issue, even if it's only one out of fifty that need the extra service.

[lrb111]

By the traditional inkpad method, it's not difficult with a cooperative subject. Ink the digit(s) in question, then either press or roll as called for on the card. For anyone who will follow the instructions, 10 minutes of instruction and a couple of turns at practice is sufficient.

Kevin

Thanks, Kevin.
I was adding up the years from when i first learned to fingerprint. My brother and I were getting the merit badge in the Scouts. We were at the police station once a week for a couple months, it seems. Lot's of homework.
We built our own portable print station.

I downloaded the FBI instructions on methodology. and i can't see that the methods have changed in the last 40 years.

[longtooth]

I took my renewal from Britt Gipson in Applesprings just outside of Lufkin. He has been printing BGs in Polk county for over 20 yrs. My prints came back as unacceptable. While we were talking he said he thought they were sending back prints to buy time & to force folks into getting the new kind.
When he started instructing he got half a dozen a yr back. He said he could about tell when he printed someone if they were going to come back. People who handle a lot of paper or boxes are hard to get goood prints.
Until about 3 yrs ago his returns were running 2%-3%. Three yrs ago they jumped to the 25% of rejected prints that is stated in the letter you get incouraging you to use electronic printing.
He did not forget how over night.

[switch]

You need a letter from local LE departments to be certified. (Granted, I think the assumption is you will be trained by said department.)

When the rule was changed that you did NOT have to be a LEO to fingerprint for the CHL, I called the Arlington PD. They refused to even consider it (notroriously anti-gun).

I called the Tarranty Sheriff's Department. They wanted a written request and wanted to run it by the DA's office. They never responded to my written request.

I called my local county constable and he was glad to give me a letter.

Once you are ceritified, you will get a pamphlet from DPS that will show you how to take fingerprints. If you are not comfortable, get with another instructor for a little training.

[lrb111]

You need a letter from local LE departments to be certified. (Granted, I think the assumption is you will be trained by said department.)

When the rule was changed that you did NOT have to be a LEO to fingerprint for the CHL, I called the Arlington PD. They refused to even consider it (notroriously anti-gun).

I called the Tarranty Sheriff's Department. They wanted a written request and wanted to run it by the DA's office. They never responded to my written request.

I called my local county constable and he was glad to give me a letter.

Once you are ceritified, you will get a pamphlet from DPS that will show you how to take fingerprints. If you are not comfortable, get with another instructor for a little training.

This is the first I have heard of this. What sort of format is required of the letter?

[switch]

It's been a long time. As I recall, it simply stated that he certified that I was qualified to take fingerprints.

I do not know if that is supposed to mean I was trained (I wasn't) or that he knew of no reason why I could/should not be taking fingerprints.

I do not know what the current policy is. You might contact DPS and ask.

On the other hand, if your local LEO, (sheriff, chief, constable) is accomodating, get a letter and see how DPS reacts.

I do not know if DPS would help with a letter/training.

[lrb111]

Okay, Greaat! Thank you.

[G.C.Montgomery]

Anyone know of an agency in the Houston area willing to supply the required letter? HPD stopped as of last month...Chief Hurtt cited "liability" to the department as the reason. HCSD stopped more than a year ago. I am still waiting to hear back from a friend at the Pct 7 Constable's Office but I'm not holding my breath.

I've heard the state is really pushing the electronic prints. And that's fine, but many students really don't understand the benefit of the electronic prints and prefer the one-stop shop setup where everything is done onsite. I would like to be able to provide that service but I'm coming up empty on Harris County agencies that will sign off on me doing prints.

[Crossfire]

G.C. - I understand your frustration trying to find someone to certify you. We (hubby and I) checked just about every agency in Tarrant and Denton counties. No one would certify us to do prints. All said they only certify their own employees.

Utah DPS, however, was happy to certify us to do prints when we got our CFP Instructor certification there. It was a 4 hour class with plenty of practice printing everyone else in the class.

After class, the instructor typed up a letter to Texas DPS for us that said we were qualified and certified to take fingerprints. All we had to do was fax it to DPS here, and now we can do prints in Texas.

Best part is, Utah charged us NOTHING for the class!

[G.C.Montgomery]

G.C. - I understand your frustration trying to find someone to certify you. We (hubby and I) checked just about every agency in Tarrant and Denton counties. No one would certify us to do prints. All said they only certify their own employees.

Utah DPS, however, was happy to certify us to do prints when we got our CFP Instructor certification there. It was a 4 hour class with plenty of practice printing everyone else in the class.

After class, the instructor typed up a letter to Texas DPS for us that said we were qualified and certified to take fingerprints. All we had to do was fax it to DPS here, and now we can do prints in Texas.

Best part is, Utah charged us NOTHING for the class!

Sounds great but I can't travel to Utah just for that class. I'm thinking I may have to check around with some smaller surrounding agencies. Like may be a university police department. Right now, fingerprinting is the only CHL service I can't provide.

[txinvestigator]

I don't work R&D (Receiving & Discharge), so my experience with fingerprinting has been minimal. But, I did learn how as part of my initial training 15 years ago, and I've done it a few dozen times over the years (after-hours transfers and self-commitments, etc.)

By the traditional inkpad method, it's not difficult with a cooperative subject. Ink the digit(s) in question, then either press or roll as called for on the card. For anyone who will follow the instructions, 10 minutes of instruction and a couple of turns at practice is sufficient.

I was just speaking on Thursday with one of our R&D officers, about the new JABS computer (which is connected to a DoJ-wide electronic fingerprint system). He said that while it's a no-brainer to operate, it's much slower than traditional fingerprinting. Granted, this is from a guy with almost 20 years of experience of processing in 40-inmate busloads.

Kevin

Man, I have tried to learn to print several times. I have even had one of the FP instructors from the DSO jail teach me. I just can't get it. I smudge and have skips................

I can lift a set of latents like a mad man, but printing; I stink. lol

[joat]

GC - I recieved a letter from La Porte P.D. several years ago (1997?)stating that I " ...was capable of taking legible and classifiable finger prints, for the purpose of identification." after spending a Saturday morning printing the overnight guests of the local lock-up.
The id tech watched me print the detained and then reported to the chief, who wrote the letter.

You could also check with the Liberty Co. SO, or some of the smaller departments. (Spring, Pasadena, Conroe, etc.)

Joat