Basic Fingerprint Classification and Comparison

December 7th – 11th, 2026 

The Basic Fingerprint Classification and Comparison curriculum covers the essentials for fingerprint classification and comparison to provide crime scene investigators with the skills necessary to successfully investigate a crime scene, while identifying, collecting, and analyzing fingerprints. Participants of this course will be able to complete the following:

• Students will be able to recognize and identify the five (5) basic fingerprint patterns.
• Students will be able to recognize and identify individual fingerprint characteristics.
• Students will be able to identify techniques for locating and developing latent fingerprints and palmprints.
• Students will review the classification systems, including the “Henry System”.
• Students will be able to recognize and define fingerprint pattern parts.
• Students will have an understanding of the AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System).
• Students will understand level I, II, & III comparisons of prints.
• Students will understand and demonstrate Ten Print to Ten Print Comparisons.
• Students will understand the difference between radial and ulnar fingerprints.
• Students will have a basic understanding of NCIC classification of fingerprints.

This training is ideal for any police officer, detective, or evidence collection specialist who is tasked with investigating crime scene and identifying, collecting, and analyzing evidence.

POST Connecticut credits will be awarded as well as a certificate of completion.

Instructor: Mr. Kenneth Zercie

Mr. Kenneth B. Zercie has more than forty-five years’ experience in the criminal justice system. First as a Police Officer and Detective with the City of New Haven, retiring in July of 1984 and for the next twenty – nine years with the State of Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) (aka The Department of Public Safety – DPS) – Division of Scientific Services – Forensic Science Laboratory, retiring as its Director in October 2012. His formal education includes numerous specialized training programs in the Identification and Criminalist Sciences, as well as an A.S in Criminal Justice Administration, B.S. in Police Science and an M.S. in Forensic Science all from the University of New Haven, West Haven, CT as well as post graduate work in Education at the University of Hartford. This combination of field, laboratory and academic experience has provided a unique understanding of the application of the Identification and Criminalistics Disciplines Sciences in the investigative process. Mr. Zercie also served as adjunct faculty at Western Connecticut State University, Middlesex Community College, and Southern Connecticut State University. He currently is a “Practitioner in Residence” at the University of New Haven – Henry C. Lee School of Criminal Justice, Special Instructor for the Henry C. Lee Institute, adjunct faculty at Quinnipiac University, University of Rhode Island Detective Training Program (State Forensic Laboratory) and has guest lectured for Yale University, Quinnipiac University and The University of Connecticut Law Schools, and formally a P.O.S.T Certified Instructor as well as numerous professional societies and organizations.
As Director at the DPS (DESPP) Division of Scientific Services Director responsible for the daily administration and operation of the Forensic Science Laboratory for the State of Connecticut, Department of Public Safety. He also continues to support the Forensic Science Community as the President of the International Association for Identification (2019-2021), Assessor for A.S.C.L.D – L.A.B. ISO 17025 Accreditation Program and is a member of fifteen Professional Organizations and I.A.I. Regional Divisions (including New Jersey, New York, Florida, and California). Mr. Zercie has provided expert testimony in the areas of administrative procedures and practices, document examination, latent fingerprints (I.A.I. Certified), impression evidence (I.A.I. Certified), crime scene examination, photography and crime scene reconstruction in multiple states and all levels of courts.

Mr. Zercie remains active in the fields of Forensic Science by teaching and as a private consultant. In addition, he is the proud father of three adult children and five grandchildren that he shares with his wife and partner.