5 answers
Demetra
Student
6
Questions
Updated
1530 views
What major would someone take to become at fingerprint technician?
Being a fingerprint technician would be super fun and cool but, I am not sure what major I would major in to becomes a fingerprint technician.
Login to comment
5 answers
Kelly Desso
Protective Services
226
Answers
Somers, Connecticut
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
Hello Demetra,
I must caution you upfront that jobs in this field are quite scarce in my region, and when they do surface, the salary usually falls below $50,000. This might be a regional trend, but it's something I've observed in my role at a prominent defense contractor. The professionals I've collaborated with over the years typically have military or law enforcement backgrounds. They were either transitioning from active service to a civilian role, or had reached retirement age in law enforcement and took this on while also receiving a pension from another source.
Although many might suggest pursuing degrees in security or criminology, based on my own experience studying homeland security, public safety, and human securities, I wouldn't recommend this route for a career in fingerprinting. Instead, a major in biometric studies, which offers experience in digital analysis, would be the most advantageous for this career trajectory. Such programs often provide exposure to various identity management systems that are utilized in this role. Therefore, I always advise those exploring college majors to not just select a major based on its title - scrutinize the curriculum thoroughly before applying! If you don't think the coursework aligns with your career objectives, consider other options.
Furthermore, consider exploring certification programs and joining professional societies. Being a member of such groups can connect you with experienced professionals who discuss current trends, challenges, and events in the field. The International Association for Identification is one such society that comes to mind. The FBI frequently offers trainings and seminars. You can find more information here: https://le.fbi.gov/science-and-lab/biometrics-and-fingerprints/biometrics/biometric-and-criminal-history-record-training. The TSA/Homeland Security in the United States also offers a certification program in this area.
Look into schools offering biometrics
Consider organizations that offer a certification
I must caution you upfront that jobs in this field are quite scarce in my region, and when they do surface, the salary usually falls below $50,000. This might be a regional trend, but it's something I've observed in my role at a prominent defense contractor. The professionals I've collaborated with over the years typically have military or law enforcement backgrounds. They were either transitioning from active service to a civilian role, or had reached retirement age in law enforcement and took this on while also receiving a pension from another source.
Although many might suggest pursuing degrees in security or criminology, based on my own experience studying homeland security, public safety, and human securities, I wouldn't recommend this route for a career in fingerprinting. Instead, a major in biometric studies, which offers experience in digital analysis, would be the most advantageous for this career trajectory. Such programs often provide exposure to various identity management systems that are utilized in this role. Therefore, I always advise those exploring college majors to not just select a major based on its title - scrutinize the curriculum thoroughly before applying! If you don't think the coursework aligns with your career objectives, consider other options.
Furthermore, consider exploring certification programs and joining professional societies. Being a member of such groups can connect you with experienced professionals who discuss current trends, challenges, and events in the field. The International Association for Identification is one such society that comes to mind. The FBI frequently offers trainings and seminars. You can find more information here: https://le.fbi.gov/science-and-lab/biometrics-and-fingerprints/biometrics/biometric-and-criminal-history-record-training. The TSA/Homeland Security in the United States also offers a certification program in this area.
Kelly recommends the following next steps:
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
760
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
If you're interested in becoming a fingerprint technician, you'll typically start by getting a degree or certification in fields like forensic science or criminal justice. These subjects will help you understand the science and techniques behind fingerprint analysis and identification. You'll be studying exciting topics like forensic biology, chemistry, crime scene investigations, and how to collect and analyze evidence.
To really get a feel for the job, it's a great idea to get some hands-on experience. This could be through internships, volunteering, or specialized training programs. These opportunities can help you develop the skills and expertise you need to excel in fingerprint analysis and comparison.
Depending on where you want to work, you might also need to get certified by professional organizations, like the International Association for Identification (IAI). This can give you an edge and help you move forward in your career as a fingerprint technician.
To really get a feel for the job, it's a great idea to get some hands-on experience. This could be through internships, volunteering, or specialized training programs. These opportunities can help you develop the skills and expertise you need to excel in fingerprint analysis and comparison.
Depending on where you want to work, you might also need to get certified by professional organizations, like the International Association for Identification (IAI). This can give you an edge and help you move forward in your career as a fingerprint technician.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1880
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Demetra !
To resonate Kelly Desso's great advice, I have to say that in the area where I live, it's actually not a career, rather most likely a training that someone in a particular office is able to do, like when people are notary publics. At least in my area, if you go someplace such as a police station, mental health facility, etc. , they don't hire a special finger printer, it's someone at that office that can do it and are active in another role in that office, too.
Due to the nature of my previous work, I had been required to have finger pints done. It seems quite easy now with the computerized version of finger printing.
If you anticipate that you would work in a segment of a field of work where people need finger prints, I would advise taking the Certification for it. You can get a booklet, study for it and take the exam which will depend on which state you live in. Your local police department can tell you about how to become certified for it or you can research online for your state's requirements. Each state has their different ways of doing things.
To resonate Kelly Desso's great advice, I have to say that in the area where I live, it's actually not a career, rather most likely a training that someone in a particular office is able to do, like when people are notary publics. At least in my area, if you go someplace such as a police station, mental health facility, etc. , they don't hire a special finger printer, it's someone at that office that can do it and are active in another role in that office, too.
Due to the nature of my previous work, I had been required to have finger pints done. It seems quite easy now with the computerized version of finger printing.
If you anticipate that you would work in a segment of a field of work where people need finger prints, I would advise taking the Certification for it. You can get a booklet, study for it and take the exam which will depend on which state you live in. Your local police department can tell you about how to become certified for it or you can research online for your state's requirements. Each state has their different ways of doing things.
Gwenola Trystram
Business Developer at Dell
6
Answers
United Kingdom
Updated
Gwenola’s Answer
Generally speaking, a background in chemistry or biology can be useful. A certification on biometrics (how to take and preserve samples, paper work etc) is probably necessary. My son graduated from college in the UK, he studied forensics.Courses included: dna, fingerprint, crime scene, legal requirements, the judicial system, law, biology physics and chemistry.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Aisha Taylor
Mortgage Closing Specialist
464
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Aisha’s Answer
To be a fingerprint technician, you don't necessarily need a particular major. However, a degree in forensic science, criminal justice, biology, chemistry, or a similar field can be advantageous. These subjects give you a solid understanding of scientific principles, forensic methods, and criminal investigation procedures, all crucial for fingerprint analysis. Boost your credentials by gaining practical experience through internships, volunteering, or specialized training in fingerprint analysis and forensic methods. This hands-on experience will equip you for a thriving career in this thrilling field.