ALLIANCE FORENSIC SERVICES

Manny Gonzales has decided to dedicate the remainder of his career to the education and advancement of Forensic Document Examiners by providing training for a very select number of students.

Manny recognizes that there are few opportunities besides government jobs where one can learn the art, craft and science of document examining. There are no formal approved training facilities devoted to the field. And, online/distance learning is neither accepted by the profession nor a very valuable primary source to rely on for becoming a competent FDE.

There is no substitute for hands-on, supervised training. Like cooking or watch-making, the only way to learn how to be a forensic document examiner is to study and apply FDE principles under the guidance of a knowledgeable and experienced trainer. Unlike cooking or watch-making, a mistake made as a document examiner, could have life-changing consequences.

The key to avoiding mistakes in the future is to have a trainer present every step of the way during the learning process to guide and direct the student toward the most acceptable practices. This has long been the standard for professionals in the field and is spelled out specifically in the ASTM[1] training guidelines.

As a former chief instructor and consultant for the U. S. Department of Justice (ICITAP), Manny presented formal questioned document instruction to law enforcement and intelligence agents throughout Central and South America and Caribbean (1989-1994/2004)

In the private sector, Manny has trained several individuals. One former trainee achieved certification from ABFDE and has worked for the FBI for more than 13 years as a Forensic Document Examiner. Linda Mitchell, his most recent graduate, shares the facility with Manny in her private practice and is preparing for the ABFDE Certification process.

If you or someone you know may be interested, you are invited to contact Manny. Before you do, however, be aware that you must meet the following requisites before being considered for application:

• 1.       Have achieved a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
  
• 2.       Be of high moral and ethical standards
• 3.       Have a strong desire to learn and apply yourself to the field
• 4.       Have above-average skills in English composition and verbal communication
• 5.       Be available for lab work on a regular basis
• 6.       Be computer literate with some knowledge of Word and PowerPoint and Photoshop
  
• 7.       Have sufficient time to devote to what amounts to a full-time endeavor including time for homework and off-site learning such as conferences, meetings or teaching venues.
• 8.       Pass a form-blindness and color recognition test
• 9.       Be able to climb a flight of stairs (the lab is on the second floor)