Latent Print Examiner

Duties

•         Fingerprint comparisons of latent prints and fingerprint exemplars to establish identity and non-identity

•         Process items of evidence for latent prints; evaluate, search and conduct examinations; determine chemical priority and recover latent fingerprints photographically or conventionally

•         Encode latent prints into the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS)

•         Utilize special photographic techniques in examining prints; determine evidentiary value

•         Prepare court exhibits; provide expert testimony on latent print examinations

•         Accept, log and secure physical evidence; safely package evidence and ensure integrity of evidence

•         Provide training to resident, patrol, jail officers and investigators in proper fingerprinting techniques

•         Prepare a variety of reports regarding latent print examinations; maintain statistical data on latent fingerprint examinations

Requirements

•         A bachelor's degree

•         Minimum of two years' full-time experience in the comparison and identification of latent print material and related matters

•         Minimum of 80 hours of formal training in latent print matters

Qualifications

•         General knowledge or skills of:

•         techniques to locate, develop, identify and compare latent prints.

•         photographic equipment and techniques and preservation techniques of various items of submitted evidence

•         laboratory principles, terminology, material, equipment, procedures, and techniques

•         criminal investigation techniques, laws of search and seizure, and court protocol

•         Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems

•         human anatomy and physiology

•         writing reports containing scientific analysis understandable to lay persons

•         organizing and prioritizing work and making judgments regarding a course of action or work methods.

•         using appropriate methods and techniques at crime scenes to collect and preserve evidence

•         the development of court exhibits such as photographs, diagrams, charts, tables, and graphs

Identification Officer

Duties

•         Visits crime scenes or other locations to lift latent prints

•         Takes photographs, searches for, collects and preserves evidence as directed

•         Assists criminalist in the analysis of evidence and in the preparation of court exhibits

•         Searches files and records to make identification based on modus operandi factors

•         Exhibits records and presents testimony in court concerning criminal identification when required

•         Fingerprints and photographs suspects and other individuals

•         Takes, classifies and files fingerprints according to established systems of classification

•         Searches fingerprint files and compares prints

•         Conducts correspondence on identification matters

•         Prepares reports and keeps records

Requirements

•         High school graduation

•         Satisfactory completion of an intensive course in fingerprint identification, including photography, from an accredited institution

•         One year of experience in the performance of the technical phases of fingerprint work and a photography or criminal identification work

•         A valid motor vehicle operator license or permit

Qualifications

•         A thorough knowledge of systems of fingerprint classification

•         Knowledge of how to file and take photographs

•         A working knowledge of police records and modern office methods and practices

•         The ability to supervise clerical assistants and prepare correspondence and write reports