Salary: $601.40 - $809.60 / week ($31,273 - 42,099 / yr)

Final Filing Date: Open Until Filled

Duties: The Identification Technician reports directly to the identification Unit Manager of the Cambridge Police Department. Primary responsibility of the position is providing technical assistance in the collection and preservation of latent prints at crime scenes to ensure adherence to proper operating procedures and to assist in the processing of evidence and effecting fingerprint identifications.

This work requires an advanced knowledge of the Automated Fingerprint Identification System and Henry System of fingerprint classification. It also requires knowledge and experience in fingerprinting collection, preservation processes, identification & photographic equipment and materials. The work involves following standard operating procedures and instructions in photography, record keeping, and the identification, classification, collection and preservation of prints. Departmental guidelines and identification procedures and methods govern work activities; however, the Supervisor will utilize judgment in determining and establishing procedures governing the work operations of subordinates. It is important that personal contacts are established within the department for the purpose of coordinating activities and exchanging information and within the law enforcement community for establishing policies and procedures and providing information.

Duties of the Identification Technician include:

• Work with Identification Unit Manager to ensure proper operation and maintenance of AFIS, and prepares statistical reports concerning AFIS activity.
• Perform identification tasks, processing of evidence, entering latent prints into the AFIS using a variety of equipment and materials.
• Follows procedures on fingerprint identification, classification, collection, and print preservation methods.
• Work with department employees in methods and practices used in fingerprint and related criminal identification work and on new laws, procedures and policies in fingerprinting.
• Responds to requests for identification and procedural information from other law enforcement agencies.
• Provides expert witness testimony in court on latent print examinations and corroborates the latent print examinations completed.
• May require the use of apparel and equipment such as: air respirators, saranex suits, nitrile gloves, booties, and goggles during the processing of hazardous crime scenes and laboratory operations.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Requirements: The ideal candidate will have a BS in Criminal Justice or a related technical field. Two to five years experience performing comparable duties preferred. Requires a minimum of three years latent print examiner experience (or a combination of education and/or training and/or experience that provides an equivalent background required to perform the work.

How to apply: Internal applicants submit job bidding form along with resume and cover letter; External applicants submit resume and cover letter to the Personnel office, City Hall, Room 309, 795 Mass. Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, on or before the closing date. Fax: (617) 349-4312. Email: employment @ cambridgema.gov.