Salary: $27.63 to $32.19 an hour

Final Filing Date: March 31, 2009

Duties: The Seattle Police Department is actively recruiting Latent Print Examiners to join our team of highly motivated professionals. The Latent Print Examiner will analyze and compare latent prints. Collect and preserve latent prints and other physical evidence in the laboratory, as well as under potentially adverse conditions at major crime scenes. Locate, develop, recover and preserve latent impressions on a wide variety of materials and surfaces using physical, chemical, electronic, and optical techniques. Administer infrared, ultraviolet, and other special forensic photographic procedures, including digital imaging devices. Evaluate and enter suitable latent prints into the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) by photographing, determining the minutiae, identifying position, tracing, and inputting the impression. Determine identifications and non-identifications by comparison and verification of each latent print to AFIS candidate lists. Write detailed reports concerning results of analysis. Recover fingerprints, palm prints, and footprints from deceased and decomposed bodies, victims of crime, and potentially violent suspects. Train Identification Technicians in the proper collection, preservation, and documentation of latent print evidence. Provide training to law enforcement personnel concerning the proper collection and preservation of physical evidence. Testify in criminal legal proceedings as needed concerning methods of analysis and results. The expert Latent Print Examiner team is part of the Department’s Forensic Support Services including the Identification Unit, Evidence Unit, Photo Lab, and Video Unit.

Requirements: Bachelor of Science degree with a major in forensic science, criminalistics, physical or natural science, or related field, and two years experience in latent print examinations and processing of evidence. Technical experience in a forensic laboratory or in the identification and analysis of fingerprints can substitute for up to two years of college education. Able to respond to crime scenes on weekends, evenings and holidays. Working knowledge of the Henry Classification and National Crime Information Collection systems, forensic photography, alternate light sources, and digital imaging technology. Proper use and storage of safety equipment i.e., air respirators, chemicals, gloves, booties, and laboratory equipment. Proper handling of hazardous, caustic, flammable, and carcinogenic chemicals, including firearms and explosive devices. Satisfy a Seattle Police Department background investigation, pass a physical examination by a City-approved doctor. Washington State Driver's License at time of hire. Obtain a Washington State ACCESS/WACIS certification within one year of employment.

Desired Qualification: Temperament to work with deceased bodies, body fluids, biologic pathogens, hazardous materials, and firearms in a professional and safe manner. Certification by the International Association for Identification (IAI). Coursework from the Federal Bureau of Investigation in latent print examination or other forensic training. Working knowledge of the Automated Fingerprint Identification System. Highly detail oriented with the ability to follow oral directions and written operating procedures. Reliable judgment, problem solving and decision making skills. Self-motivated individual with experience working in a team environment.

How to apply: Apply online at www.seattle.gov/jobs/ or complete an application, cover letter, resume and drop it off at the Personnel Department, Seattle Municipal Tower, 700 5th Avenue, Suite 5400, Seattle, WA 98124-4028

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Posted: November 25, 2008