Latent Print Examiner I

Duties:

• Responsible for the examination and conclusion of any questioned finger/palm/footprint (unknown ridge detail) related to a criminal investigation.

Requirements:

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS & ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Associate's degree (A.A. or A.S.) in Forensic Science, Chemistry, Biology, or related science field -OR- two years of related experience.
• At least 18 years of age
• U.S. Citizen or possess a current permanent resident card
• Clean criminal history; any arrest history will be individually evaluated.
• No illegal drug usage within the past two years, all other usage will be evaluated on an individual basis.
• Must have a valid Florida driver's license. Must attend and successfully complete the agency sponsored Law Enforcement Vehicle Operations (LEVO) training if assignment includes driving agency vehicle. Use of agency vehicle would require appropriate driving history and passing agency biennial driver's physical exam.
• Biometric Identification System (BIS) certification must be obtained within one (1) year from date of appointment and maintained as a condition of employment.
• Must have working knowledge of federal, state, and county laws pertaining to the collection and use of physical evidence.
• Must have knowledge and skill in techniques and procedures used in crime scene investigations (e.g., evidence collection, storage, handling, analysis, and documentation to include the use of related chemicals and photography).
• Must be able to perform work under stressful conditions.
• Must be able to self-manage which includes adaptability, dependability, and initiative.
• Must have excellent analytical skills, organizational skills, and attention to detail.
• Must possess good interpersonal skills and be able to establish and maintain positive, cooperative working relationships.
• Must have working knowledge of court proceedings and testimony as well as be able to testify as an expert court witness.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality.
• Must successfully pass the Latent Print Examiner I Candidate Skills Test.
• Must be able to comprehend and communicate fluently in verbal and written English.
• Ability to effectively present information to groups and respond to questions from managers, attorneys, investigators and/or detectives.
• Must have basic computer skills to include word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications (e.g., Word; Excel, Access). Must have the ability to learn and use specialized applications.

• Applicants with body ornamentation (tattoos) shall not have any visible body ornamentation on the head, face, and neck area, which includes the visible skin while wearing a collared uniform shirt with an unbuttoned top button. Employees shall not have any visible body ornamentation located on the hands which is defined as the area from wrist to fingertips; however, a tattoo simulating a wedding ring on the ring finger of the left hand will not be considered excessive as described herein. Applicants are encouraged to read the agency body ornamentation policy before applying.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND ABILITIES:

• Prior training in fingerprint classification/comparison and/or latent print analysis preferred.

PROCESSING & TRAINING

• Selected applicants will be required to pass the Latent Print Examiner Skills Test.
• Panel Interview
• Upon hire, must successfully complete the Latent Print Examiner Training Program.
• Some positions, depending on the responsibilities, may require the candidate to successfully pass a physical or other selection processes when needed.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, talk, hear, smell, and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus (e.g., utilizes a loop or other magnifier, image software, computer screen, comparator, and BIS/NGI, while analyzing/comparing prints). The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• A member in this job classification spends at least 65 percent of their time performing duties that involve the handling, examination, preservation, documentation, preparation or analysis of human tissues or fluids or physical evidence having potential biological, chemical or radiological hazard or contamination, or uses chemicals, processes, or materials that may have carcinogenic or health-damaging properties in the analysis of such evidence. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to compare deceased prints directly from the morgue that may contain old blood and/or other biological material. Work is generally performed in a standard office setting. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. May be required to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and/or extended shifts.

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