Forensic Evidence Technician

Duties:

• Compares unknown latent prints to known inked prints; examines, prepares and develops latent fingerprints both chemically and with the conventional dusting techniques; analyze prints collected at or off of evidence collected at crime scenes, and searches files for comparisons with those of known persons, both manually and by scanning into the automated Cal-ID and FBI/ULW fingerprint systems; consults on latent fingerprint identification problems; and prepares complete reports of findings/results.
• Responds to major crime scenes and provides specialized support by searching for, collecting, preserving, transporting and processing physical evidence (i.e., latent fingerprints, blood samples, tool marks, footprints, tire impressions and plaster casts) gathered at crime scenes.
• Collects, preserves and photographs evidence (i.e., hair, fingerprint, clothing, fingernail scrapings, saliva and other physical samples) on and from persons at crime scenes; Attends autopsies to collect evidence; fingerprints deceased persons; photographs deceased before and after being cleaned up; and tags evidence as autopsy is conducted.

Requirements:

THE SUCCESSFULL CANDIDATE Will demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Working knowledge of: Methods and techniques of criminal identification, latent print comparison and crime scene investigation; Fingerprint identification and other technical and scientific instruments, equipment, supplies and procedures used to search for, collect, preserve and process latent fingerprints; Methods and techniques of various chemical, laser and physical processes and related safety requirements; Rules of evidence regarding chain of custody and methods to preserve and safeguard evidence; Modern cleaning and disinfection methods and practices for cleaning of persons, floors, walls, fixtures and equipment; Digital computer enhancement software, such as Adobe Photoshop and Microsoft Office Applications.
• Skill and Ability to: Operate and maintain various fingerprint identification and other technical and scientific instruments, equipment and supplies to search for, collect, preserve and process latent fingerprints; Operate photography, audio and video recorder equipment; and take and develop digital photographs; Prepare clear and concise reports and keep accurate records, and prepare physical evidence and exhibits for court; Operate computers for preparation of sketches, reports and evidence/photo logs and data entry of fingerprint and/or firearms evidence; Search, document, collect and preserve evidence gathered at crime scenes; Testify in court as an expert witness; Maintain confidentiality; Maintain facilities and equipment in a safe, sanitary and orderly manner; Follow written and oral instructions of a technical nature; Maintain cooperative relationships with co-workers, members of the public and others contacted through the course of work; respond in a positive manner to supervision and direction; and attend and perform duties on a regular, reliable and consistent basis; Deal tactfully with persons from a variety of cultural, educational, and occupational backgrounds who may be experiencing stressful situations; Use current safety equipment and take safety precautions in carrying out duties; Work independently with minimal supervision; Correlate, interpret and draw sound conclusions from information received from a variety of sources.

Examples of ways to acquire the required knowledge and skills are:

• Experience: Two years of progressive fingerprint identification and crime scene investigation experience to qualify as court expert in latent fingerprint and crime scene testimony;
OR
• Education: One year of above experience with one-year education in Administration of Justice with emphasis in Evidence Technology.

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