Latent Print Examiner

Duties:

• Performs skilled work in the recovery, examination and identification of latent prints to utilize in investigations of crimes, accidents and disaster;
• Recovers and identifies human friction skin impressions from disaster and accident victims;
• Recovers and identifies prints from disaster and accident victims;
• Prepares exhibits and written reports and testifies in court;
• Photographs, traces and enters latent fingerprints into AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System) in order to provide local and state law enforcement a means of searching fingerprint files to match prints;
• Trains intern coworkers in latent print examination techniques;
• Prepares media and reagents for use in laboratory, adhering to proper quality-control and safety measures;
• Records laboratory results, reports workload status and writes certificates of analysis to be submitted as evidence in a criminal procedure in lieu of testimony;
• Presents, interprets, explains and defends analyses as the State's expert witness at criminal proceedings to assist the court in determining the guilt or innocence of defendants;
• Ensures that a secure chain of custody is maintained for samples;
• Provides information concerning technical findings to attorneys and paralegal personnel so that the proper legal implications can be drawn;
• Photographs and develops hard copies of processed prints to preserve them for examination and to utilize in constructing exhibits for court presentations;
• Keeps abreast of current latent print recovery/examination procedures and court decisions relevant to their use;
• Using formal classroom instruction and informal one-on-one sessions, trains law enforcement officials to improve their skills in evidence-recovery and crime scene management;
• Performs related work as assigned.

Requirements:

• Considerable knowledge of latent print recovery, examination and identification techniques; the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; the ability to meet and develop effective working relationships with law enforcement and legal representatives; ability to analyze information recovered, to make accurate judgments, and to prepare well-planned and detailed reports based on those findings; ability to effectively instruct others in proper procedures; ability to work on own initiative, with a minimum of direct supervision; good knowledge of or familiarity with automated systems and the ability to accurately enter and retrieve data.

• Possession of a bachelor's degree in forensic or a physical or natural science and two (2) years of work experience as a fingerprint technician (certification by the International Association for Identification is preferred);
OR,
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

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