Criminalist Latent Print Examiner-2

Duties:

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs independent work under general supervision
• Physically and chemically process various items of evidence to develop and document latent prints
• Compare latent prints with known subject prints for identification purposes
• Uses digital examination techniques for friction ridge analysis
• Apply appropriate scientific methodology to analyze, evaluate, compare, document and preserve latent print evidence related to law enforcement investigations
• Issue reports regarding analysis of evidence
• Testify as an expert witness in municipal, state and federal courts as necessary regarding analysis
• Maintain chain of custody of evidence
• Make reagents/standards used for processing and verify their performance
• Verify/validate new methods
• Perform basic instrument maintenance when necessary
• Perform verification and technical review of casework
• Assist in training new employees when appropriate
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Requirements:

Education:

• Must have obtained a bachelor’s degree in forensic science, criminalistics, chemistry, or directly related field, from an accredited college or university

Experience:

• 2 years of training in latent print examinations.
• 2 years of experience in latent print examinations.

Knowledge:

• Appropriate scientific procedures and equipment used in latent print examination
• Safe handling practices for chemicals in use by the laboratory
• Investigative methods and techniques
• Rules of evidence and court testimony

Skills:

• Strong analytical and communication skills
• Skill in the use of standard office equipment as well as laboratory instrumentation
• Skill in photography
• Skill in latent print examination

Abilities:

• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Organize and prioritize work
• Properly use and maintain scientific equipment
• Prepare reagents
• Prepare accurate reports
• Maintain secure custody of evidence while in their possession
• Work independent of direct supervision
• Testify effectively on scientific matters in judicial and quasi-judicial proceedings

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Must possess a valid Colorado Driver’s License

Essential Personnel:

• When a local announcement of emergency or disaster is declared by the City, all City of Aurora employees may be required to work as essential personnel.

Physical Demands:

• Medium work that involves moving no more than 50 pounds with or without assistance at a time
• Frequent Hand/eye coordination to operate computer, laboratory instruments and other testing instruments
• Infrequent Foot/eye coordination to operate motor vehicle
• Frequent Visual acuity correctable to 20/40 with no color impairment to interpret data
• Occasional Speech communication, hearing and listening to maintain communications with other employees and citizens
• Occasional Standing/Walking- Occurs up to 31 minutes to 2.5 hours per shift

Work Environment:

• Works primarily in an office/laboratory environment
• Exposure to biohazard contamination, chemicals, odors and noise

Equipment Used:

• Uses standard office equipment including personal computer and common office software such as email, internet, Word, Excel, PhotoShop and menu driven databases as a part of the laboratory automated systems
• Cameras and scanners
• This position may require the incumbent to occasionally use personal equipment (e.g., vehicle, cell phone, tools, etc.) in the course of their employment

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