Latent Print Examiner

Duties:

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Under general supervision, examines, analyzes and identifies latent prints in support of police investigations, and prepares and gives expert testimony in court.
• Compares known finger, palm, and footprints with latent print impressions to determine identity for use in police investigations.
• Follows established procedures for maintaining chain of custody.
• Testifies in court proceedings as an expert in latent print analysis.
• Prepares charts, photographs, and other materials for court presentations.
• Maintains reference files of latent prints of value in outstanding cases.
• Collects and develops latent prints using a variety of chemical and photographic methods in a laboratory setting or in the field.
• Develops, implements and conducts quality assurance and quality control programs.
• Reviews, monitors and evaluates unit practices to ensure compliance with established standards, policies and procedures.
• Schedules and coordinates program audits.
• Prepares for, oversees and coordinates LAB accreditation activities.
• Peer reviews casework performed by other examiners.
• Trains less experienced latent print examiners in fingerprint examinations and other related duties.
• Assists other forensic personnel in the collection and development of patent print examination and analysis.
• Participates in both internal and external proficiency test.
• Working knowledge and skill sets in entering and comparing latent print impressions in the local and federal Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of friction ridge analysis, comparison and identification.
• Practices and methods in locating and developing latent friction ridge impressions.
• Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations pertaining to the acquisition of friction ridge impressions and other evidence.
• Investigation resources, procedures and methods.
• Police department organization and functions of internal divisions.
• Forensic technical and business report preparation and writing.
• Security and privacy requirements of confidential information.
• Recordkeeping principles and procedures including law enforcement records processing and maintenance.
• Safe work practices and occupational hazards of the job.
• Local, state, and federal laws, policies, rules and regulations involved in the rules of friction ridge evidence.
• Practices, procedures, equipment, and materials used in fingerprint processing and comparisons.
• AFIS, SPEX and IAFIS systems operation.
• Crime scene processing and sketching.
• Use and maintenance of a variety of crime scene processing equipment required for on call crime scene duties.
• English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Ability to:

• Obtain latent prints and conduct comparisons utilizing the ACE-V scientific methodology.
• Ability to prepare for and appear as an expert witness in matters of fingerprint identification.
• Conduct valid comparisons and identifications using IAW SWGFAST guidelines.
• Operate computer and other modern office equipment.
• Operate a variety of computer programs to include evidence tracking, Record Management Systems, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and related software applications.
• Present concise testimony in court.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Effectively deal with personal danger, which may include exposure to hazardous chemicals and materials and fumes and smoke.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Respond to requests and inquiries from investigators and other police department personnel.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with police personnel, peers, and all others contacted in the course of work.
• Perform mutual aid with other cities/municipalities that do not have an adequate Forensic department.

ADA and Other Requirements:

• Positions in this class typically require fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Candidate must be able to perform the essential job function with or without accommodations.

Physical Requirements:

• Remaining in a stationary position, often sitting or standing for prolonged periods
• Occasional movement throughout the workday daily to interact with staff and accomplish task.
• Communicating both verbally and written in order to exchange information.
• Repeating motions of holding, grasping, turning, that may include the wrist, hands, and/or fingers.
• Light work that may include moving objects up to 10 pounds.
• Work primarily in office environment.
• Ability to operate office equipment, such as computer, copier, fax machine, and phone.

Sensory Requirements:

• Concentrated and attentive use of one or more senses (visual, audio, and other sensory modalities) for proof reading, data entry, tabulating data
• Ability to operate in an environment with frequent interruptions from people and or noises, which in return could result in some level of stress, fatigue, or strain.
• Comprehensive of written information in work related documents.
• Ability to hear, understand, and distinguish speech.

Working Conditions:

• Work is routinely performed in an indoor, office environment.
• No remote work.
• May be required to be on call and/or work outside of normal business hours.

Requirements:

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION

• Possession of an appropriate valid driver's license (North Carolina or South Carolina) and ability to maintain insurability.
• Latent Print Examiner Certification by the International Association for Identification (IAI) is required within 18 months of meeting certification eligibility.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate’s degree
• Three years of experience
• Valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver’s License
• Preferred qualifications: Completion of undergraduate core program in natural science, criminal justice, forensic science or a related field.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• The City’s Background Check Policy requires background checks to be conducted on final internal or external candidate(s) applying for any position with the City of Charlotte. The type of information that will be collected as part of a background check includes, but is not limited to: reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction record check, and, if applicable, a credit history check, sex offender registry and motor vehicle records check.
• Background checks must be in compliance with all federal and state statutes, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The checks must be consistent with the guidelines set forth by these laws requiring organizations to obtain a candidate’s written authorization before obtaining a criminal background report, motor vehicle records check or credit report; and to properly store and dispose of information derived from such reports.
• Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination. During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test, and/or participate in other assessments.

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