Latent Print Examiner

Duties:

Examples of Work

• Conducts technical and scientific examinations of exhibit material submitted by law enforcement personnel to assist with criminal investigations and to develop criminal intelligence.
• Processes evidence for the recovery of latent prints using chemical and other various techniques.
• Evaluates the quality of latent prints submitted and developed to determine suitability for comparison purposes.
• Performs analysis, comparison and identifications of inked and latent finger, palm, and footprints to known standards.
• Photographs latent prints on evidence using digital camera equipment.
• Prepares photographic enlargements to demonstrate the arrival of a conclusion.
• Utilizes the Biometric Identification System to develop candidates for latent fingerprint comparisons. Incorporates findings resulting from these comparisons into reports which form a basis for legal proceedings.
• Provides expert testimony to courts of law in the development, comparison, and identification of latent fingerprint evidence.
• Periodically attends and participates in continuing education training and professional meetings.
• Updates professional expertise through regular study of new developments in current literature and by attending courses, seminars and industry meetings.
• Conducts technical reviews of casework performed by co-workers including verification of identifications.
• Participates in annual proficiency examinations.
• Develops and conducts training programs for personnel throughout the agency and external partners as needed.
• Performs administrative responsibilities.
• Provides tours and presentations to agency personnel, external law enforcement members, prosecutors and other individuals as directed.
• Interacts with vendors and industry personnel to evaluate new technology, equipment and processes.
• Performs routine maintenance on equipment.
• Operates and maintains vehicles used to retrieve evidence and to respond to crime scenes when expertise is requested.
• Demonstrates proficiency in the City of Jacksonville’s competencies.
• Performs related work as required.

Requirements:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the terminology, principles, and analytical techniques used in the analysis of evidence as it applies to the forensic laboratory.
• Knowledge of procedures and techniques used in the development and comparison of latent prints.
• Knowledge on what constitutes evidence.
• Knowledge of the procedures for the safe handling of hazardous and biologically hazardous evidence.
• Knowledge of courtroom procedures and legal requirements involving the use fingerprint evidence and testifying as an expert witness.
• Skill in fingerprint identification.
• Skill in operating computer terminals and other office equipment.
• Ability to determine the quality of fingerprint evidence.
• Ability to withstand mental and physical exertion required for analyzing latent prints for long periods of time.
• Ability to handle deceased persons to obtain finger and palm prints.
• Ability to learn the intricate detail of minutiae plotting on the latent entry terminal of the Biometric Identification System.
• Ability to safely use chemicals and forensic equipment to locate and obtain latent print evidence.
• Ability to conduct forensic scientific examinations analyze results, formulate conclusions and present findings verbally and in writing.
• Ability to effectively train individuals or groups in forensic laboratory analysis techniques and procedures
• Ability to give sworn testimony as an expert witness in court.
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Good visual acuity.

OPEN REQUIREMENTS:

• Three years of education from an accredited institution and/or experience in inked fingerprint identification, one year of which includes comparing and identifying latent prints.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• The probationary period for this class is twelve (12) months. This classification performs safety-sensitive functions and is subject to pre-employment, random and other drug/alcohol testing programs as set forth in the City of Jacksonville’s Drug Free Workplace Policy (0401).

LICENSING/CERTIFICATION/REGISTRATION:

• A valid Driver's License is required prior to appointment and must be maintained during employment in this class. Must qualify for prior to appointment, obtain, and maintain during employment in this class a City of Jacksonville Certification as a Public Driver.

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