Employment Opportunity


Latent Print Examiner

Pima County Sheriff, Tucson, Arizona

Salary: $24.23 Hourly

Final Filing Date: Continuous

Latent Print Examiners collect, preserve, examine and compare latent print evidence with known inked prints to establish positive identification of persons. Incumbents perform computer-assisted inked print to inked print and latent print to inked print comparisons, identifications and verifications and enter related demographic data into the Arizona Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AZAFIS).

Duties and Requirements Click to read more

Duties:

Duties/Responsibilities
  • Performs computer-assisted and manual latent print to inked print and inked print to inked print comparisons, identifications and verifications; Enters latent print images and demographics from latent lift cards into computer remote workstation;
  • Performs computer-assisted latent print enhancement using digital cameras, scanners and specialized software;
  • Conducts laboratory examinations of physical evidence including weapons, explosive devices and human remains for fingerprints, palm prints, footprints, and glove and cloth impressions using powders, fumes, chemicals and laboratory equipment;
  • Photographs, preserves and secures latent print evidence;
  • Coordinates latent print evidence with other law enforcement agencies;
  • Prepares detailed fingerprint comparison displays;
  • Provides expert testimony in court and at pre-trial conferences regarding the positive identification of persons through latent print examinations and the science of fingerprint examinations;
  • Instructs law enforcement personnel in advanced techniques for developing and identifying latent prints;
  • Writes reports on scientific analyses of evidence for latent prints and other print comparisons;
  • Maintains confidential files of known suspects' fingerprints, latent prints and evidence received and processed;
  • Researches, tests, creates and refines methods for developing, processing, preserving and identifying latent prints;
  • Rolls, files and searches for inked fingerprints;
  • Participates and instructs others in procedures for processing physical evidence at crime scenes;
  • Makes post mortem identification through fingerprint analysis;
  • Provides technical supervision at the crime scene;
  • May be temporarily assigned lead responsibilities, to include AFIS Site Manager duties;
  • Create and maintain latent print Standard Operating Procedures.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

Knowledge of:
  • the science of fingerprint classification and identification of persons through inked and latent print comparisons;
  • the rules of evidence;
  • hazards and safety precautions related to the chemicals and equipment used in processing evidence.
Skill in:
  • developing latent prints through the use of chemicals, powders, light and laser processes;
  • operating and maintaining fingerprint and evidence processing equipment;
  • analyzing prints to establish the positive identity of individuals;
  • communicating effectively orally and in writing;
  • computer data entry and retrieval;
  • testifying in court;
  • writing reports and preparing displays indicating factors considered in print examinations;
  • operating photographic equipment;
  • presenting information regarding print examinations to groups and individuals.

Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications
  • A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and completion of eighty (80) hours of formal training in latent print matters plus one-year experience in latent print-related matters. (Additional relevant experience may substitute for the aforementioned education.)
  • OR
  • Current certification as a Latent Print Examiner by the International Association for Identification.
Supplemental Information
  • Licenses and Certificates: All incumbents must obtain AZAFIS Latent Print Operator Certification and ACJIS Network Terminal Operator Certification within six months from appointment and must maintain this certification as a condition of employment. All positions require qualifying for and maintaining current membership in the International Association for Identification (IAI) and must currently have or obtain their certification as a Certified Latent Print Examiner (CLPE) through the IAI within twenty-four (24) months of appointment, and must maintain this certification as a condition of employment. Some positions require a valid Arizona Class D driver's license at the time of application. Failure to obtain/maintain the required licenses/certifications/membership shall be grounds for termination.
  • Special Notice Items: All positions require the successful completion of a background investigation due to the need for access to law enforcement, detention and/or correctional facilities or associated confidential information, documents, and evidentiary materials. Department of Labor regulation CFR Part 1910.1030 requires notification that this category may have a high risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Hepatitis B vaccine will be provided.
  • Physical/Sensory Requirements: Incumbents are required to: lift and carry objects weighing up to fifty pounds; work in extremes of heat, moisture and humidity; properly wear required safety clothing/equipment; perceive the full range of the color spectrum; observe small detail under high magnification for prolonged periods of time; accurately focus photographic lenses, and; examine line/shape detail and discern differences/similarities between form.

Do you have the Education Required? See available on-line and campus-based degree programs now!

How to apply: Apply online

Posted: March 17, 2023


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