Fingerprint Specialist II/III

Duties

Fingerprint Specialist II & III:

• Evaluating latent lift cards, photographs, or evidence for the presence of friction ridge detail;
• Performing manual comparison of latent prints with known fingerprint/palm prints;
• Encoding and searching latent prints against various AFIS databases (IDEMIA, NEC, ULW);
• Preparing clear, concise, comprehensive reports and records;
• Conducting verifications and administrative reviews of work completed by other specialists;
• Assisting the Commonwealth Attorney with questions regarding friction ridge analysis;
• Testifying in court as an expert witness on all matters pertaining to friction ridge analysis;
• Maintaining criminal and/or juvenile fingerprint/palm print files and processing expungement orders;
• Completing annual proficiency testing;
• Providing instruction regarding latent print examinations to police staff and citizen academies; and
• Attending conferences/meetings and maintaining memberships in professional organizations to stay abreast of advances and trends in the forensics field.

Fingerprint Specialist III Only:

• Applying an advanced level of knowledge and technical skills to complex latent print comparisons; and
• Serving as lead examiner responsible for assisting and training less skilled Fingerprint Specialists.

The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication skills, comprehends detailed, highly technical instructions. Must have knowledge of principles, theories, methods and technical procedures used to process materials for latent prints, recovery of latent prints, visualizing/recording of latent prints, and examining and comparing latent prints to known prints. They will also have experience with an Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems, legal procedures and general rules of evidence in order to provide effective testimony.

This position may be filled at either the Fingerprint Specialist II or III level. This recruitment may also be used to fill additional vacancies.

 Earn a Degree in Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Science, Computer Forensics or Forensic Psychology

Requirements

Minimum:

• Associate Degree in Forensic Science, Criminalistics, Criminal Justice, Natural Sciences (i.e., Biology, Chemistry, or Physics) or a related field; plus

Fingerprint Specialist II:

• Two (s) years or more of experience conducting latent print examinations; and
• Completion of a recognized Advanced Latent Print course.

Fingerprint Specialist III:

• Three (3 )years of experience at the Fingerprint Specialist II level; and
• Completion of multiple (at least three) recognized Advanced Latent Print courses.

Substitution:

• Additional directly related experience may substitute for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.

Desirable: Preference may be given to candidates with one or more of the following:

• Bachelor's Degree in Forensic Science, Criminalistics, Criminal Justice, Natural Sciences (i.e., Biology, Chemistry, or Physics) or a related field;
• Experience testifying as an expert witness in a court of law; and/or
• Latent Print Certification.

Special Requirements

• Candidate must successfully demonstrate competency by completing a latent print comparison test.
• Due to the sensitive nature of this position, candidates receiving consideration will be required to undergo a pre-employment polygraph examination and a character/background investigation conducted by the Police Department.

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