Latent Print Examiner

Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following):

• Performs quality control and compares incoming ten-print records to local database to ensure accurate association of records.
• Examines latent prints for suitability; enters latent prints into various AFIS databases; and analyzes, compares, and evaluates latent and exemplar prints.
• Checks delayed hits in a timely manner for self and retirees; re-enters cold case prints into AFIS.
• Prepares reports and creates latent comparison charts for case file and courtroom presentation.
• Conducts sequential latent print processing on evidence in the lab using appropriate powders, chemicals, adhesives, light sources, and/or photographic techniques; and collects/comparatively photographs suitable results.
• Makes 1:1 reproductions of latent print photographs for AFIS entry.
• Testifies as an expert witness in various courts, pretrial conferences, and grand juries.
• Participates in required training to maintain Latent Print certification.
• Acts as a liaison with Western Identification Network.
• Train and mentor others in the Criminalistics Division; assists the supervisor with the technical manual, procedure manual, and training program regarding latent print discipline.

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

Requirements

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in biology, chemistry, forensic science, or closely related field.
• Minimum three (3) years of full-time, uninterrupted, progressively responsible experience performing latent print comparisons for a municipal police agency, county sheriff’s office, or government agency within the last ten years.
• Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education, experience, training, and certifications that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions. The city assesses one (1) year of appropriate type and level experience to one (1) year of post high school education.

Licenses and Certifications

• Must possess a valid Nevada state driver’s license or have the ability to obtain, and maintain a satisfactory motor vehicle record.
• Must possess and maintain Latent Print certification through the International Association for Identification at time of hire; or ability to obtain certification prior to hire. Any job offer made will be contingent upon proof of certification being submitted by the conclusion of the background process.
• Must be able to satisfactorily complete a North Las Vegas Police Department Latent Print Examiner Training Program within the required time frame for the program to include:
• Security Awareness training and NCIC/NCJIS certification
• Ten-print proficiency examination
• Latent print processing proficiency examination
• Comparison photography proficiency examination
• Latent print comparison proficiency examination

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Thorough knowledge of the following
• friction ridge skin development, anatomy, physiology, and morphology
• history of fingerprints, founders, Henry classification, and ten-prints
• significant court cases, error rate studies, and twin studies
• National Academy of Science (NAS) report
• friction ridge terminology
• ACE-V methodology
• chain of custody and integrity of evidence
• standard sources of information and literature in the field of latent print examinations
• rules of evidence and courtroom testimony
• Compare friction ridge impressions of known to unknown subjects and arrive at correct conclusion.
• Maintain chain of custody and integrity of evidence while in their possession.
• Ability to learn and apply the appropriate sequential processing techniques and properly use lab equipment to develop latent prints on a variety of substrates.
• Use computer and various software programs associated with latent print searching and comparisons.
• Conducting analyses, comparisons, and evaluations involving visual comparison of latent prints to exemplar prints including fingerprints, joint fingerprints, tip fingerprints, and palm prints and arrive at correct conclusions.
• Accurately prepare reports that thoroughly document steps taken in latent print development and comparisons.
• Ability to learn how to use a DSLR camera.
• Produce charts and exhibits for use in courts of law and testify to scientific findings.
• Organize and prioritize casework; work independent of direct supervision.
• Ability to learn and follow the rules, regulations, policies and procedures of the North Las Vegas Police Department.
• Ability to pass periodic proficiency testing.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Laboratory and office environment. Includes exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals, human bodily fluids, unpleasant sights and odors, and blood borne pathogens.
• Visual acuity in near, mid, and far ranges. Maintain vision sufficient to read documents, fine print on computer screens, search for and locate fingerprints on various surfaces under various lighting, examine fingerprints and distinguish fine details under magnification, distinguish color, and recognize contrast, patterns, and dimensions.
• Speech sufficient to effectively communicate with other persons encountered in the line of duty, render expert courtroom testimony, and provide scientific instruction; hearing sufficient to hear instructions, training content, and conversations.
• Agility and mobility sufficient to stand, walk, stoop, bend, reach, rotate and extend neck, and balance self while using laboratory and/or standard office equipment; endurance to sit or stand for long periods of time, as necessary.
• Dexterity sufficient to manipulate instruments and small items accurately over an extended period of time, as well as write in small print on labels; strength sufficient to lift moderately heavy items to include file boxes and other equipment up to 50 lbs. unassisted.
• Wear personal protective equipment to include: respirators, masks, gloves, protective clothing, and eyewear.
• Regular and timely attendance is required.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING:

• Candidates for this position are subject to a Pre-employment screening. Pre-employment screening includes but is not limited to: local and state criminal history check; Federal Criminal History Check via submission of fingerprints, and a drug screen.

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