Senior Fingerprint Examiner

Duties

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Reviews morgue cases that require fingerprint verification daily. Performs sophisticated method of collection, analysis, and evaluation of fingerprint evidence using standardized, professional, industry, and legally acceptable techniques. Facilitates positive identification through comparison of antemortem and postmortem fingerprints using industry standard methods and legally acceptable fingerprint databases. Places service requests for other identification modalities when FP ID is not possible.
• Ensures correct entry of decedents’ names and other biographical information into Medical Examiner database, evidence logbooks, and identifier accompanying the remains. Maintains required fingerprint records for the Human Identification Laboratory. Maintains and documents required data for the computerized records management system in NCIC/TCIC. Maintains computerized criminal history logs for audit purposes.
• Provides agencies, funeral homes, Medical Examiner staff, and local hospitals with reports of identification, fingerprints, fingerprint comparisons, and information on identified cases and next of kin data. Provides information to families regarding identification procedures.
• Provides background checks for employees, interns, transport, and any contractor building maintenance personnel.
• Works with law enforcement agencies by providing assistance and sharing information about missing persons, unidentified remains, and other information for the purpose of identifying decedents. Provides decedent fingerprints to law enforcement agencies for verification of deceased registered sex offenders or other purposes.
• Prepares written reports and testifies at court proceedings.
• Prepares statistical reports for casework and other activities within the fingerprint laboratory.
• Maintains training and complies with laws regarding confidentiality and departmental guidelines for releasing information and records with DPS, FBI, DHS, DOD, Mexican Consulate, Border Patrol, and police agencies. Maintains required AFIS certifications and scheduled training via Texas Department of Public Safety guidelines.
• Performs technical reviews of fingerprint identifications by other examiners.
• Maintains vetting and validations requirements from the Department of Public Safety for fingerprint access to Fusion Center.
• Maintains inventory of fingerprint supplies needed for workload in a timely manner. Research products and obtains requests quotes from vendors.
• Designs, prepares, and provides educational instruction on fingerprint lab procedures to Medical Examiner fellows, trainees, and other visitors. Communicates with citizens about fingerprint lab policies and procedures.
• Develops and recommends changes to standard operating procedures and quality control measures.
• Periodically transfers Morgue/Human ID evidence.
• Coordinates routine preventive maintenance on equipment.
• Performs other related duties involved in the operation of the Medical Examiner’s Office as assigned or required.

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

Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• To Apply, must have a Bachelor's degree or higher (+) plus five (5) full-time years of work experience as a fingerprint examiner.
-OR-
• To Apply, must have a High School diploma or GED (+) plus nine (9) full-time years of work experience as a fingerprint examiner.


• To Apply, must have direct experience as a court-qualified expert as a fingerprint examiner in State or Federal Court.
• Must obtain AFIS and TLETS certification within 6 months of start date.
• Texas license as a forensic analyst in the appropriate job-specific category is preferred.
• Certification by the International Association for Identification is desirable.
• Must have advanced level of knowledge of fundamental concepts, practices, and procedures in fingerprint examination for identification.
• Requires successful completion of annual externally and/or internally administered proficiency testing.
• Must maintain knowledge of up-to-date technology and practices in the field of specialty. Ability to use PC and applicable software.
• Must have advanced knowledge of fingerprint and criminal history database systems.
• Ability to make independent judgment regarding fingerprint identification issues.
• Must have knowledge of evidence handling procedures.

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