Latent Print Examiner

Duties

• Makes the final determination of latent print usability for the Sheriff's Technical Investigations division.
• Testifies in court regarding all aspects of latent print methodology and identification; prepares court exhibits; maintains chain of custody for latent and known prints
• Performs fingerprint comparisons utilizing devices such as magnifying glasses, computer and photographic equipment. Establishes, verifies, or excludes identifications by examining the ridge detail present in the latent print(s) and compares identifications to the ridge detail present in the known print; makes the final determination as to the identity of prints.
• Performs as the principal expert in latent print collection and examination; provides technical guidance and training to Technical Investigation personnel engaged in latent print collection and examination.
• Operates the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS); determines if latent prints recovered from crime scenes are usable for comparison to known prints of individuals and/or for entry into the AFIS.
• Requests known prints of possible candidates for comparison to latent prints and retrieves completed images from AFIS; requests known prints of possible candidates for comparison to latent prints.
• Prepares written reports describing latent print findings.
• Establishes and maintains a database of latent prints using the AFIS equipment.
• Obtains major case prints of individuals and transfers the ridge detail to standard fingerprint cards.
• Provides information to interdepartmental representatives, local and state law enforcement agencies; gives oral presentations.

OTHER FUNCTIONS:

• May assist in collecting, identifying, and preserving latent prints at crime scenes.
• Performs other job related duties as required.

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

Requirements

• A Bachelor's Degree in forensics, administration of justice, evidence technology, biology, chemistry, or related sciences AND two years of full­time experience in the comparison and identification of fingerprint material and related matters.
• OR
• An Associate Degree (or completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units of college course work) in forensics, administration of justice, evidence technology, biology, chemistry or related sciences AND three years full­time experience in the comparison and identification of fingerprint material and related matters.
• OR
• Four years of full­time experience in the comparison and identification of fingerprint material and related matters.
• A valid California Class C driver's license is required at the time of appointment.
• Candidates must acquire and continuously maintain a Latent Print Examiner Certification issued by the International Association for Identification within three (3) years of appointment.

Vision:

• 20/100 uncorrected in each eye (corrected to 20/20) ­no color deficiency.
• No permanent or progressive abnormalities.

Knowledge of:

• Latent Print comparison and identification techniques;
• Methods and procedures of automated latent print analysis and matching;
• Terminology used to describe latent print details;
• Data processing and automated latent print identification systems;
• Photographic techniques, equipment and documentation used in latent print examinations;
• Development and preservation of latent prints; inking processes and techniques used in major print taking.

Ability to:

• Recognize latent print forms and patterns;
• Analyze and accurately trace latent prints;
• Operate photographic equipment;
• Compare and accurately identify latent prints by comparing latent prints to known candidate prints;
• Manage a large workload and meet specific deadlines;
• Maintain records, latent prints, effective case files and latent print database files;
• Comprehend and apply factual information related to laws, statutes and policies;
• Take major prints; testify in court;
• Effectively communicate verbally and in writing;
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within the department, other agencies and the general public;
• Review the work of evidence technicians and provide technical guidance and training to staff engaged in latent print examinations.

Character:

• Applicants must have a reputation for honesty and trustworthiness.
• Felony law convictions will be disqualifying and except for a limited number of minor traffic offenses, misdemeanor convictions may be disqualifying.
• Candidates must pass a thorough background investigation.

Supplemental

• All Kern County employees are designated "Disaster Service Workers" through state and local laws (CA Government Code Sec.3100-3109 and Ordinance Code Title 2-Administration, Ch. 2.66 Emergency Services). As Disaster Service Workers, all County employees are expected to remain at work, or to report for work as soon as practicable, following a significant emergency or disaster.

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