Senior Latent Print Examiner

Duties

Under direction, incumbents provide technical guidance and leadership to others assigned to friction ridge analysis; latent print processing; and perform friction ridge analysis, determine usability for entry into the Sheriff's Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), and provide expert testimony in court.

• Assists with the management of assignments and casework.
• Reviews casework backlog and coordinates duties and responsibilities of unit personnel.
• Reviews and approves completed casework reports.
• Provides technical guidance and training to laboratory personnel engaged in the examination of friction ridge evidence and development and preservation of latent print impressions.
• Reviews and updates technical procedure and training manuals and worksheets in compliance with laboratory procedures and accreditation standards.
• Orders supplies.
• Contacts vendors for equipment repairs.
• Prepares and/or oversees annual proficiency tests.
• Documents the ACE-V process of determining same source or different source of a friction ridge impression.
• Determines if friction ridge evidence recovered from crime scenes is usable for comparison to known print impressions of individuals and/or for entry into the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS).
• Retrieves and screens a list of candidates from various AFIS databases.
• Obtains known print records of possible candidates from multiple databases (local, DOJ, FBI, DMV, etc.) for comparison to unknown and known prints.
• Conducts comparative examinations of friction ridge impressions and known print impressions using a variety of methods including magnifying glasses, photographic equipment and digital analysis (Photoshop).
• Identifies, excludes and/or renders inconclusive decisions and verifies all results.
• Examines physical evidence from crime scenes, using specialized lighting techniques for evidence, such as, but not limited to, trace, biological and friction ridge evidence.
• Performs presumptive chemical tests for blood, collects blood and/or DNA from physical evidence.
• Performs physical and chemical examinations to develop latent prints on physical evidence.
• Obtains major case prints of living and/or deceased individuals.
• Maintains chain of custody of evidence.
• Operates AFIS databases, photographic equipment, and other specialized equipment.
• Prepares written reports describing the examiner's results.
• Provides information to interdepartmental representatives, Local, State and Federal law enforcement agencies.
• Provides demonstrative expert testimony as required.
• Gives oral presentations.
• May assist in collecting, identifying, and preserving latent prints at crime scenes.
• Processes item(s) of evidence for latent prints.
• May be required to perform the functions of the lower-level class in this series.
• Provides responsive, high-quality service to County employees, representatives of outside agencies and members of the public by providing accurate, complete and up-to-date information, in a courteous, efficient and timely manner.

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

Requirements

Knowledge of:

• The science of friction ridge examination.
• Methods and procedures of automated latent print analysis and matching Encode and launch AFIS quality friction ridge impressions in various databases for searching and comparing results of returned candidate known print records
• Standard terminology used in the discipline
• Physical and chemical techniques used in preserving, restoring and collecting known prints of deceased individuals
• The ACE-V process
• Premises of friction ridge identification including uniqueness and persistence
• Historical knowledge related to landmark events, discipline pioneers, contributors, and the evolution of the friction ridge discipline
• Biology of the skin (i.e. layers of skin, cell cycle, injury repair, diseases, etc.)
• Photographic techniques, digital processing and other equipment used in friction ridge examinations
• Photographic techniques and other preservation methods used in latent print development
• Physical, optical and chemical enhancement techniques used in latent print development
• Laboratory safety practices
• Ink, digital and powder techniques used in taking major case prints
• Nationally recognized reports and recommendations, scientific studies, error rates, statistics, human factors, legal challenges and other current research, trends and technology in the profession
• Basic knowledge of legal terminology and proceedings
• County customer service objectives and strategies
• Telephone, office, and online etiquette

Skills and Abilities to:

• Validate and perform research on equipment and latent print processing techniques
• Maintain records related to latent prints and latent print database files
• Review work performed by Latent Print personnel
• Determine and apply sequential latent print processing techniques for various evidence items
• Recognize friction ridge forms (anatomical location, orientation, etc.) and patterns
• Analyze friction ridge impressions
• Operate photographic equipment, digital capturing system, Photoshop, and standard office equipment
• Compare friction ridge impressions and known print impressions
• Thoroughly document the ACE-V process in a case from beginning to end
• Evaluate friction ridge impressions and formulate results
• Verify friction ridge results
• Organize and prioritize a large workload to meet specified deadlines
• Comprehend and retain factual information pertaining to laws, statutes, policies, and accurately apply what is learned
• Collect known prints and major case prints
• Collect and preserve physical evidence
• Prepare chemicals and solutions relevant to methods utilized
• Establish and maintain cooperative-working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
• Prepare reports, evidence, exhibits for presentation in court
• Testify in court as an expert witness who renders results of identification, exclusion and inconclusive
• Communicate technical friction ridge examinations and findings to lab personnel, law enforcement officers, attorneys and the general public
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Establish effective working relationships with management, employees, employee representatives and the public representing diverse cultures and backgrounds
• Treat County employees, representatives of outside agencies and members of the public with courtesy and respect
• Assess the customer's immediate needs and ensure customer's receipt of needed services through personal service or making appropriate referral
• Exercise appropriate judgment in answering questions and releasing information
• Analyze and project consequences of decisions and/or recommendations
• Communicate effectively with a variety of individuals representing diverse cultures and backgrounds and function calmly in situations which require a high degree of sensitivity, tact and diplomacy
• Provides responsive, high quality service to County employees, representatives of outside agencies and members of the public by providing accurate, complete and up-to-date information, in a courteous, efficient and timely manner

Education and/or Experience

Education, training, and/or experience that demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills and abilities listed above. Qualifying education/experience:

• A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency in forensics, administration of justice, evidence technology, biology, chemistry, or a closely related field; -AND- two (2) years of experience as a Latent Print Examiner with the County of San Diego, or in an equivalent class in another law enforcement agency; -OR-
• An associate's degree or higher from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency in forensics, administration of justice, evidence technology, biology, chemistry, or a closely related field; -AND- at least two (2) years of experience with an accredited forensic services provider or criminal justice agency in latent print development, -AND- at least two (2) years of experience with an accredited forensic services provider or criminal justice agency analyzing friction ridge impressions for usability and making comparisons identification; -OR-,
• Six (6) years of experience with an accredited forensic services provider or criminal justice agency in analyzing friction ridge impressions for usability and making comparisons.

Certification as a Latent Print Examiner through the International Association of Identification (IAI) may substitute for up to one year of experience in analyzing friction ridge impressions for usability and making comparisons for all three options listed above.

Note: Twenty-four (24) semester hours (or equivalent) in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) related coursework is highly desired but not required.

REQUIRED LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS

• Positions may involve necessary and timely transportation for field travel, requiring the ability to arrange transportation to different worksites, meetings, or field work.

SPECIAL NOTES

Working Conditions

• Incumbents are required to use their eyes extensively to examine friction ridge impressions for fine differences. Work involves periodic exposure to caustic chemicals in a laboratory environment. Some evening and weekend work may be required and may include participation at crime scenes.
• Essential Physical Characteristics
• The physical characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this classification.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.
• Continuous: upward and downward flexion of the neck. Frequent: sitting, repetitive use of hands to operate computers, printers and copiers.
• Occasional: walking, standing, bending and twisting of neck, bending and twisting of waist, squatting, simple grasping, reaching above and below shoulder level, and lifting and carrying of files weighing up to 10 pounds.

Background Investigation

• Must have a reputation for honesty and trustworthiness.
• Felony convictions will be disqualifying.
• Misdemeanor convictions may be disqualifying depending on type, number, severity, and recency.
• Prior to appointment, candidates will be subject to a thorough background investigation which may include a psychological, truth verification or other examination or test.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD AND CLASS HISTORY

• Incumbents appointed to permanent positions in this classification shall serve a probationary period of 12 months.

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