Latent Print Examiner

Duties

• Analyzes latent fingerprints and palm prints to determine their suitability for comparison.
• Compares latent prints to known exemplars from victims, suspects, or others who may have come into contact with the item or surface.
• Conducts complex comparisons of unidentified latent prints using Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) technology, matching against databases of individuals with criminal histories.
• Prepares comprehensive documentation and formal reports detailing the results of friction ridge examinations.
• Processes and maintain criminal and civil ten-print fingerprint and palm print records, including quality control review, record consolidation, and file management.
• Prepares detailed charts, visual exhibits, and supporting materials for courtroom presentation.
• Participates in pre-trial conferences and testifies in court as an expert witness in the identification of latent fingerprint and palm print evidence.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Performs related work as required.

The ideal candidate will:

• Receive and evaluate known fingerprint and palm print submissions from a variety of sources related to identification and investigations.
• Operate the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) to input and analyze latent print records.
• Process daily arrest fingerprint forms and correlate returns from the FBI and Virginia Central Criminal Records Exchange (CCRE).
• Prepare detailed comparison charts, exhibits, and supporting documentation for presentation in court.
• Participate in pre-trial conferences and testify in court as an expert witness in fingerprint and palm print identification.
• Perform related clerical and communication tasks to support coordinated fingerprint data efforts and overall crime analysis.
• Engage in ongoing training and certification to maintain proficiency and compliance with industry standards in latent print examination.
• The ideal candidate must be detail-oriented, technically skilled, and committed to supporting public safety through high-quality forensic work.

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

Requirements

Minimum & Additional Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED; four years of experience in a relevant fingerprint field; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree or higher from an accredited college or university in forensic science, criminal justice, or a closely related forensic discipline.
• A minimum of two years of casework experience in latent print identification, including comparison of latent prints with known prints, and recording fingerprints using ink and/or Live Scan methods.
• Successful completion of a formal latent print training program and/or documented competency in latent print identification accuracy.
• Working knowledge and practical experience applying the ACE-V methodology.
• Experience with the collection and recording of physical fingerprints, including rolled prints and palm prints.
• Demonstrated ability to process a variety of items and surfaces using standard fingerprint development techniques, such as powders, chemical reagents, or other friction ridge development methods.
• Certification as a Latent Print Examiner by the International Association for Identification (IAI) (strongly preferred).
• Proficiency with Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS), including MorphoTrak AFIS and/or NEC AFIS.
• Experience providing expert witness testimony or having been previously qualified in court as a latent print expert.

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