Latent Print and Evidence Specialist

Duties

Key Responsibilities
The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Identifies, examines, photographs, collects, preserves and transports evidence from crime scenes; search for latent impressions and other physical evidence; prepare evidence lists for collected property and evidence.
• Records and documents crime scenes which include diagrams, sketches, photographs, and video.
• Instructs law enforcement officers regarding the significance of various types of physical evidence and proper evidence collection procedures.
• Documents crime scenes using various photographic media and techniques; takes photographs of crime scenes from helicopter/aircraft; photographs and processes subjects for evidence in the field or in a facility such as a police department, hospital or holding/jail/prison facility.
• Obtains major case prints from subjects, victims and witnesses.
• Attends medical legal autopsies at the Medical Examiner’s Office to collect photographic and physical evidence; collects evidence from dead bodies and photographs all aspects of the body necessary for investigation at the crime scene.
• Processes items of evidence for latent prints; develops prints using photography, powder, laser and chemical enhancements; classifies, identifies and examines prints; compares latent prints to known prints; evaluates latent finger, palm, and footprints to determine quality, integrity and identity; maintains records of examinations.
• Processes evidence items for blood, latent prints and other impression evidence.
• Determines if latent prints recovered from crime scenes are usable for comparison of known prints of individuals and/or for entry into AFIS and/or NGI/ULW; requests known prints of possible suspects for comparison from local, state, and federal departments via associated databases, email and telephone; searches identifiable prints using Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS) and related systems.
• Researches and evaluates new technical developments in latent print development and analysis of evidence.
• Prepares photographs, charts, and other materials for demonstration of evidence in court; offers testimony in court as an expert witness in all phases of latent print examination; consults with attorneys on various methods of presenting evidence; provides expert testimony in court.
• Properly label and package evidence.
• Serves as resource person and technical expert for Forensic Services Unit.
• Assists with maintaining a quality assurance program for the Forensic Services Unit.
• Assists in developing and creating forensic procedures and techniques.
• Prepares, reviews and approves detailed casework reports.
• Provides technical guidance and training to Forensic Services Unit personnel.
• Coordinates requests for services from various divisions; provides information to interdepartmental representatives and/or law enforcement agencies.
• Provides technical assistance at major crime scenes.
• Testify in court and at other designated proceedings.
• Attends meetings.
• Works evenings, weekends or holidays and responds to emergency calls as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Provides vacation and temporary relief as needed.

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

Requirements

Knowledge of:

• Methods and techniques used in the identification, collection and preservation of prints and property and evidence, and commonly used fingerprint classification systems.
• Forensic science and evidence technology used in a crime laboratory.
• Safety regulations pertaining to the laboratory.
• Latent print comparison and identification techniques.
• Methods and procedures of automated latent print analysis and comparison.
• Standard terminology used to describe latent print details.
• Photographic techniques, equipment and documentation used in latent print examinations.
• Development and preservation of latent prints.
• Inking process and techniques used in major case print collection.
• Rules and procedures of providing testimony in court.
• Crime scene diagramming.
• Principles and practices of crime scene photographs, photographic equipment, developing and printing methods, materials and techniques.
• Safe work methods and safety regulations pertaining to the work; and protective clothing and devices related to the work.
• Word processing programs.
• Principles of customer service.

Ability to:

• Operate and maintain various print identification and other technical and scientific instruments, equipment and supplies.
• Lift, read, classify and identify prints; recognize latent print forms and patterns.
• Compare and accurately identify latent prints.
• Take clear and accurate photographs.
• Maintain the integrity of evidence and chain of custody in accordance with established guidelines.
• Manage a large workload and meet specified deadlines.
• Prepare accurate written reports; maintain accurate and legible logs and records.
• Provide technical guidance and training to staff.
• Testify in court.
• Work cooperatively with other departments, City officials, and outside agencies.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Work independently.
• Operate office equipment including computer information systems to include digital processing, database inquiry and word processing.
• Operate and maintain assigned vehicles and equipment in a safe and skillful manner; transport self and equipment to crime scenes.
• Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, staff and the public.

Education/Training:

• An Associate of Arts or Science degree from an accredited college in administration of justice, evidence technology, biology, chemistry or related field.

Experience:

• Two years of experience performing police-related duties, including some experience with crime scene investigations, evidence technology and print analysis and identification. Additional years of experience may be substituted for Associate's degree.
• Previous experience as a latent print examiner and/or field evidence technician is highly desirable.

License or Certificate:

• Possession of an appropriate California Driver's License is required.
• Any certification through the International Association for Identification or equivalent are highly desirable.
• Must be willing to work overtime and variable hours including night, weekend and holiday work as required. Must be willing to be called back for crime scene investigations after normal working hours.

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