Latent Print Examiner

Duties

Examples of Duties

1. COMPARE PRINTS
Evaluate, search, compare and identify latent finger, palm and foot impressions with known and unknown suspects. This examiner will maintain his/her comparison proficiency suitable to represent the interests of the department and public in all legal or judicial proceedings and will meet the standards of the fingerprint profession. Demonstrate such capability in periodic proficiency tests. Failure to meet and maintain such proficiency may result in transfer, demotion, or termination from the department. Maintains proper and legal care, custody and control of all evidence. Must be able to climb ladders. Manual dexterity to perform precise delicate work such as process evidence and fingerprint dead bodies. Must process the fortitude to handle extremely unpleasant items or situations such as decomposing bodies and bloody evidence. Must be able to visually and audibly detect hazards at crime scenes for personal safety.

2. A.F.I.S. OPERATION
Enters and supervises the entry of latent prints into the Automated Fingerprint Identification System. Utilizes A.F.I.S. to perform queries and cold searches for suspects and witnesses in criminal cases. Supervises and instructs in the use of A.F.I.S.

3. REPORTS
Writes reports documenting the chain of custody of evidence and actions taken. Writes reports documenting the identification of an individual or the lack of sufficient characteristics for an identification. Writes supplemental reports. Maintains various evidence logs and check lists.

4. LEGAL DUTIES
Responds to subpoenas for trials, hearings and depositions to give testimony. Attends meeting with prosecutors to prepare for trials. Must be able to effectively present expert witness testimony in court.

5. CUSTOMER SERVICE
High volume of customer service is performed. Assists officers, other criminal justice personnel and citizens with inquiries over the telephone. Must be tactful and courteous when dealing with sensitive and confidential information. Communicates clearly, courteously and professionally to assist others.

NONESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Assist Evidence Technicians
• Verifies identifications made by other experts
• Assist in the training of personnel
• Process evidence for latent prints
• Compare latent footprints
• Photograph developed latent prints
• Assist in crime scenes processing
• Train other evidence technicians

Perform any other related duties as required or assigned.

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

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty mentioned satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High school or GED required. Four (4) year college bachelor’s degree preferred.
• At least three years' experience in the examination and comparison of finger and palm prints with a U.S. city, county, state or federal law enforcement agency.
• Background in the development of latent prints and use of A.F.I.S. is preferred.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Must possess and maintain a Florida operator’s driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

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