Latent Print Examiner

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

This classification is responsible for analyzing and comparing physical evidence in order to identify criminal suspects and persons for the Sheriff’s Department and other law enforcement agencies.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An incumbent in this position receives latent print evidence from submitting agencies; analyzes the latent print evidence to determine its value for comparison purposes; captures, encodes, searches and verifies latent fingerprints and palm prints through local, state and federal Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS); conducts manual comparisons of latent print evidence to known ten print cards to determine source identification or exclusion; writes analytical reports on the findings and testifies as an expert witness in court to the results of the latent print examinations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Examines physical evidence (latent impressions, footwear, etc.) to determine its potential value for comparison purposes.
• Links suspects to criminal activity by positively identifying their latent prints by searching unknown latent prints through the local, state and federal Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS).
• Captures and enhances latent impressions and other evidence through the use of the Digital Imaging System. 
• Identifies suspects to latent evidence by manually comparing their known inked impressions to the unknown latent impressions developed from crime scenes.
• Provides verification for latent work completed by other latent examiners and maintains notes, logs and reports of work completed.
• Identifies footwear impressions to suspects by comparing test impressions of suspect shoes to the unknown impressions developed at crime scenes.
• Presents evidence in a court of law by testifying as an expert witness to the results of the examinations of the physical evidence. 
• Maintains chain of custody of all evidence and follows accreditation guidelines.
• Attends training on a regular basis to keep abreast of current methodologies and provides training to others as necessary.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

RECRUITMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of department policies and procedures governing the handling of evidence.
• Ability to follow, amend and implement accreditation standards and procedures.
• Knowledge of the procedures for operating the AFIS databases and ability to maintain the systems; ability to provide on-the-job training to others in the use of the AFIS databases. 
• Ability to pass an annual proficiency exam. 
• Knowledge of court testimony procedures and ability to present accurate and professional testimony in court
• Knowledge of deductive reasoning and inferential logic sufficient to form conclusions based on the evidence as to the validity of positive identifications and to compile reports of those findings for use by investigators and the courts.
• Knowledge of personal computer uses including word processing, spreadsheet preparations, and other office-based software applications.
• Knowledge of communications techniques sufficient to maintain optimal working relationships with other staff and the public.
• Ability to follow policies and procedures in the course of work assignments.
• Ability to perform repetitive computerized searches and make cross-comparisons to manual tenprint records.
• Ability to compile and maintain various records and statistics.
• Ability to obtain and maintain chain-of-custody evidence.
• Ability to establish rapport and build positive working relationships with department staff and other agency personnel.
• Ability to communicate with various individuals and groups both orally and in writing.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school in Forensics, Biology, Chemistry, Criminal Justice or a related field; 

OR 

and Associates Degree in Forensics, Biology, Chemistry, Criminal Justice or a related field AND  2 years classifying and comparing latent finger and palm prints. 

Eligible to obtain the Latent Print Certification through the International Association for Identification (IAI).  Certification requirements in IAI Certification Program Operations Manual. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college/university in Forensics, Biology, Chemistry, Criminal Justice or a related field. 
• Certification as a Latent Print Examiner with the International Association for Identification (IAI).

Physical Demands

Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of kneeling, crouching, reaching, pushing, pulling, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing and repetitive motions.  Must be able to perform sedentary work exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.   Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time.  Must possess the visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures, operate a computer terminal, use measurement devices, and do extensive reading.

Work Conditions

Work is characteristic of a normal office environment with exposures to few environmental or hazardous conditions.   Work is repetitive and sometimes tedious and requires visual acuity to prepare and analyze data, tenprint cards, computerized images, and perform extensive close visual examination of information.

May Require Driving 

This position may require driving for this position whether driving a County owned or personal vehicle to conduct county business such as but not limited to attending conferences, meetings, or any other county related functions.   Motor Vehicle Reports may be verified for valid driver’s license and that the driving record is compatible with the county’s driving criteria. 

If a personal vehicle is operated for county business proper insurance is maintained as per Guilford County’s vehicle use policy. 

Special Note: This generic class description gives an overview of the job class, its essential job functions and recommended job requirements. However, for each individual position assigned to this class, there is available a completed job description with physical abilities checklist which can be reviewed before initiating a selection process.

They can provide additional detailed information on which to base various personnel actions and can assist management in making legal and defensible personnel decisions.