Biometric Examiner

Loudoun County Government; Leesburg (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office invites applications for a full-time Biometric Examiner in the Criminal Investigations Division, Forensics Services Section, based at the LCSO Headquarters in Leesburg, VA. The position supports investigations by examining friction ridge impressions, maintaining fingerprint and palm print records, and preparing exhibits for court.

The role requires latent print training and AFIS experience, with testifying duties as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in forensic science, criminology, or a related field; two years of related work experience as a Biometric Examiner or similar role.
• Experience with AFIS systems and latent print analysis is required.
• Certification in latent print examination preferred (IAI) and/or VA AFIS qualification.

Responsibilities

• Maintain ten-print and palm print records for arrestees, juveniles, and employees; process expungements and amendments.
• Analyze friction ridge impressions and verify comparisons using ACE-V.
• Prepare written reports and maintain case files for prosecutions.
• Testify as an expert witness in court.

Skills

Latent print analysis

Court testimony

ACE-V methodology

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in forensic science or criminology

Two years related experience as Biometric Examiner or similar

Tools

NOVARIS

NEC AFIS

FBI NGI

Job description

The Loudoun County Sheriff 's Office (LCSO) is seeking a professional, dedicated individual to serve as a full-time Biometric Examiner working 40 hours per week within the Criminal Investigations Division, Forensics Services Section at the LCSO Headquarters in Leesburg, VA.

Under the general direction of the designated supervisor, assists in investigations by examining friction ridge impression evidence for the County. This position examines friction ridge impressions collected as evidence; maintains known fingerprint and palm print records; complies with Court Ordered expungements and amendments related to those records; completes corrections related to those records; and testifies as an expert in Court.

Essential Job Functions include:

• Maintains ten-print and palm print cards of adult arrestees, juveniles, and employees, as applicable; completes fingerprint and mugshot record requests; conducts expungements, amendments, and corrections related to fingerprint and mugshot records.
• Analyzes impression evidence, conducts comparisons of unknown to known, known to known, and unknown to unknown impressions; conducts verifications of comparisons by other examiners.
• Completes and submits required written reports according to LCSO policy and accreditation guidelines.
• Maintains case files for use in investigations and presentation to the Commonwealths Attorney’s office for use in prosecutions.
• Testifies as an expert witness in court.

Hiring salary will be commensurate with experience.

Bachelor’s degree in forensic science, criminology, or a related field and two (2) years of related work experience as a Biometric Examiner or similar role; or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

Required knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Successful completion of a documented latent print training program.
• Experience using an Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS).
• Knowledge of friction ridge impression examination principles and techniques, including but not limited to, pattern recognition, comparing unknown impression evidence with known finger, foot, and palm prints utilizing the Analysis, Comparison, Evaluation and Verification (ACE-V) methodology, documenting and reporting observations, preparing exhibits and testifying in court.

Preference will be given to any applicants who have the following certifications and experience:

• International Association for Identification (IAI) Latent Print Examiner Certification
• Virginia State Police Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) Qualification

Experience using any of the following AFIS systems:

• Northern Virginia Regional Identification System (NOVARIS)
• Virginia State Police AFIS (NEC)
• Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) Next Generation Identification (NGI) System

Selection process includes review of the Applicant Screening Questionnaire and County employment application, in-person interview(s), and an intensive background investigation to include fingerprinting, criminal background check, credit check, driving record, and polygraph examination.

Must have or obtain Latent Print Certification from the International Association for Identification (IAI), VA State Police Automated Fingerprint Identification System certification, or professional designations of Biometric Examiner, Fingerprint Specialist and/or Latent Print Examiner.