Forensic Print Analyst Trainee

Hcso; Laredo (TX); On-site; USD 41,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

HCSO in Texas seeks a fingerprint examiner to perform latent print comparisons using the ACE-V protocol to identify potential suspects and to testify as an expert witness in court regarding identification procedures and findings.

You will document findings in written reports, operate AFIS for suspect comparisons, maintain latent print files, and provide support during emergencies. The role requires attention to detail and the ability to work under strict procedures in a laboratory setting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; 3 years in fingerprint examination preferred.
• Associate or bachelor's degree with progressive fingerprint experience.
• Comfort with written and oral technical communication in court settings.

Responsibilities

• Compare latent prints to known prints using ACE-V to identify suspects.
• Testify as an expert witness in court regarding latent print procedures and findings.
• Write reports documenting findings and conclusions of cases.
• Take inked fingerprints of victims, suspects, and juveniles per court orders.
• Maintain latent print files and support emergency operations as needed.

Skills

Attention to detail

Court testimony

Report writing

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree in related field

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

AFIS

ACE-V method

Fingerprint analysis software

Job description

Why choose HCSO?

We have a history of stability and excellence. We continue to maintain and cultivate the highest level of standards and professionalism. We are unlike any other. Join the HCSO family!

Compensation Range

$29.92-$45.92

Starting Salary Range

29.92-37.92

Job Description Summary

Perform comparisons of latent prints using Identification Protocol to identify potential suspects.

Job Description

Duties & Responsibilities

• Duties may vary based on assignment.
• Compare latent prints to known prints by applying the ACE-V method to negatively or positively identify suspects.
• Testify as an expert witness in court regarding latent print identification, procedures, and findings, to facilitate the court's understanding of latent evidence.
• Write reports to document findings and conclusions of cases.
• Take inked fingerprints of crime victims, suspects, and juveniles (per court order) for elimination or comparison purposes.
• Identify possible suspects of criminal offenses using the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) to assist detectives in solving cases.
• Brief attorney, criminal justice personnel, and judicial staff on latent print comparison findings.
• Maintain latent print files.
• May be required to provide operational support during periods of local, state, and national emergencies in the fingerprinting and identification of decedents during emergency situations.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Knowledge & Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of basic fingerprint Classifications Systems Henry, National Crime Information Center (NCIC), and AFIS.
• Considerable knowledge of applying the ACE-V method.
• Considerable knowledge of the history of forensic fingerprint science.
• Working knowledge of chemical analysis techniques in print identification.
• Working knowledge of crime scene investigation methods and techniques.
• Ability to prioritize work.
• Ability to follow established procedures.
• Ability to work effectively with others.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to collect, organize, and evaluate data and to develop logical conclusions.
• Ability and willingness to work with minute details over long time periods.
• Ability to maintain technical expertise.
• Ability to use a computer and related software.
• Ability to handle confidential information.
• Ability to maintain work related records and prepare reports.
• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.

Working Conditions

Work within a laboratory environment within a law enforcement agency.

Work with items of evidentiary value, which may contain body fluids (e.g., blood, saliva, semen) that have been processed with chemicals that are known to be carcinogenic or toxic.

View objectionable images and/or disturbing situations.

Remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation and/or microscope.

May engage in light physical exertion (e.g., lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials up to 10 pounds).

May travel to various work sites using a Sheriff's Office-issued vehicle (e.g., car, full-size van, full-size pickup truck) to perform essential duties.

May be required to work non-standard hours including nights, weekends, and holidays.

In the event of an emergency or disaster, may be required to respond promptly to duties and responsibilities as assigned by management chain, Division/District Commander, or the Sheriff (or their designee). Such assignments may be for before, during or after the emergency/disaster.

Minimum Education & Experience

• A high school diploma or possession of a GED certificate. Three years of experience in fingerprint examination with a law enforcement agency.
• An associate degree or higher from an accredited institution of higher education. Two years of experience in fingerprint examination with a law enforcement agency.
• A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education. One year of experience in fingerprint examination with a law enforcement agency.

Additional Job Requirements

• Attendance at the specified Sheriff's Office work location is required.
• Depending on assignment, employees may be required to possess a valid Florida Driver License at time of employment. Driving history will be thoroughly reviewed and may be grounds for disqualification.
• No visible tattoos on face, head, and neck. Tattoos determined to take away from the professional appearance of the Sheriff's Office must be covered with an appropriate white, black, or neutral covering.
• No illegal drug sale within lifetime.
• No illegal drug use within the past 36 months. No marijuana use within the last 12 months.
• No felony convictions within lifetime.
• No misdemeanor convictions involving perjury, false statement, or domestic violence within lifetime.
• No dishonorable discharge from any branch of the United States Armed Forces, the United States Coast Guard, National Guard, or Reserve Forces.

Successful completion of