Latent Fingerprint Examiner (As-Needed)

City of Santa Monica; Santa Monica (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Santa Monica seeks a qualified Forensic Specialist/Latent Fingerprint Examiner to support criminal investigations. The role involves AFIS submissions, latent fingerprint analysis, and collaboration with law enforcement agencies to identify suspects.

The candidate will testify in court as an expert witness, prepare exhibits, and manage digital photography and crime scene documentation using specialized software. A state-certified fingerprint examiner designation is highly desirable.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or equivalent.
• Two years of paid work experience as a Forensic Specialist, Identification Specialist or Contract Latent Fingerprint Examiner.
• Previous recent law enforcement experience is required.
• Certification from the International Association for Identification as a Latent Fingerprint Examiner is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Performs latent fingerprint submission and recovery of computer imaging tasks relating to criminal investigation and prosecution.
• Facilitates submission and analysis of latent fingerprints into DOJ/AFIS and LA County systems.
• Produces and stores digital photography and AFIS charts.
• Testifies in court as an expert witness on AFIS submission and latent fingerprint evidence.
• Coordinates with other agencies for fingerprint identification and use of AFIS/NGI systems.
• Prepares court exhibits and detailed reports of AFIS submissions.
• Performs crime scene sketching and laboratory analysis of physical evidence.

Skills

Crime scene evidence processing

Friction Ridge Analysis

Automated Fingerprint Identification

Personal computer software

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

2 years forensic fingerprint experience

Tools

AFIS systems

CAL-ID AFIS

IAFIS system

Job description

Performs latent fingerprint submission and recovery of computer imaging tasks relating to criminal investigation and the prosecution of criminal cases. Salary is pending City Council Approval.

Facilitates the submission and analysis of latent fingerprints into the Department of Justice Automated Fingerprint Identification System (DOJ/AFIS) and the Los Angeles County Fingerprint Identification Systems. Compiles statistical information in regards to latent print recovery, evaluation, and submission into Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS).

Produces and stores digital photography using digital archiving software. Produces AFIS charts and fingerprint enlargements.

Testifies in court as an expert witness in the areas of AFIS submission, latent fingerprint documentation, collection, and preservation of crime scene and/or the results of forensic examination findings.

Processes and compares fingerprints found at crime scenes and coordinates with representatives of other law enforcement agencies in the identification of suspects through comparison of fingerprints and in the use of Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS) and the CAL-ID AFIS system and Next Generation Identification (NGI).

Performs crime scene sketching and diagramming with the assistance of computer aided software.

Performs laboratory analysis of physical evidence collected at crime scenes and performs subsequent chemical processing for the detection of latent fingerprints, including laser applications such as the use of alternate light sources (ALS).

Performs presumptive chemical analysis on various types of substances including blood, semen and saliva.

Produces and stores digital photography using digital image archiving software, video storage. Produces crime scene charts and enlargements.

Prepares court exhibits to depict AFIS images and latent fingerprint comparison charts.

Prepares detailed reports of AFISsubmission performed.

Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills

Knowledge of

• Fingerprint classification systems.
• Principles and practices of lifting and preserving latent fingerprints.
• Principles and practices of collecting and preserving crime scene evidence.
• Procedures, practices, and laws regarding the collection, preservation, and integrity of evidence.
• Photographic darkroom technique.
• Crime scene procedures.
• Computer graphics/digital imaging as it relates to forensic application and processes.
• Photography and video techniques.
• AFIS computer operations.
• CAL-ID AFIS.
• IAFIS System.

Ability to

• Perform complex latent fingerprint recovery and classification work.
• Accurately adjust color digital images for output to storage media and printers.
• Take photographs with digital cameras.
• Testify effectively in court.
• Obtain and maintain expert fingerprint certification.
• Respond to crime scenes and search for, collect and preserve physical evidence.
• Prepare physical evidence for court.
• Learn and use law enforcement telecommunications databases and other applications in an appropriate manner including standards of confidentiality.
• Provide effective customer service.
• Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with City employees and the public.

Skill in

• Crime scene evidence processing and analysis.
• Friction Ridge Analysis.
• Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems.
• Using a personal computer and applicable software applications.

Education, Training and Experience

• Graduation from high school or equivalent.
• Two years of paid work experience as a Forensic Specialist, Identification Specialist or Contract Latent Fingerprint Examiner. Previous recent law enforcement experience is required.

Licenses and Certificates

Possession of a valid Class C driver license or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions. Certification from the International Association for Identification as a Latent Fingerprint Examiner is highly desirable.

Diversity & Inclusion Statement

The City of Santa Monica is a progressive, inclusive and culturally-rich community. As leaders in public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a highly-talented workforce where people of diverse races, religions, cultures and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and where their differences make a positive impact.

The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our employees. Join us!

Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for persons with disabilities. Call [phone], TDD [phone] (Hearing Impaired Only).

Please note the request for reasonable accommodations must be made to Human Resources at least three work days prior to the examination.