Latent Print Examiner

Harnett County; Lillington (NC); On-site; USD 63,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

Harnett County seeks a specialized fingerprint analyst to locate, develop and collect latent prints from crime scene evidence, preserve and classify prints, and prepare them for prosecution. You will testify in court as an expert witness and coordinate with investigators to secure and present all relevant findings.

Under general supervision, you will operate AFIS, ensure print quality, and maintain strict evidence security while preparing comprehensive reports for court proceedings and grand

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or equivalent.
• Experience in investigative work preferred.
• Knowledge of fingerprint identification methods.
• Ability to operate forensic databases and AFIS.

Responsibilities

• Searches paper files and computer databases for potential print matches.
• Writes analytical reports of findings.
• Testifies in court as an expert witness, using terminology to clearly explain fingerprint identification and scientific methods to the average juror.
• Recovers and preserves latent prints from various sources using techniques appropriate to the situation.
• Operates sophisticated optical and computer based AFIS search equipment.
• Ensures optimum quality of prints entered into state and national databases by photographing, determining minutia and imputing complex prints into in-house data bases and AFIS.
• Maintains security of evidence by lifting, photographing, digital image capturing, etc.
• Exercises technically accurate judgments in making identifications, negative comparisons, or determining if a print is of no value.

Skills

Fingerprint analysis

AFIS operation

Evidence handling

Court testimony

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Under general supervision, performs specialized technical task of locating, developing and collecting latent prints from evidence collected at crime scene or persons, preserving evidence, classifying prints and comparing prints. Investigated crimes and complaints, securing evidence, and preparing for prosecution of criminal offenders. Employee is subject to the usual hazards of law enforcement work. Reports to the Captain/Detectives.

Hiring Range Minimum Salary: $62,763.00 to Job Rate $72,963.00

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Job Function

• Searches paper files and computer databases for potential print matches.
• Writes analytical reports of findings.
• Testifies in court as an expert witness, using terminology to clearly explain fingerprint identification and scientific methods to the average juror.
• Recovers and preserves latent prints from various sources using techniques of powders, chemicals, alternated light sources, etc. appropriate to the situation.
• Operates sophisticated optical and computer based (Automated Fingerprint Information Systems AFIS) search equipment.
• Ensures optimum quality of prints entered into the state and national databases by photographing, determining the minutia (the minute or intricate detail of a print) and imputing all complex prints into in-house data bases and AFIS.
• Maintains security of evidence by lifting, photographing, digital image capturing, etc. of latent prints and other forensic evidence.
• Exercises technically accurate judgments in making positive identifications, negative comparisons, or in determining if a print is of no value for comparison purposes.
• Gathers, labels and prepares evidence found; prepares investigation reports.
• Maintains communications with informers and surveillance over known agitators and other suspected law violators.
• Prepares detailed reports; assembles and organizes statements and evidence for presentation in court and before grand juries; attends court and grand jury proceedings and presents evidence and testimony.

Additional Job Functions

Cooperates with other law enforcement agencies in conducting investigations and making arrests; reviews current bulletins published by the Federal and State Bureaus of Investigation.

Performs other related work as required.

Minimum Training and Experience

Graduation from high school and preferred experience in investigative work; or any equivalent combination of training and experience, which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Special Requirements

Knowledge of Job

Has thorough knowledge of Henry Fingerprint Classification System and friction ridge pattern recognition and interpretation.

Has thorough knowledge of laws, court rulings, policies and regulations involved in law enforcement as they apply to processing of fingerprint evidence.

Has thorough knowledge of modern criminal investigative practices and procedures. Has considerable knowledge of the County, state and federal laws relative to criminal investigations. Has considerable knowledge of the locations of streets, roads, highways and the geographic and socioeconomic characteristics of the County. Has general knowledge of the standard practices, materials, techniques and equipment associated with criminal investigations. Has some knowledge of the current literature, trends and developments in the law enforcement investigations. Is skilled in the use of firearms and other law enforcement equipment. Is able to use common office machines, including popular computer-driven word processing programs. Is able to exercise sound judgment in emergency and routine situations and to adopt quick, effective and reasonable courses of action. Is able to make observations and remember names, faces and various details. Is able to exercise considerable judgment and discretion in obtaining and analyzing facts and interpreting the law to specific cases. Is able to prepare clear and comprehensive reports. Is able to present court testimony effectively. Is able to exercise tact and firmness in frequent public contact. Is able to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.

Quality of Work

Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interacts within department and division, and with co-workers and the general public.

Quantity of Work

Maintains effective and efficient output of all duties and responsibilities as described under "Specific Duties and Responsibilities".

Dependability

Assumes responsibilities for doing assigned work and meeting deadlines. Completes assigned work on or before deadlines in accordance with directives, County policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Accepts accountability for meeting assigned responsibilities in the technical, human, and conceptual area.

Attendance

Attends work regularly and adheres to County policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and time-off request.

Initiative and Enthusiasm

Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountability. Strives to anticipate work to be done and initiates proper and acceptable direction for completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.

Judgment

Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies problems or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assist in identifying alternative solutions to problems or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of error. Seeks expert or experienced advice and researches problems, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.

Cooperation

Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same. Questions such instruction and direction when clarification or results or consequences are justified, i.e. poor communications, variance with County policy or procedures, etc. Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation between all staff persons within the department.

Relationship with Others

Shares knowledge with supervisors and staff for mutual and departmental benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all department employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with department employees, staffers and managers in other departments, representatives from organizations, and the general public so as to maintain good will toward the department and project a good departmental image. Tactfully and effectively handle requests, suggestions and complaints from other departments and persons in order to maintain good will within the County. Interacts effectively with fellow employees supervisors, professionals and the general public.

Coordination of Work

Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates expected time of completion of elements of work and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Attends meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules. Maintains a calendar for meetings, deadlines and events.

Safety and Housekeeping

Adheres to all safety and housekeeping standards established by the County and Various agencies. Sees that the standards are not violated. Maintains a clean and orderly workplace.