Latent Print Examiner

City of Winston-Salem; Winston-Salem (NC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Winston-Salem is seeking an experienced fingerprint examiner to identify, preserve, and examine latent impressions. You will operate AFIS/SPEX terminals to compare evidence against local, state, and national databases and provide expert testimony in court.

The role requires an associate degree in forensic science or related field, plus extensive fingerprint classification experience and proficiency with ACE-V methodology.

Qualifications

• Minimum of an Associate degree in forensic science or related field.
• Considerable experience in fingerprint classification and latent fingerprint ID.
• Knowledge of ACE-V methodology and chain of custody in evidence handling.
• Ability to testify clearly in court and present expert opinions.

Responsibilities

• Identify, gather, preserve, process, and examine fingerprint evidence.
• Operate AFIS/SPEX terminals to access local, state, and national databases.
• Prepare analytical reports and provide expert witness testimony in courts.
• Maintain detailed filing systems for casework and records.
• Complete expunction procedures and assist other agencies as needed.

Skills

Fingerprint identification

ACE-V methodology

Court testimony

Data entry AFIS use

Education

Associates Degree in forensic science

Basic Fingerprint Classification Certificate

Basic Latent Fingerprint Comparison Certificate

Advanced Latent Fingerprint Comparison Certificate

Tools

AFIS/SPEX terminals

Job description

Performs responsible administrative, technical, and investigative work involving identification, gathering, preservation, processing, and examination of fingerprint evidence; does related work as required. Work is performed under general supervision.

Work is performed in a regular 40 hour week based on a day/evening schedule with on-call as needed basis; examines friction ridge patterns for the determination of latent impressions of value for identification, inclusion, and/or exclusion; operates SAFIS/SPEX terminals to access local, state and national AFIS databases to identify suspects/subjects; examines friction ridge patterns and plots ridge characteristics to create data that can be compared with known inked impressions; performs a variety of chemical and nonchemical forensic processes to retrieve latent impressions from evidence; searches and maintains a detailed filing system for records of all casework and latent and known fingerprints; performs various clerical tasks dealing with fingerprint identification; prepares analytical reports on analysis conducted; provides expert witness testimony in courts of law and prepares evidence for court presentation; serves as the primary friction ridge expert for the Department; complete expunction procedures to remove database information for arrested individual; provides instruction to agency personnel on the proper methods of recognition and collection of latent print evidence and all other related duties as required to include field response; assists other agencies with latent print processing and comparison; maintains scientific and laboratory standards; researches information regarding identification of friction ridge patterns; and reads forensic journals and other literature to stay abreast of updated techniques and training.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Minimum of Associates Degree in forensic science, biology, chemistry, criminal justice, or closely related field from an accredited institution or a combination of high school graduate/GED and work experience in a closely related field.

Considerable experience in fingerprint classification and latent fingerprint identification work with supplemental courses in fingerprint identification techniques; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides an understanding of common terminology and definitions associated with friction ridge pattern recognition (arch, loop, whorl) and interpretation, and the practices, methods, equipment, and materials used in fingerprint processing and identification.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Thorough knowledge of fingerprint identification practices; utilize the ACE-V scientific methodology for all fingerprint/palmprint comparisons; thorough knowledge of rules of evidence and chain of custody; considerable knowledge of the general laws, policies, rules, and regulations involved in law enforcement work as they apply to the processing of fingerprint evidence; ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions; ability to instruct and train personnel in regards to fingerprints; ability to use all fingerprint development techniques proficiently; ability to use computer systems to enter and retrieve data; ability to articulate clearly, both orally and in writing; ability to offer clear and concise testimony in court; thorough knowledge of the operations and usage of AFIS/SPEX terminals and databases; ability to maintain effective working relationships with public officials and citizens; and utilizes independent judgment and initiative, and an advanced skill level in the completion of work assignments.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Adequate physical agility and endurance to carry out duties to include climbing, standing, crawling, kneeling, and light lifting. This position specifically requires extended lengths of time sitting and bending.

WORK CONDITIONS:

Exposure to bloodborne pathogens, dust/dirt, fumes, and adverse sights and smells.

Thorough knowledge of fingerprint classification practices; utilize the ACE-V scientific methodology for all fingerprint/palmprint comparisons; thorough knowledge of rules of evidence and chain of custody; Considerable knowledge of the general laws, policies, rules, and regulations involved in law enforcement work as they apply to the processing of fingerprint evidence; ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions; ability to instruct and train personnel in regards to fingerprints; ability to use all fingerprint development techniques proficiently; ability to use computer systems to enter and retrieve data; ability to articulate clearly, both orally and in writing; ability to offer clear and concise testimony in court; thorough knowledge of the operations and usage of AFIS/SPEX terminals and databases; ability to maintain effective working relationships with public officials and citizens; and adequate physical agility and endurance to carry out duties.

Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license; Basic Fingerprint Classification Certificate; Basic and Advanced Latent Fingerprint Comparison certificates; pass a department administered latent print to known print comparison test to include both palm and fingerprint impressions.