Job Class Specifications for: LATENT PRINT EXAMINER

Class Specification Schematic Number: 4155605

Class Summary:

Positions in this class perform identification tasks such as latent print comparisons, processing of evidence at crime scenes and in laboratory using powders and chemicals, taking of fingerprints, testifying in court, and training of Officer/Detectives and entry level Latent Print Examiners. Enters latent prints into the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), operates the alternate light source and photographs latent prints in conjunction with this process.

This class represents the second level in the Latent Print class series. The Latent Print Examiner class differs from the Latent Print Supervisor in that the latter class has primary responsibility for supervising staff. The Latent Print Examiner is responsible for collection and preservation of latent prints at crime scenes to ensure adherence to proper operating procedures. In addition, the work of the Latent Print Examiner requires technical knowledge and experience of latent print collection, preservation, and analysis to perform the class duties.

The position requires a working knowledge of the Henry System of Fingerprint Classification, knowledge of departmental fingerprinting operating procedures, and of AFIS operations. The class also requires expertise in all areas of evidence processing; including powders, chemicals, dyes, and the use of an alternate light source. The Latent Print Examiner determines, identifies, and verifies inked and latent fingerprint comparisons and testifies in court as an expert witness in fingerprint matters. The class receives work direction from the Latent Print Supervisor who is responsible for determining unit operating procedures and work methods. Guidelines are specific and detailed involving standard operating procedures. Work priorities and deadlines are set by the Latent Print Supervisor. Positions are responsible for resolving most problems according to procedures but unusual problems are discussed with supervisor. Frequently works in different location from supervisor. Personal contacts include members of the public, prosecutors and defense attorneys, crime suspects, departmental employees for the purposes of performing fingerprint activities and law enforcement personnel in the exchange of information or to coordinate the activities of crime scene collection and preservation activities.

• Analyzes latent prints and makes a positive identification, a negative comparison, or determines a print is of no value for comparison purposes.
• Compares latent friction ridge structure to known individuals to determine identity.
• Respond when called upon to assist with the collection and preservation of physical evidence at the scenes of major crimes such as homicides, sex offenses, kidnapping and clandestine drug labs.
• Locates and develops latent prints on a wide variety of materials and surfaces by using physical, chemical, optical, or any combination of techniques appropriate to the substance being examined.
• Recovers and preserves developed latent prints using appropriate physical, optical, or electronic techniques and equipment, including infrared, ultraviolet, laser and other special forensic photographic procedures as well as digital computer scanning devises.
• Evaluates all latent prints for automated (AFIS) processing.
• Ensures optimum performance of the computerized AFIS system by photographing, determining the minutia, identifying position, tracing latent print, and input all complex latent prints into the AFIS system.
• Performs all necessary job functions related to AFIS and effects identifications and non-identifications by comparison of each latent print to candidate lists generated by the AFIS system.
• Performs low-level maintenance such as optical system cleaning and alignment. Maintains a working knowledge of forensic photography, laser technology, and safety procedures.
• Provides formal and informal training to Officers/Detectives concerning the proper method of taking inked fingerprints and the collection and preservation of physical evidence. Trains, assists, and directs work of entry level Latent Print Examiners.
• Writes reports concerning results of analyses performed. Prepares court photographic enlargements for jury illustrations. Testifies in Juvenile, District, Superior and Federal Courts as to processing for latent prints, and identified or non-identified comparisons.
• Performs other related duties of a comparable level/type as assigned.

Requires standing, walking, or bending for extended periods of time.   Requires the use of apparel and equipment such as: air respirators, saranex suits, nitrile gloves, booties, and goggles during the processing of hazardous crime scenes and laboratory operation. Requires the handling of numerous hazardous, caustic, flammable, carcinogenic chemicals, blood, and other body fluids frequently found in latent fingerprint work. Requires processing various types of loaded and unloaded firearms, knives, explosive devices and other weapons for latent prints. Requires contact with potentially verbally abusive and physically harmful people in the process of obtaining fingerprints. Also recovers finger, palm and footprints from deceased bodies which are potential carriers of biologic pathogens.

Requires a minimum of two years fingerprint identification experience. A combination of education and/or training and experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class.

Licensing and Other Requirements:

Current Washington State driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility. Satisfy a Seattle Police Department background investigation. Washington State ACCESS/WACIS certificate.

Comments:

This description was prepared to indicate the kinds of activities and levels of work difficulty required of positions in this class. It is not intended as a complete list of specific duties and responsibilities.

Class History:

Class adopted January 2, 1991.

Previous class, Senior Identification Technician #4155505.

Revised 4/24/96 - changed schematic number from #4155604 and language change effective 1/2/91.

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