Latent Print Examiner

Duties

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS:

• Complete all assigned Latent Print Unit casework following the accreditation requirements of the Forensic Services Section to ISO/IEC 17025 by ANSI National Accreditation Board.
• Receive and prepare evidence for in-lab processing following proper handling of evidence and maintaining chain of custody.
• Prepare chemical formulations for the Latent Print Unit and maintain chemical logs.
• Develop latent print impressions with chemical reagents, lasers, alternate light sources and powders.
• Improve visual quality of evidence utilizing approved software.
• Analyze latent print impressions for sufficiency.
• Compare and identify latent print impressions to known exemplars using the ACE-V methodology.
• Search latent prints in various Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS) systems.
• Render expert testimony in court proceedings.
• Continue to perform assigned work to obtain latent print certification by the International Organization for Identification as soon as eligible.

 Earn a Degree in Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Science, or Computer Forensics

Requirements

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Complete the Latent Print Unit’s training program and competency tests within the Forensic Services Section of the Worcester Police Department, accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 by ANSI National Accreditation Board.
• Obtain latent print certification by the International Organization for Identification as soon as eligible.
• Must have completed coursework in inorganic and organic chemistry and demonstrated knowledge (through college level coursework and/or experience) in forensic evidence handling.
• Experience working with Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS) systems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Highly detail oriented and strong organizational skills
• Demonstrated computer proficiency.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Adobe Photoshop.
• Ability to provide testimony, prepare reports and evidence exhibits (i.e. Court charts) required for court proceedings.
• Valid Driver’s License and access to reliable transportation.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Ability to maintain accurate records.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data.
• Ability to develop sound conclusions from research and/or comparisons.
• Ability to work on an on-call basis, when necessary, and perform work outside of routine office hours.
• Ability to provide proof of 20/20 corrected vision for far/near distance.
• Ability to complete the Latent Print Unit training and all competency tests within the Forensic Services Section of the Worcester Police Department, accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 by ANSI National

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Forensic Science, Biology, Bio-Chemistry, or related field including chemistry and forensic coursework.
• Three (3) years of related professional and/or internship experience.
• Experience performing latent print examinations.
• Satisfy a police background investigation.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s Degree in Chemistry, Forensic Science, Biology, Bio-Chemistry, or related field
• Five (5) years of experience in latent print examinations.
• Three (3) years of experience documenting observations, writing reports, preparing evidence exhibits for court and precisely explaining and defending scientific results.
• Three (3) years of experience working in a Forensic Science or Crime Scene Investigation environment.
• Two (2) years of experience working with Quality Assurance standards.
• Latent Print Certification by the International Association for Identification.
• Experience using Adobe Photoshop

Do you have the Education Required? See available on-line and campus-based degree programs now!