Latent Fingerprint Examiner II/III

Duties

Typical duties as a Latent Fingerprint Examiner II/III may include, but not limited to:

• Collects, develops, evaluates, compares, and identifies latent fingerprints or other impression evidence found at major crime scenes or submitted to the unit, including whole, partial fragmentary, or distorted latent finger and palm prints.
• Operates computers and computer-related equipment associated with automated fingerprint identification systems.
• Provides expert testimony, methodology, and identification in all aspects of latent print processing in court and formal hearings.
• Uses fingerprint comparators, magnifiers, ridge counters and other technical and scientific equipment for observing and comparing latent prints.
• Maintains communications with Federal, State and local law enforcement agencies and identification units.
• Latent Fingerprint Examiner III leads and trains latent fingerprint examiners in other classifications.

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

Requirements

Latent Print Examiner II

Education and Training:

• Successful completion of high school or GED Certificate, and 160 hours of training/course work on fingerprint or latent print analysis, comparison and evaluation by a recognized law enforcement agency, crime laboratory, P.O.S.T., or recognized professional institute or organization.

Experience: Satisfies at least ONE of the following options:

• One (1) year full-time experience as a Latent Fingerprint Examiner I with SJPD, or equivalent, performing fingerprint analysis comparison and evaluation using an Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS).
• Three (3) years of experience performing classification of fingerprints.
• 500 hours full-time experience (volunteer or intern experience is acceptable) performing fingerprint analysis, comparison and evaluation in a latent print unit at a law enforcement agency or crime laboratory.
• Three (3) years of full-time experience as an evidence technician, crime scene technician, or lab technician processing physical evidence for latent prints.

Acceptable Substitutions for Education and Training:

• Option 1: Associate’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Administration of Justice, Criminology, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Mathematics, Forensic Science, Statistics, or a related field, and 80 hours of training/course work on fingerprint or latent print analysis, comparison and evaluation by a recognized law enforcement agency, crime laboratory, P.O.S.T., or recognized professional institute or organization.
• Option 2: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Administration of Justice, Criminology, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Mathematics, Forensic Science, Statistics, or a related field, and 40 hours of training/course work on fingerprint or latent print analysis, comparison and evaluation by a recognized law enforcement agency, crime laboratory, P.O.S.T., or recognized professional institute or organization.

Required Licensing

• Possession of certification as a Certified Latent Print Examiner by the International Association for Identification is required within 2 years of eligibility.

Latent Print Examiner III

Education & Experience:

• Successful completion of high school or General Education Development (GED) Certificate and four (4) years of journey-level experience equivalent to Latent Print Examiner II with SJPD.

Acceptable Substitutions:

• Option 1: Associate’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Administration of Justice, Criminology, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Mathematics, Forensic Science, Statistics, or a related field, and three (3) years of journey-level experience equivalent to Latent Print Examiner II with SJPD, OR
• Option 2: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Administration of Justice or Criminology, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Mathematics, Forensic Science, Statistics, or a related field and two (2) years of journey-level experience equivalent to Latent Print Examiner II with SJPD.

Required Licensing (such as driver’s license, certifications, etc.)

• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License is required and must be maintained during the entire term of employment in the job class; failure to possess or maintain the valid required license shall result in discipline up to and including termination of employment. Must meet all background, psychological and polygraph requirements.
• Latent Print Examiner III: Possession of current certification as a Certified Latent Print Examiner by IAI is required.
• There is no substitution for the required Latent Print Examiner Certification.

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