Latent Print Examiner II

Duties

Examples of Duties and Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Conducts examinations of physical evidence submitted by law enforcement agencies.
• Processes evidence for the recovery of latent prints using chemical and other techniques.
• Examines latent prints collected by evidence collection staff, to verify the correctness of the print information. Compares latent prints to known inked prints or utilizes the Maryland Automated Fingerprint Identification System (M.A.F.I.S.) for possible suspect identification.
• Follows established procedures to maintain chain of custody for physical evidence.
• Provides expert testimony in courts of law regarding the development, comparison, and identification of latent fingerprint evidence, prepares charts and other aids for court presentations, and confers with State Attorneys.
• Initiates, prepares, reviews, or evaluates records and reports to inform detectives and officers of the status of the examination. Documents through reports and statistical information through the use of the Maryland Automated Fingerprint Identification System (M.A.F.I.S.).
• Utilizes the Biometric Identification System to identify candidates for latent fingerprint comparisons. Incorporates findings resulting from these comparisons into reports which form a basis for legal proceedings.
• Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the terminology, principles, and analytical techniques used in the analysis of evidence.
• Knowledge of what constitutes evidence and rules of evidence as it relates to latent fingerprint identification; of procedures for the safe handling of hazardous and biologically hazardous evidence.
• Knowledge of courtroom procedures and legal requirements involving the use of fingerprint evidence and the ability to give sworn testimony as an expert witness in court.
• Knowledge of County and departmental procedures related to assigned duties and knowledge in the operation of automated fingerprint identification system(s).
• Knowledge of fingerprint classification and identification methods.
• Skill in the presentation of testimony and in the use of visual aides to assist with prosecution at the (II) level and learns to present testimony and use visual aides at the (I) level.
• Skill in the development of latent prints and the visual identification of prints.
• Ability to work from fingerprint and related files.
• Ability to prepare accurate records and reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors and other employees.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally, and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communications and working relationships with internal and external customers and ability to instruct and lead the work of others.
• Ability to operate a computer terminal at the (I) level and proficiency at the two (II) level in this class series.

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

Requirements

Education:

• An associate's degree or 60 college credits in law enforcement, mathematics, biology, chemistry, criminalistics, physics, or a related field from an accredited college or university; formal training or courses in fingerprint classification and identification through completion of the FBI Basic Fingerprint School or an equivalent recognized fingerprint training program.

Experience:

• Two (2) or more years of experience in latent print identification, including court qualification as an expert witness; and a valid non-commercial Class C motor vehicle operator's license.

NOTE:

• The associate's degree or 60 college credits in law enforcement, mathematics, biology, chemistry, criminalistics, physics, or a related field from an accredited college or university may be substituted on a year-for-year basis with up to two (2) additional years of experience in latent print identification, including court qualification as an expert witness experience for a total of four (4) or more years of experience in latent print identification, including court qualification as an expert witness experience and a valid non-commercial Class C motor vehicle operator's license.

Preference will be given to candidates with the following:

• Advanced technical level coursework equivalent to the F.B.I. Latent Print training program

Note:

• Latent Print Examiner II is the full performance expert level proficiency class in the Later Print Examiner I & II class series. An employee has the opportunity of being promoted by the Chief of Police to Latent Print Examiner II based upon the required amount of latent fingerprint experience, formal training, and subsequent certification in latent prints by the FBI or an equivalent agency, and satisfactory work experience. Proficiency advancements can be made as latent print work assignments increase in variety and complexity; the employee meets the minimum qualifications for the higher level class; less supervision and review is required of the employee in completing assignments; and the employee has demonstrated proficiency in testifying in courts of law concerning latent print identification. Recommendation for promotion to the higher level Latent Print Examiner II is at the discretion of the Chief of Police.

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