Forensic Identification Specialist I

Duties

Essential Job Functions

• Takes fingerprints and palm prints using printer's ink or computerized optical digital technology.
• Develops, collects, and preserves latent fingerprints from typical surfaces using conventional techniques, chemical processing, and alternate light source technologies.
• Compares latent prints to inked or digitally captured prints.
• Prepares, enters, and compares latent fingerprints in an automated fingerprint identification system.
• Participates in crime scene investigations to recognize, search for, collect, and preserve physical evidence.
• Documents crime scenes through note-taking, diagramming, photographing, and video recording
• Preserves impressions of shoe prints, tire tracks, and other objects at crime scenes through casting and photography.
• Prepares detailed reports of crime scene investigations, other activities, and comparison results.
• Accesses crime scenes in a variety of environments including remote areas requiring mountaineering and other entrance and egress techniques to document and collect evidence.
• Testifies as an expert witness in court.
• Serves on-call and responds to crime scene locations within LA County jurisdiction within short notice (typically departing within 20 minutes of notice) to process crime scenes during a 24-hour operation, including nights and on holidays.

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

Requirements

OPTION I

• Graduation from an accredited college with an Associate of Arts or Science degree in criminalistics, police science, or a related field with completion of a minimum of eight (8) semester units or twelve (12) quarter units of photography, crime scene investigation, fingerprinting, or criminalistics.

OPTION II

• Two years of experience at the level of Los Angeles County's class of a Forensic Technician II, Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems Technician II, Criminalistics Laboratory Technician, Photographer I, or work experience detecting, lifting, and retrieving latent prints from crime scenes, or providing direct assistance to forensic identification specialists or other law enforcement investigation professionals conducting field investigations.

LICENSE

• A valid California Class C Driver License is required to perform job-related essential functions. Candidates offered these positions would be required to show proof of a driver license prior to appointment.
• Out-of-state applicants must have a valid license from the state in which they reside at the time of filing. Out-of-state applicants will be required to obtain a California Class C Driver License prior to appointment.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS - Credit will be given to applicants who possess DESIRABLE qualifications and indicate so on their employment application at the time of filing.

• Coursework completion earned as part of a certificate or degree program in the field of forensics (40 hours of coursework = 4 quarter units = 2.67 semester units):
• Coursework in the Friction Ridge Examination Process
• Coursework in Courtroom Testimony (which includes at least an overview of the legal system, how evidence is presented in court, and how to answer questions in the courtroom)
• Coursework in Crime Scene Photography
• Coursework in Sketching Crime Scenes or Measuring Crime Scene Evidence
• At least two (2) years of experience as a latent print examiner, crime scene investigator, or crime scene investigator who investigates crimes against persons beyond the minimum requirements.
• A Bachelor's degree* from an accredited college or university.

PHYSICAL CLASS:

• Physical Class III - Moderate: This class requires that the incumbent stand or walk most of the time with bending, stooping, squatting, twisting, reaching, working on irregular surfaces, occasional lifting of objects weighing over 25 pounds, and frequent lifting of 10-25 pounds.

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