Fingerprint Examiner I

Duties

MAJOR, IMPORTANT, AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Conduct tests and examinations on cases assigned to unit
• Collect and transport multiple forms of Identification information to and from various locations for evaluation and chain of custody documentation and process according to department procedure.
• Process, identify and compare, visible, plastic, and partial finger, palm, foot, or similar type prints or impressions through various mediums or other special equipment for the department.
• Encode and input data into SFPD ABIS, CAL-ID AFIS and FBI ULW / NGI fingerprint systems; and classify fingerprints for facility of retrieval by the different systems users.
• Prepare clear and concise case notes and reports for supervisor and department documentation of observations, procedures/techniques and evaluations; maintain regular, modus operandi fingerprint files and various records for department use.
• Adhere to industry standards in periodic assessments and validating fingerprint processing and comply with on-going state and federal mandated training.
• Provide expert witness testimony in court and formal hearings on fingerprint examinations, identifications and related local criminal history and prepare evidence and exhibits for presentation in court.

IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of: principles and techniques used in the collection, comparison and classification of fingerprints and similar types of prints ; laws of evidence, criminal and courtroom procedures; photography; recent developments, literature and sources of information relative to the biometrics field, related court proceedings; and all aspects of CAL-ID.
• Ability to: perform assigned tasks according to prescribed procedures; operate equipment and databases with skill and care; provide expert testimony in court and formal hearings; prepare and maintain clear, accurate and concise case notes and records in computers; write logical and concise reports and correspondence; make accurate observations; communicate in an articulate fashion; read, understand and follow departmental policies, rules, instructions, laws and ordinances; maintain a clean and orderly workspace; and provide guidance and assistance to less experienced co-workers and clients; travel for extensive and time consuming job related training.

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

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• These minimum qualifications establish the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license(s) which are required for employment in the classification. Please note, additional qualifications (ie. special conditions) may apply to a particular position and will be stated on the exam/job announcement.

Education:

• Completion of 30 semester credits from an accredited college or university which must include at least: a course in Math; a course in English or Composition; a course in Chemistry (with laboratory sections); and a course in any Science (with laboratory section).

Experience:

• Two (2) years of verifiable full-time employment in a public jurisdiction as a fingerprint technician or equivalent classifying and comparing 10 Print, and palm prints, operating automated 10 prints AFIS workstations, operating LiveScan systems, and serving as a basis custodian of criminal fingerprint records;
OR
• One (1) year of verifiable full-time experience as a fingerprint examiner or equivalent classifying and comparing prints including visible, plastic and partial finger and palm prints and 10 prints; operating automated 10-prints AFIS systems;

License and Certification:

• Possession of a valid California Driver's License

Substitution:

• Additional qualifying experience classifying and comparing fingerprints as described above may substitute for the required education. One year (2000 hours) of additional qualifying experience is considered equivalent to the 15 semester units of college coursework in Math, English/Composition and Science.

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