Forensic Fingerprint Expert

Duties

Essential Functions

• Performs and develops difficult and complex laboratory tests in forensic fingerprinting and provides professional technical direction and guidance on fingerprinting activities and evidence gathering.
• Instructs, assists, or trains lower level staff and law enforcement personnel on new or unusual fingerprint sciences, processes, and procedures.
• Provides scientific assistance to attorneys, state law makers, and regulatory agencies.
• Evaluates, reviews, and determines evidentiary value of submitted and developed prints; conducts difficult and complex examinations and comparisons of latent prints and known prints; utilizes specialized photographic and digital imaging techniques to assist the analysis and comparison of latent prints to known prints.
• Determines proper testing techniques, including the proper sequence of latent print development techniques for items of evidence; processes items of evidence for latent prints and uses appropriate documentation and recovery techniques to preserve those latent prints sufficient for recovery.
• Encodes latent prints into Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS); ensures use of proper methods of coding.
• Stays current in new trends and innovations in the field of forensic science; conducts research and evaluate new procedures and methods; recommends new procedures and updates existing procedures.
• Acts as technical leader as established in The Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic Fingerprinting; troubleshoots, performs and supervises repairs on laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Testifies as an expert witness in difficult and complicated court cases.
• Performs any and all other work as needed or assigned.

Knowledge and Skills

• Thorough knowledge of rules of physical evidence in criminal law; Federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations pertaining to forensic science.
• Knowledge of theoretical and analytical principles of natural and physical sciences related to forensic fingerprinting.
• Knowledge of proper procedures and standard laboratory rules and safety precautions.
• Knowledge of evidence collection and preservation procedures.
• Thorough knowledge in testifying as an expert witness in courts of law under Daubert standards.
• Advanced knowledge of Forensic computer software applications.
• Knowledge of laboratory methods and procedures utilized in forensic fingerprinting.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of fingerprint science.
• Knowledge gained from research and practical work experience working in a forensic laboratory.
• Knowledge of Henry and NCIC classification systems.
• Ability to work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Ability to teach forensic software applications. principles of forensic fingerprinting.
• Ability to apply operational methods and techniques of forensic laboratory equipment.
• Ability to compile and prepare evidence for presentation in court and provide expert testimony in legal proceedings.
• Ability to review and evaluate new/existing information and analytical techniques for change in protocol.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

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

Requirements

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's degree in a Criminalistics, Forensics, Natural Sciences (chemistry, biology, physics) or Social Science field.

EXPERIENCE:

• Two (2) years of professional level experience with a municipal, county, state or federal regulatory agency in any of the following areas:
• Latent print comparison
• Advanced ridgeology techniques

EQUIVALENCIES:

• High school diploma or GED, plus six (6) years of the required experience
• Associate's degree in any field plus four (4) years of the required experience will meet the education and experience requirements.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in a non-specified field plus three (3) years of the required experience will meet the education and experience requirements.
• Master's degree or higher in a specified field plus one (1) years of the required experience will meet the education and experience requirements.
• A current Latent Print Certification from the International Association for identification (I.A.I), will meet the education and experience requirements.

LICENSE and/or CERTIFICATION:

• Valid driver's license with good driving record.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Must pass intensive background check required (No Felony or Class A Misdemeanor convictions).
• Must be able to detect, investigate, and give expert court testimony.
• Must have or obtain certification as a Latent Print Examiner by the International Association for Identification (I.A.I.) within six (6) month probationary period.

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