Fingerprint Specialist III

Duties

Illustrative Duties

• Searches and compares latent prints with fingerprints/palm prints of known suspects for the purpose of identification using manual and automated (when applicable) fingerprint identification technology;
• Compares complex, unidentified latent fingerprints to a computer-generated list of known persons utilizing automated fingerprint identification technology with interfaces to the Virginia State Police Automated Fingerprint Identification System (VAFIS), the Metropolitan Washington, D.C. Automated Fingerprint Identification System (DCAFIS) and the Montgomery and Prince George's County system (RAFIS);Coordinates and/or conducts in-house job-related training for peers;
• Trains entry-level Fingerprint Specialist in skills consistent with their position classification level, and monitors and documents the employee's development;
• Provides guidance, mentoring, and assistance to employees of lesser skill and experience;
• Assists the section supervisor through the performance of long- and short-term operational and administrative projects/tasks in support of the mission;
• Enters fingerprints from ten-print cards into the automated files;
• Examines and evaluates latent print evidence for entry into the automated systems or manual comparison files;
• Prepares detailed charts, exhibits, and documents of fingerprint evidence for trial, and testifies in court as an expert in the field of fingerprint and palm print identification;
• Gives court testimony in high profile and capital crime cases;
• Provides limited oversight of employees in the absence of supervisory authority.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of training methods, supplemented by experience in the training of personnel in fingerprint identification skills and duties;
• Thorough knowledge of the rules of evidence involving fingerprint identification and legal procedures common to court cases;
• Knowledge of the use of LiveScan;
• Ability to prioritize and delegate work, and to manage a caseload efficiently under minimal supervision;
• Ability to accurately evaluate, search, and identify complex fingerprints;
• Ability to operate, analyze data from, and troubleshoot an automated fingerprint identification system;
• Ability to summarize facts and examination results clearly, concisely, and objectively, both orally and in writing;
• Ability to testify in court as an expert witness;
• Ability to maintain a high level of ethical standards;
• Ability to demonstrate a high level of integrity and be truthful at all times.

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

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following: (Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to")

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree supplemented by successful completion of formal training or courses in basic fingerprint identification and advanced latent fingerprint identification from industry accepted schools and two years of latent fingerprint identification. Six years of fingerprint identification comparisons can be substituted for the degree.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Two years' experience in fingerprint examinations with an Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS)
• Familiarity with LiveScan arrest booking system

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check, credit check and driving record check, and polygraph exam to the satisfaction of the employer.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:

• Driver’s license (required)

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Work requires ability to sit for long periods of time, operate keyboard-driven equipment, and use magnifying eyepiece. All duties may be performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

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