Latent Fingerprint Examiner

Duties

Essential Job Functions- the basic job duties an employee must be able to perform:

• Examine items of evidence (digital images or physical items) for the presence of latent prints and determine their suitability for comparison.
• Compare and evaluate latent and inked friction ridge impressions to record prints.
• Prepare and enter latent prints into the available state and federal databases.
• Generate reports for completed work.
• Complete data entry in LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System).
• Complete work under the appropriate standard operating procedures in accordance with the quality assurance system set forth by the Metro Crime Laboratory.
• Provide court testimony of results, opinions, and conclusions, which may include utilization of images in electronic formats.
• Review forensic technical journals and attend available training to stay abreast of developments in the field of latent prints and other related forensic disciplines.
• Provide training to appropriate law enforcement personnel (i.e., police recruits, Latent Print Examiner trainees, sworn personnel, and the public regarding latent print examination and laboratory functions.
• Assist with any technical functions or processes within the laboratory as they relate to latent prints.
• Respond to crime scenes as needed to assist in specialized processing as it relates to latent prints.

We are looking for candidates who demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Knowledge of operations, services, and workflow of a forensics crime laboratory
• Knowledge of equipment, applications, methods, and materials used in a forensic crime laboratory
• Knowledge of legal procedures for the admission of evidence in criminal investigations
• Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written English, to include public speaking while articulating complex technical data
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, coworkers, and other law enforcement/judicial personnel
• Ability to handle heavy volumes of work while maintaining accuracy
• Ability to work effectively under pressure
• Ability to testify in court proceedings as an expert witness
• Ability to apply critical thinking skills with good judgment and a high degree of professional credibility

Work is performed primarily indoors under laboratory or office conditions. However, you may be required to participate in scene field investigation activities. Laboratory and field investigation activities may include exposure to dangerous chemicals and harmful or unpleasant fumes/odors. Work may also include exposure to cadavers of varying physical conditions to obtain fingerprint impressions for identification purposes.

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

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a related area of study.
• Three years of full-time, professional experience in a related field.
• Possess and maintain a valid, non-probationary Colorado driver's license not subject to restriction related to alcohol and/or drug violations or pending charges
• Within six months of hire become AFIS/IAFIS Latent Entry authorized, utilizing Morphotrak. Authorization must be maintained for the duration of employment
• Within two years of hire, certification in the program of Latent Print Certification Board of the International Association for Identification is required. Certification must be maintained for the duration of employment


• One year of relevant work experience may be substituted for one year of required education (OR) one year of relevant academic coursework beyond the minimum requirement may be substituted for one year of required professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in an ISO 17025 accredited forensic laboratory.
• Expert witness testimony as a latent fingerprint examiner.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, with emphasis on Word and Excel.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
• Training or experience in specialized criminal forensic disciplines.
• Familiarity with the National Crime Information Center (NCIC)/ Colorado Crime Information Center (CCIC), Microsoft Office, Photoshop, AFIS/NGI, Digital Evidence Management Systems, Laboratory Information Management Systems, and other related databased.

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