Latent Print Examiner Trainee

Duties

You will receive training on the policies, procedures, and workflows specific to the Seattle Police Department Latent Print Unit and will be trained in performing the technical tasks of the Latent Print Examiner position. These tasks include but are not limited to:

• Analyze, compare, and evaluate latent print impressions.
• Develop and preserve latent print impressions and other physical evidence in the laboratory and at crime scenes.
• Locate, develop, recover, and preserve latent print impressions on a wide variety of surfaces using physical and chemical techniques.
• Examine evidence using a laser and alternate light sources, to locate latent print evidence using infrared, ultraviolet, and other specific wavelengths of light.
• Encode and search unknown latent print impressions through available AFIS databases.
• Recover fingerprints, palm prints, and footprints from deceased and decomposed bodies, victims of crime, and potential suspects.
• Thoroughly document observations and results of examinations at the time of observation/occurrence.
• Write detailed reports regarding examination results.
• Assist in providing training to law enforcement personnel in the proper collection and preservation of physical evidence.
• Testify in criminal legal proceedings regarding examinations and results, as needed.

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

Requirements

• Requires a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in forensic science, criminalistics, physical or natural science or other related field, -AND- one year experience in the identification and analysis of fingerprints and/or evidence processing.
• (A combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class may be considered.)
• Degree must include course work in Chemistry.
• Must pass a written and practical latent print examination prior to employment.

Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge of the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), forensic photography, alternate light sources, and latent print processing techniques.
• Temperament to work with deceased bodies, body fluids, biologic pathogens, hazardous materials, and firearms in a professional and safe manner.
• Understanding of evidence handling and situational awareness to minimize damage/destruction of evidence.
• Proper use and storage of safety equipment (i.e., air respirators, chemicals, gloves, booties, and laboratory equipment).
• Proper handling of hazardous, caustic, flammable, and carcinogenic chemicals, including firearms, and explosive devices.
• Ability to respond to crime scenes after hours, on weekends, and holidays.
• Highly detail oriented with the ability to follow oral directions and written operating procedures.
• Reliable judgment, problem solving, and decision-making skills.
• Professional integrity, an understanding of professional ethics, and the ability to work in an unbiased and impartial manner.
• Self-motivated individual, with experience working in a team environment.

Position Requirements

• Must pass a Seattle Police Department background investigation.
• A valid State of Washington driver license is required upon employment and must be maintained throughout employment.
• Must be available to work overtime; may be asked to respond to crime scenes during off duty shift hours.
• This position is an onsite position; employee is expected to perform the work in person. Individual schedules will be based on an agreement between the employee and their supervisor.

License, Certification and Other Requirements

• International Association for Identification (IAI) certification or certification from other nationally recognized organizations in latent print examination is required within 30 months of hire. Recertification is required every 5 years.
• Passing annual proficiency tests and completion of a minimum of 40 hours of continuing education per year is required.
• Signing a confidentiality statement is required.

Work Environment

• May be asked to respond to crime scenes during off duty shift hours.
• Requires standing, walking, or bending for extended periods.
• May require handling or working with hazardous substances (e.g. blood, other body fluids and various hazardous chemicals); use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Viewing of potentially traumatic real-time and recorded crime scenes.
• Contact with potentially abusive and/or threatening people in the process of obtaining fingerprints.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
• Safely driving and operating department vehicles.

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