This is advances technical work with responsibility in the classification, evaluation and identification of latent fingerprints.

Employees in this class are responsible for identifying fingerprints, preparing court exhibits, and providing testimony in courts of law. Duties include utilization of an Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), performing latent chemical processes on items of physical evidence, providing latent identification services for other jurisdictions, and reviewing and verifying latent print identifications. Incumbents apply advanced technical fingerprinting skills following established departmental policies and procedures. Supervision is received from a technical and administrative superior who reviews work for quality and accuracy.

ILLUSTRATIVE TASKS

Develops, evaluates, compares and identifies latent prints; prepares court exhibits and renders testimony in courts of law.

Evaluates, enters, compares and identifies prints in the AFIS.

Performs latent processes on items of physical evidence utilizing various chemical formulas.

Evaluates latent evidence utilizing alternate light sources.

Provides latent identification services for other municipalities, counties, state, and federal agencies.

Reviews and verifies latent print identification.

Assists in the implementation of training programs.

Assists in the recovery and positive identification of persons fallen victim to man-made or natural disasters; assists in the field arrest booking procedures in the event of civil disturbances.

Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Considerable knowledge of equipment, materials and techniques used in lifting and preserving latent fingerprints and palmprints.

Knowledge of the rules of evidence as applied to fingerprints and other related sciences.

Knowledge of various chemical and equipment used in developing latent fingerprints.

Knowledge of safety procedures in the areas of chemical processing.

Knowledge of computer technology as related to fingerprint identification and personal computers.

Ability to conduct inspections and accurately compare latent fingerprint evidence.

Ability to effectively present court testimony; prepare charts and other presentation data for judicial purposes.

Ability to generate reports as related to fingerprint science.