Rev. 12/97
City of San José
LATENT FINGERPRINT EXAMINER I (2241)
CLASS PURPOSE
Under the general supervision of the central Identification Unit Sergeant and direct instruction and guidance of the Senior Latent Fingerprint Examiners, learns to classify, compare, process, and enter ten (10) print fingerprint cards into the Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS). May learn to evaluate, compare, and enter latent prints into AFIS. Learns to write reports, and prepare and present evidence effectively in court. Learns to roll finger and palm prints, and operate federal, state, and local criminal history systems and correctly interpret the response.
TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESULTS (Any one position may not include all the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all the duties which may be performed.)
Performs the following duties in a trainee mode:
- Receives fingerprints turned in by various agencies, and processes them for county number and physical description.
- May occasionally roll inked finger and palm prints of suspects, victims, and witnesses.
- Maintains unit files as required.
- Communicates with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and identification units.
- Operates AFIS equipment and utilizes printouts in comparisons of inked and computer image fingerprints.
- Operates other automated systems available to the Unit, as necessary, to complete the required functions of the position.
- Gives expert testimony in court or in formal hearings on characteristics of fingerprint identification and comparison.
- Utilizes technical and scientific equipment for observing and comparing fingerprints.
- Classifies fingerprints by Henry and NCIC classifications.
- May receive latent prints turned in by police officer; evaluates latent prints for sufficiency of characteristics for comparison purposes; makes positive identification of individuals from the minutiae inherent to each individual. (Fingerprint comparison work will be reviewed and verified by a Senior Latent Fingerprint Examiner as deemed necessary.)
- May operate automated latent fingerprint system and utilize printouts in comparing probable suspects with latent prints.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is an entry level position, the incumbents of which receive detailed instructions and develop skills and knowledge in basic identification functions in the Central Identification Unit.
- Ability to learn to properly take rolled inked impressions (full case prints).
- Ability to learn to use Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems.
- Ability to learn to compare characteristics in inked and latent prints in order to positively identify individuals via prints.
- Ability to learn the various methods of fingerprint classification.
- Ability to take directions and respond positively to correction.
- Ability to convince another person of the correctness of his/her decisions.
- Ability to speak effectively before groups.
- Ability to correctly interpret and follow written instructions.
- Ability to analyze and identify fingerprints by determining pattern types and minutiae counts.
Education
Successful completion of high school or General Education Development
(GED) Certificate.
Experience
Three (3) years of experience equivalent to the level of a Police Data Specialist with the City of San José, a fingerprint classifier, or fingerprint identifier.
Acceptable Substitutions
A Bachelor’s Degree or a Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Administration of Justice, Criminology, or Forensic Science and at least three (3) months internship with a law enforcement agency.
Licenses
Possession of a valid driver's license authorizing operation of a motor vehicle within the State of California.
Other Requirements
- Must be willing to work evenings, weekends, holidays, or other shift work.
- Must be able to pass a detailed background investigation.
(12/06/82), (Rev. 9/16/87), (Rev. 1/94), (Rev. 11/97), (Rev. 12/97)
2241s002.doc