Latent Print Examiner

Position Grade: 14G

Department: Police Department

Job Type: Full-Time (Permanent)

Examination Number: EX1147

Location: Downtown - St. Louis, MO

Incumbents in this position prepare and identify latent fingerprint evidence of subjects. Duties include processing evidence for possible latent fingerprints; testifying in court and maintaining latent fingerprint files.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Classifies and compares latent fingerprint evidence to identify and eliminate suspects of crimes.

• Analyzes, Compares, Evaluates and Verifies latent print evidence to identify and/or eliminate subjects in criminal justice matters. Contacts appropriate authorities once verification is made and prepares lab reports.

• Contacts appropriate authorities once identification is made and prepares lab reports on identifications.

• Evaluates latent fingerprint evidence for possible value.

• Processes evidence for possible latent fingerprints using powders or chemicals, and then photographs evidence.

• Maintains and protects criminal evidence in personal custody.

• Testifies in court regarding latent fingerprint evidence identifications. Prepares exhibits and charts for court presentations.

• Maintains latent fingerprint evidence files.

• Maintains supplies used in processing crime scenes for the Evidence Technician Unit.

• Uses state and federal Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems.

• Regularly provides identification services to other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

• Complies with revisions from time to time after mutual consultation.

• Lectures and trains on the science of fingerprint technology to the St. Louis Police Academy and other local educational institutions.

• Classifies searches and compares fingerprints on arrested and potential suspects for identification.

• Performs name and fingerprint identification checks and notifies the appropriate authorities.

• Fingerprints unconscious or deceased subjects to establish identity.

• Fingerprints and photographs subjects in accordance with established procedures (e.g. new employees, juveniles, etc.).

• Performs the duties of fingerprint technicians when necessary.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Data Utilization: Requires the ability to perform basic level of data analysis including the ability to review, classify, categorize, prioritize and/or reference data, statutes and/or guidelines and/or group, rank, and investigate. Requires discretion in determining and referencing such to established standards to recognize interactive effects and relationships.

• Human Interaction: Requires the ability to provide guidance, assistance and/or interpretation to others, such as coworkers and the public, on how to apply policies, procedures and standards to specific situations.

• Equipment, Machinery, Tools and Materials Use: Requires the ability to operate, maneuver and/or provide simple but continuous adjustment on equipment, machinery and tools such as typewriter, personal computer, computer terminal and scanner, copier, fax, fingerprint magnifier, Polaroid camera, computerized camera, multiple computer programs, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.

• Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference and descriptive data and information such as forms, orders, packing slips, schedules and general operating manuals.

• Mathematical Aptitude: Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; calculate decimals, fractions and decimals; perform mathematical operations involving basic algebra.

• Functional Reasoning: Requires the ability to apply principles of rational systems. Ability to interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic or schedule form. Ability to exercise independent judgment to adopt or modify methods and standards to meet variations in assigned objectives.

• Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise the judgment, decisiveness and creativity required in situations involving the evaluation of information against measurable or verifiable criteria.

• Environmental Factors: Tasks may risk exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, temperature extremes, traffic hazards and toxic/poisonous agents.

• Physical Requirements: Requires the ability to lift, push and pull samples weighing up to twenty (20) pounds.

• Sensory Requirements: Requires the ability to recognize and identify similarities or differences between characteristics of colors and shapes to analyze samples, and sounds to operate motor vehicles.
  

An Associate’s degree in Physical Science or Criminal Justice; plus two years of experience in Latent Fingerprint Technology, OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Certification: Must obtain AFIS Certification by the Missouri Highway Patrol within 24 months of date of hire; become REJIS and MULES certified; and obtain IAI Latent Certification. All certifications must be maintained while employed by the City of St. Louis.

License: Must possess and maintain a valid Missouri driver’s license while employed by the City of St. Louis. Must possess a valid driver’s license at the time of filing application and be able to present license upon request. Please note the type of license, number, class and expiration date on the Employment Application.

Scoring Components and Their Weights
Experience and Training: 100%
May be Subject to:
Background Investigation: Pass/Fail
Medical Examination: Pass/Fail

Documentation of Academic Credentials must be Submitted Upon Request

When completing the Employment History and the Educational/Training History sections of the Employment Application, please be as thorough as possible when describing your education, training and experience relating to this position. Applicants will only receive credit for their experience, training and education as shown on the application. Resumes will not be accepted as a substitute to a fully completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Veterans Preference Points

To be eligible for veteran's preference points, the applicant must submit a copy of their DD 214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty with the Employment Application or upon request. The Director of Personnel may, in their discretion, accept alternate documentation.

City Residence Preference Points

City residents who pass an examination for a position in the classified service and do not receive any other preference will receive a five (5) point preference on a scale of 100 points on the exam. An additional one (1) point shall be added to the passing score of City residents who receive any other preference on a scale of 100 points. City residents must have resided in the City for at least one (1) year at the time of filing their application to be eligible for the preference points.

Accommodations

If assistance with the job application is necessary based on a physical impairment, mental impairment, or otherwise, they should reach out to the Office on the Disabled with contact information. This office will not disclose any information that an applicant or employee has a disability or has discussed possible accommodations without the applicant's or employee's prior consent.