What are the responsibilities and job description for the Latent Print Examiner position at City of Oceanside, CA?
Introduction
THE CITY OF OCEANSIDE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
The City of Oceanside is accepting applications for current and future vacancies for the position of Latent Print Examiner. There is currently one vacancy in the Police Department - Investigations Division.
The Latent Print Examiner is a technical class allocated only to the Oceanside Police Department. This is a non-sworn professional classification. Incumbents are responsible for conducting fully independent latent print casework, automated latent print searches, assisting in responding to and processing crime scenes, all aspects of documentation, and testifying in court as an expert witness and perform other related duties and assignments as directed.
This classification may be called upon to provide training and technical guidance to sworn or civilian departmental personnel and assist supervisors and managers in coordinating designated activities and programs.
Examples of Duties
The Latent Print Examiners analyze known and latent prints for comparison purposes; operate all computers and computer-related equipment associated with automated fingerprint identification systems; perform development of latent prints on objects using a variety of physical, chemical and/or optical methods; collect latent prints or other impression evidence found at crime scenes or submitted to the laboratory; maintain accurate observations regarding examinations and generate comprehensive analytical reports regarding findings; maintain all necessary records; present fair and impartial testimony concerning findings, as established by analysis and interpret findings regarding all aspects of assigned duties; conduct administrative and technical review of casework from colleagues; assist in responding to and searching for evidence at crime scenes that may contain certain hazards; document all work performed at scenes and issue subsequent reports; utilize a variety of photographic and/or digital preservation methods; evaluates incoming latent prints to determine quality for usability and identification purposes; perform AFIS computer entries of crime scene prints and performs all follow-up tasks generated by the CAL-ID system. Provide technical training, guidance, and advice to less experienced personnel and other law-enforcement or other users; Maintain equipment, instruments, supplies, and work areas; maintain chain of custody and integrity of evidence under his/her control; obtain friction ridge skin impressions from both living and deceased subjects; operate a motor vehicle in the performance of assigned duties; may be subject to extended or additional work hours for crime scene duties or other time sensitive work; perform related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge of:
- Fingerprint classification systems and theories, principles and scientific basis for fingerprint comparisons.
- Latent prints development techniques for field and laboratory settings.
- Automated fingerprint identification systems.
- Methods and techniques used in the identification, collection, and presentation of property & evidence.
- Correct English usage, spelling, punctuation, grammar, note-taking and report-writing.
- Photography and other preservation methods.
- Safe work practices in a laboratory setting and at crime scenes.
- The criminal justice system.
- Computer systems and software applications.
- City customer service objectives and strategies.
Ability to:
- Recognize and distinguish patterns that are relied upon for latent print comparison processes.
- Accurately compare known and latent prints for comparison purposes.
- Select and utilize appropriate methods and sequences for developing latent prints.
- Locate, develop, and preserve latent prints or other impression evidence at crime scenes and in a laboratory setting.
- Prepare and maintain all necessary laboratory records and technical reports.
- Prepare and analyze complex reports of a general and technical nature.
- Provide expert testimony and prepare suitable court exhibits.
- Act as a liaison with other agencies regarding latent prints and evidence analysis.
- Maintain and make minor adjustments and repairs to equipment routinely utilized.
- Attend and assist in evidence collection at autopsies.
- Establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties.
- Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
- Follow oral and written directions.
- Work effectively in a highly structured, rank-organized environment.
- Operate a motor vehicle in the performance of duties.
Experience and Training
Experience: Four years of full time experience in the classification, comparison and identification of latent fingerprint material and related matters.
Note: Crime scene investigations and evidence collection is highly desirable.
Training: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Forensic Science, Criminalistics, Evidence Technology or a closely related field.
License/Certificate:
- Possession of an appropriate, valid California driver's license.
Note: Possession of a Latent Print Examiner Certification issued by the International Association for Identification (IAI) is highly desirable.
Special Requirements:
- May be subject to call-out during major case investigations.
Working Conditions and Selection Process
Environmental Conditions: Office and field environment; exposure to computer screens and office equipment. Sometimes work is stressful when working under stringent time constraints and deadlines.
Physical Conditions: Essential and marginal functions may require maintaining physical condition for sitting, walking or standing for prolonged periods of time; climbing stairs and ladders, bending, lifting, crawling into small/confined spaces; work involves frequent exposure to chemicals and bio-hazardous/infectious materials, waste, or deceased bodies during the course of performing duties.
Physical Conditions: Essential and marginal functions may require maintaining physical condition for sitting, walking or standing for prolonged periods of time; climbing stairs and ladders, bending, lifting, crawling into small/confined spaces; work involves frequent exposure to chemicals and bio-hazardous/infectious materials, waste, or deceased bodies during the course of performing duties.
Selection Process: All properly completed applications will be reviewed and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. The process may include a written and/or oral board examination to assess job-related qualifications. Candidates who successfully complete the examination process will be placed on the Eligibility List according to their final scores and will remain eligible for employment consideration for a minimum of six months.
Note: Prospective employees will undergo, and must successfully pass, a thorough background reference check (including fingerprinting) and a medical examination. Drug screening may be required.
RESUMES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED IN LIEU OF COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS.
CANDIDATES WHO REQUIRE A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION IN THE SELECTION PROCESS SHOULD STATE THEIR NEEDS IN WRITING WHEN SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION PACKAGE.
THE PROVISIONS IN THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. ANY PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.
