What are the responsibilities and job description for the Forensic Specialist I position at City of Virginia Beach?
The Virginia Beach Police Department’s Forensic Services Unit (FSU) is part of the Investigative Division, alongside the Detective Bureau and Special Investigations Bureau. FSU employs nineteen civilian and ancillary employees in two distinct sections (crime scene investigations and latent fingerprint examinations). The Latent Fingerprint Section analyzes latent fingerprint evidence from approximately 500 cases annually. This position will be responsible for examining latent fingerprint evidence associated with criminal activity under investigation, ranging from property to violent crimes.
Specific responsibilities include:
- Independently examine latent fingerprints lifted from crime scenes to determine whether the quality and minutia content are sufficient for comparison.
- Operate the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS); and scan prints and run the computer search.
- Obtain fingerprint cards for potential matches; and verify results.
- Testify in court as an expert witness on latent fingerprint identification.
- Maintain custody/security of a large volume of fingerprint cards and latent prints.
- File fingerprint cards and other records of suspects.
- Examine impression evidence for class and individual characteristics.
- Represent the Police Department in providing public presentations regarding the use of AFIS and the role of fingerprint classification in police investigations.
- Perform other job duties requiring skills, knowledge and physical requirements as demanded by those duties described or less. Individual assignments will be determined by the supervisor based on then current workloads and department needs.
Forensic Specialist I is the journey level position and will only be used if the successful candidate possesses at least two years of experience as a latent fingerprint examiner. Applicants selected for the Forensic Specialist I position will be eligible for career progression to the Forensic Specialist II position classification (10% pay increase) upon demonstrating competency and proficiency, being recognized by the court as an expert witness and obtaining IAI certification.
This position will be filled as either a Forensic Specialist I or a Forensic Specialist II based on consideration of the selected candidate’s qualifications.
Forensic Specialist I pay range: G.23, $50,194.00 - $77,800.70
Forensic Specialist II pay range: G.25, $55,338.90 - $85,775.30
FS II job description: https://virginia-beach-departments-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/city/job-descriptions-pay-plans/Forensic-Specialist-II-00782.pdf
The City offers a generous benefits package, which includes health, dental and life insurance retirement and savings plans, maternity/paternity and parental leave, holidays and Paid-Time Off.
Disqualifiers:
The following is a listing of "disqualifiers" or concerns that could result in you not being selected for employment. Please give consideration to these factors before applying. This is not an exhaustive listing.
Criminal History: Conviction of any felony or any crime involving moral turpitude (crimes contrary to justice, honesty, or good morals). Conviction of any Class 1 or Class 2 misdemeanor, excluding traffic violations which are discussed separately, or the Virginia State Law equivalent within the last 5 years.
Traffic Violations: Any conviction of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, refusal to take blood or breath test, eluding police, racing, or leaving the scene of an accident within the last 5 years.
Drugs: Any involvement in the sale of illegal drugs as an adult. Any illegal use or possession of any illegal drug, including but not limited to heroin, cocaine, hallucinogens, or any derivative thereof (except marijuana) within the last five years. Illegal possession of anabolic steroids within the last 36 months.
Salary : $50,194 - $77,801
