What are the responsibilities and job description for the Forensic Specialist I position at City of Virginia Beach?
Job Duties:
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.
Official City Job Description:
https://virginia-beach-departments-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/city/job-descriptions-pay-plans/Forensic-Specialist-I-Crime-Scene-00780.pdf
Working Conditions:
https://workingcondition-summary-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/B.000424.1.pdf
Minimum Requirements:
FORENSIC SPECIALIST I MINIMUMS: Requires any combination of education (above the high school level) and/or experience equivalent to five (5) years in fields utilizing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities and associated with such positions as fingerprint examiner or related position or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Must have, or obtain, a current and valid Virginia or North Carolina drivers license in accordance with Virginia or North Carolina DMV drivers license eligibility requirements.
FORENSIC SPECIALIST II MINIMUMS: Requires any combination of education (above the high school level) and/or experience equivalent to six (6) years in fields utilizing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities; or any equivalent combination of experience and training. Must have a current and valid driver’s license.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to work rotating shifts (days/evenings/midnights) including weekends and holidays and be available to work overtime when required to meet operational needs. This position may require that incumbents wear and maintain appropriate personal protective equipment such as, but not limited to, steel toed shoes, safety glasses, gloves, or other designated safety attire and equipment in designated areas of risk. Specific requirements will be determined and communicated by the employees supervisor based on position assigned. Must successfully complete a police background investigation, including polygraph examination.
Additional Requirements:
DMV Transcript: Required
CDL: Not Required
DOT History: Not Required
CPS Check: Not Required
Physical: Not Required
Respirator: Not Required
Polygraph Review: Required
Psychological Screening: Not Required
Attachments Required:
Preferences:
- Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing
- Detail oriented with strong organizational/time management skills
- International Association for Identification (IAI) certification
- Experience testifying in court
- Experience using image enhancement software (ex. PhotoShop, CSIPix, etc.)
- 2 years experience as a latent finger print examiner
- Specialized forensic training in LPE techniques
- Familiarity with utilization of fingerprint database(s)
- College coursework in forensic science
Special Instructions:
***Applicants are encouraged to provide detailed information in their application , particularly as it relates to specific training and experience performing latent fingerprint examinations, professional certification, and experience testifying in court.***
Candidates who apply to this posting will be considered for the current vacancies as well as any additional vacancies for six months.
Successful completion of a police background investigation, including a polygraph examination.
CJIS/VCIN/NCIC certification is required, in addition to the successful completion of a background check, candidates must have U.S. citizenship or be a lawful resident of the United States and eligible for naturalization.
Candidates interviewing for this position will complete a practical exercise before their scheduled interview.
All employees may be expected to work hours more than their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies.
- Please complete the application in its entirety and include your resume if required by the posting.
- Your responses to any "Supplemental Questions", if attached to this requisition, must be supported by the information you provide on your application and/or resume; or otherwise demonstrated during the hiring process.
- You will not be able to access the details of this job ad once the closing date has passed. If you would like to retain this information, please take a screen shot or print using your browser's printing capability.
VRS Contribution: All full-time employees are required to contribute 5% of annual salary toward their retirement account; in accordance with VRS retirement provisions. This will be handled through a pre-tax payroll deduction.
Drug Free Workplace: The City of Virginia Beach maintains a drug free workplace.
Salary : $50,194 - $77,801
