Fingerprint Examiner

There is only one city in the country that can say it is the Nation’s Capital – Washington, D.C. Given that distinction, The Metropolitan Police Department is the premiere law enforcement organization in the city. We receive over 22 million visitors a year, have almost 700,000 residents, and 21,000 private business. The Department consists of more than 4,200 members: approximately 3,550 sworn members and over 650 civilian employees. We are one of the most diverse and highly trained departments in the country. We have the honor of safeguarding and protecting not only our nation’s residents, but also people from all over the world.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) offers an attractive benefits package. The benefits package includes competitive compensation, health insurance, prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability and life insurance, as well a strong retirement benefit and savings options. Employees are also eligible for our employer contributed 401a plan after one year of employment. Additional perks such as discounts on wireless carriers, gym memberships, amusement park tickets and much more! Additional information can be found at: DCHR Benefits

This position is located in the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), Technical & Analytical Services Bureau (TASB), Applications Management Division (AMD), Automated Fingerprint ID System Branch (AFIS). The duties and responsibilities of this position involve prolonged periods of concentration and attention to details. Accuracy and expediency of this work is critical. Incumbent is held accountable to the strict observance of confidentiality of the work.

This Fingerprint Examiner position is covered under the National Association of Government Employees (NAGE) bargaining unit and you may be required to pay an agency fee through direct payroll deductions.

The incumbent will be responsible for the following:

• Receives a large segment of daily work from the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), and other departmental units, such as police districts, civilian processing units, courts and various local and national law enforcement agencies.
• Uses highly sophisticated AFIS computer equipment to conduct demographic and biometric searches of individuals in conjunction with different systems, e.g. Livescan, Mugshot, Cobalt, and WALES to eliminate individuals or affect positive identifications.
• Identifies and classifies routine and highly complex non-latent fingerprints, using the most current scientific methodology for friction ridge examination to make accurate conclusions.
• Facilitates the collection of court ordered documents, requests for criminal history, special projects to research accuracy in data and other electronic requests via fax or email.
• Handles a large volume of customer service requests in person or by phone from internal and external partners.
• Maintains master index system, files and records.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of and experience in recording, searching, retrieving, analyzing and comparing fingerprints using both automated tools as well as manual methodology to make a conclusion.
• Thorough knowledge of fingerprint identification principles, techniques, procedures and methods.
• Thorough knowledge of ARCH Loop and Whorl Patterns.
• Knowledge of the Henry System of Classification.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Washington Area Law Enforcement Systems (WALES), National Crime Information Center (NCIC), Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) and the Interstate Identification Index (III).
• Skill in identifying and classifying distorted, faint, reproduced and/or mutilated non-latent prints.
• Knowledge in operating the Automated Fingerprint Identification System.
• Knowledge in communicating effectively both orally and in writing.

Licensures, Certifications and other requirements

N/A.

Education

High School Diploma.

Work Experience

Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to a least the CS-06 grade level, or its non-District equivalent, gained from the public or private sector. Specialized experience includes recording, searching, retrieving, analyzing and comparing fingerprints using both automated tools as well as manual methodology to make a conclusion; applying fingerprint identification principles, techniques, procedures and methods; understanding ARCH Loop, Whorl Patterns, and Henry System of Classification; utilizing Washington Area Law Enforcement Systems (WALES), National Crime Information Center (NCIC), Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) and the Interstate Identification Index (III); identifying and classifying distorted, faint, reproduced and/or mutilated non-latent prints; operating the Automated Fingerprint Identification System; and communicating effectively both orally and in writing.

Work Environment

The work is normally performed in a normal office environment. Duties may be performed in a mobile unit, school environment, crime scene, and/or Central Cell Block. Some work areas are without windows with artificial lighting and less than adequate ventilation. Exposed to spills of powders and chemicals. Incumbent should wear adequate protective material.

Other Significant Factors

Promotion Potential: No Known Promotion Potential

This position is designated as Essential per DPM Chapter 12. This position is part of a 24/7 operation and is subject to non-traditional work hours including rotating shifts, shift works, and working weekends and holidays. Shift work hours: 5:00 AM - 1:30 PM, 1:00 PM - 9:30 PM, 9:00 PM - 5:30 AM. Work may require mandatory overtime due to staff shortage.

This position is deemed as Security Sensitive pursuant to Chapter 4 of the D.C. Personnel Regulations, in addition to the general suitability screening and criminal background check (pre-employment and periodic), individuals may be subject to the following checks and tests:
a. Traffic record check (as applicable);
b. Pre-employment drug and alcohol test (as applicable);
c. Consumer credit check (as applicable);
d. Reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol test;
e. Random drug and alcohol test;
f. Return to duty or follow-up drug and alcohol test; and
g. Post-accident or incident drug and alcohol test.

This position is part of the Pathways to Government Employment Partnership Program. District residents who received a high school diploma from a District of Columbia Public Schools high school or District of Columbia Public Charter School high school or received a GED or its equivalent from the District of Columbia will receive priority consideration for this entry-level position. Applicants must provide a high school transcript, GED certificate, high school diploma, or other applicable documentation along with verification of District residency before the District government may extend a final offer of employment.

The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer: all qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, disability. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination, which is also prohibited. In addition, harassment based on any of the above-protected categories is prohibited.

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