Latent Fingerprint Examiner

DeKalb County•Decatur, GA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

This position involves evaluating the quality of latents submitted and developed to determine if they are of sufficient value for identification and of sufficient quality to conduct an AFIS search. The examiner will analyze diverse items submitted by various criminal justice agencies and other State agencies for the detection, preservation, and identification of latent prints using highly technical processes, both chemical and mechanical, for detecting invisible impressions on widely varied surfaces. Responsibilities include comparing fragmentary prints with known prints, examining deceased hands, fingers, and pieces of skin for positive identification, and preparing reports on examinations. The role also requires presenting expert testimony in criminal courts, qualifying as an expert witness, and preparing court exhibits. Additionally, the examiner will instruct public safety personnel in the collection and preservation of latent fingerprints and physical evidence.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED required
Two years of experience performing work comparable to that of an investigative aide for law enforcement
Possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver's license
Possess and maintain GCIC/NCIC certification as a Basic Terminal Operator within 6 months of being hired

Nice To Haves

Associate's degree in criminal justice, forensic science, or related field preferred
Experience in fingerprint analysis
Obtain GCIC/NCIC certification as a Basic Terminal Operator upon being hired
Obtain certification as a Latent Print Examiner through the International Association for Identification (IAI) within twelve (12) months of becoming eligible to do so and maintain such certification as an ongoing condition of employment

Responsibilities

Evaluates the quality of latents submitted and developed to determine if they are of sufficient value for identification and of sufficient quality to conduct an AFIS search.
Analyzes diverse items submitted by various criminal justice agencies and other State agencies for the detection, preservation and identification of latent prints using highly technical processes, both chemical and mechanical for detecting invisible impressions on widely varied surfaces.
Compares fragmentary prints with known prints and makes the critical determination of whether prints are from the same individual.
Examines deceased hands, fingers and pieces of skin for the purpose of establishing the positive identification of the deceased person.
Prepares reports on results of examinations conducted.
Presents expert testimony in criminal courts as to the results of latent print comparison.
Qualifies each time in court as an expert witness, providing the courts with an opinion based on observable data and the incumbent's proven forensic judgment.
Secures the credibility of testimony under cross examination.
Prepares court exhibits and preserves by photographic processes material potentially significant for analysis and court preparation.
Instructs various public safety personnel in the collection and preservation of latent fingerprints, physical evidence, and in the recording of fingerprints and footprints.