Forensic Latent Examiner

Company Description

The San Francisco Police Department was established in 1849 and continually strives to become a more effective, inclusive, and modern police department, while earning the trust and pride of those we serve and those who serve. Our goal is to reflect on current SFPD initiatives, assess best practices across the country, and evaluate the changing environment in policing and within the City to arrive at a strategy statement that the Department and our community can embody every day.

The 8252 Fingerprint Examiner I is the entry‑level class in the fingerprint examiner series. The position is a permanent exempt, at‑will appointment excluded from the competitive Civil Service examination process, and the duration of the appointment shall not exceed 36 months. Work is conducted at the SFPD Hall of Justice, 850 Bryant St., San Francisco, CA 94103.

Class 8252 Fingerprint Examiner I performs routine fingerprint examination and analysis under close supervision. The applicant will be supervised and will perform less complex examinations than those performed by the You are licensed to use the following abbreviations:
Fingerprint Examiner I, Fingerprint Examiner II. The former performs routine examinations under close supervision while the latter performs more complex examinations independently.

None

• Conduct tests and examinations on cases assigned to the unit.
• Collect and transport multiple forms of identification information for evaluation and chain‑of‑custody documentation and processing according to department procedure.
• Process, identify, and compare visible, plastic, and partial fingerprints, palm prints, footprints, or similar prints or impressions through various mediums or special equipment.
• Encode and input data into SFPD ABIS, CAL‑, and FBI ULW/NGI fingerprint systems; classify fingerprints for retrieval by the systems users.
• Prepare clear and concise case notes and reports for supervisors; maintain modus‑operandi fingerprint files and various records for department use.
• Adhere to industry standards in periodic assessments and validate fingerprint processing; comply with ongoing state and federal mandated training.
• Provide expert witness testimony in court and formal hearings on fingerprint examinations and related local criminal history; prepare evidence and exhibits for presentation in court.

Knowledge of principles and techniques used in the collection, comparison, and classification of fingerprints and similar types of prints; laws of evidence, criminal and courtroom procedures; photography; recent developments, literature, and sources of information relevant to the biometrics field and related court proceedings; and all aspects of CAL‑.

Abilities to perform assigned tasks according to prescribed procedures; operate equipment and databases with skill and care; provide expert testimony in court and formal hearings; prepare and maintain clear, accurate, concise case notes and records in computers; write logical and concise reports and correspondence; make accurate observations; communicate articulately; read, understand, and follow departmental policies, rules, and ordinances; maintain a clean and orderly workspace;

provide guidance and assistance to less experienced co‑workers and clients; and travel for extensive, time‑consuming job‑related training.

Completion of 30 semester credits from an accredited college or university, including at least one course in math, one course in English or composition, and one course in any science.

• Two (2) years of verifiable full‑time employment in a public jurisdiction as a fingerprint technician or equivalent; classifying and comparing 10 prints, palm prints, operating automated 10‑prints AFIS workstations, operating Live Scan systems, and serving as a custodian of criminal fingerprint records; OR
• One (1) year of verifiable full‑time experience as a latent fingerprint examiner or equivalent; classifying and comparing latent prints including visible, plastic, and…