City and County of San Francisco

Under general direction, performs the most complex fingerprint identifications, using a variety of scientific, photographic and analytical techniques and instruments, such as Live Scan, the modified Henry Classification System, NCIC Classification System, and IAFIS; resolves discrepancies in records an findings; provides court testimony in fingerprint identification matters; searches fingerprint and related files; securely maintains confidential files; documents data and findings; interacts with the public, other departmental personnel and law enforcement agencies.  A Fingerprint Technician III supervises Fingerprint Technicians I/II engaged in finger and palm printing and photographing prisoners and job applicants.  As a working supervisor, allocates work assignments, trains and evaluates effectiveness of subordinates and acts for the uniformed officer in charge in his/her absence; and performs related duties as required.

Fingerprint Technician III is distinguished form Fingerprint Technician I/II in that incumbents at this level supervise and train, as well as perform the most complex fingerprint identifications, resolve discrepancies in records and findings, verify fingerprint comparisons and work quality of staff, provide court testimony.

According to Civil Service Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this class and are not intended to be an inclusive list:

 As a working supervisor, supervises, trains and evaluates one or more Fingerprint Technician I/ II engaged in taking and comparing fingerprints with computerized and manual fingerprint files;established work schedules and distributes work load to subordinates; develops written training guides for subordinates on topics such as new/revised document processing procedures and computer program operation and changes; supervises the operation of the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) and the Live Scan, electronic fingerprinting equipment; verifies fingerprint comparisons and work quality of staff; operates photographic and automated fingerprint identification equipment; maintains and searches manual and automated fingerprint records as part of the identification process; performs the more difficult fingerprint classification, coding and  identification procedures; resolves questions/discrepancies in administrative data  arising out of duplications, documented aliases, or other booking/warrant information; classifies and compares prints involving the more complicated patterns, distortions, as well as partial or multiple prints; prepares technical reports on fingerprint analysis findings; files and maintains fingerprint and related background information, exchanging data with authorized law enforcement agencies and screening files to eliminate obsolete records; performs computer input of data, such as making entries into the ERT (Error Resolution Terminal) and CMS (Case Management System); consults with attorneys regarding type and number of photographic and fingerprint records and 290 PC (sex registrant) paperwork that will need to be certified, as part of case prosecution; presents court testimony regarding fingerprint records, fingerprint examination analysis and conclusions, photographic records and 290 PC paperwork; responds to questions from the public regarding copies of police records, requests to seal criminal records, identity theft related to police records.

 Knowledge of:  impression procedures to take, process and analyze fingerprints; the automated fingerprint identification system; fingerprint classification procedures, equipment and technology according to the Henry, AFIS and NCIC systems of classification in order to process and identify fingerprint pattern types; CMS and ERT computer systems to correct and maintain records.

Skill in:  handling, assessing, manipulating and preserving fingerprints; handling photographic equipment.

Ability to: type 35 WPM using computer keyboard/typewriter to input data, to complete forms, reports, records  and other documentation; maintain self-control in stressful and/or confrontational situations; compare, match, classify, process and analyze more difficult finger and palm prints using the modified Henry Classification System, Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS) and other automated and manual systems and procedures; identify numerical and/or relevant criminal data discrepancies on booking card, arrest card, computer database, log sheet and/or other sources; apply problem solving techniques and initiate corrective actions; complete assignments in a thorough and systematic manner following established rules and procedures; present key facts and observations orally, in a clear organized and concise manner; interact effectively and courteously with the general public, law enforcement personnel, prisoners and other individuals to obtain, give and exchange information; use proper English grammar, spelling, punctuation and structure in written and oral communications; establish and maintain courteous, cooperative, business-like relationships; elicit support and compliance when giving directives/explaining policies to subordinates.

1.  Three years of verifiable full-time experience equivalent to Fingerprint Technician I/II (8249/8250), performing fingerprint classification work using an automated fingerprint identification system computer (AFIS) or similar computer assisted fingerprint identification system.  Applicants must have experience in data entry and retrieval of criminal and court information data from computer systems at a major police or other law enforcement facility, AND
2.  Ability to type 35 words per minute with no more than a 10% error rate.

The confidential and sensitive nature of information processed by incumbents in this class requires a background clearance as a prerequisite to permanent appointment.

 

PROMOTIVE LINES:

 To:  No normal lines of promotion
 From:  8250 Fingerprint Technician II

Adopted:  6/16/75
Amended: 8/17/2007

All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.