City and County of San Francisco

Under direct supervision performs routine fingerprint examination and classification of prints and impressions. Using established procedures, collects evidence and develops, evaluates, compares and identifies latent prints, and operates all related latent print equipment and Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) of the San Francisco Police Department. All functions are performed in accordance to laws of evidence, criminal procedure, and court procedure and adherence to unit’s code of ethics.

The 8252 Forensic Latent Examiner I is the entry level class in the latent print examiner series. Class 8252 Forensic Latent Examiner I performs routine fingerprint examination and analysis under close supervision. This class is distinguished from the 8253 Forensic Latent Examiner II job code in that the latter independently performs more complex and difficult fingerprint examinations. The 8254 Forensic Latent Examiner Supervisor functions as first-line supervisor and requires advanced skills as a latent fingerprint examiner.

None.

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

1. Conduct tests and examinations on physical evidence assigned to unit through the use of developing powders, inks, chemicals, casting materials, photographic equipment or other special equipment

2. Collect and transport multiple forms of evidence to and from various locations for forensic evaluation and chain of custody documentation and process evidence according to department procedure.

3. Process, identify and compare latent, visible, plastic, and partial finger, palm, foot, or similar type prints or impressions through various mediums or other special equipment for the department.

4. Encode and input data into SFPD ABIS, CAL-ID AFIS and FBI ULW / NGI fingerprint systems; use system results and printouts to develop probable suspect lists and classify fingerprints for facility of retrieval by the different systems users.

5. Prepare clear and concise case notes and reports for supervisor and department documentation of observations, procedures/techniques and evaluations; maintain regular, modus operandi fingerprint files and various records for department use.

6. Adhere to industry standards in periodic assessments and validating fingerprint processing and comply with on-going state and federal mandated training.

7. Provide expert witness testimony in court and formal hearings on latent fingerprint examinations, identifications and related local criminal history and prepare evidence and exhibits for presentation in court.

Knowledge of: principles and techniques used in the collection, comparison and classification of fingerprints evidence and similar types of prints or impressions (various chemical, laser, physical processes and safety requirements); laws of evidence, criminal and courtroom procedures; photography and photofinishing as applied to preserving and preparing photographic evidence related to latent print evidence; recent developments, literature and sources of information relative to the latent print identification field, fingerprint related court proceedings; and all aspects of CAL-ID.

Ability to: perform assigned tasks according to prescribed procedures; operate equipment and scientific apparatus with skill and care; provide expert testimony in court and formal hearings; prepare and maintain clear, accurate and concise case notes and records in computers; write logical and concise reports and correspondence; make accurate observations; communicate in an articulate fashion; adhere to the laboratory code of ethics; read, understand and follow departmental policies, rules, instructions, laws and ordinances; maintain a clean and orderly laboratory; and provide guidance and assistance to less experienced co-workers and clients; travel for extensive and time consuming job related training.

These minimum qualifications establish the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license(s) which are required for employment in the classification.  Please note, additional qualifications (i.e., special conditions) may apply to a particular position and will be stated on the exam/job announcement.

Education:
Completion of 30 semester credits from an accredited college or university which must include at least: a course in Math; a course in English or Composition; a course in Chemistry (with laboratory sections); and a course in any Science (with laboratory section).

Experience:
Two (2) years of verifiable full-time employment in a public jurisdiction as a fingerprint technician or equivalent classifying and comparing 10 Print, and palm prints, operating automated 10 prints AFIS workstations, operating LiveScan systems, and serving as a basis 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 partial finger and palm prints and 10 prints; operating latent print and automated 10-prints AFIS systems; and developing latent prints using a variety of chemical processes and testifying in court as an expert fingerprint witness.

License and Certification:
Possession of a valid California Drivers’ License

Substitution:
Additional qualifying experience classifying and comparing latent fingerprints as described above may substitute for the required education. One year (2000 hours) of additional qualifying experience is considered equivalent to the 15 semester units of college coursework in Math, English/Composition and Science.

Established: 7/1/2015

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.