City of Tampa

This is responsible work in evaluating fingerprints lifted from crime scenes for suitability for entry into an automated fingerprint identification system.  Bargaining unit position.

An employee in this class is responsible for performing work of average difficulty in the evaluation of fingerprint cards bearing latent prints coming into the Forensic Investigation Unit from various sources and agencies. The employee determines if the prints are of suitable quality and completeness to be scanned into automated fingerprint identification systems and scans suitable prints into the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) and Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS). Although performed under general supervision, the employee is required to exercise some initiative and independent judgment to insure that pertinent information needed to process requests for prints is noted on request forms. Employee might be required to work shifts and the employee is subject to work on nights, weekends, and holidays. Work is reviewed through observation, reports submitted and results obtained.

Examines fingerprint cards bearing latent prints to determine the suitability of prints for entry into AFIS and IAFIS; scans suitable fingerprints into the systems; uses them to track the relationships between the ridges and minutiae of fingerprints; marks the pattern of prints per AFIS/IAFIS specifications.

Scans, encodes and submits prints to Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) databases.

Logs in requests for fingerprint comparisons, documenting date, requestor name and/or agency, type of crime, and report number; insures all necessary information needed to process requests is noted; if additional information is needed, contacts person and/or agency to obtain; assists detectives, state attorney representatives, crime scene personnel, and others regarding print services; researches case files to facilitate requests for services.

Utilizes the Henry Fingerprint Classification System to locate master fingerprint cards on suspect(s) as needed; compares new ten print cards with those on file.

Maintains AFIS and IAFIS statistics and the Latent Fingerprint Request Tracking system database; files latent fingerprint requests, master fingerprint cards, palm print cards and crime scene print cards; purges latent fingerprint file and palm cards on a periodic basis for archiving.

Performs related work as required.

Some knowledge of: the principles and techniques involved in fingerprint classification, comparison and identification; Henry fingerprint classification; ten print identification.

Working knowledge of: courtroom procedures; giving testimony in court.

Ability to: follow established procedures; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; learn how to operate and utilize the AFIS/IAFIS; establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, law enforcement personnel and others; maintain security of offices and files to ensure confidentiality of materials.

Graduation from an accredited high school and one (1) year experience in fingerprint classification using both the Henry and NCIC classification systems or successful completion of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Basic Fingerprint Course.

Ability to obtain the applicable AFIS Terminal Operator certification within six months of employment and complete the Tampa Police Department’s on-the-job training program.

 

Possession of a valid Florida driver's license required.

Employees may be required to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays and overtime as needed. During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.