County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under general direction, performs print examination and classification of prints and impressions in the Central Identification Bureau. Latent print processing to evaluate, compare, and identify single, multiple, partial, or distorted latent prints; operates the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) and related equipment; prepares all related reports and/or exhibits on latent casework for law enforcement agencies and/or courtroom presentation; testifies as a fingerprint expert; performs related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This class differs from that of the next lower class of Fingerprint Examiner in that Fingerprint Examiners have primary responsibility for the routine classification of non-latent fingerprints. Neither class typically is involved with crime scene searches, but both may take fingerprints, operate electronic data processing equipment to perform cross referencing, searching and updating of offender file data.

The Latent Fingerprint Examiners report to and are directly supervised by an Identification Supervisor.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Determines primary and extended classifications of all types of latent prints including finger, palm and footprints; searches and compares prints to establish possible identity; classifies prints involving the most complicated patterns, such as distorted, partial, single, or multiple prints.

2. May receive objects of evidence and be required to develop latent fingerprints from these objects through the use of powder, chemical, or special photographic equipment; may be required to take difficult or unusual fingerprints from persons on an as-needed basis.

3. Prepares materials for presentation in court; testifies as a fingerprint expert; prepares narrative reports and correspondence; operates AFIS and other related systems and equipment for use encoding, searching and comparison of latent print impressions, retrieving related information or documents, and in the filing and retention of latent casework or identification data.

4. Assists local law enforcement agencies as an advisor and consultant regarding identification problems related to latent prints.  

5. Utilize AFIS Database, DOB WEB Archive, CRIMS and FBI to obtain required supporting documentation for comparison findings.

6. Under the direction of a Supervisor, may develop a training plan for latent print and fingerprint identification instruction; provides the training to Fingerprint Examiner; may on direction be assigned to review the work of these Fingerprint Examiners.

7. May perform the duties of Fingerprint Examiners on an as-needed basis.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I

The equivalent of two years as a Fingerprint Examiner in the Alameda County classified service

Or II

The equivalent of two years of increasingly responsible full-time, paid experience in fingerprint classification in a law enforcement agency, which provides identification services (a minimum of one year, but preferably two years, of which must have included full-time latent print work and court testimony, qualifying as a fingerprint expert).

Special Requirements:

Must have near vision, as measured by optometric examination, sufficient to perform fingerprint identification, classification, and related duties.

License

Must possess valid California Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Henry System of Fingerprint classification.
• Working knowledge of other fingerprint systems.
• Development and lifting of latent fingerprints.
• Principles of employee training.
• Principles and practices of basic photography as applied to preserving and preparing photographic evidence related to latent print evidence.

Abilities:

• Classify fingerprints.
• Make identifications involving the most complex or complicated patterns, latent prints, and distorted, partial, single, or multiple prints.
• Develop and lift latent prints from objects of evidence.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relations with representatives of law enforcement agencies.
• Write narrative reports and correspondence.
• Qualify and testify in a court of law.
• Train subordinate staff.
• Operate AFIS and other related systems equipment related to latent casework and criminal records systems for retrieval and input.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

MJW:kb-1/78
BG-5/78
JE:bw-12/80
HC:ab-Rev.6/86
Old document: 0798h
New document: Jobspecs/8522
ys/10/01
CSC Date: 8/20/86
SJ:cs Revised 10/21/16
CSC Date: 1/4/17

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 11 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Employee Mortgage Loan Program
• Group Auto/Home Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.