County of Alameda

Latent Fingerprint Examiner (#8522)

Bargaining Unit: SEIU 1021 - Misc Sub/Para Prof (012)
$38.83-$46.58 Hourly / $2,912.25-$3,493.50 BiWeekly /
$6,309.88-$7,569.25 Monthly / $75,718.50-$90,831.00 Yearly


DESCRIPTION
Under direct supervision of the Identification Supervisor, learns to perform print examination and classification of prints and impressions in the Central Identification Bureau.  Conducts latent print processing to evaluate, compare, and identify single, multiple, partial, or distorted latent prints; operates the Automated Fingerprint/Biometric Identification System (AFIS/ABIS) 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; and performs other related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Latent Fingerprint Examiner is the entry-level in the Latent Fingerprint Examiner classification series in the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office.  The Latent Fingerprint Examiner classification is a non-supervisory position responsible for the identification, classification, comparison, and processing of latent fingerprints.  The Latent Fingerprint Examiner receives training in latent evidence procedures, evaluations, comparison, and identifications.

This classification is distinguished from the next advanced-level class of Senior Latent Fingerprint Examiner in that the latter is International Association of Identification (IAI) Latent Print certified, performs the most difficult and complex latent examinations, processes and completes second verification on latent casework, and may perform and give lead direction to other Fingerprint/Latent Fingerprint Examiners.


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. Prepares and maintains latent evidence casework reports, and documents to establish process and results.  Maintains casework and records using chain of custody and evidence handling procedures.
  2. Utilizes the AFIS/ABIS Database, other local CAL-ID systems, DOJ WEB Archive, CRIMS and FBI databases to obtain required supporting documentation for comparison findings.
  3. Determines primary and extended classifications of all types of latent prints including finger, palm and footprints, and other biometrics; analyze, compares, verifies, and evaluates prints involving various levels of difficulty, the most complicated patterns such as distorted, partial, single, or multiple prints.
  4. Prepares materials for presentation in court; testifies as a Tenprint or Latent fingerprint expert; prepares narrative reports and correspondence; operates AFIS/ABIS and other related systems and equipment for encoding, searching, and comparison of latent print impressions, retrieving related information or documents filing and retention of latent casework and identification data.
  5. Adheres to industry standards in periodic assessments and in validating Tenprint and latent fingerprint processing, demonstrates continued proficiency, and complies with ongoing local, state, and federal essential/mandated training requirements.
  6. May perform Tenprint work on an as-needed basis.
  7. Performs other related duties as required.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EITHER I
Experience:

The equivalent of eighteen (18) months full-time experience as a Senior Fingerprint Examiner with minimal supervision and 160 hours of approved fingerprint training in the instruction of fingerprint classification, identification, and comparison. in the Alameda County classified service.

OR II
Experience:

The equivalent of four (4) years of increasingly responsible full-time experience in a fingerprint classification in a law enforcement agency, which includes 160 hours of approved, certified fingerprint training in the instruction of fingerprint classification, identification, and comparison completed within the past three (3) years and of which a minimum of 18 months was performed at a level comparable to or higher than that of a Senior Fingerprint Examiner.

License:

Must possess a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.

Special Requirements:

  1. Incumbents must be able to testify in court as a latent fingerprint expert within 36 months.
  2. Vision:  Using both eyes, must have far vision of at least 20/20 without glasses, correctable to 20/20 with glasses.  Must have near vision, as measured by optometric examination, sufficient to perform fingerprint identification, classification, and related duties.
  3. Must be able to lift and carry 30 pounds.
  4. Successful completion of a thorough background investigation.

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 fingerprint classification, searching, and filing methods.
  • Methods of identification, interpretation, and preservation of evidence.
  • Criminal and courtroom procedures and legal principles.
  • Working knowledge of automated fingerprint identification systems.
  • Laws of evidence and chain of custody.
Ability to:

  • Perform assigned tasks according to prescribed procedures.
  • Establish fingerprint identifications by scientific methods.
  • Establish and maintain cooperative relations with representatives of law enforcement agencies.
  • Write clear, concise, and complete narrative reports and correspondence.
  • Qualify and testify in a court of law.
  • Operate AFIS/ABIS and other related systems and equipment related to latent casework and criminal records systems for retrieval and input.
  • Communicate effectively, orally and in writing.


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: 1/4/2017
EL:sa Revised 06/10/2020
CSC Date:01/25/2023


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

  • 12 paid holidays
  • Floating Holidays
  • Vacation and sick leave accrual
  • Vacation purchase program
  • Catastrophic Sick Leave
  • 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
  • 1st 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.

 




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