FORENSIC PRINT EXAMINER I

The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforce dedicated to delivering exceptional service to its residents. If you have a passion for being a part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the following opportunity.

The Forensic Print Examiner I performs specialized analysis of latent prints to determine whether they are suitable for potential identification.

Forensic Print Examination, Identification, and Processing

• Examine and evaluate the quality of latent prints developed and submitted from crime scenes and other physical evidence to determine if they are of sufficient quality for comparison and/or for entry into the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) database.
• Utilize software tools to plot minutiae, launch searches, and retrieve and evaluate results in AFIS.
• Review digital images, latent lift cards, and conduct side-by-side comparisons using magnifiers in the examination of latent lifts.
• Analyze, compare, and evaluate friction ridge detail from latent print impressions, including finger, palm, and plantar.
• Utilize multiple AFIS databases, including local, state, and federal, to assist in identifying prints.
• Monitor the Unsolved Latent database to resolve cases promptly.
• Act as a verifier in the identification or exclusion of a subject to a latent print.
• Utilize different Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) systems and software, such as Record Management System (RMS) and Computer-Aided Design (CAD), and various fingerprint classification systems, such as Henry, National Crime Information Center (NCIC), and Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS).
• Obtain fingerprints from victims, suspects, residents, or deceased individuals for comparison or identification purposes.
• Provide guidance and assistance in the processing of crime scenes and remains with extensive physical damage or in stages of advanced decomposition, assist with photographing impression evidence.
• Respond to various locations in/around the City of Milwaukee to collect fingerprints or latent prints.

Documentation and Collaboration

• Document latent examinations and conclusions in the RMS and maintain proper chain of custody.
• Provide credible courtroom testimony related to all aspects of latent print methodology, identification, and work done related to that specific court case.
• Update and maintain internal case log entries and records.
• Assist out-of-jurisdiction agencies with latent print examinations.
• Guide other department members as it relates to fingerprints and latent print processing.
• Collaborate with external stakeholders at the local, state, and federal levels, such as personnel from Milwaukee County’s Medical Examiner’s Office and the Wisconsin State Crime Laboratories (WSCL).

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

• Must be willing and able to be flexible with shift hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime to meet operational demands, often with little notice, such as in the event of a critical incident or staffing shortages.
• Willingness to work throughout the City of Milwaukee as assigned.
• Perform field work indoors and outdoors in all types of weather.
• Ability to professionally handle exposure to death, dead bodies in various states of decomposition, biohazards, and other unpleasant conditions.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, or bend for extended periods of time.
• Ability to see well to examine and analyze prints, as well as the ability to differentiate colors. 
• Manual dexterity.
• Perform job duties that involve exposure to potential chemical, biological, or physical hazards.
• Wear industry-related personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, a facemask, or a face shield.
• Pre-employment exams:
  • Physical
  • Audiogram
  • Vision, including a color-blind test
  • TB test
  • Medical Evaluation for Respirator
  • Respiratory Fit Test
  • Drug test

NOTE: Candidates must pass an MPD background investigation before being hired. Per the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) security policy, your application will be rejected if you have been convicted of a felony.

1. Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, forensic science, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
2. Valid driver’s license at the time of appointment and throughout employment.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may also be considered.

NOTICE: Please do not attach your academic transcripts to your employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates’ education as part of the background screening process prior to extending any job offers.

• Experience using AFIS software and/or the MultiBiometric Identification System (MBIS) database.
• International Association for Identification (IAI) Latent Print Certification.
• Knowledge in the collection of latent prints.
• Experience in law enforcement or forensic science.

TECHNICAL

• General knowledge of law enforcement practices.
• Ability to learn procedures and techniques used in the development and comparison of latent prints.
• Ability to learn fingerprint and palm print development classification and identification.
• Ability to learn and become proficient in using various specialized databases for fingerprint analysis and identification.
• Ability to read and understand work-related documents.
• Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data and statistics using quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Proficiency using standard word processing, spreadsheet, database and office productivity software.

COMMUNICATION AND INTERPERSONAL

• Verbal communication skills, including the ability to listen to others, articulate responses, explain complex technical processes, and provide testimony in court.
• Written communication skills, including the ability to produce charts, maps, and narrative reports that communicate findings in a concise and well-organized manner.
• Customer service skills and the ability to provide services in a culturally sensitive manner, including with empathy and respect.
• Ability to work cooperatively and fairly with others whose backgrounds may differ from one’s own.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with both sworn and civilian staff members, counterparts in the law enforcement community, representatives of the City of Milwaukee, and the public.

CRITICAL THINKING AND PROFESSIONALISM

• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to manage, organize, and complete multiple work assignments promptly.
• Ability to demonstrate sound judgment, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to perform quality control and verification work accurately.
• Ability to work independently with minimal direct supervision.
• Ability to handle sensitive information carefully.
• Situational awareness and the ability to remain composed during stressful situations.
• Ability to maintain thoroughness for the duration of a shift.
• Honesty and the ability to maintain the utmost confidentiality regarding all police matters and ongoing investigations.
• Ability to serve as an effective custodian of City resources.
• Ability to use positive coping skills to handle frequent exposure to the details of events, crimes, and tragedies.
• Ability to adhere to the City of Milwaukee, MPD, and the Forensics Division policies, applicable ordinances, the Code of Conduct, all SOPs, and forensic science standards and best practices.
• Commitment to continuous learning and participation in job-related training and professional organizations, such as the IAI, to maintain current knowledge, best practices, and skills in forensic science and fingerprint analysis.

The current recruitment rate (Pay Range 2HN) is $61,134-$81,507 annually, and the resident incentive starting salary for City of Milwaukee residents is $63,579-$84,767 annually.  Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.

BENEFITS

The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefits program, which includes the following:

• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Health and Dental Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Comprehensive Wellness Program
• Onsite Clinic Services
• Onsite Employee Assistance Program
• Alternative Work Schedules
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Group Life Insurance
• Tuition Benefits
• Paid Vacation
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves
• Flexible Spending Arrangement
• Commuter Value Pass  

For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit https://city.milwaukee.gov/der/benefits

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job-related and will consist of one or more of the following: an evaluation of education, experience, and/or responses to supplemental questions, a written or performance test, a structured interview, or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to structured interviews and performance examinations. Structured interviews may include written exercises. Selection process component weights will be determined by further analysis of the job.

INITIAL FILING DATE - The selection process will be held as soon as practical after the deadline listed above. Receipt of applications may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the City's needs have been met. Qualified applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the selection process components. Unless otherwise required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide alternative selection process dates or times. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

• APPLICATIONS and further information can be accessed by visiting https://www.jobapscloud.com/MIL.
• If you would like assistance completing an application, please contact the Department of Employee Relations at (414) 286-3751 or staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov.
• The Department of Employee Relations is located in City Hall, 200 E Wells St, Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

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The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.