City and County of San Francisco

Forensic Latent Examiner II (#8253)

$44.81-$54.46 Hourly / $7,768.00-$9,440.00 Monthly / $93,210.00-$113,282.00 Yearly


Definition

Under general supervision, performs difficult and complex fingerprint examination and classification of prints and impressions. The Forensic Latent Examiner II determines the general types of tests and examinations to be performed on physical evidence assigned to the Identification Unit. Collects evidence using established procedures, and independently develops, evaluates, compares and identifies latent prints. Operates all related latent print equipment and Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) systems 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.

Distinguishing Features

The 8253 Forensic Latent Examiner II is the journey level in the latent print examiner series. Class 8253 Forensic Latent Examiner II is distinguished from class 8252 Forensic Latent Examiner I in that the incumbents in the former class perform more difficult and complex cases of fingerprint examination and classification of prints and impressions. Positions in this job code are distinguished from those in the 8254 Forensic Latent Examiner Supervisor job code in that the latter functions as first-line supervisor and advanced latent fingerprint examiner.

Supervision Exercised

None.

Examples of Important and Essential Duties

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. Determine the general types of tests and examinations to be performed on physical evidence assigned to unit and conduct tests and examinations using 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. Identify, compare and evaluate latent, visible, plastic, and partial finger, palm, foot, or similar type prints or impressions through various mediums or other special equipment for difficult and complex cases in 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 suspects list and classify fingerprints for facility of retrieval by the different systems users.

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

6. Verify fingerprint identifications made by other latent examiners; provide guidance, training and technical assistance to less experienced personnel; comply with on-going state and federal mandated training of new and experienced personnel; and adhere to industry standards in periodic assessments and validating fingerprint processing.

7. Oversee the preparation of evidence and exhibits for presentation in court or formal hearings on latent fingerprint examinations, identification and related local criminal history and testify as an expert witness.

8. Act as a lead on special projects.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of: principles and techniques used in the collection, comparison and classification of fingerprint 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; and travel for extensive and time consuming job related training.

Minimum Qualifications

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 sections).

Experience:
Two (2) years 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. Experience must be equivalent to the City and County of San Francisco 8252 Forensic Latent Examiner I classification.

License and Certification:
Possession of a valid California Driver’s 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.

Notes

Established: 7/1/2015

Disaster Service Workers

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.

CLASS: 8253; EST: 7/1/2015;