Latent Print Examiner I chez Marion County Sheriff's Office, FL

About the Department

This is a highly responsible position analyzing diverse items of physical latent evidence submitted for the evaluation, comparison, identification, and verification of impressions such as fingerprints, palm prints and footprints. Examiners are also responsible for conducting comparisons between ten prints and other well-known standards. This position will also operate the AFIS latent station, the AFIX palm print system, and maintain all the fingerprint files.

Position Duties

DUTIES: 75% PRINT ANALYSIS OF EVIDENCE – Latent Print Examiner
A. The primary duties and responsibilities of a Marion County Sheriff’s Office Latent Print Examiner (75% of the time) will involve the collection, examination, preservation, documentation, preparation and/or analysis of latent print evidence containing tissue and/or bodily fluids and physical evidence having potential biological, chemical or radiological hazard contamination or the use of chemicals, processes or materials that may have carcinogenic or health damaging properties in the handling or analysis of evidence.
B. Handles and conducts independent analysis on evidence involved in criminal investigations May be exposed to biological, chemical, drug, radiological, or any other potentially hazardous materials.
C. Analyzes, compares, evaluates, and verifies impressions of friction ridge skin submitted by members of the Marion County sheriff’s Office or other Criminal justice agencies. (Exposure to the black fingerprint powder and other chemicals used in the recovery of the latent prints can post a potential health damaging risk to the Latent Print Examiner. There also may be exposure to biological fluids)
D. May be tasked with collecting post-mortem prints to aid in identification of deceased subjects or for comparison to evidence collected at a crime scene.
G. Attends crime scenes and autopsies if such assistance is required.
H. Collect fingerprints, palm prints, or other known standards from subjects and/or victims located in correctional facilities, hospitals, crime scenes, courthouses, or the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
I. Prepare written reports on all evaluations and examinations completed stating results of findings.

Duties – 7% SECTION TECHNICAL SUPPORT – Forensic Latent Print Examiner I
A. Provides technical and administrative support as needed for analysis of evidence involved criminal investigations while complying with evidence handling practices as required by the Forensic Unit Internal Manual and the Agency Operational Directives. This may include, but is not limited to the following:
1. Assists Forensic Crime Scene technicians with the processing and enhancement of latent prints.
2. Assists other Latent Print Examiners in verifying identifications or non-identification.
3. Participates in proficiency testing programs as applicable.
4. Maintains inventory of supplies. Promptly submit supply requests to ensure no delays occur due to supply shortage.
5. Research scientific literature. Copy such reports for dissemination and scientific articles for examiner review. All research and copying reports will be completed within the requested time period.

Duties – 5% COURTROOM TESTIMONY – Latent Print Examiner I
A. Provides expert testimony in courts of law as to the results of the latent print examinations or verification of other agencies performed. Also, includes the related travel and court preparation (including depositions, conferences and court related liaison).
B. Testify in a clear, accurate, truthful, professional manner.
C. Prepare and present any visual presentation as necessary.
D. Prepares court exhibits as required.

Duties – 5% TRAINING – Latent Print Examiner I
A. Provides information to law enforcement personnel on the capabilities of the Latent Print Unit to include Multimodal Biometric Identification System (MBIS) at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
B. Conduct lab tours, on and off-site presentations, and provide information to both citizens and law enforcement personnel in an informative, courteous and professional manner.
C. Training for agency Latent Print Examiner Trainee(s) will be conducted on-site by a qualified Latent Print Examiner or by the Ron Smith & Associates Latent Print Examiner Academy, as approved by the Forensic Unit Director.

Duties – 3% PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT – Latent Print Examiner I
A. Develops and maintains technical and professional proficiency as outlined in the Forensic Unit Internal Manual and Agency Operational Directives.
B. Attends schools, seminars, and training programs applicable to the position function.
C. Review relevant scientific literature as well as other documents designed to enhance professional and personal growth.

Duties – 5% ADMINISTRATION –Latent Print Examiner I
A. Maintain administrative compliance through review of all appropriate administrative policies and procedures and completion of all administrative paperwork by established deadlines.
B. Responsible for the care, custody and control of all property assigned.
C. Attends and participates in meetings as required.
D. Keeps coworkers and supervisors informed of all issues affecting effective, efficient and safe operation of the section and the laboratory as a whole.

Additional Duties:
A. Abide by the “Law Enforcement Code of Ethics.”
B. Thoroughly know, understand and comply with Agency procedures, rules and operational directives.
C. Be alert for conditions or situations, which inhibit efficient operation of the Agency or of the Forensic Unit and make recommendations for solutions.
D. Perform other related duties, as assigned, including modified schedule or temporary re-assignment during declared emergency or activations, as determined by the Sheriff.

Minimum Qualifications

JOB PREREQUISITES – Knowledge, skills and abilities, including utilization of equipment, required for the position:
A. Knowledge of terminology, principles and analytical techniques used in latent print examination of evidence as it applies to the forensic laboratory.
B. Professional, technical experience or certification in a forensic latent print examination from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and/or Florida International Associate of Identification (FD/IAI) or International Association of Identification (IAI) at the national or international level can substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required college education.
C. Proficient in use of the Multimodal Biometric Identification System.
D. Proficient in the analysis, comparison, evaluation and verification of friction ridge skin detail.
E. Maintain the adult, juvenile, deceased and elimination fingerprint and palm print files.
F. Assist in the training of taking quality fingerprints and classification of fingerprints.
G. Knowledge of cameras, photographic principles, and techniques.
H. Knowledge of natural, artificial, ultraviolet, infrared, luminescence, and laser lighting techniques.
I. Knowledge of the correct procedures for providing expert testimony in court.
J. Knowledge of the procedures for packaging, handling and preserving evidence.
K. Knowledge of the scientific method for conducting research.
L. Skill in the use of Latent Unit equipment.
M. Ability to give sworn testimony as an expert witness in court.
N. Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.
O. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
P. Utilize all safety precautions and equipment necessary to protect the employee from contamination or exposure and, immediately report to their immediate supervisor any contamination or exposure for first report of injury as per Operational Directives.

JOB REQUIREMENTS
A. High School Diploma or GED or equivalent life and/or work experience as approved by the Forensic Unit Director.
B. Maintain a valid Florida driver’s license to operate Agency vehicles.

JOB PREREQUISITES – Forensic Latent Print Examiner I
A. High School Diploma or GED.
B, Have attended, and successfully completed, training by a qualified latent print examiner, Ron Smith & Associates Academy, and/or the advanced latent techniques course.
C. At least six months with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Latent Unit or equivalent experience with another agency or institution.
D. Complete an annual proficiency or competency test approved by the Forensic Unit Director
D. Have a working knowledge of MBIS Live Scan computer programs and the Henry fingerprint classification system.
E. Successfully perform duties as a full-time student in a Latent Examiner Academy located in Meridian, Mississippi for a period of up to 6 months. (Lodging and per diem will be provided by the agency.)
F. Approval of Forensic Unit Director.

Other Qualifications

WORKING CONDITIONS

Includes both indoor and outdoor environments to include warehouse and office type work environments and sometimes dirty and dusty conditions. Normally 0800 to 1700 hours but may include shift work and/or be irregular. Subject to being called out at any time. Work may be both physically and mentally demanding. Situations may involve distasteful contacts when dealing with deaths or with other unpleasant physical injuries. The employee may be exposed to various diseases, biological and chemical hazards. The Latent Print Examiners may respond to cases including homicide, sexual assaults, kidnappings and any high-profile crimes against person(s) or property crime investigations as directed by the Assistant Director of Forensics.

ADA COMPLIANCE:

PHYSICAL AND DEXTERITY REQUIREMENTS: This position involves the processing of items to develop prints which could involve bending, kneeling, standing or sitting for long periods of time. Requires exerting up to twenty (20) pounds of force on a recurring basis. Requires the ability to sit or stand at a desk, to use magnifying equipment to view fingerprint evidence for extended periods of time, and computer software with keyboarding operations. Requires good visual acuity for the analysis of small details in prints and the ability to communicate orally in the office and in courtroom testimony. 

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS: Exposure to hazardous materials, chemicals, fumes, odors, vibration, dust, and/or bodily fluids can occur. 

SENSORY REQUIREMENTS: The job requires good visual acuity and field of vision, hearing, speaking, color perception, sense of smell, depth perception and texture perception. 

The Marion County Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the Sheriff's Office to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans' Preference will receive preference in employment for career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Candidates claiming Veterans Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.