Delaware State Police

Pay grade 13, $42,870

This class is responsible for developing, classifying, comparing and identifying latent finger, palm and foot prints.

  1.     Examines evidence submitted by law enforcement agencies to detect latent prints and perform manual comparison of prints.

  2.     Develops and lifts latent impressions from physical evidence using powders, chemicals, lasers, tape or camera.

  3.     Examines latent prints submitted by law enforcement agencies to determine print quality.  

  4.     Classifies and enters latent fingerprints into the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) to generate a list of possible matches.

  5.     Compares latent prints to known inked and latent prints of victims or suspects in order to make a positive identification.

  6.     Prepares correspondence, reports and visual aids depicting findings and results of examinations/comparisons for law enforcement agencies and court and maintains secure evidence files.  

  7.     Testifies as expert witness in Delaware and Federal courts, as to findings of latent fingerprint evidence examinations.

  8.     Obtains identifiable finger, palm or foot prints from decomposed, charred, desiccated or saturated bodies of    unknown individuals by utilizing various methods and treatments as needed.

 9.     Interfaces orally and/or in writing with state and municipal police, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, SPCA, Fire Marshall’s Office, FBI, Medical Examiner’s Office, Department of Justice, etc. Obtain identifiable prints, explain findings, determinations, and discuss upcoming court appearance/presentation. Instruct individuals in the methods and techniques of fingerprint identification.

10.  Performs related work as required.  

·       Knowledge of the methods and techniques of inked and latent fingerprint identification.

 ·       Knowledge of the principles of the Henry Classification System.

 ·       Knowledge of the laws, rules, regulations and procedures pertaining to the collection, preservation and  custody of

         evidence.

·       Knowledge of the methods and techniques of record keeping and report writing.

 ·       Knowledge of the operation of the AFIS.

·       Skill in manipulation of AFIS keyboard.

 ·       Ability to explain findings and determinations in court.

 ·       Ability to write clear, concise and informative reports.

 ·       Ability to develop, classify, compare and identify latent and inked prints.

 ·       Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form.

·       Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

High School graduate with a minimum of two years as a Forensic Fingerprint Technician, including completion of the Fingerprint Classification Course, Advanced Latent Fingerprint Techniques and Administrative Advanced Latent Fingerprint Course.  Must have the ability to testify as an expert witness in court to the finding of latent fingerprint evidence, examination and identification of fingerprints.    

Direct deposit of paychecks is required as a condition of employment. A satisfactory criminal background check is required as a condition of employment. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer. Union Covered Positions - A labor organization has been elected by employees as their representative for collective bargaining and other work related purposes.  The labor organization is required to represent all employees, even those who do not join.

To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit the web-site at http://www.delawarestatejobs.com/benefits/index.shtml