State of Maryland

A Fingerprint Specialist Advanced is the advanced level of work examining, classifying and identifying fingerprints; verifying fingerprint matches; and entering pertinent information into the automated fingerprint identification system.  Employees in this classification render final fingerprint identification decisions and alter official identification records.  Employees in various other classifications may obtain and administratively process fingerprint impressions; however, Fingerprint Specialists are differentiated from other classifications in that their duties include responsibility for examining, classifying and identifying fingerprints.  Employees in this classification do not supervise other positions.

Employees in this classification receive general supervision from a Fingerprint Specialist Supervisor.  Employees in this classification are subject to call-in on a 24 hour basis and may be assigned to day, evening or night shifts which may include holidays and weekends.  Employees may be required to travel to field locations to take fingerprint impressions.  The work may be performed in a correctional setting.

Positions in this classification are evaluated by using the classification job evaluation methodology.  The use of this method involves comparing assigned duties and responsibilities of a position to the job criteria found in the Nature of Work and Examples of Work Sections of the class specification.

The Fingerprint Specialist Advanced is differentiated from the Fingerprint Specialist II in that the Fingerprint Specialist advanced performs the advanced level of work examining, classifying, identifying and verifying fingerprint matches which includes making final fingerprint identification decisions and altering official identification records, while the Fingerprint Specialist II performs the full range of duties and responsibilities under general supervision.  The Fingerprint Specialist Advanced is differentiated from the Fingerprint Specialist Supervisor in that the Fingerprint Specialist Supervisor has supervisory responsibility for lower-level Fingerprint Specialists.

Makes final fingerprint identification decisions, often involving the resolution of differing identifications among other Fingerprint Specialists;

Alters official identification records as a result of fingerprint identification decisions or court orders by combining, eliminating or modifying records;

Reviews electronic reproductions of fingerprints of arrestees taken by other persons such as correctional, law enforcement and clerical staff;

Identifies the basic types of fingerprint classification patterns and enters the appropriate information into the automated fingerprint identification system;

Reviews potential fingerprint matches generated by the computer and determines if prints are identical;

Forwards the potentially matching sets of fingerprints to another Fingerprint Specialist for a verification of the determination;

Obtains information from and provides information to outside criminal justice agencies pertaining to fingerprints and fingerprint records;

Testifies in court as an expert witness regarding fingerprints;

Visually inspects inked fingerprints to determine if prints are sufficiently legible for identification and completes timely records checks;

Files and retrieves fingerprints and identifying information using the prescribed classification and filing system;

May obtain fingerprint impressions, using both the manual ink method and computers and electronic scanning devices;

Performs other related duties.

Knowledge of the laws, regulations, policies and procedures for obtaining, examining, classifying, identifying, verifying, and retrieving fingerprints;

Knowledge of sources of computerized information that can assist in the identification and classification of fingerprints;

Knowledge of automated fingerprinting techniques and systems such as the Maryland Automated Fingerprint Identification System (MAFIS) and Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) Central Repository;

Skill in operating a keyboard;

Ability to enter and retrieve information from fingerprint scanning devices and computer systems;

Ability to observe and recognize minutiae used in the classification, filing and retrieval of fingerprints;

Ability to provide advice and assistance to lower-level Fingerprint Specialists;

Ability to maintain accurate records;

Ability to work with the general public;

Ability to communicate effectively and work well with co-workers.

Education:   Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Experience: Two years of experience examining, classifying and identifying fingerprints.

Note: Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a non-commissioned officer in fingerprint identification classification or fingerprint identification specialty codes in the fingerprint identification field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

1. Candidates for this classification are subject to a criminal records check before a permanent appointment can be made. A criminal conviction record may be grounds for rejection of the applicant by the hiring agency.

2. Employees in this classification are subject to call-in 24 hours a day and, therefore, must provide a telephone number where they can be reached.

Class specifications are broad descriptions covering groups of positions used by various State departments and agencies. Position descriptions maintained by the using department or agency specifically address the essential job functions of each position.

This is a Skilled Service classification in the State Personnel Management System.  All positions in this classification are Skilled Service positions.  Some positions in Skilled Service classifications may be designated Special Appointment in accordance with the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 6-405, Annotated Code of Maryland.

This classification is assigned to Bargaining Unit B- Administrative, Technical and Clerical classes.  As provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 3-102, special appointment, temporary, contractual, supervisory, managerial and confidential employees are excluded from collective bargaining.  Additionally, certain executive branch agencies are exempt from collective bargaining and all positions in those agencies are excluded from collective bargaining.

Employees in this classification are eligible to receive overtime compensation.  An employee who works more than the normal workweek is entitled to be compensated for that overtime as provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 8-305.