City of Tampa

This is highly responsible and extremely detailed fingerprint evaluation and comparison work.  Bargaining unit position.

An employee in this class is responsible for performing assignments of more than average difficulty involving comparison of fingerprints lifted at crime scenes with those of known suspects. An important aspect of this job is the examination of latent fingerprints lifted at crime scenes to determine points of comparison for use in criminal proceedings. Although under general supervision, the employee is required to exercise considerable initiative and independent judgment in handling and presenting this type of evidence. The employee must be able to testify in court as an expert witness. Employee might be required to work rotating shifts to include nights, weekends, and holidays. Work is reviewed through observation and results obtained.

Examines all latent fingerprints lifted at crime scenes for comparison value; compares latent fingerprints with the fingerprints of known suspects; prepares supplements to reports, stating findings.

Prepares fingerprint evidence for criminal proceedings; gives expert testimony on the results of comparison.

Enters prints into Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) and searches them; verifies any identifications.

Fingerprints subjects for comparison.

Instructs other technicians in latent fingerprint comparisons.

Operates light automotive equipment.

Maintains latent print files.

Performs related work as required.

Considerable knowledge of: latent fingerprint evaluation and comparison techniques; palm print comparison techniques; chemical processing techniques and uses; updates in the science of fingerprints; courtroom testimony and procedures; the law in regards to fingerprint evidence; fingerprint classification systems; the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS); managing fingerprint evidence during investigations.

Working knowledge of: basic computer technology; filing systems; basic photography.

Ability to: evaluate and compare latent fingerprints; be accepted by the courts as an expert witness in latent fingerprints; write reports and update databases; operate the AFIS machine; communicate, establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, police officers, the State Attorney’s office, and others; maintain security of offices, files in order to preserve confidentiality of materials; operate a lightweight motor vehicle.

Graduation from an accredited high school supplemented by completion of an approved course in fingerprint classification and comparison and considerable experience in criminal identification and fingerprint classification and comparison work; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Possession of a valid Florida driver's license required.

Employees may be required to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays and overtime as needed. During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.