GRADE: 14

SALARY: $51,506 – $71,292

POSITION TITLE: Latent Print Examiner

DEPARTMENT: LABORATORY/IDENTIFICATION

REPORTS TO: FINGERPRINT MANAGER

Position Summary

Perform duties to develop and/or compare latent print evidence from cases and to prepare those cases for testimony in trials.

FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB

Essential Functions

• Analyzes, compares, evaluates, and verifies latent print evidence. Prepares laboratory reports for latent print examinations.
• Processes evidence for the presence of latent prints using powders or chemicals. Prepares laboratory reports for processing.
• Photographs latent print evidence utilizing digital imaging software. 
• Maintains and protects evidence in personal custody.
• Attends pre-trial conferences, testifies in court regarding latent print evidence and partakes in depositions.
• Maintains latent fingerprint evidence files.
• Maintains supplies used in processing evidence in the lab.
• Uses state and federal Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems.
• Regularly provides identification services to other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
• Technically and administratively reviews other Latent Print Examiners’ Latent Print Examination and Process for Prints reports.
• Complies with accreditation guidelines.
• Trains new Latent Print Examiner Trainees and Evidence Technician Unit Officers.
• Prepares reagents and records appropriate documentation.
• Performs validations.
• Troubleshoots technical problems. Checks equipment for proper operation and notifies the Identification Section Manager of any issues.
• Handles phone calls and emails relating to requests for latent print examinations or processing. Documents phone calls and emails in LIMS.
• Responds to defense discovery requests.
• Administers competency and proficiency tests if designated to do so.

Marginal Functions

• Lectures on the duties of latent print examiners and on the science of fingerprints at the St. Louis Police Academy and other local educational institutions.
• Orders supplies for the Identification Section.
• Coordinates interns for the Identification Section.
• Serves as the AFIS Administrator.
• Serves as the Foray Administrator or Back – up Foray Administrator.
• Acts as the Identification Section Manager in the absence of the Manager. Assists the Identification Section Manager with the interviewing, testing, and hiring process for Latent Print Examiners.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license while employed by the SLMPD.
• AFIS Certification by Missouri State Highway Patrol within twenty-four months of date of hire. REJIS and MULES certifications within twelve months of date of hire. Work towards IAI Latent Print Certification.
• Bachelor of Science degree required. Forensic Science degree preferred.
• AFIS Certification is desirable. IAI Certification in latent prints is desirable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Data Utilization: Requires the ability to perform basic level of data analysis including the ability to review, classify, categorize, prioritize and/or reference data, statutes and/or guidelines and/or group, rank, investigate and diagnose. Requires discretion determining and referencing such to established standards to recognize interactive effects and relationships.
• Human Interaction: Requires the ability to provide guidance, assistance and/or interpretation to others, such as coworkers, attorneys, detectives and other interested personnel on how to apply policies, procedures and standards to specific situations
• Equipment, Machinery, Tools and Materials Use: Requires the ability to operate, maneuver and/or provide simple but continuous adjustment on equipment, machinery and tools such as Digital camera, alternate light source, basic computer programs, LIMS tracking system, and basic laboratory equipment. Additionally, for DNA typing duties: extraction robots, quantitation equipment, capillary electrophoresis equipment, and thermocyclers.
• Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize a variety of advisory data and information such as lab reports/records, test forms, requisitions, supply inventory, procedure manuals, safety manuals, equipment operating manuals, procedures, guidelines and non-routine correspondence.
• Mathematical Aptitude: City of St. Louis Criminalist January 2023 Page 3 Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; calculate percentages, fractions and decimals; perform mathematical operations involving basic algebra.
• Functional Reasoning: Requires the ability to apply principles of rational systems. Ability to interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic or schedule form. Ability to exercise independent judgment to adopt or modify methods and standards to meet variations in assigned objectives.
• Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise the judgment, decisiveness and creativity required in situations involving the evaluation of information against measurable or verifiable criteria.
• Environmental Factors: Tasks may risk exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as odors, toxic/poisonous agents, disease or pathogenic substances.
• Physical Requirements: Requires the ability to lift specimen samples and lab equipment and tools weighing up to twenty (20) pounds.
• Sensory Requirements: Requires the ability to recognize and identify similarities or differences between characteristics of colors, shapes and odors to distinguish bacteria colonies and specimen characteristics. Ability to sustain prolonged visual concentration.
• Ability to effectively communicate with management, co-workers, and customers.
• Ability to multitask.
• Possess above average organizational skills.
• Ability to use modern methods and professional techniques for analysis.
• Ability to use a variety of computer programs and related equipment.
• Think clearly and logically.
• Read and write at the required level to successfully prepare oral and written reports and write procedures. Gain a working knowledge of all Department computer programs including LIMS, REJIS, MULES, I/LEADS, Swift Protect, Qualtrax, Photoshop, and Foray.

Working Environment:

• This position may be exposed to odors, chemicals and other elements. Occasional exposure to noise, dust, heat, and cold.

Machines, Tools, Equipment and Work Aids: 

• Personal Computer
• Tablet
• Scanners
• Fingerprint Magnifier
• Digital cameras
• Multiple Computer Programs
• Telephone
• Latent Lab Equipment
• Copier/Fax Machine
• Vehicle

PHYSICAL/VISUAL ACTIVITIES OR DEMANDS

Sitting, standing, walking, reaching, feeling, hearing, talking, repetitive use of hands.

Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less with the ability to adjust the eye to bring objects into sharp focus.

Frequent moving and/or lifting of materials or evidence weighing up to 25 pounds.

Employees are required to submit to a DNA buccal swab as a condition of employment.

Must participate in the Latent Unit On-Call list.

The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The job description does not necessarily contain all of the actual or essential duties of this position.  All job offers are contingent upon passing a medical evaluation/drug screen and criminal background check.

Certain job functions described herein may be subject to possible modification in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.  

“Commonly associated” is not intended to mean always or only. There are different experiences that suggest other ways or circumstances where reasonable changes or accommodations are appropriate.