Abolished 10/07
LATENT PRINT TECHNICIAN
1880C3
- Pay Grade: 19
DEFINITION OF WORK
Summary
This is specialized technical crime laboratory work.
Work involves collecting and preserving evidence and performing
routine scientific analysis of physical evidence including analysis and interpretation of
latent print impressions. Examination processes and techniques are completed up to the
point of final evaluation but rendering of final opinion or interpretation is done by the
expert examiner.
Standard Classification Factors
Supervision Received - LEVEL C: "Under direction…"
Employees at this level usually receive a general outline of the work to be performed and
are generally free to develop their own sequences and methods within the scope of
established policies. New, unusual, or complex work situations are almost always referred
to a superior for advice. Work is periodically checked for progress and conformance to
established policies and requirements.
Difficulty - LEVEL B: Average… Where the employee is
confronted with a variety of duties susceptible to different methods of solution which, in
turn, places a correspondingly higher demand upon resourcefulness and concentration.
Positions which require the analysis and evaluation of raw data and the rendering of
conclusions would, in many instances, fall into this category.
Complexity - LEVEL D: Work is of a diversified nature that usually
involves multiple unrelated steps. Analytical thought is necessary for dealing with
complex data and situations. Work often involves a variety of unrelated processes and may
require planning or carrying out a sequence of actions or both. Several alternatives
usually exist at this level for approaching problems or situations. Workers at this level
exercise a considerable amount of independent judgment. Work is controlled by occasional
review and by reporting to or consultation with supervisors or superiors. When guidelines
exist at this level, they are usually broadly defined or technical requiring careful
analysis and interpretation.
Consequence of Actions or Decisions - LEVEL C: Consequences of
actions or decisions at this level are limited in scope and effect as the work is reviewed
occasionally. Errors may cause moderate inefficiency. Costs due to errors may be
significant.
Contacts - LEVEL C: The purpose of the contact is to influence,
motivate, conduct interviews, make formal presentations or counsel to achieve common
understanding or solutions to problems when the information is sensitive in nature or the
individuals or groups are skeptical or uncooperative. Communication techniques and well
developed communication skills become an important requirement at this level.
Physical Demands - LEVEL B: The work requires light physical
exertion. The employee may be required to perform handling activities with lightweight or
easily moved items (e.g. books, file folders, boxes of office supplies, small machine
parts, etc.); perform moving activities for brief periods; operate light equipment;
perform repetitive motions for brief periods; confined to a work area.
Environmental Conditions - LEVEL C: The work environment involves
hazards, risks or discomforts typical of working with or around machinery with exposed
moving parts, irritant chemicals, heavy equipment or abusive or hostile clientele and
patients. Exposure to disagreeable weather conditions and extreme levels of temperature,
ventilation, lighting and sound are normal. Protective clothing or gear and specific
safety standards or procedures may be required. Serious injury is possible.
Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL B: Involves functional leadership
responsibility. As a "senior worker", performing essentially the same or similar
work as those overseen, responsibility includes training, instructing, scheduling and
reviewing. As a "project leader" may be responsible for a phase(s) of a single
project which includes planning, coordinating and reviewing the work of others. This level
may also involve limited administrative responsibility such as participating in the
evaluation of work performance.
Distinguishing Features
Differs from the Office Specialist in which incumbents do not
process evidence and do not make evaluations of data for encoding.
Differs from the Laboratory Technician series in which incumbents
perform a variety of laboratory tests and do not process latent fingerprints.
Differs from the Forensic Scientist I in which incumbents receive
training in professional forensic science laboratory work.
EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED
Analyzes and interprets critical technical data for conducting
searches and encoding information into the Automated Fingerprint Identification System.
Coordinates, confers with or assists forensic scientists and
forensic examiners in identifying and comparing fingerprints and impressions from
footwear, tire treads, feet and palms in order to identify persons or materials used in
criminal activity. Performs comparisons from the Automated Fingerprint Identification
System data base in order to aid Forensic Scientists in the identification of latent
fingerprints.
Receives, records, retains or disposes of evidence submitted to
the laboratory in order that the chain of custody for evidence is properly maintained for
court presentation. Drafts reports of tests and prepares enlarged photomicrographs and
other displays for use in courtroom presentation.
Operates automated film processor, paper processor and printer to
produce required photo documentation.
Compiles, as required by superiors, data for the budget, federal
grant reports, special reports and other statistical and technical information.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS
Knowledge
*Knowledge of the principles and practices of finger print.
*Knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of latent
print testing.
Knowledge of the standard, written laboratory reporting formats.
Knowledge of safety procedures used in the forensic laboratory
Knowledge of the practices and procedures used in the operation of
sophisticated laboratory instruments and equipment.
Abilities
*Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
*Ability to establish and maintain effective working
relationships.
*Ability to learn subject matter and specialized procedures of
latent print laboratory.
*Ability to use, maintain and perform basic calibration of
laboratory equipment and instruments.
*Necessary at Entry
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Job knowledge at an entry level in forensic science.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
According to statute no person shall be appointed to a position
who has been convicted of a felony.
- NC: 06/93
- REV: 12/95
- REV: 10/98
- REV: 02/00
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