Latent Print and Evidence Specialist

Summary

If you want to join a hardworking team that shares a commitment to provide top-quality municipal services in a prime North County location, consider a career with the City of Escondido. We have an opening for the position of Latent Print & Evidence Technician in our Police Department. For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City's website.

Under general direction, identifies, diagrams, photographs, collects, transports and preserves evidence from crime scenes; provides technical guidance and leadership in latent print analysis and performs difficult and complex examination of latent prints in connection with the investigation of crimes; gives expert testimony in the courts in all phases of latent print examination; performs related work as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics
Incumbents in the Latent Print & Evidence Specialist class perform a variety of non-sworn, advanced and highly specialized tasks related to print collection and examination and crime scene evidence collection. The position is characterized by an exceptionally high degree of responsibility for accuracy and quality of work and for great attention to detail requiring in-depth knowledge and accountability in processing information.

Key Responsibilities

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

Identifies, examines, photographs, collects, preserves and transports evidence from crime scenes; search for latent impressions and other physical evidence; prepare evidence lists for collected property and evidence.

Records and documents crime scenes which include diagrams, sketches, photographs, and video.

Instructs law enforcement officers regarding the significance of various types of physical evidence and proper evidence collection procedures.

Documents crime scenes using various photographic media and techniques; takes photographs of crime scenes from helicopter/aircraft; photographs and processes subjects for evidence in the field or in a facility such as a police department, hospital or holding/jail/prison facility.

Obtains major case prints from subjects, victims and witnesses.

Attends medical legal autopsies at the Medical Examiner’s Office to collect photographic and physical evidence; collects evidence from dead bodies and photographs all aspects of the body necessary for investigation at the crime scene.

Processes items of evidence for latent prints; develops prints using photography, powder, laser and chemical enhancements; classifies, identifies and examines prints; compares latent prints to known prints; evaluates latent finger, palm, and footprints to determine quality, integrity and identity; maintains records of examinations.

Processes evidence items for blood, latent prints and other impression evidence.

Determines if latent prints recovered from crime scenes are usable for comparison of known prints of individuals and/or for entry into AFIS and/or NGI/ULW; requests known prints of possible suspects for comparison from local, state, and federal departments via associated databases, email and telephone; searches identifiable prints using Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS) and related systems.

Researches and evaluates new technical developments in latent print development and analysis of evidence.

Prepares photographs, charts, and other materials for demonstration of evidence in court; offers testimony in court as an expert witness in all phases of latent print examination; consults with attorneys on various methods of presenting evidence; provides expert testimony in court.

Properly label and package evidence.

Serves as resource person and technical expert for Forensic Services Unit.

Assists with maintaining a quality assurance program for the Forensic Services Unit.

Assists in developing and creating forensic procedures and techniques.

Prepares, reviews and approves detailed casework reports.

Provides technical guidance and training to Forensic Services Unit personnel.

Coordinates requests for services from various divisions; provides information to interdepartmental representatives and/or law enforcement agencies.

Provides technical assistance at major crime scenes.

Testify in court and at other designated proceedings.

Attends meetings.

Works evenings, weekends or holidays and responds to emergency calls as needed.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Provides vacation and temporary relief as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

Methods and techniques used in the identification, collection and preservation of prints and property and evidence, and commonly used fingerprint classification systems.
Forensic science and evidence technology used in a crime laboratory.
Safety regulations pertaining to the laboratory.
Latent print comparison and identification techniques.
Methods and procedures of automated latent print analysis and comparison.
Standard terminology used to describe latent print details.
Photographic techniques, equipment and documentation used in latent print examinations.
Development and preservation of latent prints.
Inking process and techniques used in major case print collection.
Rules and procedures of providing testimony in court.
Crime scene diagramming.
Principles and practices of crime scene photographs, photographic equipment, developing and printing methods, materials and techniques.
Safe work methods and safety regulations pertaining to the work; and protective clothing and devices related to the work.
Word processing programs.
Principles of customer service.

Ability to:

Operate and maintain various print identification and other technical and scientific instruments, equipment and supplies.
Lift, read, classify and identify prints; recognize latent print forms and patterns.
Compare and accurately identify latent prints.
Take clear and accurate photographs.
Maintain the integrity of evidence and chain of custody in accordance with established guidelines.
Manage a large workload and meet specified deadlines.
Prepare accurate written reports; maintain accurate and legible logs and records.
Provide technical guidance and training to staff.
Testify in court.
Work cooperatively with other departments, City officials, and outside agencies.
Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
Work independently.
Operate office equipment including computer information systems to include digital processing, database inquiry and word processing.
Operate and maintain assigned vehicles and equipment in a safe and skillful manner; transport self and equipment to crime scenes.
Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, staff and the public.

Minimum Requirements

Education/Training :
An Associate of Arts or Science degree from an accredited college in administration of justice, evidence technology, biology, chemistry or related field.

Experience:
Two years of experience performing police-related duties, including some experience with crime scene investigations, evidence technology and print analysis and identification. Additional years of experience may be substituted for Associate's degree.
Previous experience as a latent print examiner and/or field evidence technician is highly desirable.

License or Certificate :
Possession of an appropriate California Driver's License is required.
Any certification through the International Association for Identification or equivalent are highly desirable.
Must be willing to work overtime and variable hours including night, weekend and holiday work as required. Must be willing to be called back for crime scene investigations after normal working hours.

Supplemental Information

NOTE: For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City's web site. The City of Escondido is committed to a drug and alcohol free workplace. All applicants will be subject to fingerprint investigation before a conditional offer of employment is extended. A pre-employment medical examination will be conducted following a conditional offer of employment for all positions. Safety sensitive positions will include a pre-employment drug screen. Positions subject to the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations will be subject to DOT pre-employment drug testing and random drug and alcohol testing.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Applications will be screened and the most qualified candidates will be invited to appear for testing. All positions require the ability to read, write and speak English. Types of tests may include written and/or oral examination, physical agility, practical exam or other appropriate job-related selection process. When testing is completed, candidates will be ranked on an eligibility list in the order of their test score. Selection for appointments is made from names certified on the eligibility list.

All appointments are subject to the successful completion of background investigation including LIVESCAN fingerprinting, and will be required to submit verification of the legal right to work in the United States. Qualification by a medical examination will be required at the time of appointment. After appointment, classified employees must satisfactorily complete a probationary period to be eligible for regular status. In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, all new employees must produce proof of eligibility to work in the United States within the first three days of their employment. The City of Escondido participates in E-Verify®.

The Loyalty Oath will be administered to all new employees on their first day of hire. New employees hired into positions that require a driver's license must provide proof of a valid California Driver's License of the appropriate class level on their first day of employment.

Additional information regarding the essential functions and physical, environmental and communication demands of the position may be obtained from the Human Resources Department. If you require reasonable accommodation in the testing process, such as an alternate means of testing, you must contact the Human Resources Department by the final filing date to complete a Request for Reasonable Accommodation form. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.

Note: Pursuant to California Civil Code section 1786.53, the City of Escondido shall provide to all job candidates a copy of any records of arrest, indictment, conviction, civil judicial action, tax lien or outstanding judgment which was obtained in the course of conducting an evaluation for employment, assignment, and/or promotion. A copy of this information, if received by the City, will be given to candidates within seven days of the City's receipt.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE

Eligible individuals are those who meet the following criteria:

• Served in the U.S. armed forces
• Received an honorable discharge
• Did not retire from military service
• Seeking employment with the City of Escondido for the first time.

Guard and Reserve active duty for training purposes does not qualify for veterans' preference. Proof of eligibility (copy of DD-214) must be submitted at time of application, or later if the promulgation of the eligibility list will not be delayed. Veterans' preference credit will only be applied to eligible applicants who attained a passing grade (total score exclusive of credit) on the final open examination.

ABOUT OUR CITY

The City of Escondido is a prominent agricultural, commercial hub and residential center of North San Diego County. Located a short 30-minute drive from the beach, the mountains or downtown San Diego, Escondido residents enjoy the pleasure of a rural lifestyle with all the benefits of suburban living. Escondido is a diverse, vibrant community with many amenities. The city offers attractive homes in a wide range of prices, two lakes, several parks, a sports center, golf courses, restaurants, wineries, shopping centers, a variety of art galleries, entertainment venues, and a state of the art hospital. Established in 1888, the city's rich past brings charm and stability to the community; yet integrated with Escondido's treasured heritage is a progressive future, bright and brimming with promise.

EOE The City of Escondido does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, sex, age, national origin, or sexual orientation. We will attempt to reasonably accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request.

The City of Escondido offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.

The Benefits of Choice program offers you a range of benefits. You choose the coverage that is right for you, your family and your budget. Read this e-Guide for an overview of your options, with links to additional details and forms.

For a more detailed overview of this benefits package, please visit the Unclassified / Clerical / Technical Benefit Summary

Closing Date/Time: 11/24/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

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• City of Escondido

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