Class Code:........0461B

Position#:.(PSA)....

Developed by:........ SG

Reviewed by:..........DH

Approved by:............

Date:...............7/04

UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND

Position Description

TITLE: Criminalist II (Fingerprint Examiner)

DIVISION: Academic Affairs (Crime Laboratory)

REPORTS TO: Director/Professor

GRADE: 11

SUPERVISES:

Professional, technical and other support staff. Secretarial Staff in the preparation of reports pertinent to their specialty area of the Laboratory. Graduate and undergraduate students working in the Laboratory as paid assistants or as interns. Uniformed and non-uniformed law enforcement officers in the proper processing, collection and packaging of physical evidence involving fingerprints, or photography at a crime scene.

BASIC FUNCTION:

Depending on field(s) of expertise, use instrumental, physical and/or chemical techniques to examine a large variety of physical evidence submitted to the State Crime Laboratory by municipal, state and federal law enforcement agencies.

Interpret results of analyses, prepare written reports and provide expert court testimony in the areas of latent fingerprints and/or photography.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Receives physical evidence; reviews background materials submitted with evidence and pertinent agency regulations and other relevant material.

Considers the type of evidence received, time available for analysis, circumstances surrounding the crime, the requirements established by laboratory and police policy and general law and determines the general approach necessary for effective examination of the physical evidence.

Researches established methodologies and relevant literature to determine applicable methods to be used in all areas of evidence processing, including powders, chemicals, and the use of an alternative light source.

Provides and/or seeks advice concerning methodology problems in the Specialty area to/from examiners in other state, local or federal law Enforcement agencies.

Performs complex examinations of evidence utilizing appropriate techniques such as: scales, calipers, powders, chemicals, high intensity light sources (visible, laser, ultraviolet and infrared), cameras, lenses, film and other lab equipment. Such examinations may include fracture match identifications, fingerprint classification, latent fingerprint/palm print enhancement and fingerprint/palm print comparison and identification, verifying and photographing evidence, including using digital imaging equipment and computer software programs, developing and printing black and white film.

Interprets and evaluates examination results to determine their validity, scientific significance and evidentiary value to provide the most information possible.

Maintains instrumentation and equipment used for analysis of evidence. Determines analytical equipment needs for the Laboratory; evaluates new instrumentation and changes in existing instrumentation; recommends repair or purchase of new instruments and/or equipment.

Prepares written reports that state the results of examinations. Testifies, when required, as an expert in their specialty area(s): latent print enhancement, print comparison and/or photography.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Participates in crime scene processing when requested; works with law enforcement and Laboratory personnel with regard to evidence procedures.

Communicates the importance of the examinations performed to law enforcement and Laboratory personnel and other interested individuals or groups.

Trains and supervises interns and other Laboratory personnel on analytical techniques used for the examination of evidence in their specialty area.

Prepares and presents lectures and/or laboratory tours on the functions of the Crime Laboratory for specific groups upon request.

Maintains routine records pertaining to their specialty section of the Laboratory. Prepares periodic statistics on latent fingerprints, photography and related casework.

LICENSES, TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT:

Must have a valid driver's license. Must be eligible for membership in an appropriate professional organization (e.g., IAI, NED/AIA). Certification by a nationally recognized agency in the specialty area is desirable.

This position is subject to inside and outside work and extreme cold and hot temperatures can be encountered. The potential exists where noise and vibrations may be encountered. The wearing of protective ear and eye devices may be required. Tasks involve exerting light physical effort which may include some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-50 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation. Operating a variety of standard office equipment, including a computer, requires continuous and repetitive arm/hand/eye movement. May be exposed to organic and inorganic chemicals related to the cleaning and operation of firearms, restoration of metallic surfaces, enhancing latent fingerprints, and developing photographic film and paper. May be exposed to low level radioactive material. May come in contact with biological fluids and associated biological pathogens, such as hepatitis B and HIV viruses.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree plus a minimum of five years of professional experience required; or an Associate's degree with ten years of professional experience required. (Professional experience: performance of independent casework in a forensic crime laboratory or law enforcement agency as a fingerprint examiner. Certification in this specialty area may be substituted for three years of professional experience.) Thorough knowledge of the following required: the classification of fingerprints (Henry system, NCIC and IAFIS) and palm prints; chemical and physical techniques used to develop or enhance latent fingerprints or palm prints; the equipment used to compare latent prints to known subject prints, including Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS); principles of photography and photographic films and papers and the ability to operate photographic and film processing equipment. General knowledge of digital imaging software required. Must possess considerable knowledge of federal, state and municipal laws governing rules of evidence and courtroom procedures. Must be capable of being court-qualified as a fingerprint identification expert, and of providing photography testimony in the Court System of the State of Rhode Island. Must be able to communicate effectively orally and in writing, be able to organize, coordinate and supervise support staff, and to use computer applications, such as Windows Operating System, as they relate to laboratory procedures. Must have a valid driver's license and be eligible for membership in an appropriate professional organization (e.g.,IAI, NED/IAI). Certification by a nationally recognized agency in the specialty area is desirable.

ALL REQUIREMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES.