Friction Ridge Examiner - District Attorney Forensic Laboratory

Department: District Attorney

Sub-Department: Forensic Investigation Division

Pay Grade: 112

FLSA Status: Exempt

Employment Status: Full-Time

Reports to: Forensics Supervisor

Supervises: N/A

Position Code: DA3038

This position is deemed a safety sensitive position, and the selected hire is subject to the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening.

Current County Employees will follow the County Promotion/Demotion Policy.

The starting salary is negotiable based on relevant years of work experience and education in a similar position.

Job Summary:

The Cumberland County DA's Office Forensic Laboratory is seeking a detail-oriented and analytically skilled Friction Ridge Examiner to join the six-disciplined forensic laboratory. This position is responsible for the analysis, comparison, evaluation, and verification of latent and known fingerprints. The ideal candidate has prior experience in friction ridge examination and holds, or is actively working toward, certification as a Certified Latent Print Examiner (CLPE) through the International Association for Identification (IAI). The examiner maintains compliance with accreditation standards and the laboratory's quality management system. All work is to be performed in an unbiased objective manner and supports the mission of the laboratory and the Office of the District Attorney as necessary.

Essential Job Functions:

• Analyze, compare, evaluate, and verify (ACE-V methodology) latent fingerprints recovered from crime scenes and evidentiary items
• Search for unknown friction ridge skin impression to known prints contained in various databases
• Document the results of all examination activities
• Prepare and furnish authoritative oral and written reports on opinions and findings
• Testify in court regarding lab findings and may be required to testify in court as to the procedures and methods used to obtain data
• Plan and design court exhibits/electronic media displays and provide technical support to the District Attorney's Office for trial preparation each court term
• Maintain chain of custody for all evidence handled
• Participate in proficiency testing, technical review, and verification of other examiners' conclusions
• Stay current with advances in latent print technology, techniques, and IAI/SWGFAST standards
• Maintain case files and records in accordance with agency policy and accreditation standards ISO/IEC 17025
• Serve as a technical consultant to the laboratory director, District Attorney staff, and the law enforcement community of Cumberland County
• Support the mission of the laboratory and the District Attorney's Office

OTHER DUTIES OF JOB:

• Perform other related duties as required
• Assist laboratory director with other duties and projects as needed

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Receives supervision from the Forensic Supervisor/Public Health Supervisor

SUPERVISION GIVEN: None

QUALIFICATIONS:

Must have a valid PA driver's license

Minimum Requirements to Perform the Work:

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Forensic Science, Criminal Justice, or a related field preferred

Work Experience:

• Three to five years of experience in latent fingerprint examination/comparison
• Prior law enforcement, crime scene investigation, or forensic laboratory experience preferred