(This is a representative job description, contact each individual agency for specific job requirements)

Arizona DPS does not offer the 40hr fingerprint classification course. Please refer to private vendors located in Arizona and other States, the International Association of Identification or local community college programs.  Due to State procurement law, Arizona DPS can not provide recommendations for one vendor over another.

GENERAL SCOPE:

The fundamental duties of a Fingerprint Technician are the acquisition, classification, searching, comparison, identification and filing of fingerprints, either manually or via the Arizona Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AZAFIS). Additional duties include: recording information in various administrative logs, filing and maintaining fingerprint cards, and operating a remote computer terminal for query and data entry. Some positions assist Latent Print Examiners by entering high quality latent prints obtained from crime scenes into the AFIS system, and marking minutiae points and the core of the print.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Acquisitions essential demographic information, blocking and fingerprint images into AZAFIS to establish or update an Arizona Computerized Criminal History (ACCH) and/or FBI record, using a barcode printer, and the AZAFIS full function and ISII Imaging System scanner workstations.

2. Compares fingerprint data (e.g., skeleton, core and axis, bifurcations, type lines, deltas, etc.) to determine positive identification of individuals, using fingerprint magnifier, AZAFIS full function scanner workstation, verification station and fingerprint cards.

3. Provides technical assistance and instruction to the Criminal Justice and non-Criminal Justice public regarding fingerprint techniques in order to maximize quality of data and accuracy of identification.

4. Performs routine AZAFIS and manual file maintenance, such as identifying and consolidating duplicate records, posting and deleting flags, or upgrading/enhancing image data, using AZAFIS full function scanner workstation, verification station, master arrest fingerprint card Power Files and fingerprint magnifier.

5. Releases information to and obtains information from authorized DPS personnel and other law enforcement agencies as directed, using a personal computer, Optical Print and Photo Imaging subsystem (OPPIS), high-resolution facsimile machine and other standard office equipment.

6. Validates information entered into AZAFIS; researches and corrects data entry errors in order to safeguard the quality and integrity of the AZAFIS, ACCH and FBI databases.

7. Classifies fingerprints by analyzing and blocking pattern types using the science and techniques of fingerprints and the Henry fingerprint classification system.

8. Fingerprints suspects and applicants to obtain quality ten-print cards for the purpose of establishing or verifying identity, using standard fingerprint equipment and supplies, or automated Livescan devices.

9. Maintains current knowledge of federal, state, AZAFIS, Department rules and regulations, policies and procedures, and statutes governing security and privacy of record information, in order to process and manage information accurately and appropriately.

EDUCATION:

Basic education required by most law enforcement agencies consists of graduation from a FBI, or equivalent, 40-hour Fingerprint Classification course or formalized college course work in the area of fingerprint identification, criminalistics and evidence technology.

The FBI 40 hour Fingerprint Classification course syllabus includes:

* Identifying Loop, Whorl and Arch patterns

* Loop ridge counting

* Major characteristics of fingerprints (cores, deltas, type lines)

* Whorl tracing

* Henry Classification System

* Taking ink and roll impressions

A person entering this career field should have education or experience that supplied them with the necessary knowledge or ability to:

1. Classify and identify fingerprints based on methods and practices of standard fingerprint classification.

2. Take fingerprint impressions for the purpose of obtaining quality tenprint cards or automated Livescan fingerprint records.

3. Make decisions based on analysis of detailed visual images.

4. Lear extensive statutes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures pertaining to the use and management of information related to fingerprints and criminal history records.