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

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:

A latent print examiner is responsible for identification functions such as crime scene photography, fingerprint classification searching and crime scene/evidence processing. An examiner also conducts technical examinations to develop, preserve and identify latent fingerprints, provides expert court testimony and prepares technical reports.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Examines, identifies and evaluates latent print evidence utilizing physical, chemical, microscopic, photographic, computer databases, comparative and classification techniques and instrumentation.

2. Develops experience in the use of all cameras, fingerprinting equipment, chemicals and postmortem kits.

3. Writes technical reports on the scientific analysis of evidence for inked prints and latent print comparisons.

4. Learns to identify deceased persons through fingerprints and photographs.

5. Testifies in court on fingerprints, latents, crime scene photography and other physical evidence.

6. Attend pre-trial conferences, prepare exhibits for court and provide expert courtroom testimony.

7. Responds to crime scenes in order to gather, preserve and move items of evidence for further analyses.

8. Researches and evaluates new methods of analysis to update methodology.

9. Fingerprint identification; classification and search methods, practices, records and equipment.

10. Use computer software to produce composite drawings as a result of interviewing witnesses and scrutinizing crime scenes for the collection of material and trace evidence.

EDUCATION:

A latent print examiner or criminalist requires, at minimum, a Bachelor’s degree in a scientific or law enforcement field. Additional formalized college course work should include classes such as: fingerprint comparison and classification, photography and darkroom processing, chemistry and crime scene processing.