Forensic Fingerprint Expert (Dallas Police)

State Of Texas • Dallas, TX

440d • $60,528 - $75,670

About The Position

The Forensic Fingerprint Expert plays a critical role in the Dallas Police Department by performing advanced forensic fingerprint duties. This position involves training and mentoring lower-level employees, providing technical oversight, and ensuring the integrity of fingerprinting functions. The expert will also engage in complex laboratory tests, assist in legal proceedings, and stay updated on innovations in forensic science.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Criminalistics, Forensics, Natural Sciences (chemistry, biology, physics) or Social Science field.
• Two (2) years of professional level experience with a municipal, county, state or federal regulatory agency in latent print comparison or advanced ridgeology techniques.
• Valid driver's license with a good driving record.
• Must pass intensive background check (No Felony or Class A Misdemeanor convictions).
• Must have or obtain certification as a Latent Print Examiner by the International Association for Identification (I.A.I.) within six (6) month probationary period.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in a specified field plus one (1) year of required experience.
• Current Latent Print Certification from the International Association for Identification (I.A.I).

Responsibilities

• Performs and develops difficult and complex laboratory tests in forensic fingerprinting and provides professional technical direction and guidance on fingerprinting activities and evidence gathering.
• Instructs, assists, or trains lower level staff and law enforcement personnel on new or unusual fingerprint sciences, processes, and procedures.
• Provides scientific assistance to attorneys, state lawmakers, and regulatory agencies.
• Evaluates, reviews, and determines evidentiary value of submitted and developed prints; conducts difficult and complex examinations and comparisons of latent prints and known prints.
• Determines proper testing techniques, including the proper sequence of latent print development techniques for items of evidence.
• Processes items of evidence for latent prints and uses appropriate documentation and recovery techniques to preserve those latent prints sufficient for recovery.
• Encodes latent prints into Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS); ensures use of proper methods of coding.
• Stays current in new trends and innovations in the field of forensic science; conducts research and evaluates new procedures and methods; recommends new procedures and updates existing procedures.
• Acts as technical leader as established in The Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic Fingerprinting; troubleshoots, performs and supervises repairs on laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Testifies as an expert witness in difficult and complicated court cases.

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Pet insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: High school or GED