Forensic Technician - Latent Print Examiner (PT)

Forensic Technician - Latent Print Examiner (PT)

Salary

$24.97 - $39.28 Hourly

Location

Police Headquarters, 111 Henley Place, Suffolk, VA

Job Type

Part Time

Job Number

04524

Department

POLICE-ADMINISTRATIVE 40 HOUR

Opening Date

06/25/2026

Closing Date

7/9/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Under limited supervision, conducts scientific and comprehensive evaluations of latent fingerprints and other impressions developed from evidence for the purpose of identification of criminals; serves as custodian of fingerprint and other records; and testifies as an expert witness in court proceedings. May work variable shifts. Reports to the Forensic Supervisor.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be essential in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

Essential Job Functions

• Examine latent fingerprints lifted from crime scenes to determine whether the quality and minutia content are sufficient for comparison.
• Operate the Automated Fingerprint Identification System(AFIS); and scan prints and run the computer search.
• Obtain fingerprint cards for potential matches; and verify matches through magnifying glass examinations.
• Testify in court as an expert witness on latent fingerprint identification.
• Maintain custody/security of a large volume of fingerprint cards and latent prints.
• File fingerprint cards and other records of suspects.
• Examine impression evidence for class and individual characteristics.
• Represent the Police Department in providing public presentations regarding the use of AFIS and the role of fingerprint classification in police investigations.

Required Qualifications

Bachelors degree in Forensic Science, Criminal Justice, Science, or related field with a minimum of one to three years of experience as a forensic technician; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Preferred Qualifications

• Latent Print Certification from the International Association for Identification (IAI).
• Bachelor's degree in Forensic Science, Chemistry, Biology or other physical/core science.

Special Requirements

• Must obtain and maintain Virginia State Police AFIS operator certification within 6 months of employment.
• Must be able to work rotating shifts (days/evenings/midnights) including weekends and holidays and be available to work overtime when required to meet operational needs.
• Must successfully complete a police background investigation, including polygraph examination.

Supplemental Information

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Required to Perform Satisfactorily

• Knowledge

• Knowledge of advanced photographic principles.

• Knowledge of basic office procedures.

• Knowledge of fingerprint class identification methods and development techniques.

• Knowledge of the properties of friction skin, as it relates to individual characteristics of the hands and feet.

• Knowledge of the history of fingerprints and their role in identification.

• Knowledge of the chain of custody requirements for evidence collection and preservation.

• Skills

• Skill in advanced photography.

• Skill in fingerprint classification and comparison.

• Skill in latent fingerprint development.

• Skill in operating the AFIS computerized system.

• Skill in discharging duties independently with limited supervision.

• Skill in recording data and maintaining accurate, detailed records.

• Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

• Ability to identify and differentiate fingerprint patterns, using principles of fingerprint classification and comparison.

• Ability to roll comparable inked fingerprints.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other police department personnel as well as members of outside agencies.

• Ability to communicate effectively with members of the public in a variety of situations.

• Ability to perform work effectively in stressful situations.

• Ability to understand court procedure and provide proper testimony for court cases.

• Ability to work with toxic/hazardous chemicals and handle a variety of hazardous materials on a daily basis.

Seasonal Employees- No Benefits

Part-time Employees - Sick Leave (See below)

Full Time Employees are eligible for the following benefits;

Retirement (Virginia Retirement System employer) for employees hired on or after 1/1/14 - Hybrid Members

Hybrid plan members contribute 4 percent of creditable compensation to the defined benefit plan and 1 percent to the defined contribution plan each month. Members may voluntarily contribute up to an additional 4 percent in 0.5 percent increments to the defined contribution plan each month. Members can increase or decrease their voluntary contributions on a quarterly basis. With the mandatory and voluntary contributions to the defined contribution component of the plan, members can contribute a maximum of 5 percent with a 3.5 percent match from the employer. Members invest in various investment options that best fit their needs.

Vested after 5 years in the defined benefit part of the plan. Vested in phases based on years in the Defined Contribution part of the Plan. The retirement eligibility for a full or reduced retirement pension in the Hybrid Plan is very detailed. Please contact the Virginia Retirement System or the Human Resources Department for details.

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Yearly earnings

120 Hours (1-59 months), 144 Hours (60-119 months), 168 Hours (120- 179 months), 192 Hours (180 and over)

Sick Leave

Part Time employees earn 4 hours per month Sick leave accrues at the end of the month and may be accrued with no ceiling.

Personal Leave

All regular full time employees are granted 24 hours of personal leave each calendar year. Personal leave must be preapproved and is not cumulative.

Health Insurance

Coverage available for you and your eligible dependents using pre-tax payroll deductions if elected.

Supplemental Insurances

Employees may purchase the following supplemental insurance policies: short term and long term disability, cancer, accident, supplemental hospitalization, and group universal life insurance.

Employer Sponsored Short Term and Long Term Disability

Provides disability coverage for employees work and non-work related disabilities. Work related disabilities are covered starting on day one (1). Non work related disabilities are covered starting on day eight (8), after you have been employed for one year.

Flexible Spending Accounts

Employees may participate in the Health Reimbursement, Dependent Care Reimbursement and Premium Reimbursement Accounts. All deductions are made on a pre-tax basis and will reduce your taxable income.

Life Insurance

The city pays the entire premium for life insurance coverage in the amount of 2 times annual salary for natural death and 4 times annual salary for accidental death.

Optional Life Insurance

Employees have the option of electing additional life insurance coverage in the amount of 1, 2, 3 or 4 times their annual salary. Employees may only purchase optional life insurance on spouses and children if they are enrolled in optional life insurance for themselves.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

12 weeks of job protected leave for leaves approved in accordance with the Family Medical Leave Act. Employees receive continuation of health insurance, job protection and consideration for a comparable job when available, or an equivalent job, upon return to work.

Funeral Leave

24 hours of paid leave of absence in case of death in immediate family.

Holidays

Suffolk follows the Virginia State holiday calendar as set by the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Jury Duty

Time off with pay with difference between jury pay and regular pay or use annual leave and keep check.

457 Deferred Compensation, ROTH IRA, Traditional IRA

Offered through ICMA Retirement Corporation as a way to shelter a portion of your salary from income taxes and save for retirement.

Employee Assistance Program

Offers employees and immediate family members (3) free, confidential counseling sessions related to a broad range of issues such as marital or family conflict, job or personal stress, alcohol or drug abuse, financial or legal worries, etc.

Workers Compensation

Should an employee have an on the job injury, he/she could be eligible for Workmens Compensation Benefits, except in cases of willful neglect.

Pay Days

Employees will be paid on the 15th and last working day of each month.

Credit Union

A Suffolk Credit Union is available to employees.

Legal Services

Employees may prepay for access to legal assistance.

Notary Public Services

Services available in the Human Resources Department.

Alternative Work Schedule

For some positions -Offers 4 Alternative Work Schedule options to provide employees with greater control over their personal and professional time, as well as reducing absences.

01

Do you have a valid drivers license?

• Yes
• No

02

Which of the following best describes your experience processing Crime scenes?

• Less than 1 year
• 1 - 3 years
• 3 - 4 years
• 4 - 5 years
• 5 - 6 years
• 6 - 7 years
• More than 7 years

03

Do you have any previous experience in forensics, fingerprint examination, or digital forensic examinations to include work experience, paid internships, and/or unpaid internships?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have a Bachelors degree or higher in Forensic science, Criminal Justice, Chemistry or a closely related field?

• Yes
• No

05

Are you willing to test for and obtain certification as a Certified Crime Scene Investigator?

• Yes
• No
• I am already certified

06

Do you have any experience working for a law enforcement agency?

• Yes
• No

07

Are you a current employee of the City of Suffolk?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Suffolk

Address 442 W. Washington Street, Suite 1044

Suffolk, Virginia, 23434

Phone 7575144110

Website http://www.suffolkva.us