Latent Print Examiner
Salary
$51,063.00 Annually
Location
Winston-Salem, NC
Job Type
Full-Time / Permanent
Job Number
08441
Department
Police
Division
Police - Investigative
Opening Date
04/17/2026
Closing Date
5/1/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Description
Performs responsible administrative, technical, and investigative work involving identification, gathering, preservation, processing, and examination of fingerprint evidence; does related work as required. Work is performed under general supervision.
Examples of Duties
Work is performed in a regular 40 hour week based on a day/evening schedule with on-call as needed basis; examines friction ridge patterns for the determination of latent impressions of value for identification, inclusion, and/or exclusion; operates SAFIS/SPEX terminals to access local, state and national AFIS databases to identify suspects/subjects; examines friction ridge patterns and plots ridge characteristics to create data that can be compared with known inked impressions; performs a variety of chemical and nonchemical forensic processes to retrieve latent impressions from evidence; searches and maintains a detailed filing system for records of all casework and latent and known fingerprints; performs various clerical tasks dealing with fingerprint identification; prepares analytical reports on analysis conducted; provides expert witness testimony in courts of law and prepares evidence for court presentation; serves as the primary friction ridge expert for the Department; complete expunction procedures to remove database information for arrested individual; provides instruction to agency personnel on the proper methods of recognition and collection of latent print evidence and all other related duties as required to include field response; assists other agencies with latent print processing and comparison; maintains scientific and laboratory standards; researches information regarding identification of friction ridge patterns; and reads forensic journals and other literature to stay abreast of updated techniques and training.
Typical Qualifications
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Minimum of Associates Degree in forensic science, biology, chemistry, criminal justice, or closely related field from an accredited institution or a combination of high school graduate/GED and work experience in a closely related field.
Considerable experience in fingerprint classification and latent fingerprint identification work with supplemental courses in fingerprint identification techniques; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides an understanding of common terminology and definitions associated with friction ridge pattern recognition (arch, loop, whorl) and interpretation, and the practices, methods, equipment, and materials used in fingerprint processing and identification.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Thorough knowledge of fingerprint identification practices; utilize the ACE-V scientific methodology for all fingerprint/palmprint comparisons; thorough knowledge of rules of evidence and chain of custody; considerable knowledge of the general laws, policies, rules, and regulations involved in law enforcement work as they apply to the processing of fingerprint evidence; ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions; ability to instruct and train personnel in regards to fingerprints; ability to use all fingerprint development techniques proficiently; ability to use computer systems to enter and retrieve data; ability to articulate clearly, both orally and in writing; ability to offer clear and concise testimony in court; thorough knowledge of the operations and usage of AFIS/SPEX terminals and databases; ability to maintain effective working relationships with public officials and citizens; and utilizes independent judgment and initiative, and an advanced skill level in the completion of work assignments.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Adequate physical agility and endurance to carry out duties to include climbing, standing, crawling, kneeling, and light lifting. This position specifically requires extended lengths of time sitting and bending.
WORK CONDITIONS:
Exposure to bloodborne pathogens, dust/dirt, fumes, and adverse sights and smells.
Supplemental Information
Thorough knowledge of fingerprint classification practices; utilize the ACE-V scientific methodology for all fingerprint/palmprint comparisons; thorough knowledge of rules of evidence and chain of custody; Considerable knowledge of the general laws, policies, rules, and regulations involved in law enforcement work as they apply to the processing of fingerprint evidence; ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions; ability to instruct and train personnel in regards to fingerprints; ability to use all fingerprint development techniques proficiently; ability to use computer systems to enter and retrieve data; ability to articulate clearly, both orally and in writing; ability to offer clear and concise testimony in court; thorough knowledge of the operations and usage of AFIS/SPEX terminals and databases; ability to maintain effective working relationships with public officials and citizens; and adequate physical agility and endurance to carry out duties.
Possession of a valid North Carolina drivers license; Basic Fingerprint Classification Certificate; Basic and Advanced Latent Fingerprint Comparison certificates; pass a department administered latent print to known print comparison test to include both palm and fingerprint impressions.
Obtain the IAI Certified Latent Print Examiner Certification within thirty-six months of being assigned to the Latent Print Examiners Office.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
The City of Winston-Salems employment practices are guided by federal, state, and local rules and regulations guaranteeing employment opportunities to all persons without regard to and prohibiting discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, religion, political affiliation or beliefs, national origin or handicap, unless a bonafide occupational qualification exists.
01
Please indicate your highest level of education with coursework in forensic science, biology, chemistry, criminal justice, or a closely related field:
02
Please indicate the level of experience and training you have with fingerprint processing and identification:
03
Do you possess any of the following certifications?
04
Do you possess a valid drivers license?
Required Question
Employer City of Winston-Salem
Address P.O. Box 2511
Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27102
Phone 336 747 6800
Website http://agency.governmentjobs.com/winstonsalemnc/default.cfm