Latent Print Examiner Iii (Vacancy)

The Columbus Police Department Crime Lab is hiring a Latent Print Examiner III for a full-time position. In this exciting opportunity, the hired Latent Print Examiner III will be working in a state-of-the-art laboratory alongside a team of highly skilled forensics professionals.
The hired Latent Print Examiner III will be responsible for overseeing the technical operations and administrative functions of the Columbus Police Department Crime Lab. Duties of this role may include: examination of evidence using the ACE-V methods; using local, state and federal databases; preparing technical reports; performing verifications, technical and administrative reviews; ensuring conformance with accreditation standards, resolving technical disagreements and other quality issues.

In addition, this role will supervise a team of Latent Print Examiner Is and Latent Print Examiner IIs. Supervisory duties may include coaching, mentoring and initiating disciplinary action when needed; conducting performance evaluations; managing leave requests and overtime.

About Us
Established in 1816, the Columbus Division of Police has over 1,800 officers and 300 civilian employees. The Division covers 20 precincts across the greater Columbus metropolitan area, while serving over 900,000 residents. Guided by the Constitution, our Core Values, and steadfast adherence to ethical conduct, we are in service to safeguard the lives, property, and rights of all.
The Columbus Police Crime Laboratory is accredited under ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and the FBI Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Thorough knowledge of ridged skin patterns and characteristic interpretations; thorough knowledge of friction ridge and general processing methods; thorough knowledge of Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS); thorough knowledge of ACE-V methodology; thorough knowledge of scientific technical working groups; thorough knowledge of laboratory safety and appropriate emergency procedures; thorough knowledge of evidence and criminal procedures; thorough knowledge of applicable quality standards in forensics, such as ISO/IEC 17025 and accrediting body standards; considerable knowledge of laboratory information management system (LIMS); considerable knowledge of management and supervisory practices and principles; considerable knowledge of administrative practices and principles; general knowledge of applicable union contract(s); some knowledge of the latest case decisions in the area of fingerprint and Latent Print identification; skill in public speaking; ability to apply critical thinking to perform, analyze, and interpret results of laboratory tests; ability to write clear, concise reports; ability to maintain accurate records; ability to plan and supervise work projects and assign to personnel; ability to evaluate the work performed by subordinates and provide appropriate constructive guidance; ability to distinguish fine visual details; ability to read and comprehend memoranda, technical reports, and scientific literature; ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; ability to use a computer and related software; ability to look back and forth to compare minute detail between two or more sources of information; ability to identify problems, analyze information, and recommend solutions; ability to prioritize; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; ability to maintain confidentiality .

Under general direction, is responsible for serving as a subject matter expert and supervisor of assigned staff within the Latent Print specialization in the Crime Laboratory; performs related duties as required.

(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all of the duties that may be performed.)

Supervises assigned staff to include conducting performance evaluations, approving/disapproving leave requests, and/or initiating disciplinary action;

Oversees the operation and administrative functions of the unit including budgetary and supply needs and prioritization of workload;

Checks work products to ensure conformance to standards; coordinates resolution of quality issues with other unit supervisors;

Oversees and performs the examination of evidence using the ACE-V (analysis, comparison, evaluation, and verification) method and prepares technical reports on findings;

Oversees the examination and storage of physical evidence while in custody of the laboratory;

Oversees and conducts searches through Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) and other law enforcement databases (i.e., NGI, State AFIS) for comparison to prints on file;

Oversees and performs Latent Print processing and evidence collection;

Ensures the maintenance and proper utilization of laboratory equipment;

Testifies as an expert witness in court; conducts and participates in mock trial training exercises;

Prepares, coordinates, and/or conducts training programs (e.g. new employee, in-service, development, outreach) for Crime Laboratory staff, police officers, prosecutors, and community groups;

Reviews scientific literature, researches methods, and recommends improvements to methods and equipment;

Performs periodic review of Crime Laboratory procedures, bureau SOPs, division directives, and strategic plans for appropriate changes/additions;

Seeks out technological advances that may increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the Latent Print specialization; takes appropriate steps to implement new technology or methods;

Serves as liaison to the public, laboratories, and other law enforcement agencies for Latent Print expertise;

Attends conferences, workshops, seminars, and reads literature related to forensic Latent Print science.

Possession of a bachelor's degree with some coursework in the physical or biological sciences (ten (10) semester or fifteen (15) quarter hours) and five (5) years of experience performing Latent Print comparisons. Substitution(s): Possession of a master's degree in forensic, physical, biological sciences, or a related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.

Recruitment #: 24-3011-V1
Employment Type: Full-Time (Regular)
Should you have questions regarding this vacancy, please contact:
Heather Voege
Department of Public Safety
Division of Police
120 Marconi Blvd/ Room 716
Columbus, Ohio 43215
P: (614) 645-4964
E: hsvoege@columbuspolice.org Employment Type: Full-time