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Job Description
Job Summary
Performs latent fingerprint submission and recovery of computer imaging tasks relating to criminal investigation and the prosecution of criminal cases. Salary is pending City Council Approval.
Representative Duties
Facilitates the submission and analysis of latent fingerprints into the Department of Justice Automated Fingerprint Identification System (DOJ/AFIS) and the Los Angeles County Fingerprint Identification Systems. Compiles statistical information in regards to latent print recovery, evaluation, and submission into Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS).
Produces and stores digital photography using digital archiving software. Produces AFIS charts and fingerprint enlargements.
Testifies in court as an expert witness in the areas of AFIS submission, latent fingerprint documentation, collection, and preservation of crime scene and/or the results of forensic examination findings.
Processes and compares fingerprints found at crime scenes and coordinates with representatives of other law enforcement agencies in the identification of suspects through comparison of fingerprints and in the use of Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS) and the CAL-ID AFIS system and Next Generation Identification (NGI).
Performs crime scene sketching and diagramming with the assistance of computer aided software.
Performs laboratory analysis of physical evidence collected at crime scenes and performs subsequent chemical processing for the detection of latent fingerprints, including laser applications such as the use of alternate light sources (ALS).
Performs presumptive chemical analysis on various types of substances including blood, semen and saliva.
Produces and stores digital photography using digital image archiving software, video storage. Produces crime scene charts and enlargements.
Prepares court exhibits to depict AFIS images and latent fingerprint comparison charts.
Prepares detailed reports of AFISsubmission performed.
Performs other related duties, as assigned.
Requirements
Knowledge, Abilities and Skills :
Knowledge of:
Fingerprint classification systems.
Principles and practices of lifting and preserving latent fingerprints.
Principles and practices of collecting and preserving crime scene evidence.
Procedures, practices, and laws regarding the collection, preservation, and integrity of evidence.
Photographic darkroom technique.
Crime scene procedures.
Computer graphics/digital imaging as it relates to forensic application and processes.
Photography and video techniques.
AFIS computer operations.
CAL-ID AFIS.
IAFIS System.
Ability to:
Perform complex latent fingerprint recovery and classification work.
Accurately adjust color digital images for output to storage media and printers.
Take photographs with digital cameras.
Testify effectively in court.
Obtain and maintain expert fingerprint certification.
Respond to crime scenes and search for, collect and preserve physical evidence.
Prepare physical evidence for court.
Learn and use law enforcement telecommunications databases and other applications in an appropriate manner including standards of confidentiality.
Provide effective customer service.
Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with City employees and the public.
Skill in:
Crime scene evidence processing and analysis.
Friction Ridge Analysis.
Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems.
Using a personal computer and applicable software applications.
Education, Training and Experience :
Graduation from high school or equivalent.
Two years of paid work experience as a Forensic Specialist, Identification Specialist or Contract Latent Fingerprint Examiner. Previous recent law enforcement experience is required.
Licenses and Certificates :
Possession of a valid Class C driver license or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions. Certification from the International Association for Identification as a Latent Fingerprint Examiner is highly desirable.
Supplemental Information
HOW TO APPLY : Applicants must submit a clear, concise, completed online City application along with any required supplemental application and materials with the Human Resources Department by the filing deadline.
SELECTION PROCESS : All applicants will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience, training and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS : Candidates who have successfully completed all prior phases of the selection process will be subject to a thorough background investigation.
Diversity & Inclusion Statement
The City of Santa Monica is a progressive, inclusive and culturally-rich community. As leaders in public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a highly-talented workforce where people of diverse races, religions, cultures and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and where their differences make a positive impact.
The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our employees. Join us!
Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for persons with disabilities. Call (310) 458-8246, TDD (310) 458-8696 (Hearing Impaired Only).
Please note the request for reasonable accommodations must be made to Human Resources at least three work days prior to the examination.
This is a temporary hourly position without benefits. The City of Santa Monica provides a deferred compensation (457) retirement plan for its as-needed (temporary) employees who are not eligible for coverage under the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). The City and as-needed employee are each required to contribute 3.75% of wages to the deferred compensation plan. As-needed employee contributions will be deducted from paychecks on a pre-tax basis.
Closing Date/Time: 12/5/2025 5:00 PM Pacific -
Special Instructions
Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board. -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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City of Santa Monica
Show moreSanta Monica is a beachside city of 8.3 square miles on the westside of Los Angeles County. Offering an environment of unparalleled natural beauty, the city is home to a mix of residential communities, commercial districts, and recreational venues. Recently named by National Geographic as one of the Top "10 Beach Cities in the World" and by TIME as one of the "Best Places to Live", Santa Monica features three miles of Pacific beaches and the Santa Monica Pier. Santa Monica’s residential population is approximately 93,000, increasing to an estimated 250,000 during the day with tourists, shoppers, and employees. Tourism attracts over 8 million visitors annually.
The City of Santa Monica was incorporated on November 30, 1886 and subsequently adopted a City Charter in 1945. In 1947, a City Council-City Manager form of government was established. The City Council consists of seven members elected by the community at large to four year terms.
The City of Santa Monica is a full-service city. City departments provide police, fire, a regional transportation network, water, refuse and recycling, streets, parking, planning, building, engineering, free public wifi, a high speed fiber optic network, parks, affordable housing, economic development, library, rent control, recreational, cultural, and educational services to the community.
The City-operated Big Blue Bus regional bus service provides over 16.5 million rides for customers each year, all powered by renewable natural gas. Breeze Bike Share was Southern California's first bike share system with 500 bikes at 85 locations. In 2016, the Metro Expo Line opened connecting Santa Monica to Downtown Los Angeles in under an hour.
The City of Santa Monica is a national leader in environmental, economic and social sustainability. The City is working toward aggressive climate action goals including: water self-sufficiency by 2020, zero waste by 2030, and carbon neutrality by 2050.
The highly-rated Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District serves both Santa Monica and Malibu residents. Santa Monica College (SMC), one of the state's top two-year community colleges, serves over 30,000 full-time and part-time students on several campuses and offers more than 90 fields of study. Santa Monica's strong education institutions are complemented by the 5-star rated Santa Monica Public Library system.
Public safety is a top priority in the City of Santa Monica. Santa Monica Fire Department continues to maintain a Class 1 ISO rating, the highest possible rating.
Santa Monica has a strong and diverse economy. Known as “Silicon Beach,” local businesses are at the leading edge of the nation’s creative economy and startup scene.
Sana Monica is also home to three renowned and respected health facilities, Providence Saint John’s Health Center, Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente.
Connect with the City of Santa Monica by visiting www.santamonica.gov, follow @santamonicacity on Twitter, or sign up for the City's newsletter and emergency alerts at www.smgov.net/newsletter.
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