Latent Print Examiner

Salary : $82,596.00 - $110,676.00 Annually
Location : City of Oceanside, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 25-99
Department: Police
Opening Date: 03/20/2025
Closing Date: 4/18/2025 4:00 PM Pacific

Introduction
THE CITY OF OCEANSIDE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
The City of Oceanside is accepting applications for current and future vacancies for the position of Latent Print Examiner. There is currently one vacancy in the Police Department - Investigations Division.
The Latent Print Examiner is a technical class allocated only to the Oceanside Police Department. This is a non-sworn professional classification. Incumbents are responsible for conducting fully independent latent print casework, automated latent print searches, assisting in responding to and processing crime scenes, all aspects of documentation, and testifying in court as an expert witness and perform other related duties and assignments as directed.
This classification may be called upon to provide training and technical guidance to sworn or civilian departmental personnel and assist supervisors and managers in coordinating designated activities and programs.
Examples of Duties
The Latent Print Examiners analyze known and latent prints for comparison purposes; operate all computers and computer-related equipment associated with automated fingerprint identification systems; perform development of latent prints on objects using a variety of physical, chemical and/or optical methods; collect latent prints or other impression evidence found at crime scenes or submitted to the laboratory; maintain accurate observations regarding examinations and generate comprehensive analytical reports regarding findings; maintain all necessary records; present fair and impartial testimony concerning findings, as established by analysis and interpret findings regarding all aspects of assigned duties; conduct administrative and technical review of casework from colleagues; assist in responding to and searching for evidence at crime scenes that may contain certain hazards; document all work performed at scenes and issue subsequent reports; utilize a variety of photographic and/or digital preservation methods; evaluates incoming latent prints to determine quality for usability and identification purposes; perform AFIS computer entries of crime scene prints and performs all follow-up tasks generated by the CAL-ID system. Provide technical training, guidance, and advice to less experienced personnel and other law-enforcement or other users; Maintain equipment, instruments, supplies, and work areas; maintain chain of custody and integrity of evidence under his/her control; obtain friction ridge skin impressions from both living and deceased subjects; operate a motor vehicle in the performance of assigned duties; may be subject to extended or additional work hours for crime scene duties or other time sensitive work; perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge of:

• Fingerprint classification systems and theories, principles and scientific basis for fingerprint comparisons.
• Latent prints development techniques for field and laboratory settings.
• Automated fingerprint identification systems.
• Methods and techniques used in the identification, collection, and presentation of property & evidence.
• Correct English usage, spelling, punctuation, grammar, note-taking and report-writing.
• Photography and other preservation methods.
• Safe work practices in a laboratory setting and at crime scenes.
• The criminal justice system.
• Computer systems and software applications.
• City customer service objectives and strategies.

Ability to:

• Recognize and distinguish patterns that are relied upon for latent print comparison processes.
• Accurately compare known and latent prints for comparison purposes.
• Select and utilize appropriate methods and sequences for developing latent prints.
• Locate, develop, and preserve latent prints or other impression evidence at crime scenes and in a laboratory setting.
• Prepare and maintain all necessary laboratory records and technical reports.
• Prepare and analyze complex reports of a general and technical nature.
• Provide expert testimony and prepare suitable court exhibits.
• Act as a liaison with other agencies regarding latent prints and evidence analysis.
• Maintain and make minor adjustments and repairs to equipment routinely utilized.
• Attend and assist in evidence collection at autopsies.
• Establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Follow oral and written directions.
• Work effectively in a highly structured, rank-organized environment.
• Operate a motor vehicle in the performance of duties.

Experience and Training

Experience: Four years of full time experience in the classification, comparison and identification of latent fingerprint material and related matters.

Note: Crime scene investigations and evidence collection is highly desirable.

Training: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Forensic Science, Criminalistics, Evidence Technology or a closely related field.

License/Certificate:

• Possession of an appropriate, valid California driver's license.

Note: Possession of a Latent Print Examiner Certification issued by the International Association for Identification (IAI) is highly desirable.

Special Requirements:

• May be subject to call-out during major case investigations.

Working Conditions and Selection Process
Environmental Conditions: Office and field environment; exposure to computer screens and office equipment. Sometimes work is stressful when working under stringent time constraints and deadlines.

Physical Conditions: Essential and marginal functions may require maintaining physical condition for sitting, walking or standing for prolonged periods of time; climbing stairs and ladders, bending, lifting, crawling into small/confined spaces; work involves frequent exposure to chemicals and bio-hazardous/infectious materials, waste, or deceased bodies during the course of performing duties.

Selection Process: All properly completed applications will be reviewed and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. The process may include a written and/or oral board examination to assess job-related qualifications. Candidates who successfully complete the examination process will be placed on the Eligibility List according to their final scores and will remain eligible for employment consideration for a minimum of six months.
Note: Prospective employees will undergo, and must successfully pass, a thorough background reference check (including fingerprinting) and a medical examination. Drug screening may be required.
RESUMES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED IN LIEU OF COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS.

CANDIDATES WHO REQUIRE A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION IN THE SELECTION PROCESS SHOULD STATE THEIR NEEDS IN WRITING WHEN SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION PACKAGE.

THE PROVISIONS IN THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. ANY PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.
CITY OF OCEANSIDE

Unrepresented Supervisory, Technical & Confidential
Benefit Summary

The following is a highlight of benefits
Retirement

Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS)

• Employees hired after January 1, 2013 are subject to the State laws of the California Public Employees Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) in regard to retirement benefits. Each individual's benefits may differ. Consult with Employee Benefits for further details.
• Third Level 1959 Survivor Credit
• Survivor Continuation option

Additional Retirement Credit Purchase Options

• Buy additional Service Retirement Credit prior to membership
• Service Credit for unused Sick Leave
• Buy additional Military Service Credit

Health Insurance
Medical:

• Kaiser HMO
• Blue Shield HMO
• Blue Shield PPO

Dental:

• Delta Preferred Option (DPO)
• Delta Care USA (DHMO)

Vision:

• Vision Service Plan (VSP)

Pre-Tax Benefits

Health benefits are offered on a pre-tax basis and employees cannot add or delete coverage or benefits unless a qualifying event has occurred.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The Anthem EAP is paid for by the City.

• Available to all members of your household
• 6 free confidential counseling visits per incident
• Self-service support online or by phone

Disability and Life Insurances
The STD/LTD/LIFE and AD&D Voya premiums are paid for by City.
Short-Term Disability (STD) Insurance:

• First 90 days - benefits paid at 55% of weekly salary to a maximum weekly benefit of $700 for non-work related disability only
• Seven day waiting period unless hospitalized
• All sick leave must be exhausted before STD is used

Long-Term Disability Insurance:

• After 90 days - benefits paid at 66.7% of monthly salary to a maximum monthly benefit of $6,000 for any disability

Life and AD&D Insurance:

• 1 times annual base salary; minimum of $30,000 and maximum of $200,000 of Basic Life & AD&D

Voluntary Benefits

Benefits are employee paid.
Supplemental Life Insurance through Voya:

• Premiums are determined by age
• Purchased up to a maximum $500,000 for employees
• Spousal coverage up to the employee amount
• Dependent coverage up to $10,000

Flexible Spending Accounts through BCC:

• Utilizes a debit card as a form of payment
• Health Care Spending Account - maximum annual deferral is $2,850
• Dependent Care Spending Account - maximum annual deferral is $5,000

Deferred Compensation - 457 and Roth IRA through Mission Square:

• 457 - Maximum annual pre/post-taxed amount is $22,500 for 2023; over age 50 may contribute an additional $7,500.
• Roth IRA - Maximum post-taxed amount is $6,500; over age 50 may contribute an additional $1,000

Hyatt Legal

• Telephone and office consultations are avialable for an unlimited number fo personal legal matters with an attorney of your choice.

GotZoom Student Loan Relief

• Provides a no-obligation benefit analysis for federal student loans to identify, maximize and enroll employees into Federal Loan Repayment and Forgiveness Programs.

ScholarShare 529

• An easy to manage plan that helps make the most of your or a designated beneficiary's college savings with tax benefits.

Leave Benefits
Vacation:
All accruals are based on 80 hours in a paid status

1 - 5 years: 3.58 hours

6 - 10 years: 5.12 hours

11 - 15 years: 6.65 hours

16 + years: 8.19 hours
Maximum accrual:

• 360 hours for those hired before 7/1/95
• 300 hours for those hired 7/1/95 or after

Holidays:

• New Years' Day
• Martin Luther King Jr Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veterans' Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Friday after Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day
• 48 hours Floating Holidays per fiscal year
• Supervisory exempt employees receive 50 hours of Executive leave per fiscal year

Sick Leave:

• 12 days per year

Max accrual: Unlimited
Annual Sick Leave Pay Off:

Each calendar year an employee may elect to receive a 50% payment in lieu of sick leave provided such employee has used 32 hours or less of sick leave during the calendar year.
Sick Leave Pay Off at Separation:

• Sick leave paid out depends on years of service and whether an employee retires or terminates

Bereavement Leave:

• Three days for death of employee's immediate family member
• Two additional days may be charged to sick leave upon approval

Tuition Reimbursement

Up to $2,000 per fiscal year.
Bilingual and Notary Pay

• Bilingual: $1.73 per hour for eligible employees
• Notary: $.58 per hour for eligible employees

Safety Shoes
The City will provide reimbursement up to $150 towards the purchase price of safety shoes to employees who are required to wear such shoes on the job.

Term of Compensation Plan

Approved July 1, 2022
This is a summary of available benefits. It is not intended to provide full details of all programs. The appropriate Memorandum of Understanding, Compensation Plan and/or Benefit Plan Documents will govern any discrepancies and provide program specifics.
01

Do you possess a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Forensic Science, Criminalistics, Evidence Technology or a closely related field?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you possess four years of full time experience in the classification, comparison and identification of latent fingerprint material and related matters?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you possess a Latent Print Examiner Certification issued by the International Association for Identification (IAI)?

• Yes
• No

04

Please describe your work experience in analyzing known and latent prints for comparison purposes.
05

Please describe your work experience in generating comprehensive analytical reports.
06

Please describe your work experience presenting fair and impartial testimony concerning findings.
07

Please describe your work experience performing Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS) searches.
08

Please describe your work experience in crime scene investigations and evidence collection.
09

Are you willing and able to work varying shifts (i.e., Day, Swing and Graveyard) including weekends and holidays?

• Yes
• No

10

CERTIFICATE OF APPLICANT: I certify that all statements and information provided in this application and any attachments are true, and I understand that any false or misleading statements or omissions of material facts may forfeit right to employment considerations by the City of Oceanside.

• Yes
• No

Required Question