Latent Print Examiner
Location: Alexandria, VA
Job Number: 2026-00033
Salary: $70,234.84 - $101,115.56
Closing Date: July 30, 2025
An Overview
The Latent Print Examiner serves a critical role within the Police Department’s forensic services, specializing in the identification and analysis of latent friction ridge impressions (fingerprints, palm prints, and footprints). Responsibilities include the examination, comparison, evaluation, and verification (ACE-V) of latent prints against known records using both manual and automated systems (e.g., AFIS). The examiner is responsible for the proper documentation, preservation, and reporting of friction ridge evidence, and provides timely analytical findings to investigators, detectives, and prosecuting attorneys. This position may also require testimony in court proceedings as a qualified expert witness.
The Opportunity – Examples of Work
- Analyzes latent fingerprints and palm prints to determine their suitability for comparison.
- Compares latent prints to known exemplars from victims, suspects, or others who may have come into contact with the item or surface.
- Conducts complex comparisons of unidentified latent prints using Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) technology, matching against databases of individuals with criminal histories.
- Prepares comprehensive documentation and formal reports detailing the results of friction ridge examinations.
- Processes and maintain criminal and civil ten-print fingerprint and palm print records, including quality control review, record consolidation, and file management.
- Prepares detailed charts, visual exhibits, and supporting materials for courtroom presentation.
- Participates in pre-trial conferences and testifies in court as an expert witness in the identification of latent fingerprint and palm print evidence.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
- Performs related work as required.
