Monday, August 11, 2025

Fingerprint Specialist I | Arlington County Police Department


 

Fingerprint Specialist I
Location: Arlington, VA
Job ID: 915
Salary: $54,558.40 - $84,572.80
Closing Date: August 14, 2025



The Arlington County Police Department is seeking a Fingerprint Specialist I to support the Forensic Identification Unit. This entry-level position is part of a multi-grade classification series with non-competitive promotional opportunities. The selected candidate will assist in latent print examinations to support criminal investigations and will be required to successfully complete a training program in order to advance to the Fingerprint Specialist II level.


Responsibilities

Specific duties include:
  • Participating in a comprehensive training program in latent print examination, evidence processing, photography, ten-print topics, quality assurance, and courtroom testimony;
  • Receiving and processing arrestee ten-print cards;
  • Maintaining physical and electronic fingerprint records and entering records into the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS);
  • Serving as evidence custodian for latent print submissions and responding to requests for fingerprint records, expungements, line-ups, and crime scene photographs;
  • Collecting known fingerprints and palm prints using ink and Livescan systems;
  • Evaluating latent lift cards, photographs, and evidence for friction ridge detail;
  • Encoding and searching latent prints in AFIS databases (IDEMIA, NEC, ULW);
  • Performing manual comparisons of latent prints to known fingerprint and palm prints;
  • Testifying in court as an expert witness in latent print examinations; and
  • Attending conferences/meetings and maintaining memberships in professional organizations to stay abreast of advances and trends in the forensics field.

The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills and the ability to follow detailed technical procedures. Familiarity with latent print processing and recovery techniques, principals and methods for latent print examinations, AFIS databases, and general rules of evidence is essential.