FINGERPRINT TECHNICIAN SENIOR 71092

5/1/90 C

This is the second class in the Fingerprint Technician series. Positions in this class identify and classify fingerprints for the Department of State Police. This class is distinguished from the Fingerprint Technician level by its responsibilities for verifying the identifications of others, technical assistance provided to technicians, and testifying in judicial proceedings. This class is distinguished from the Fingerprint Technician Supervisor by the latter's supervisory responsibilities.

Complexity of Work: Positions perform a full range of technical functions in the examination of fingerprints. Positions typically classify fingerprints using the Modified Henry System and the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS); enter fingerprint pattern information into AFIS; set the core and axis on each print; conduct verification of ten print inquiries by searching AFIS, examining and comparing prints, and determining match/non-match. Positions also determine acceptability of submitted fingerprints and perform technical searches in manual files. Positions in this class verify identifications made by other technicians and testify in court.

Supervision Given: Supervision is typically not a factor. Positions may provide guidance to new or less experienced technicians.

Supervision Received: General supervision is received from a Fingerprint Technician Supervisor.

Scope: Work affects the community-at-large through support of law enforcement functions and identification of disaster victims or deceased persons.

Impact of Actions: Impact of actions, which includes the verification of other technician's work, is serious. Errors adversely impact criminal investigations and prosecution and may result in erroneous arrest, conviction or incarceration. Errors may result in the inability to identify suspects, disaster victims, or deceased persons. These errors could lower the credibility of the agency.

Personal Contacts: Frequent internal and external contacts with Commonwealth Attorneys related to court cases; judges and juries in court testimony; the Department of Corrections and other law enforcement agencies in relation to classification and identification of fingerprints; and data processing personnel to resolve AFIS hardware or software problems.

Knowledge: Considerable knowledge of fingerprint classification and search methodologies using the Modified Henry System and the Automated Fingerprint Identification System and of criminal court proceedings.

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Ability to work independently; to communicate effectively orally and in writing; to testify in court; to follow written and oral instructions and procedures; and to pay close attention to detail in technical and concise work.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: None.

Education or Training: Graduation from high school or equivalent.

Level and Type of Experience: Experience in the classification of fingerprints.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledges and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This class specification, formerly Fingerprint Technician B, was redefined as a result of the Classification Review/Specification Update Program, effective May 1990.