8252-Forensic Latent Examiner I

Company Description

Specific information regarding this recruitment process are listed below :

• Application Opening :  November 19, 2025
• Application Deadline :   Apply immediately, announcement may close anytime after two weeks from posting date.
• Classification Specification :
• Fill Type :  Permanent Exempt : This is an Exempt position excluded by the Charter from the competitive Civil Service examination process, pursuant to the City and County of San Francisco, Charter Section It is considered "at will" and shall serve at the discretion of the Appointing Officer. The duration of the appointment shall not exceed 36 months.
• Work Location :  SFPD Hall of Justice, 850 Bryant St. San Francisco, CA 94103

The San Francisco Police Department was established in 1849 and continually strives to become a more effective, inclusive and modern police department, while earning the trust and pride of those we serve and those who serve. Our goal is to reflect on current SFPD initiatives, assess best practices across the country, and evaluate the changing environment in policing and within the City to arrive at a strategy statement that the Department and our community can embody every day.

The San Francisco Police Department stands for Safety and Respect for All. We will engage in just transparent unbiased and responsive policing. We will do so in the spirit of dignity and in collaboration with the community. And we will maintain and build trust and respect as the guardians of Constitutional and human rights.

The San Francisco Police Department is committed to excellence in law enforcement and is dedicated to the people, traditions and diversity of our City. The department provides service with understanding, response with compassion, performance with integrity and law enforcement with vision. The department has grown into a nationally known police department providing law enforcement services to one of the most recognized cities in the United States.

Job Description

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

The 8252 Fingerprint Examiner I is the entry level class in the fingerprint examiner series. Class 8252 Fingerprint Examiner I performs routine fingerprint examination and analysis under close supervision. This class is distinguished from the 8253 Fingerprint Examiner II job code in that the latter independently performs more complex and difficult fingerprint examinations.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None

MAJOR, IMPORTANT, AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

According to Civil Services Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code / class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

1. Conduct tests and examinations on cases assigned to unit

2. Collect and transport multiple forms of Identification information to and from various locations for evaluation and chain of custody documentation and process according to department procedure.

3. Process, identify and compare, visible, plastic, and partial finger, palm, foot, or similar type prints or impressions through various mediums or other special equipment for the department.

4. Encode and input data into SFPD ABIS, CAL-ID AFIS and FBI ULW / NGI fingerprint systems; and classify fingerprints for facility of retrieval by the different systems users.

5. Prepare clear and concise case notes and reports for supervisor and department documentation of observations, procedures / techniques and evaluations; maintain regular, modus operandi fingerprint files and various records for department use.

6. Adhere to industry standards in periodic assessments and validating fingerprint processing and comply with on-going state and federal mandated training.

7. Provide expert witness testimony in court and formal hearings on fingerprint examinations, identifications and related local criminal history and prepare evidence and exhibits for presentation in court.

IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of : principles and techniques used in the collection, comparison and classification of fingerprints and similar types of prints ; laws of evidence, criminal and courtroom procedures; photography; recent developments, literature and sources of information relative to the biometrics field, related court proceedings; and all aspects of CAL-ID.

Ability to : perform assigned tasks according to prescribed procedures; operate equipment and databases with skill and care; provide expert testimony in court and formal hearings; prepare and maintain clear, accurate and concise case notes and records in computers; write logical and concise reports and correspondence; make accurate observations; communicate in an articulate fashion; read, understand and follow departmental policies, rules, instructions, laws and ordinances; maintain a clean and orderly workspace; and provide guidance and assistance to less experienced co-workers and clients; travel for extensive and time consuming job related training.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

These minimum qualifications establish the education, training, experience, special skills and / or license(s) which are required for employment in the classification. Please note, additional qualifications (ie. special conditions) may apply to a particular position and will be stated on the exam / job announcement.

Education :

Completion of 30 semester credits from an accredited college or university which must include at least : a course in Math; a course in English or Composition and a course in any Science.

Experience :

Two (2) years of verifiable full-time employment in a public jurisdiction as a fingerprint technician or equivalent classifying and comparing 10 Print, and palm prints, operating automated 10 prints AFIS workstations, operating LiveScan systems, and serving as a basis custodian of criminal fingerprint records; OR

One (1) year of verifiable full-time experience as a latent fingerprint examiner or equivalent classifying and comparing latent prints including visible, plastic and partial finger and palm prints and 10 prints; operating latent print and automated 10-prints AFIS systems; and developing latent prints using a variety of chemical processes and testifying in court as an expert fingerprint witness.

License and Certification :

Possession of a valid California Driver's License

Substitution :

Additional qualifying experience classifying and comparing latent fingerprints as described above may substitute for the required education. One year (2000 hours) of additional qualifying experience is considered equivalent to the 15 semester units of college coursework in Math, English / Composition and Science. Completion of 60 semester units, or the possession of an associate’s degree, from an accredited college or university may substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

Desirable Qualifications :

Completion of a one semester college level accredited course in classification and identification of fingerprints with a minimum grade of "C" or equivalent or completion of a formal on-the-job training course in fingerprint identification with a governmental law enforcement approved vendor.

Verification of Education and Experience :   Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process. If education verification is required, information on how to verify education requirements, including verifying foreign education credits or degree equivalency, can be found at

Note :   Falsifying one’s education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City and County of San Francisco.

All work experience, education, training and other information substantiating how you meet the minimum qualifications must be included on your application by the filing deadline. Information submitted after the filing deadline will not be considered in determining whether you meet the minimum qualifications.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City and County of San Francisco application.

Applications completed improperly may be cause for ineligibility, or disqualification.

Applicants must meet the minimum qualification requirement by the final filing date unless otherwise noted.

Background Investigation :   Prior to employment with the San Francisco Police Department, a thorough background investigation will be conducted to determine the candidate’s suitability for employment. The investigation may include, but not be limited to : criminal history records, driving records, drug / alcohol screening, and other related employment and personal history records. Reasons for rejection may include use of controlled substances and alcohol, felony conviction, repeated or serious violations of the law, inability to work with co-workers, inability to accept supervision, inability to follow rules and regulations or other relevant factors. Candidates may be required to undergo drug / alcohol screening, and must clear Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation fingerprinting. Criminal records will be carefully reviewed; candidates who do not report their complete criminal records on their applications will be disqualified. Applicants will be fingerprinted.

Additional Information

Recruiter Information :