Responsibilities

The Virginia Beach Police Department’s Forensic Sciences Unit (FSU) is part of the Investigative Division, alongside the Detective Bureau and Special Investigations Bureau. FSU employs nineteen civilian and ancillary employees in two distinct sections (crime scene investigations and latent fingerprint examinations). The Latent Fingerprint Section analyzes latent fingerprint evidence from approximately 500 cases annually. This position will be responsible for examining latent fingerprint evidence associated with criminal activity under investigation, ranging from property to violent crimes.

Specific responsibilities include:

Independently examine latent fingerprints lifted from crime scenes to determine whether the quality and minutia content are sufficient for comparison.
Operate the Multimodal Biometric Identification System (MBIS); and scan prints and run the computer search.
Obtain fingerprint cards for potential matches; and verify results.
Testify in court as an expert witness on latent fingerprint identification.
Maintain custody/security of a large volume of fingerprint cards and latent prints.
File fingerprint cards and other records of suspects.
Examine impression evidence for class and individual characteristics.
Represent the Police Department in providing public presentations regarding the use of AFIS and the role of fingerprint examination in police investigations.
Perform other job duties requiring skills, knowledge and physical requirements as demanded by those duties described or less.
Individual assignments will be determined by the supervisor based on then current workloads and department needs.

Forensic Specialist I is the journey level position and will only be used if the successful candidate possesses at least two years of experience as a latent fingerprint examiner. Applicants selected for the Forensic Specialist I position will be eligible for career progression to the Forensic Specialist II position classification (10% pay increase) upon demonstrating competency and proficiency.

This position will be filled as either a Forensic Specialist I or a Forensic Specialist II based on consideration of the selected candidate’s qualifications.

Qualifications

FORENSIC SPECIALIST I MINIMUMS:

Requires any combination of education (above the high school level) and/or experience equivalent to five (5) years in fields utilizing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities and associated with such positions as fingerprint examiner or related position or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Must have, or obtain, a current and valid Virginia or North Carolina drivers license in accordance with Virginia or North Carolina DMV drivers license eligibility requirements.

FORENSIC SPECIALIST II MINIMUMS:

Requires any combination of education (above the high school level) and/or experience equivalent to six (6) years in fields utilizing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities; or any equivalent combination of experience and training.
Must have a current and valid driver’s license.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be able to work rotating shifts (days/evenings/midnights) including weekends and holidays and be available to work overtime when required to meet operational needs.
This position may require that incumbents wear and maintain appropriate personal protective equipment such as, but not limited to, steel toed shoes, safety glasses, gloves, or other designated safety attire and equipment in designated areas of risk.
Specific requirements will be determined and communicated by the employees supervisor based on position assigned.
Must successfully complete a police background investigation, including polygraph examination.

Compensation

$51,702.43-$80,138.77

Forensic Specialist I pay range: G.23, $51,702.43 - $80,138.77

Forensic Specialist II pay range: G.25, $57,001.93 - $88,352.99

The City offers a generous benefits package, which includes health, dental and life insurance retirement and savings plans, maternity/paternity and parental leave, holidays and Paid-Time Off.

How to apply

To apply, please use the following link: https://phg.tbe.taleo.net/phg02/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=VBGOV&cws=37&rid=45120

Apply