One of the major job duties of a fingerprint identification expert is to positively identify people. A fingerprint expert uses traditional fingerprint identification systems to classify fingerprints; conduct automated fingerprint searches for identification purposes; file fingerprint cards; and testify in court. Other duties include comparing known finger, palm, and footprints with latent print impressions to determine identity for use in police investigations; maintaining chain of custody; preparing charts, photographs, and other materials for court presentations; maintaining reference files for latent prints of value in outstanding cases; obtaining prints from deceased persons; and giving lectures and presentations to police recruits, community and school groups, and other interested parties. In the field, fingerprint experts locate, photograph, and lift fingerprints.
The examination and classification of fingerprint patterns is rigorous work. When using automated processes, most of the work is done sitting at a computer. Manual searches are conducted with the aid of a magnifying glass. Fingerprint experts who work in the field must be able to walk, bend, and stoop at a variety of crime scenes. Employees may work on either a rotating or fixed shift basis, which will include nights, weekends, holidays and overtime as required.
According to the US Department of Labor, there were about 8,000 forensic science technicians in 2003, a percentage of whom were fingerprint experts.
Many city and county police departments employ a staff of fingerprint experts. However, in some communities, police officers, deputy sheriffs, and clerical workers take fingerprints and investigate them using existing computer and manual systems. The FBI does not employ fingerprint experts within states. Local agents lift prints and send them to Washington, DC, to be classified and investigated.
Applicants are usually required to be at least 18 years of age, participate in an oral interview, and have the following:
Other jurisdictions may require any of the following in addition to the above requirements.
In 2004, fingerprint experts in California could expect to earn about $3,000-$4000 per month. Similar positions paid about $36,000-$54,800 annually in Florida and about $35,000-$44,000 annually in Massachusetts. A supervisor in North Carolina could earn about $56,000-61,000 annually. The salary for FBI fingerprint experts ranged from about $26,000-$36,000 annually.