You want to be a Latent Print Examiner but are lacking in experience.  You have a Bachelor’s degree with a major in Forensic Science, Criminal Justice, Physical or Natural science, or related field (your degree must include course work in Chemistry).  You have one year of experience in the identification and analysis of fingerprints and/or evidence processing.  You are highly detail oriented with the ability to follow oral directions and written operating procedures.  You have reliable judgment, problem solving and decision making skills.  You enjoy working in a team setting, as well as working independently.  You might be interested in a Latent Print Examiner Trainee position.
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Review of Selection Standards
Please review the Seattle Police Department’s selection standards. It is very important that you review this information carefully and understand its contents.  If you do NOT meet one or more of the standards, you should decline further consideration of employment with the Seattle Police Department at this time.  Your current disqualification may not keep you from applying in the future, as many situations may remedy themselves over time.  Please contact the Background Investigation Unit at (206) 684-5464 to inquire further regarding your specific situation.  Please click below on “Civilian Applicants” to review the selection standards. [Civilian Applicants]

How to Apply
The Seattle Police Department is actively recruiting Latent Print Examiner Trainees.  This is a rare opening to work for our innovative and well-respected Department in an environment where you can put all of your existing skills to use, while learning new techniques in a highly motivated team atmosphere.

You may apply directly for open positions by visiting the
City of Seattle career portal and searching for "Latent Print Examiner Trainee".

If there is not a current open position for Latent Print Examiner Trainee listed, please send an email to waiting.lpetlist@seattle.gov and you will be notified of the next posting.  Write the word ‘LPET’ in the subject line of your e-mail to identify the Latent Print Examiner Trainee position.

Salary and Benefits

• Starting salary over $55k per year

• Opportunity to work in a new state-of-the art laboratory.

• The City of Seattle also has an impressive benefits package including paid health, dental, vision coverage for employees and dependents, paid holiday, vacation and sick leave, and a generous retirement plan.

Job Training and Work Environment
You will receive extensive, group and one-on-one, training with Latent Print Examiner Trainers for 18 months.

You will assist the Latent Print Examiners and will be trained in performing technical tasks of the Latent Print Examiner position.  These tasks include processing items of evidence and crime scenes to recover latent prints using a wide variety of methods and materials, evaluating and preparing latent prints for AFIS entry, comparing latent prints with AFIS candidates and known inked impressions, photographically prepare (digitally and with PhotoShop) latent prints for AFIS entry, analyzing and comparing latent impressions, assisting in training officers, detectives, and Identification Technicians in processing evidence for latent prints, and preparing and testifying in court regarding finger print and latent print issues.

You will need the ability to work with deceased bodies, as you will recover fingerprints, palm prints, and footprints from bodies.  You will need to handle other biologic and hazardous materials, in a safe, professional manner.  You will need the temperament to work with both the victims of crimes and potentially violent criminals for fingerprint collection.

You will receive close supervision from the Latent Print Examiner Trainers and from the Latent Print Supervisor.  During the course of the training, you will receive continuing supervision to ensure that you are progressing toward the path of becoming a competent Latent Print Examiner.

Position Qualifications and Requirements

• Must have a Bachelor’s degree with major in Forensic Science, Criminal Justice, Physical or Natural science or related field (your degree must include course work in Chemistry) and one year experience in the identification and analysis of fingerprints and/or evidence processing.

• Must satisfactory pass the training curriculum and examination for Latent Print Examiner within 18 months of hire.

• Must be able to respond to crime scenes on weekends and holidays.

• Must stand, walk or bend for extended periods.

• Must handle or work with hazardous substances (i.e., blood, other body fluids and various hazardous chemicals).

• Must have the ability to lift up to 25 lbs.

• Must be able to process and obtain fingerprints from potentially abusive/threatening people.

• Must satisfy a Seattle Police Department background investigation.

• Must pass a physical exam by City-approved doctor.

• Must have a current driver’s license and be able to operate the Latent Print processing van.

• Must obtain a Washington State ACCESS/WACIS certification within one year of employment.