Description
Collect, develop, preserve, and compare friction ridge impressions from crime scenes and evidence. Process surfaces using powders, chemical reagents, and cyanoacrylate fuming; photograph, lift, and digitally enhance ridge detail for analysis and AFIS/NGI searches. Prepare reports and case files, maintain chain of custody, and may testify as an expert in latent print examination; may specialize in tenprint processing, latent development, or AFIS operations.
- • Process crime scenes and evidence for latent fingerprints using powders, cyanoacrylate fuming, and chemical reagents.
- • Photograph and document ridge detail prior to lifting or sampling.
- • Lift developed prints with adhesive, hinge, or gel lifters and label and package lifts.
- • Conduct ACE-V comparisons of latent prints to known tenprints and palmprints.
- • Search and verify candidate matches in AFIS/NGI systems.
- • Roll and capture tenprint and palmprint records using ink or livescan devices.
- • Evaluate print quality and request recollection when necessary.
- • Digitally enhance fingerprint images using approved software and workflows.
- • Prepare comparison charts and exhibits for reports and court.
- • Author clear reports describing methods, observations, and conclusions.
- • Testify in court regarding latent print methods, findings, and limitations.
- • Operate, calibrate, and maintain fuming chambers, alternate light sources, and imaging equipment.
- • Mix and quality-control fingerprint reagents such as ninhydrin, DFO, and physical developer.
- • Follow laboratory SOPs, safety protocols, and accreditation requirements such as ISO/IEC 17025.
- • Peer review and verify identifications or exclusions made by other examiners.
- • Train or mentor staff in fingerprint collection, processing, and comparison techniques.
- • Coordinate with investigators to prioritize items and select processing strategies.
- • Map and record the location and orientation of recovered prints at scenes.
- • Preserve and store lifts, photographs, and digital files to ensure long-term integrity.
- • Screen items for DNA or other trace evidence prior to print processing as required.
- • Validate new fingerprint methods, reagents, or equipment before casework use.
- • Maintain AFIS user credentials and contribute to database quality control.
- • Review and purge duplicate or poor-quality fingerprint records per policy.
- • Maintain chain of custody and detailed evidence logs.
Related specializations
Interview options
Interview options
Interviewee gender
Interviewee accent
Interview time
Related Pathways
Public Service & Safety
View
Source
Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
Learn more
Sources & Standards:
This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
