Criminalist I

About the role

Under close supervision, to perform physical, chemical, biological and/or digital analyses related to scientific examination of physical evidence in criminal cases. The Sheriff’s Identification Unit of the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office is recruiting for a Criminalist I position specializing in latent and tenprint examination. The incumbent will perform forensic friction ridge examinations to support investigations and legal proceedings.

Responsibilities

• Perform the analysis, comparison, evaluation, and verification of friction ridge skin impressions from evidence submitted by law enforcement agencies.
• Conduct biometric identification examinations and prepare AFIS submissions and inquiries.
• Document examination processes and results accurately and thoroughly, generating clear and concise written technical reports, and presenting findings to investigators, attorneys, and other stakeholders.
• Provide effective expert testimony in court regarding fingerprint identification methods, conclusions, and related forensic principles.
• Perform analysis and examine physical evidence in forensic specialty areas such as Audio-Video, Computer Forensics, Drug Chemistry, Trace Evidence, Firearms/Toolmarks, Forensic Biology/DNA, Latent Print Processing, Toxicology, Questioned Documents, Footwear/Shoe Print Analysis, Bloodstain Pattern Analysis, Crime Scene Analysis.
• Examine evidence, evaluate findings and interpret results utilizing various techniques including photography, microscopy