Fingerprint Technician

Fingerprint Technician
Dawn Burkhert
October 23, 2009
A fingerprint technician does exactly what it says. They classify and compare fingerprints. There are many qualifications, functions, and advancement levels involved. There is also a specific work environment and physical demands involved. As a technician gains more knowledge and advances in position, they gain more responsibility.
Of course, the first thing a technician has to have an education. The education requirement depends on the city, county, or state. Some places require only a high school diploma and general office experience. Other places may require an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree in a field such as chemistry or biology. Finding a position that does not require previous experience as a fingerprint technician may not always be easy.
Knowledge and ability is also a key element to whether or not a person gets the job for which they apply. Required knowledge may include computer data processing, criminal history requirements, presentation techniques for court, and general knowledge of fingerprint identification and its technology. Abilities can include learning new job-related material, checking the work of others, compiling reports, analyze fingerprint patterns, use of the Henry and/or NCIC system, and the ability to work well with others, just to name a few. Other requirements before hire may include a valid driver’s license in the applied state and AFIS certification.
Job functions are pretty much the same no matter where you work. These functions include classification and search of fingerprint cars against an automated system, verify matches and return the results to those who requested them, maintain proper records, review of arrest packages to ensure legality, and enter the data of those packages into the computer. Physical requirements can include the ability to lift and carry a certain amount of weight and to visually analyze and compare prints. The work environment may...