CITY OF PHILADELPHIA PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT
6C12
FINGERPRINT IDENTIFICATION TECHNICIAN I
GENERAL DEFINITION
This is technical fingerprint identification work at the limited performance level. The
employee rolls, classifies and identifies fingerprints of prisoners and others. A significant aspect
of the work is the constant contact with prisoners. Employees work on a rotating shift. The
class is differentiated from higher level classes by less complex technical assignments and a
restricted range of duties. The employee is supervised by a technical superior.
TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)
- Rolls fingerprint impressions of prisoners, suspects, juvenile offenders and parole
registrants; works in the cell room and processes offenders in the correct "book" order, holds
the prisoner's hand in his/hers and separates fingers, rolls each tip across the inking pad and
across each of four cards; is careful to obtain clear impressions.
- Develops and improves skill in classifying, coding and searching fingerprints; uses
magnifying glass and projector to compare sets of fingerprints and to determine their identifiable
characteristics and correct classification; searches files to identify individuals by matching
fingerprints; submits classified and identified prints to supervisor for review.
- Develops and increases skills in techniques used to fingerprint and identify cadavers.
- Types a physical description and type of charges onto fingerprint, FBI, State, and other
file cards; types and files identification cards and related criminal identification records.
- May testify in court.
- Performs related work as required.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF:
- the Henry system of fingerprint classification and identification.
- the techniques of rolling fingerprint impressions.
SKILL IN:
- rolling clear fingerprint impressions.
- eliciting cooperation from potentially hostile and violent prisoners.
ABILITY TO:
- compare fingerprint impressions.
- operate a typewriter accurately at 20 words per minute.
- establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and police officers.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
(The following statement
represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject
applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based
on training and experience requirements as approved on 10/89.)
EDUCATION
- Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth school grade.
EXPERIENCE
- One year of experience learning the Henry System of fingerprint identification and classification.
Or any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Personnel Department.
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS, AND/OR CERTIFICATES
- Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of appointment as a Fingerprint Identification Technician I.
PAY RANGE: 10
Class Established: 5/1968
Latest Spec. Revision: 10/1989
RH/sb/sb
END OF JOB CLASS SPECIFICATION - 6C12