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Fingerprint Specialist Career Information

How do you become a fingerprint specialist? Depending on the agency you want to work for there could be a variety of ways to become a fingerprint specialist. An education in the field of criminal justice or forensic science can be very useful and give you an advantage when applying for the job, especially at the Federal, State or county level. Often a fingerprint specialist will have prior work experience in law enforcement and collection of evidence that will prepare him or her for a career move into the field of fingerprinting.

A bachelor's or associate's degree in forensic science, criminal justice or a related field coupled with experience using crime lab equipment and scientific techniques to identify latent prints on various surfaces is looked upon highly. Federal agencies such as the FBI, ATF, DEA and Secret Service often require entry-level applicants for any position to hold a bachelor's degree. Previous law enforcement experience, education or training in the examination, interpretation, classification using the Henry System of Fingerprint Identification, analysis and identification of fingerprints is often a plus. Fingerprint specialists should have knowledge about the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) and experience utilizing AFIS is often preferred.

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What does a Fingerprint Specialist do?

Fingerprint specialists use lab equipment and forensic science techniques to analyze fingerprints gathered from crime scenes. Then they compare these prints using previously recorded ink prints on paper or through a automated database such as AFIS to match the print to a person. Depending on the department or agency, fingerprint specialists don't always work in the lab. Sometimes they will get out in the field taking a suspects fingerprint or collecting prints from a crime scene. The fingerprint specialist will often instruct or provide guidance and technical advice as to fingerprinting processes and findings. They will testify in court as an expert witness as to the collection, analysis and identification process. Writing detailed reports is a critical part of this career, documenting every aspect of collection to identification of a print. As the Fingerprint Specialist career has evolved recognition of certain professional criteria has been developed. The Latent Print Certification Board of the International Association for Identification (IAI) has developed and administers a certification test for latent print examiners that sets a standard of knowledge for the profession and is often required by law enforcement agencies prior to becoming a fingerprint specialist.

Job Outlook and Salaries

The increasing demand for corroborating evidence in prosecutions will drive the need for professionals with experience and educated in forensic science, including fingerprint specialists. Those with a associate's, bachelor's or graduate degree will be the most competitive for positions and find the best opportunities. As far as salaries go, they will depend heavily on the location, agency, prior experience or combination of education and experience, and other factors. We found that the average annual salary, based on a sampling of job postings for fingerprint specialists, was $54,000. We did find jobs at the federal level pay more or there was a potential to get paid more with experience and movement up the GS pay scale.

Forensic Science and Criminal Justice Realted Degrees

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University of Phoenix Online:

BS in Criminal Justice
BS in Organizational Security & Management
MS in Administration of Justice and Security

American InterContinental University: AIU has developed curriculum taught by professionals in the forensic science field that will help prepare graduates for successful forensic science careers, such as Fingerprint Specialists.

BSCJ - Forensic Science
Bachelor's - Computer Forensics
Associates in Criminal Justice Administration
BSCJ - Law Enforcement
BSCJ - Special Populations

Herzing University:

Associate's in Criminal Justice
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice

Portland State University:

Bachelor's in Criminology and Criminal Justice

St Leo University: Undergrad Studies - Distance Learning

Bachelor's in Criminal Justice