Fingerprint Technician Training in Alabama

In Alabama, the duties of the Fingerprint Technician are to perform laboratory tests, analyses, classifications, comparisons and identifications of physical evidence from crime scene investigations and by the help of their Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), they can quickly identify criminal suspects and provide for more efficient management of more than one million fingerprint cards currently on file in the Alabama Bureau of Investigation compared to their previous  manual system.

AFIS is capable of matching latent prints — prints left behind at a crime scene — when no suspect is known for comparison of prints. It represents the first major technological breakthrough regarding the use of fingerprints in law enforcement since 1900.

Some fingerprint technicians also work in technical police and clerical work in preparing, identifying, researching, and maintaining criminal identification records and in classifying fingerprints.

Work involves responsibility for the preparation, identification, research, and maintenance of fingerprints and other related identification records. Work requires the incumbent to be self- motivated and to make independent decisions regarding fingerprint identifications. Duties may include processing of prisoners for identification purposes; classifying, searching, and filing of inked fingerprint impressions, and maintaining related identification records. Methods of performing tasks are explained in general terms and work is reviewed by a supervisor upon completion.

Essential and marginal functions of work:

• Obtains inked and computerized fingerprints of suspects and victims for elimination and identification purposes.
• Fingerprints suspects and prisoners and members of the public; completes booking forms and related identification forms.
• Classifies, indexes, and files fingerprint cards.
• Cross matches live scan system/fingerprints taken for process.
• Scans fingerprints and transmits information to the state.
• Operates and maintains NEC AFIS21 computerized forensic fingerprint system.
• Operates ACJIC-NCIC terminal, making entries of lost or stolen property and wanted persons; obtains registrations of motor vehicles and status of drivers’ licenses.
• Attends court on subpoenas in order to testify on the fingerprint identification of suspects.
• Processes police record checks; forwards fingerprints to the FBI.
• Copies DVDs for use by City Attorney’s Office and defense counsel.
• Checks firearm sales and processes applicants for taxi driver permits; maintains police identification records; testifies in court regarding comparisons of fingerprints; maintains detailed filing systems and records on criminals and suspects; searches files in identifying suspects.
• Works with internal and external agencies in regards to fingerprint identification and wanted subjects, i.e., Municipal Court, Madison County Jail, Robert Neaves Center, etc.
• Requires regular and prompt attendance plus the ability to work well with others and work well as a team.
• Fingerprints deceased subjects for identification purposes.
• Checks arrest records and forwards information as authorized.
• Checks fingerprints and performs background checks on prospective employees and others as directed.
• Speaks to the public on the subject of fingerprints.
• Performs related work as required.

Basic Requirements for Fingerprint Technician in Alabama

High school diploma from a school accredited by a regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or GED certificate issued by the appropriate state agency, supplemented by specialized training in the classification of fingerprints; and experience in an identification and records unit of a law enforcement agency.

Additional skills and knowledge that are beneficial:

• Knowledge of standard police techniques of criminal investigation.
• Knowledge of standard fingerprint classification methods, practices, records, and equipment.
• Ability to take inked and computerized fingerprint impressions and to classify fingerprints accurately.
• Ability to operate Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS).
• Ability to maintain criminal records and to prepare related reports.
• Ability to perform routine clerical work.
• Skill in the use of office equipment such as fax machine, color photocopier, DVD-RW drive and computer.
• Skill in the use of ACJIC/NCIC and NEC AFIS21 Computer and care of the materials and equipment employed in the work including a DVD player and printer.

Fingerprint Technician Training in Alabama

Shelton State Community College
CRJ 226 Fingerprint Science. A fingerprint class that qualifies for the 3 Hours Criminal Justice Course.

Online Fingerprint Technician Training

We are now offering online Fingerprint Technician training! This self-paced course will walk you through all the skills needed to acquire a job as a Fingerprint Technician. You will learn how to identify and classify all types of fingerprints.

Many law enforcement agencies require this specific training in order to be hired as a Fingerprint Technician. Get the skills you need today!

View a detailed course description and enroll at Fingerprint Identification & Classification Online Course.