The Seattle Police Department is actively recruiting Latent Print Examiners. This is a rare opening to work for our innovative and well-respected Department in an environment where you can put all of your existing skills to use, while also learning new techniques in a highly motivated team atmosphere. You will have the opportunity collect and preserve latent physical evidence in the lab, at crime scenes and from a wide variety of materials using physical, chemical, electronic and optical techniques. You will be expected to analyze and compare latent impressions and enter suitable latents into the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) by photographing, determining the minutiae, identifying position, tracing, and inputting the impression.
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Review of Selection Standards
Please review the Seattle Police Department’s selection standards. It is very important that you review this information carefully and understand its contents.  If you do NOT meet one or more of the standards, you should decline further consideration of employment with the Seattle Police Department at this time.  Your current disqualification may not keep you from applying in the future, as many situations may remedy themselves over time.  Please contact the Background Investigation Unit at (206) 684-5464 to inquire further regarding your specific situation.  Please click below on “Civilian Applicants” to review the selection standards.
[Civilian Applicants]

How to Apply
The Seattle Police Department is actively recruiting Latent Print Examiner Trainees.  This is a rare opening to work for our innovative and well-respected Department in an environment where you can put all of your existing skills to use, while learning new techniques in a highly motivated team atmosphere.

You may apply directly for open positions by visiting the
City of Seattle career portal and searching for "Latent Print Examiner".

If there is not a current open position for Latent Print Examiner listed, please send an email to waiting.lpelist@seattle.gov and you will be notified of the next posting.  Write the word ‘LPE’ in the subject line of your e-mail to identify the Latent Print Examiner position.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary ranges between $57-67k a year

• Opportunity to work in a new state-of-the art laboratory.

• The City of Seattle also has an impressive benefits package including paid health, dental, vision coverage for employees and dependents, paid holiday, vacation and sick leave, and a generous retirement plan.

Work Environment
The Latent Print Team works in a new state-of-the-art laboratory, and is part of the Department’s Forensic Support Services, which also includes the Identification Unit, Evidence Unit, Photo Lab and Video Unit. Latent Prints is physically located near these units as well as the SPD CSI unit and the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab, for easy access and to encourage partnership.

You will need the ability to work with deceased bodies, as you will recover fingerprints, palm prints, and footprints from bodies. You will need to handle other biologic and hazardous materials, in a safe, professional manner. You will need the temperament to work with both the victims of crimes and potentially violent criminals for fingerprint collection. You will be able to share your skills - training both Identification Technicians to properly collect and preserve prints, and training law enforcement personnel in the proper collection and preservation of physical evidence. As needed, you will be expected to testify in criminal legal proceedings concerning methods of analysis and results.

[More about the Latent Print Unit]

Position Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree with major in forensic science, criminalistics, physical or natural science or related field. (Technical experience in a forensic laboratory or in identification and analysis of fingerprints can substitute for up to two years of college education.)


• Two years experience in latent print examinations and processing of evidence.


• Able to respond to crime scenes on weekends and holidays.


• Working knowledge of the Henry Classification and National Crime Information Collection systems, forensic photography, alternate light sources and digital imaging technology.


• Proper use and storage of safety equipment, proper handling of hazardous, caustic, flammable and carcinogenic chemicals, including firearms and explosive devices.


• Must pass a Seattle Police Department background check, and provide a conviction history.


• Must pass a physical exam by City-approved doctor.


• Must have a Washington State Driver’s License at time of hire.


• Obtain a Washington State ACCESS/WACIS certification within one year of employment.