Fans of crime films and television programs are familiar with the fact that forensic components of fingerprints can help solve crimes. Their knowledge of the subject is little more than cursory. For those interested in a fingerprint specialist career, there will be an obvious need for knowing completely and totally what such a career entails.

What a Fingerprint Specialist Does:

The prime tasks of a fingerprint specialist are to utilize forensic laboratory equipment and traditional forensic science techniques to perform an analysis on any fingerprints derived from a crime scene. Once this basic work is done, the next step would be to match the acquired fingerprints with those in the law enforcement databases. This way, a match can be made if such a match does exist.

Does this mean that the entirety of the fingerprint specialist’s work is performed exclusively in a lab?

No, it is possible that not even the bulk of the work is performed in a lab. Some specialists will perform their work out in the field the vast majority of the time. (Obviously, some would split their time in the field to varying degrees) Upon arriving in the field – which would frequently be a crime scene – in order to oversee the collection of the fingerprints, take a direct role in the collection of the fingerprints, or to simply advise other personnel in the process. In some instances, fingerprints will be taken directly from a suspect. Keep in mind, if the collection of fingerprints at a crime scene is not properly performed, an entire criminal investigation or subsequent case might be ruined.

A fingerprint specialist will be commonly called to a courtroom in order to provide testimony. Obviously, the need for an expert is a must in such scenarios as the credibility of the case may often rest upon such testimony.

One of the more somewhat mundane components to the job revolves around detailing the reports and documentations associated with the work. Most people have very little desire to perform such comprehensive and seemingly mundane work but it is part of the job. In fact, it may potentially be considered the most important facet of the job. Clearly, without such proper documentation, the findings associated with the fingerprints would certainly not be organized in an effective manner.

Qualifications for being a Fingerprint Specialist:

The requirements to work as a fingerprint specialist may vary. There are certain certifying entities that can provide proper testing for specialists in a particular area. It certainly would not hurt to seek as many professional certifications as possible in order to be ‘attractive’ in the employment realm.

Of course, an advanced degree in forensic science, a lab science related field, or even criminology related degrees. This is most definitely a field that can require an advanced degree as it sometimes relies on an expert level of understanding of forensic science.

This is a career for those that like analyzing things. If you are such a person, by all means, look into it some more. There are websites that would help you get more information.

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Author Bio: Copywrite Kenneth Echie. Kenneth is a writer, expert author, and publisher. He currently writes for Criminal Justice Degrees. Get free scholarship report and learn to Become Fingerprint Specialist by visiting. Also see: Extra Income Ideas

Category: Career
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