Forensic Services Trainee

The Virginia Beach Police Department’s Forensic Sciences Unit (FSU) is part of the Investigative Division, alongside the Detective Bureau and Special Investigations Bureau. FSU employs nineteen civilian and ancillary employees in two distinct sections (crime scene investigations and latent fingerprint examinations). The Latent Fingerprint Section analyzes latent fingerprint evidence from approximately 500 cases annually.

This Trainee position will work towards an understanding of the foundational principles of fingerprint examination including scientific and comprehensive friction ridge analysis, comparison, evaluation, and verification. The selected candidate will receive on the job training and technical instruction provided by the department.

The anticipated start date for this position would be mid to late July 2026.

Duties and responsibilities of the Trainee while in the program include:

• Begins and progresses through latent fingerprint examination training program

• Gains knowledge in:

  • Analysis of friction ridge impressions to determine sufficiency of the quality and minutia content for comparison.

  • Comparison of friction ridge impressions to known standards, including operation of the Multimodal Biometric Identification System (MBIS).

  • Evaluation of similarities/dissimilarities between known and questioned prints to arrive at conclusions of identification, exclusion, or inconclusive.

  • Verification/peer review of friction ridge examinations.

• Document/maintain accurate and comprehensive records.

• Perform other job duties requiring skills, knowledge, and physical requirements as demanded by those duties described or less. Individual assignments will be determined by the supervisor based on then current workloads and department needs.

The City offers a generous benefits package, which includes health, dental and life insurance, retirement and savings plans, maternity/paternity and parental leave, holidays and leave.

Please Note: This is a trainee/apprenticeship position, and all required training will be paid for by the City. Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship program, the incumbent will be eligible for progression to a Forensic Specialist I position. If the apprentice voluntarily separates from City employment or is terminated for cause within one (1) year of successful completion of the program, they will be required to repay 100% of tuition payments made by the City during the twelve (12) months immediately preceding their last date of employment.

Disqualifiers:

The following is a listing of "disqualifiers" or concerns that could result in you not being selected for employment. Please give consideration to these factors before applying. This is not an exhaustive listing.

Criminal History: Conviction of any felony or any crime involving moral turpitude (crimes contrary to justice, honesty, or good morals). Conviction of any Class 1 or Class 2 misdemeanor, excluding traffic violations which are discussed separately, or the Virginia State Law equivalent within the last 5 years.

Traffic Violations: Any conviction of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, refusal to take blood or breath test, eluding police, racing, or leaving the scene of an accident within the last 5 years.

Drugs: Any involvement in the sale of illegal drugs as an adult. Any illegal use or possession of any illegal drug, including but not limited to heroin, cocaine, hallucinogens, or any derivative thereof (except marijuana) within the last five years. Illegal possession of anabolic steroids within the last 36 months.