FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Forensic Latent Print Development Internship

1. Who do I contact to obtain an application for the Forensic Intern position?

Twice a year, there will be an open enrollment period. During open enrollment, applications will be available for download. Currently, the telephone number for internship is (858) 467-4494.

2. What are the prerequisites to becoming a Forensic Intern?

Candidates must have completed a semester course in basic fingerprints prior to being considered for this position.

A person who applies for an internship position with the Crime Laboratory must be enrolled or have completed a Criminal Justice program (with an emphasis in Forensic Science or Forensic Evidence Technology). Typically, a candidate must have completed at least half of the program before he or she can be considered for an internship program.

Before being accepted, each candidate must also successfully pass a thorough background check (medical and drugs). Background checks are performed by the Sheriff' Personnel Department.

3. What are the responsibilities and job duties of a Forensic Intern, and how does the internship program work?

The internship program is a commitment of a minimum of six months where the candidates are expected to work a minimum of 16 hours per week. Depending on the student's schedule, total hours may exceed the minimum. The position is non-paid. During the internship, students receive exposure to the following:

• Fingerprint development casework
• Report writing
• Court testimony
• Crime scene investigation (when available)
• Attendance at FBI and CAL-DOJ classes (when available)

Forensic interns perform various duties and tasks at the discretion and direction of the Intern Coordinator, who in turn works under the direction of a Supervising Criminalist.

Forensic interns spend the majority of their time developing and collecting latent fingerprints from evidence that has been collected in the course of a criminal investigation. After working their cases, interns write reports and document their activities.

Finally, Forensic Interns frequently receive subpoenas as a result of their casework, and may be required to respond to court and testify concerning their evidence examinations. While infrequent, courtroom testimony is a possibility, and interns must be willing to allow for this and be flexible in scheduling their testimony with attorneys.

4. How does the training program work?

The Forensic Interns selected will go through a supervised formal training program for eight weeks. During the eight weeks, the interns must be available for training Monday - Thursday from 8AM - 12PM.

After training, a minimum of 16 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 7AM - 6PM, is required at the schedule of the forensic intern.

5. Does the Sheriff's Crime Laboratory have any other type of Forensic Internship Program?

At the current time, the Crime Laboratory offers internships in the Forensic Biology Section. Check hotline for open enrollment dates.

6. What job opportunities are available to Forensic Interns after they have finished the Internship Program at the Sheriff's Crime Laboratory?

Work experience in a crime lab is an important factor in helping candidates obtain employment in the forensic field. However, please be aware that although many of our ex-interns have been successful in obtaining employment, job openings in the Sheriff's Crime Laboratory are rare, and competition for positions, when they do arise, is strong.

If you desire employment in the San Diego area, contact the human resources departments of the various law enforcement agencies located throughout San Diego County and inquire about job opportunities. Also, be aware that your chances of finding employment increase significantly if you are willing to relocate to other areas.

7. Miscellaneous information about the Forensic Internship program and the Sheriff's Crime Laboratory:

Crime laboratory personnel, including Forensic Interns, work with and are exposed to evidence collected in the course of criminal investigations. Persons working in the laboratory may be exposed to or come into contact with biological and/or hazardous materials and substances. Laboratory personnel are required to wear personal protection equipment, such as gloves and masks, in order to minimize the risk to such exposure.

Information concerning other positions or employment opportunities with the Sheriff's Crime Laboratory should be directed to the San Diego County Department of Human Resources at (619) 236-2191 or on the internet at http://www.co.san-diego.ca.us.