Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Training
Timeline
Generic

NATASHA RAUCH

Summary

Dedicated and detail-oriented Fingerprint and Evidence Specialist seeking a position with the Escondido Police Department. Expertise in forensic evidence collection, crime scene documentation, and law enforcement training. Adept at latent print development, fingerprint analysis, and courtroom testimony. Strong leadership skills in mentoring officers, ensuring compliance with forensic standards, and leading investigative teams to effectively process crime scenes.


Overview

16
16
years of professional experience

Work History

Fingerprint and Evidence Specialist

Carlsbad Police Department
02.2024 - Current
  • Lead forensic investigations by identifying, examining, collecting, documenting, preserving, and transporting evidence at crime scenes, ensuring integrity in case development. Conduct detailed crime scene examinations, searching for latent impressions and other critical evidence while preparing evidence lists and property tags. Utilize advanced photographic techniques to document crime scenes, suspects, and evidence in the field and correctional facilities. Develop and implement new forensic policies, enhancing operational efficiency and adherence to best practices. Train law enforcement officers on the significance of physical evidence, proper collection techniques, and forensic procedures, ensuring skill proficiency across investigative teams. Oversee forensic equipment and supply procurement, managing budgets for forensic operations and officer resources to optimize efficiency and fiscal responsibility. Process and compare latent prints using AFIS, Cal-ID, and IAFIS databases, ensuring accurate suspect identification. Attend autopsies to collect and document forensic evidence, strengthening case validity. Provide expert witness testimony on latent print identification, crime scene photography, and forensic methodologies. Author detailed forensic reports and crime scene analyses, serving as a liaison between law enforcement agencies, attorneys, and the community. Supervise full-time, part-time, and volunteer personnel, fostering technical expertise and procedural excellence. Stay at the forefront of forensic science by researching and evaluating new advancements in latent print development, crime scene processing, and evidence handling.

Crime Scene Specialist

San Diego Police Department
03.2022 - 02.2024
  • Directed the collection, identification, classification, and analysis of physical evidence in criminal investigations, including weapons, fibers, hair, fingerprints, and tissue samples. Oversaw forensic testing using advanced methodologies, ensuring accuracy in investigative findings. Developed and presented detailed reports on forensic processes, investigative techniques, and laboratory procedures. Applied strong analytical skills to identify connections between seemingly unrelated events, driving case resolution. Led the processing, documentation, and preservation of latent prints from high-volume evidence, utilizing fuming techniques and alternative light sources (ALS) to reveal and recover prints. Determined optimal methodologies for enhancing and preserving latent prints, ensuring high-quality photographic and electronic capture. Conducted expert comparisons between latent prints and known samples, establishing identifications with precision. Served as acting supervisor, overseeing forensic operations, case reviews, and investigative workflows. Provided technical guidance and mentorship to staff, ensuring adherence to best practices and forensic standards. Managed complex casework processes—including Manuals, ALPS Requests, Aide Hits, and TLI reviews—while facilitating seamless coordination between forensic personnel and upper management. Spearheaded process improvements, optimizing forensic workflows and investigative accuracy.

Latent Print Examiner I and II

San Diego Police Department
01.2014 - 03.2022
  • Provide expert oversight in the evaluation, classification, and identification of latent prints, ensuring accuracy and reliability in forensic investigations. Lead the preparation and entry of latent prints into the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), guiding teams in optimizing identification processes. Oversee suspect print comparisons, establishing positive identifications or exclusions with precision and ensuring compliance with forensic standards. Develop and present courtroom materials, serving as a recognized expert witness in all phases of latent print identification. Spearhead fingerprint classification protocols while managing detailed logs and forensic examination records. Design and implement tailored training programs, mentoring new personnel to ensure proficiency in forensic techniques and best practices. Perform additional leadership responsibilities as assigned. Serve as acting supervisor, directing critical casework processes—including Manuals, ALPS Requests, Aide Hits, and TLI reviews—while overseeing latent print identifications in police investigations. Conduct administrative casework reviews and act as a key liaison between forensic personnel and upper management, driving operational efficiency, investigative accuracy, and strategic improvements.

Criminal Justice Professor

ITT Technical Institute
12.2012 - 01.2016
  • Led the development and implementation of engaging lesson plans, ensuring alignment with curriculum standards and fostering a dynamic learning environment. Provided strategic instructional guidance, mentoring students and colleagues to enhance teaching effectiveness. Designed innovative learning strategies that promote critical thinking, collaboration, and student success. Assessed student progress through personalized evaluations, leveraging data-driven insights to refine instructional methods. Partnered with faculty to establish instructional goals, spearheading cross-disciplinary initiatives that improved overall educational outcomes.

Crime Scene Specialist Investigation Intern

Oceanside Police Department
03.2012 - 01.2014
  • Performed thorough collection, identification, classification, and analysis of physical evidence in criminal investigations, including weapons, fibers, hair, and fingerprints. Conducted forensic tests to determine evidentiary significance, applying advanced methodologies to ensure accuracy and reliability. Developed detailed reports and presentations on investigative findings, laboratory techniques, and forensic processes. Utilized strong analytical skills to identify patterns and establish connections between seemingly unrelated events, contributing to case resolution. Processed and preserved latent prints from a high volume of evidence, employing fuming techniques and alternative light sources (ALS) to enhance visibility. Determined optimal methods for developing, refining, and documenting latent prints, capturing high-quality images for comparison. Conducted comprehensive latent print analyses, comparing against known prints to establish identification with precision. Maintained chain of custody documentation to uphold evidentiary integrity and legal standards.

Paralegal

Law Offices of James Matthew Brown
01.2011 - 12.2013
  • Provided comprehensive paralegal support for both a Federal attorney and a Personal Injury attorney, ensuring precision in legal research and procedural compliance across civil, federal, and local court rules. Prepared and filed pleadings, motions, Sentencing Summary charts, and Points and Authorities documents, maintaining accuracy in all court submissions. Managed e-filing of federal documents, streamlining case processes and ensuring timely filings. Drafted responses to complaints, including counterclaims, and coordinated witness lists and interview strategies for defense cases. Led the organization of all trial-related materials, including discovery documents and deposition transcripts, ensuring seamless trial preparation and case management.

Paralegal Intern

San Diego Superior Court District Attorney’s
01.2010 - 12.2010
  • Supported paralegal in investigative duties, including verifying witness addresses through ARJIS and online research. Assisted in coordinating Investigative Service Requests (IRS), managing subpoena scanning, and facilitating communication with branch officers via email and telephone. Conducted a detailed process server time study, compiling and analyzing data from over 300 trips. Organized findings into Excel spreadsheets by extracting existing information, calculating trip mileage and travel times using JURIS and MAPQUEST, and ensuring accuracy in logistical assessments.

Education

Masters Degree - Forensic Science

National University
08-2013

Certified Paralegal Program - American Bar Association Approved

University of San Diego
06-2011

Bachelor of Arts - History and Social Science, minor in Biblical Studies

San Diego Christian College
05-2010

Skills

  • Crime Scene Management & Documentation
  • Latent Print Development & Fingerprint Analysis
  • Law Enforcement Training & Leadership
  • Evidence Collection & Preservation
  • Courtroom Testimony & Expert Witnessing
  • Team Mentorship & Development
  • AFIS & IAFIS Database Operations

Affiliations

  • The International Association of Identification Member
  • Chief’s Advisory Board (Civilian and Investigation Committee)
  • STAR PAL United For Youth
  • La Jolla High School Forensic Week Teacher
  • Saints High School Forensic Week Teacher
  • California Homicide Investigators Association Member

Training

Inside Crime Scene Investigation / Latent Print Testimony / Analysis of Distortion in Latent Prints / Palm Print Comparison Techniques / AFIS Training / ACE-V To The Witness Stand / ALPS Internal Training / Friction Ridge Impression / Federal Bureau of Investigation (Advance Postmortem Fingerprinting) / Latent Print Search and Comparison Techniques / ACE-V Witness Stand / The Emperor’s New Clothes: A Guide to Latent Print Testimony / California Association of Criminalists (Developing Forensic Science Leaders) / IAI Latent Print Certification Test (Preparation Training)

Timeline

Fingerprint and Evidence Specialist

Carlsbad Police Department
02.2024 - Current

Crime Scene Specialist

San Diego Police Department
03.2022 - 02.2024

Latent Print Examiner I and II

San Diego Police Department
01.2014 - 03.2022

Criminal Justice Professor

ITT Technical Institute
12.2012 - 01.2016

Crime Scene Specialist Investigation Intern

Oceanside Police Department
03.2012 - 01.2014

Paralegal

Law Offices of James Matthew Brown
01.2011 - 12.2013

Paralegal Intern

San Diego Superior Court District Attorney’s
01.2010 - 12.2010

Masters Degree - Forensic Science

National University

Certified Paralegal Program - American Bar Association Approved

University of San Diego

Bachelor of Arts - History and Social Science, minor in Biblical Studies

San Diego Christian College

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NATASHA RAUCH