Patricia Herron

Experience

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  Clayton County Police Department

  May 2010 - Aug 2010

  Crime Scene Assistant (Intern)

  Skill-sets that I improved involved locating, processing, collecting, and preserving physical evidence and materials that often focused on latent fingerprints on various substrates. I was responsible for observing and executing crime scene protocols before entering a crime scene. I acquired an expertise in conducting a detailed inspection of crime scenes which focused on burglaries and thefts. I used and gained a familiarity with the Alternative Light Source (ALS), standard flashlights and fingerprint powders to find latent prints on glass substrates. While I trained in the use of enhancement powders, I also became experienced with lifting techniques to further preserve the latent prints. I was educated in basic photography of evidence and crime scenes which included the use of a standard digital camera and scales. After arriving and processing a scene, I demonstrated proficiency in techniques used to properly package and label evidence that had been collected at the crime scene. Working in the precinct, I processed latent prints using cyanoacrylate fuming to enhance latent prints on non-porous substrates. When I processed and preserved, I observed the use of Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) to find possible donor candidates. While shadowing an officer in the evidence department, I was responsible for receiving and maintaining the integrity of submitted evidence and materials by filing the case number and evidence in their respective places within the Evidence vault. At the completion of my services to the Clayton County Police Department, I prepared oral and written reports of my findings and opinions developed during my examinations and analyses of evidence. Subsequent to my work at the Clayton County Police Department, I advised various personnel on the proper collection, preservation, and packaging of physical evidence and material found. Show less

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  Clayton State University

  Sept 2011 - May 2012

  Laboratory Technician Assistant

  As an employee in the laboratory department of Clayton State University, my first responsibility was to receive and maintain the integrity of the materials submitted to the Biology, Chemistry, and Physics departments that were delivered from vendors. I prepared examinations and lab equipment which often involved the preparation of chemical formulas according to a protocol sheet supplied by the laboratory director. While working at Clayton State University’s laboratory, I increased my knowledge of scientific instrumentation and equipment which included the use of autoclaves and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) instruments. I conducted scientific examinations on microbiological medias to make sure they were not harmful to students before releasing them for research and classroom purposes. I am qualified in clean up procedures of all lab equipment and lab benches. While training in the cleanup procedures, I also trained in inspections of all twelve laboratory classrooms and their safety equipment. I was responsible for preparing written reports on findings in all twelve laboratories regarding safety equipment and laboratory equipment. Further duties included responding to serious and/or sensitive investigations regarding students and chemicals, advising various personnel on proper clean up, collection, and packaging procedures of chemicals and physical materials found on site after laboratory classes ended. Additionally, I was responsible for running eye washes, showers, and lab room inspections to ensure student safety. I conducted inventories of chemical stock solutions and glassware in the entire laboratory department. I also assisted and taught appropriate personnel on the correct scientific techniques for collection, preservation, and packaging of materials and our laboratory capabilities. Show less

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  The Home Depot

  Mar 2012 - Feb 2014

  Asset Protection and Operations Specialist

  As an Asset Protection and Operations specialists, I was responsible for the overall prevention of financial loss due to theft and fraud. Throughout my tenure, I prepared numerous case reports and partnered with law enforcement promote the successful outcome of criminal and civil actions filed on Home Depot’s behalf. I also worked with Regional and Store Managers to ensure the effective implementation and adoption of Home Depot’s safety and environmental programs.

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  United States Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory

  Jun 2012 - Aug 2012

  Laboratory Research Assistant (Intern)

  I became knowledgeable in processing physical evidence and material for latent fingerprint analysis. I began training in fingerprint visualization techniques which included many powders, cyanoacrylate fuming, indanedione, two types of ninhydrin, zinc chloride, physical developer, two types of rhodamine 6G, and ardrox. I gained a further awareness of how to conduct sequential exams that involved the fingerprint visualization techniques listed above. I also developed skills in conducting quality assurance or quality control experiments. While being trained in these techniques, I learned different lifting and preservation methods. I am experienced and competent in recording exemplars on ten print cards for ground truth records in order to compare the latent prints that I developed. After developing my latent prints, I obtained training in conducting comparisons of latent prints with known (Record/Inked) finger and palm prints. I also received and maintained the integrity of my evidence and materials used in my study. Through making my comparisons, I became familiar with the scale (level 1-3) of detail in a latent print or fingerprint and pattern recognition. My use of the program Universal Latent Workstation, which helped locate minutiae, ultimately led to my abilities to make comparisons between latent prints and exemplars. While conducting my examinations and comparisons, I gained further expertise in the effective documentation of results and analyses which helped to increase my proficiency in developing sound conclusions. I not only became proficient in maintaining accurate records, establishing work priorities, and managing multitasking abilities, but I did increase my expertise in effective ways to present my analyses to stakeholders. From the results formed in my comparisons, I prepared oral and written reports of my conclusions and opinions developed during my examination and analysis of the evidence. Show less

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  Fayette County Sheriff's Office

  Feb 2014 - Nov 2016

  Detention Officer

  In this role, I was responsible for the overall safety and security of all jail operations, personnel, citizens and inmates. I supervised inmates, responded to medical and security emergencies and conducted regular patrol of the facility and its grounds. This included, the search and seizer of any and all contraband as well as the physical transportation of inmates onsite.

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  Department of Defense

  Nov 2016 - now

  Analyst

  As an analyst for the Department of Defense, I conduct comprehensive examinations evidence during criminal investigations for the U.S. Army. My findings and opinions are then used support the successful execution of legal proceedings.