Crime Scene Technician

Duties

Major Duties

• Photographs crime and accident scenes including burglaries, robberies, deaths, thefts, autopsies, and assault victims to record the appearance of evidence using highly-skilled photographic and evidence-gathering techniques;
• Identifies, collects, and secures physical evidence such as: blood, body fluids, hair and fibers, firearms, and narcotics for laboratory testing and use as evidence in criminal prosecutions;
• Searches for and develops fingerprints at crime scenes and participates in laboratory processing;
• Photographs and fingerprints suspects, victims, and witnesses;
• Produces castings of footprints, tire tracks, and other impressions;
• Prepares court presentations of evidence;
• Searches for, retrieves, and provides security information such as fingerprint cards, mug-shots, and case reports to law enforcement personnel and authorized agencies;
• Prepares and maintains records to ensure proper chain of custody of physical evidence;
• Performs related duties as assigned.

 Earn a Degree in Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Science, Computer Forensics or Forensic Psychology

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in criminology, forensic science, or the life sciences; Bachelor’s degree preferred; a minimum of two (2) years experience in a law enforcement agency responsible for the identification, collection, and preservation of evidence and fingerprint examination; a forensic or scientific background is highly desirable; equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge Required by the Position

• Knowledge of functions of a police identification laboratory;
• Knowledge of the hazards and safety precautions related to chemicals and equipment used in processing evidence;
• Knowledge of basic computer operation;
• Knowledge of the techniques for gathering and preserving physical evidence;
• Knowledge of statistical record-keeping techniques;
• Knowledge of laws, rules and regulations related to assigned activities;
• Knowledge of applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures related to assigned activities;
• Skill in oral and written communication;
• Knowledge of supervisory practices and principles;
• Ability to read maps and learn the geography of the City;
• Ability to observe and recall details;
• Ability to learn photographic techniques and methods including the use of a variety of film, lighting, filtration, infrared, and ultraviolet techniques;
• Ability to learn standard techniques for classification, development, transfer, and chemical processing of fingerprints;
• Ability to assure proper police practices and procedures are followed;
• Ability to work confidentially with discretion;
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions;
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others;

Supervisory Controls:

• This person works in the Police Department under the direct supervision of the Records Supervisor.

Guidelines:

• Guidelines for this position include city ordinances, relevant city, county and state laws, and departmental policies and procedures. These guidelines are clear and specific.

Complexity:

• The position consists of related managerial and technical tasks.

Scope and Effect:

• The purpose of this position is to manage crime scene investigation through the collection, identification and preservation of physical evidence.

Personal Contacts:

• Contacts are typically with co-workers, the general public, police officers and other city employees.

Purpose of Contacts:

• Contacts are typically to exchange information, resolve problems and provide services.

Physical Demands:

• Emphasizes speech, hearing, and vision. Must be able to climb stairs and ladders, often carrying necessary equipment, bending, lifting, crawling into small/confined spaces, working with chemicals in the processing of photographs and other evidence. Must be able to tolerate adverse conditions such as fingerprinting and photographing deceased victims.

Work Environment:

• Works primarily inside with occasional field work. During field work will be exposed to variable weather, potential physical confrontation and verbal abuse, and toxic chemicals obtained as evidence. Works normal business hours, but is subject to call-out at any time of day or night, including weekends and holidays and must be available to respond. Must conform to department grooming standards.

Supervisory and Management Responsibility:

• None.

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