Crime Scene Technician

Duties

Duties of Responsibilities

• Process crime scenes and take necessary photographs.
• Collect and examine latent fingerprints.
• Sketch scenes, obtain measurements of scenes.
• Collect and preserve physical evidence.
• Examine physical evidence related to criminal activities.
• Process physical evidence by use of chemical analysis and other criminalistic techniques.
• Deliver evidence to criminalistic laboratories for analysis.
• Provide court testimony relative to the above activities.
• Prepare appropriate written reports concerning their activities and findings.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/HOURS WORKED:

• Crime Scene Technician is required to work in both an office type setting and in the field, in both a climate-controlled environment and in all types of weather conditions. Workday consists of twelve hours per day with a 1-hour lunch period, and two fifteen minute breaks as approved by the Supervisor. The Crime Scene Section operates 24-hours per day and 7-days per week. Work assignments are scheduled in shifts around the clock and throughout the typical Saturday/Sunday weekend. Crime Scene Technicians must attend autopsies, and will likely perform their duties in less than sanitary conditions from time to time. Crime Scene Technicians will be required to handle weapons of various types, including firearms. Crime Scene Technicians must perform evidence collection on death and sexual assault scenes. Candidates will be required to handle narcotics and controlled substances. The position requires the handling of chemicals and materials commonly utilized in processing crime scenes. Crime Scene Technicians routinely handle items of evidence, which may be contaminated with body fluids. Strict compliance with bio-hazard and dangerous substances handling procedures are required.

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

Requirements

COMMUNICATIONS SKILLS:

• Must be able to communicate both orally and in writing. Must be able to communicate successfully with co-workers, the public, and other law enforcement personnel. Must be able to testify in court.

TRAINING AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Crime Scene Technicians must be highly self-motivated and self-disciplined. Must demonstrate a good working knowledge of Department Policies regarding the collection and preservation of physical evidence and will be required to learn and consistently apply techniques and procedures employed by the Crime Scene Section as outlined in that unit's procedural manual.
• In addition to basic specialized training in handling evidence, photography, and analysis, Crime Scene Technicians shall receive extensive in-senice training and will be required to undergo an internship with other qualified Crime Scene Technicians. Training may require out-of-town travel. Crime Scene Technicians are subject to random, unannounced drug and alcohol screening in addition to routine screening performed on all employees, in accordance with Department policy, due to their exposure to controlled dangerous substances and alcohol beverages on a regular basis.
• In connection with the Department's routine Unannounced Random Substance Abuse Screen Program, Crime Scene Technicians shall be subject to substance abuse screening at least once every ninety (90) days and a minimum of four (4) times in each calendar year. Candidates of the Crime Scene Section shall, at a minimum, be required to submit specimens for both hair analysis and urine screen (10-panel).
• Crime Scene Technicians are subject to Duty Stand-by on a rotating basis. Candidates are subject to Call Out at any time if necessary.
• Crime Scene Technicians will be granted access to the Crime Scene Office and will be required to adhere to security procedures employed in the office related to the storage of evidence.
• Crime Scene Technicians are assigned a vehicle for use due to Duty Stand-by and Call Out possibility.
• There is a good probability for recurring overtime to complete assignments.

EQUIPMENT USED:

• Photography equipment; latent fingerprint kit; telephone, typewriter, personal computer, facsimile machine, calculator, copy machine, scanner, protective suits and garments.

PHYSICAL INVOLVEMENT:

• Standing, walking, dragging, reaching, bending, lifting up to 50 pounds, and manipulation of equipment will be required on a daily basis. While performing the duties of this job, the Crime Scene Technician is routinely required to work in confined spaces; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

MENTAL INVOLVEMENT:

• Must be able to interpret written policy and administrative procedure concerning collection and preservation of evidence. Must understand and interpret written and verbal instructions concerning the setup, use and operation of specialized equipment. Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision. Must be able to perform work under time constraints set by Supervisor.

HUMAN RELATIONS INVOLVEMENT:

• Must be able to work compatibly in group settings, as well as alone. Must be able to respond positively to supervision and to accept suggestions for improvement.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must possess good oral and written communication skills and are likely to testify in court in major investigations.
• Must be able to demonstrate attention to detail.
• Must be able to handle many tasks and to maintain detailed records of items seized, location of seizure, and chain of custody.
• Must be mature and able to work without close supervision.
• Must be able to work in close relation with other law enforcement individuals and agencies.
• Must be able to demonstrate an ability to deal effectively with confidential information.
• Must have the ability to strictly follow and apply established crime scene investigative and evidence collection procedures.
• Must be able to pass an intensive police background investigation.
• Must be able to successful pass a psychological evaluation by the Department psychologist.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Typing skills
• Interest or skill in photography
• Interest or skill in drafting or sketching
• College graduate preferably in a field of science

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