Crime Scene Technician

Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Responds to any and all types of crime scenes; secures and controls the crime scene; and administers aid when necessary.
• Performs all duties associated with crime scene investigation, including but not limited to the identification, collection, examination, preservation and documentation of physical evidence.
• Responsible for care, custody and preservation of physical items taken as evidence from crime scenes; when necessary, prepares evidence for submittal to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) forensics lab for processing.
• Photograph and/or video tape crime scenes utilizing photographic equipment such as, but not limited to, DSLR cameras with appropriate lenses, lens filters, light sources, tripods, copy stands, and other photography methods.
• Measure and map crime scenes, complete sketches of said scenes utilizing rough drafts and approved crime scene sketching software.
• Utilize a variety of techniques for the recovery of multiple types of forensic evidence which will include, but is not limited to, lifting latent fingerprints or ridge details of the various types of finger, palm, and planter ridges; lifting shoe/tire impressions; recovering biological evidence, trace evidence, firearms and associated bullets, cartridges, and fired cartridge casings.
• Collects hair, fibers, samples of blood or other bodily fluids from crime scenes for further analysis.
• Process items of evidence in a lab setting, which can include the operation of friction ridge identification software; firearms investigations-related software, DNA identification, and other relevant software programs and/or equipment.
• Attends post-mortem exams conducted by the Medical Examiner’s Officer and/or medical personnel to gather evidence and/or take photographs or videos.
• Prepares accurate and detailed reports.
• Attends meetings with the District Attorney General’s Office for pre-trial conferences and testifies at trials, hearings, grand juries, depositions, or other court proceedings.
• Instructs and trains new or adjunct crime scene technicians, officers, investigators, or others regarding the proper documentation process of crime scene investigations, evidence handling, and other related techniques and processes.
• Assists in maintaining lab and crime scene equipment; assigned vehicle; uniform and equipment.
• Works with other law enforcement agencies on multi-jurisdictional investigations.
• Follows safety procedures, utilizes safety equipment, and monitors work environment to ensure safety of employees and other individuals; performs driving functions in a safe and efficient manner under various conditions, including day/night hours, in congested traffic, in adverse weather conditions, and in emergency situations involving speeds in excess of posted limits.
• Prepares and completes various forms, reports, correspondence, logs, property/evidence reports, diagrams, or other documents.
• Receives various forms, reports, correspondence, incident reports, training bulletins, general orders, statutes, laws, codes, ordinances, policies, procedures, maps, diagrams, bulletins, manuals, reference materials, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.
• Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data; utilizes word processing, database, spreadsheet, or other computer programs.
• Maintains records, logs, and files of work activities; maintains current manuals, policies/procedures, bulletins, map books, and other materials for reference and/or review.
• Communicates in person, via telephone, and/or via two-way radio; provides information and assistance; responds to requests for service or assistance; communicates effectively and coherently over law enforcement radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications.
• Communicates with shift supervisors, command personnel, officers, employees, dispatchers, other divisions or departments, law enforcement agencies, fire personnel, emergency/medical personnel, jail personnel, court officials, attorneys, victims, complainants, the public, outside agencies, and other individuals as needed to obtain information, coordinate activities, exchange information, or resolve problems.
• Creates/maintains positive public relations with the public.
• Works hours as scheduled by Administration.
• Completes work assignments at location as determined by Administration.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs general/clerical tasks, which may include answering telephone calls, making copies, sending/receiving faxes, or filing documentation
• Provides assistance to other employees or departments as needed.

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

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or GED; supplemented by two (2) years of previous experience and/or training involving law enforcement, forensics and/or crime scene investigations; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Must achieve a Crime Scene Investigator accredited certification within two (2) years of employment.
• Must be willing to attend training, in state or out of state that may include up to ten (10) consecutive weeks. (Voluntary separation of employment before a two (2) year term will require tuition reimbursement for training at the National Forensics Academy, if applicable (up to $12,000).
• Must possess a valid Tennessee Driver’s License.
• Duties in other specialized fields may require additional training relevant to the assigned tasks.

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