Crime Scene Supervisor

Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plans and directs the work activities of the Crime Scene Unit in the Major Crimes Division of the Little Rock Police Department; responds to major incident scenes and coordinates Crime Scene Specialists activities.
• Participates in and supervises the gathering of physical evidence at crime scenes, such as latent fingerprints, hair, fibers, blood, projectiles, shell casings and tool and tire marks; utilizes a metal detector to locate projectiles and shell casings at crime scenes; utilizes photography equipment to photograph crime scenes.
• Controls crime scene by limiting access to only authorized personnel to preserve crime scene; ensures the proper handling, preservation, security, and integrity of all evidence processed in the Crime Scene Search Unit Laboratory.
• Creates scale drawings of crime scenes, utilizing computer aided drafting (CAD), or reviews drawings to ensure all technical reports and scale drawings of crime scenes are accurate to include the location of the crime, evidence reference points, exact distances, and trajectory of bullets; creates cast impressions of shoe, tool, and tire marks found at crime scenes.
• Meets with the State Medical Examiner and other State Crime Lab personnel to clarify any crime scene information and to discuss relevant scientific test procedures performed on crime scene evidence.
• Monitors Crime Scene Specialists to ensure the collection and preservation of blood and fiber samples for DNA and chromosome analysis according to all applicable guidelines, policies, and procedures.
• Reviews detailed narrative and technical reports for all crime scene investigations to include a detailed summary of all evidence to ensure accurate information and reports are completed in compliance with all applicable guidelines, policies, and procedures.
• Assigns, prioritizes, and reviews the work activities and evaluates the performance of assigned personnel; recommends disciplinary action as required.
• Testifies in court regarding evidence collected at crime scenes, the condition of the crime scenes, and the methodology utilized in the collection and testing of the evidence as required.
• Transports evidence to and from hospitals; maintains evidence transmittal forms to track the chain of custody for all evidence to ensure its integrity when introduced in court.
• Prepares monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual narrative and statistical reports; conducts research and prepares special reports as required.
• Inspects the equipment assigned to the Crime Scene Unit to ensure it remains functional and in good working condition; notifies appropriate personnel of equipment needing replaced; procures all necessary crime scene equipment upon approval.
• Develops lesson plans which meet State Minimum Standards for law enforcement officers; trains Police Officers in crime scene security and evidence collection and preservation; oversees continuing education and internship programs.
• Provides training to Crime Scene Specialists in the appropriate search and evidence collection methods, use of technical equipment, scientific laboratory testing techniques and court testimony in compliance with all applicable guidelines, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Answers questions and provides information to citizens regarding laws and regulations.
• Conducts surveys, studies and other research and analyzes data to determine trends, innovations and best practices relative to new or nontraditional methods in testing and evaluations in the forensic science field; makes recommendations to supervisor; implements new methods and practices upon approval.
• Develops and recommends policies, procedures, and guidelines for the Crime Scene Unit; implements upon approval from appropriate personnel.
• Compiles information and prepares tentative budget figures for the Crime Scene Unit; recommends and prepares cost figures for new programs or the purchase of new equipment; submits to appropriate personnel.
• Enters crime scene and report data into a computer.
• Operates a computer with database and word processing software in the performance of essential job functions.
• Operates a City pool automobile in the performance of essential job functions.

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

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• These knowledge, skills, and abilities are usually, although not always, acquired through completion of Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Forensic Science, or a related area, and six (6) years of experience in crime scene investigation or a related area and one (1) year of supervisory experience. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess a valid Arkansas Class D (Non-Commercial Vehicle) Driver’s License before employment and maintain licensure for the duration of employment in this position.
• Must possess certification as a Certified Senior Crime Scene Analyst (CCSA) through the International Association for Identification (IAI) before employment and maintain licensure for the duration of employment in this position.
• Must be able to work rotating shifts and be available for emergency call-out twenty-four (24) hours a day.
• Must obtain certification as a Professional Law Enforcement Instructor through State Minimum Standards within twelve (12) months of employment and maintain certification for the duration of employment in this position.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of physical evidence gathering and preservation methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of the materials and methods used to lift and develop latent fingerprints.
• Knowledge of the methods and techniques of photography.
• Knowledge of the methods, techniques, and materials utilized to test physical evidence gathered at crime scenes.
• Knowledge of computer aided drafting (CAD).
• Knowledge of research methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of computer fundamentals and database and word processing software.
• Skill in the operation of equipment used to lift and develop latent fingerprints.
• Skill in the utilization of materials used to make casts and replications.
• Skill in the mixing and application of chemicals used to collect crime scene evidence (i.e., cyanoacrylate ester, rhodamine 6G, ninhydrin, etc.).
• Skill in the operation of photography equipment.
• Skill in the operation of a metal detector.
• Skill in the operation of a computer utilizing database and word processing software.
• Skill in the operation of an automatic transmission automobile.
• Ability to work in adverse conditions caused by environmental factors, chemical contamination, and crime scene aftermath.
• Ability to gather physical evidence at crime scenes.
• Ability to conduct research and compile and analyze data.
• Ability to recommend new methods of testing based upon current trends and best practices.
• Ability to transport evidence and track the chain of custody of evidence to ensure its integrity.
• Ability to produce scale drawings of crime scenes.
• Ability to testify in court.
• Ability to establish and maintain complex, detailed hard copy files and records.
• Ability to prepare detailed evidence submission forms for use by State Crime Lab personnel.
• Ability to provide working supervision to assigned personnel.
• Ability to develop and present training programs regarding crime scene searches and evidence collection and preservation.
• Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

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