Criminalist I, Crime Scene Investigation

Duties

Essentials Duties & Responsibilities:

• Collects, examines, analyzes, and processes evidence, including trace, firearms, impression, biological, fingerprint, digital, and crime scene evidence.
• Retrieves evidence from crime scenes, property control and/or medical examiner's office or from other custodians following established chain of custody procedures.
• Preserves evidence following established laboratory standards by inventorying, documenting and safekeeping evidence.
• Complies with established quality control procedures to ensure proper functioning and maintenance of laboratory equipment and reagents; trains lab staff and officers in its use.
• Adheres to established safety standards in the preparation, storage and disposal of chemicals to ensure personal safety and validity of the scientific process.
• Documents case observations and interpretations through detailed notes, photographs, sketches, charts, etc.
• Prepares technical reports on interpretation of case examinations.
• Uses and maintains highly technical laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Presents court testimony as an expert witness concerning conclusions drawn from laboratory examinations and analyses.
• Participates in proficiency testing to comply with national quality assurance standards.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities, as assigned.

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

Requirements

Education:

• Possession of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in criminalistics, chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, or a closely related physical science field.

License:

• Possession of a valid driver’s license.

Background Investigation:

• Prior to employment with the San Francisco Police Department, a thorough background investigation will be conducted to determine the candidate’s suitability for employment. The investigation may include, but not be limited to: criminal history records, driving records, drug/alcohol screening, and other related employment and personal history records. Reasons for rejection may include use of controlled substances and alcohol, felony conviction, repeated or serious violations of the law, inability to work with co-workers, inability to accept supervision, inability to follow rules and regulations or other relevant factors. Candidates may be required to undergo drug/alcohol screening, and must clear Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation fingerprinting. Criminal records will be carefully reviewed; candidates who do not report their complete criminal records on their applications will be disqualified. Applicants will be fingerprinted.

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