Crime Scene Investigator

Duties

Essential Duties

• Recognize, preserve, collect and document physical evidence at crime scenes;
• Operate photographic, video and electronic imaging and processing equipment as well as various office equipment necessary to complete tasks in a timely manner;
• Measure and diagram accurately; prepare charts, graphs or exhibits for investigation or court presentation;
• Collect, classify, identify and compare latent fingerprints;
• Testify in court, or other proceedings, without being subject to impeachment due to character, reputation, history of dishonesty, and/or violations of law including excessive drug violations;
• Prepare accurate and grammatically correct investigative reports and employee evaluations; speak clearly and distinctly; communicate effectively in oral and written environments; understand and follow written and verbal instructions; be able to effectively use a police radio and other communications equipment;
• Drive a city vehicle safely and respond to crime scenes or other assignments; lift, carry, drag, push and pull objects of various weights and sizes; stand, walk and climb over various distances and obstructions;
• Take direction from supervisors; maintain good working relationships with members of the Department, City and allied agencies; coordinate investigations involving law enforcement agencies, Sheriff-Coroner employees and the District Attorney's office; accept criticism and apply to performance; be dependable in meeting scheduled assignments; work extended hours when required; maintain confidential information and refuse to participate in or tolerate unethical behavior; and
• Perform related duties as assigned and required.

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

Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Knowledge of:

• Basic crime scene investigation techniques;
• Basic field evidence techniques;
• Basic latent fingerprints and comparison fingerprint techniques;
• Crime scene photography and evidence recovery; and
• Courtroom procedures as they relate to giving testimony.

Ability to:

• Gather and analyze data and prepare comprehensive reports;
• Exercise sound independent judgment within established procedure guidelines;
• Be dependable in meeting scheduled assignments;
• Work extended hours when required;
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing;
• Regularly and predictably attend work;
• Follow directions from a supervisor;
• Understand and follow posted work rules and procedures;
• Accept constructive criticism; and
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationship with those contacted in the course of work.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is performed in a variety of environmental conditions, with exposure to outdoor temperatures and inclement weather; equipment noise, vehicle and/or chemical fumes, chemicals such as cleaning solvents, chemicals for fingerprint analysis, dust, smoke, other job related materials, and biological hazards, as well as water and moisture. Work may be performed in a confined space. Work locations may require use of ladders or similar equipment at elevated levels. Work duties require the ability to stand or walk on a variety of surfaces for frequent and prolonged periods of time. Additional physical demands require frequent bending, stooping, reaching, and safe lifting, carrying and/or moving of moderately heavy objects, up to 50 pounds in weight.

Experience & Education and License/Certificate - A combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities may be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• Experience: One year of experience in crime scene investigation and/or other law enforcement environment.
• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent. College level coursework in crime scene investigation, criminal justice, criminalistics, physical sciences or related college-level coursework from an accredited college is desirable.
• License or Certificate: Due to the performance of some field duties, which require the operation of a personal or City vehicle, a valid and appropriate California driver's license and an acceptable driving record are required.

TOBACCO USE:

• Employees hired after January 1, 1999, shall not smoke or use any tobacco products at any time while on, or off, duty.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Record must be free from conviction of any felony, or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, and from an excessive number of citations for traffic violations. Background history should indicate responsibility, dependability, honesty, integrity, acceptable communication skills, good judgment and the ability to relate well with others.

Please Note:

• Candidates deemed most qualified, as reflected in their application materials, will be invited to continue in the recruitment process. The prospective candidate must successfully complete a thorough background review, including being fingerprinted by the Newport Beach Police Department. The resulting report of your conviction history, (if any), will be evaluated along with the other information received in connection with your application. Except as otherwise required by law, a criminal conviction will not necessarily disqualify you from the position. The nature, date, surrounding circumstances, and the relevance of the offense to the position applied for may, however, be considered.

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