Graphic Arts Specialist

Duties

Essential Job Functions

• Photographs evidence by going to crime scenes; attending autopsies; documenting scenes/victims; etc. in order to support a criminal investigation.
• Develops to-scale crime scene diagrams by measuring crime scene locations using a traditional/digital measuring tape with pencil/pen/iPad/etc.; using Adobe or Sketch Up software to produce diagrams for court; etc. in order to support a criminal investigation.
• Testifies in criminal court as an expert witness on forensic work performed such as composite drawings, crime scene diagrams, and other specialty forensic artwork by answering questions from prosecutors and defense attorneys in order to comply with court subpoenas.
• Designs and creates trial exhibits by utilizing demonstrative evidence; utilizing photographic exhibits; developing 2D/3D crime scene reconstructions; developing interactive presentations (charts, graphs, timelines, maps, anatomical diagrams); developing logos, banners, brochures; utilizing/developing photographs and other illustrations, etc. in order to support the successful prosecutions of trials.
• Investigates visual forensic design and media by creating composite drawing (suspects, from video, tattoo, jewelry, and vehicles); creating age progression; creating skull reconstruction; creating post-mortem (drawings are done from unidentified fleshed remains, decomposed body); reapplying and enhancing photographs of suspects; adopting high-tech software systems; creating photo line-ups to support specific Sheriff’s Department cases; creating forensic animation (point of reference to the video); etc. in order to support a criminal investigation.
• Edits and duplicates media by using audio recordings; using digital recordings; enhancing video, sound, and picture quality; etc. in order to support a criminal investigation.
• Utilizes graphic arts software by creating photographic images; combining audio/visual data; developing computerized trial presentations; etc. in order to support a criminal investigation.
• Writes statements and reports by interviewing victims, witnesses, etc.; summarizing findings; using a computer and/or email application; proof-reading all documents; tracking documents; etc. in order to effectively communicate information to all court officials (e.g., supervisors, detectives, prosecutors, etc.).
• Ensures digital media integration by knowing which platform(s) the media format will be displayed on; creating the media format to the appropriate platform specifications; etc. in order to effectively communicate information to the public/jury.
• Enhances audio/video evidence by analyzing data and coming to appropriate conclusions; highlighting suspects/vehicles involved in crimes; comparing video imagery to actual evidence; improving sound quality; improving visual quality; etc. in order to support a criminal investigation.
• Conducts research into new materials, methods, techniques of production, and equipment by reading technical magazines/periodicals; attending seminar; consulting with technical vendors; etc. in order to keep current with the latest in forensic applications/computers/procedures.
• Records and edits social media content (e.g., podcasts, press conferences, etc.) by determining what has to be recorded; recording actual clip(s); producing and editing content in order to develop training for new detectives.

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

Requirements

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Three (3) years’ commercial art experience in the preparation and production of manual and graphic art presentations. Training in commercial art can be substituted for the required commercial art experience on a year-for-year basis to a maximum of two (2) years. Training* in commercial art includes coursework in graphic art procedures, layout and lettering, artwork preparation, illustration, spot illustration, advertising design, typography, commercial design, drawing logic and color theory.

LICENSE

• A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.

PHYSICAL CLASS

• Physical Class II – Light: This class includes administrative and clerical positions requiring light physical effort that may include occasional light lifting to a 10 pound limit and some bending, stooping, or squatting. Considerable ambulation may be involved.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE

• As part of this application process, applicants will be required to complete a supplemental questionnaire. The questionnaire contains a pre-investigative questionnaire which will be utilized as part of the background investigation process to ensure applicants meet the standards set forth by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Applicants who fail the pre-investigative questionnaire will be disqualified and will have to wait twelve (12) months from the date of the disqualification in order to reapply.

DESIREABLE QUALIFICATIONS - Credit will be given to applicants who possess DESIREABLE qualifications and indicate so on their employment application at the time of filing.

• A Bachelor's degree or higher (i.e., Master or Doctorate) from an accredited college or university in Graphic Arts Illustration/Design.
• Associate's degree from an accredited college or university in Graphic Arts Illustration/Design.
• Trade School/certification* in Graphic Arts Illustration/Design.
• Full time commercial art experience in creating and coordinating the construction and installation of large indoor and outdoor, two and three dimensional exhibits and displays; consulting with clients requesting artwork; producing a variety of freehand artwork such as drawings, sketches, and illustrations; designing and producing, under technical supervision, digital displays/posters; researching freehand and digital illustrations in the most current technical applications/media; using SLR Digital cameras to take photos; illustrating human anatomy in freehand/digital formats; using digital animation/software to create/augment videos; performing digital imaging modifications; creating complex to-scale diagram modifications; presenting findings/work to various audiences.
• Formal Graphic Arts Illustration/Design Training* such as Graphic Design Principles, principles and techniques involved in creating and presenting commercial artwork; Techniques of painting, sketching and artistic design; Techniques, mediums, materials, and processes used in graphic artwork; Art direction and production; Digital photography; Performing photo composition, retouching and modifications.
• Formal Graphic Arts Illustration/Design Video Editing Software Training completed within the last ten (10) years, such as Adobe Acrobat, InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Premiere, Final Cut Pro, After Effects, Google Earth Pro, Sketch Up, Blender, CCTV software.

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