Forensic Specialist

Duties

Responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Locate, identify, collect, protect, preserve, and analyze materials and substances as evidence at crime scenes, other locations, and from person; use and employ a variety of techniques and specialized equipment.
• Assist in the examination and processing of crime scenes; document crime scenes with photographs, video recordings, diagrams, and reports; locate and record physical or trace evidence using a variety of photographic techniques; interview victims, witnesses, and suspects when requested.
• Develop, lift, photograph, preserve, classify, compare and identify fingerprints, palm prints and inked prints; evaluate latent print evidence for CAL-ID computer system; conduct chemical fingerprint processing and process hazardous and drug related material for fingerprints.
• Preserve, compare and attempt to identify evidence such as blood, hair, fibers, cloth, wood, paint and glass fragments; collect pathological samples and evidence for later clinical examination; photograph results of autopsy for criminal investigation and prepare photos for court presentation.
• Collect, photograph, preserve, identify and perform basic analysis of DNA, blood, ballistics, narcotics, tool marks and other types of physical evidence; assist in analysis and laboratory activities.
• Process, download, print, enlarge, and mount photographs; prepare castings of tire, foot, hand, tool, and other types of impressions.
• Prepare and maintain reports and records; support the preparation of information for court cases.
• Assist and participate in the reconstructing of crime scenes.
• Operate City vehicles; transport, release, and retrieve evidence from forensic laboratories.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

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

Requirements

Option I:

• Education: High school graduation or satisfactory equivalent (GED) and completion of 15 semester or 20 quarter units from an accredited college or university in criminology, administration of justice, forensic science, or a closely related field.
• Experience: One (1) year of experience performing routine crime scene duties such as identifying, photographing, collecting, and preserving evidence and receiving, cataloging, and maintaining custody of evidence.

Option II:

• Education: High School graduation or satisfactory equivalent (GED) preferably with some courses in criminology, forensics, or related field.
• Experience: Two (2) years of experience in a police department working crime scene and forensic evaluation performing duties such as identifying, photographing, collecting, and preserving evidence.

Licenses, Certifications, and Necessary Requirements:

• Must be willing to work weekends, holidays, nights, and rotating shifts and be subject to recall as needed.
• Must be willing to work an "on-call" assignment.
• Must be able to pass an intensive police background investigation.
• Possession of an appropriate, valid, Class "C" California Motor Vehicle Operator's License.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a concealed weapons permit (CCW).

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