Forensic Technician I/II

Duties

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Search for, collect, and preserve evidence at crime scenes for laboratory analysis; photograph crime scenes, collisions, suspects, and evidence collected.
• Develop and preserve latent fingerprints using various techniques; identify and compare fingerprints.
• Collect, preserve, and attempt to evaluate or identify evidence such as blood, hair, fibers, cloth, wood, paint, and glass fragments.
• Take and compare physical impressions to attempt to connect evidence with suspect.
• In a laboratory setting, develop and enhance fingerprint evidence using various techniques; lift trace evidence such as blood, hair, fiber, and DNA samples and refer evidence to criminal laboratory (e.g., the DOJ) for further analysis.
• Interview witnesses as to location of evidence and for details in order to create composite drawings of suspects.
• Collect and process evidence during search warrants; create diagrams and poster boards of search warrant location; videotape search, photograph and document all evidence collected.
• Construct, store, and inventory courtroom exhibits; videotape testimony, edit and redact audio files of suspect and witness interviews; prepare, organize, and document evidence for discovery.
• Consult with attorneys regarding effective preparation and presentation of evidence during trial.
• Use computer software and equipment to prepare and draw sketches of crime scenes and suspects.
• Prepare detailed records; tag, mark, preserve, and store evidence collected; may manage an evidence room to include checking items in and out, maintaining chain of custody and inventory control, and destroying items no longer needed for criminal prosecution.
• May review the work of lower Forensic Technicians and provide training and lead direction to lesser-experienced technicians.
• Study new techniques in forensics; conduct research into the development of new techniques, methods, and equipment.
• Prepare detailed written field and laboratory reports and other correspondence.
• Testify in court as an expert witness in the presentation and verification of collected evidence such as bloodstain interpretation, projectile trajectory, fingerprints, photography, and diagramming.
• Attend post mortem examinations; fingerprint the deceased, collect trace evidence, pathological samples, and other physical evidence for further examination; photograph autopsies of criminal investigations; prepare photos for courtroom presentation.

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

Requirements

Forensic Technician I: Salary: $24.82 - $38.80 Hourly; $4,301.37 - $6,724.59 Monthly; $51,616.45 - $80,695.06 Annually

• Education: Completion of 20 semester or 30 quarter units from an accredited college or university in Criminology, Criminal Justice, Police Science, or a closely related field. (One year of receiving, cataloging, and maintaining custody of evidence in a law enforcement agency, or a closely related law enforcement assignment may be substituted for the required education.)
• Knowledge of: Crime scene investigation techniques and procedures; fingerprint processing methods; traditional photography and digital imaging techniques and equipment; the relationship of law enforcement to the community at large.
• Ability to: Learn collection, identification, and comparison of physical evidence at crime scenes; coordinate information obtained from a variety of sources; interpret such information; draw logical conclusions; apply fingerprinting methods to the tasks of identification; take, develop, and print clear photographs; follow oral and written instructions; maintain effective working relationships; write clear, concise reports; stand, stoop, bend, stretch, reach and extend arms above shoulder; stand for prolonged periods of time and lift and carry camera and evidence collection equipment. This position also requires the incumbent to work around offensive sights and smells.

Forensic Technician II: Salary: $28.04 - $43.83 Hourly; $4,859.97 - $7,596.51 Monthly; $58,319.66 - $91,158.08 Annually

• Education: 32 hours of P.O.S.T. approved training in fingerprint science and/or 40 hours of Basic Fingerprint Techniques or the equivalent.
• Experience: One year of experience collecting, preserving, and photographing physical evidence at crime scenes, and comparison of fingerprint evidence.
• Knowledge of: The techniques of collection, identification, and comparison of physical evidence; modern principles, practices, and techniques of traditional photography and digital imaging; current methods of fingerprint collection, identification and analysis and comparison; technological developments relative to the forensic function.
• Ability to: Coordinate information obtained from a variety of sources; interpret such information; find relationships, and draw logical conclusions; apply modern fingerprinting methods to the task of identification; take, develop, and print clear photographs; follow oral and written instructions; maintain effective working relationships; write clear, concise reports; stand, stoop, bend, stretch, reach and extend arms above shoulder, stand for prolonged periods of time and lift and carry camera and evidence collection equipment. This position also requires the incumbent to work around offensive sights and smells.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• The duties of this position require the incumbent to be available to work nights, holidays, and weekends and may be available for stand-by and call-outs after regular working hours.

License:

• Possession of a valid California Driver's License.

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