Crime Scene Specialist

Duties

Tasks:

• Visually and physically examines and investigates crime scenes for the recognition, collection and preservation of physical evidence such as bodily fluids, hair, fibers, weapons, and others materials in sometimes stressful and unpleasant environments. Using a DSLR 35mm camera photographs crime scene(s) and evidence, including post mortem examinations, and maintains a photograph log. Measures, sketches and prepares diagram(s) of crime scenes, using standardized and accepted investigative practices and mathematical calculations to complete reports.
• Prepares preserves and secures the evidence in appropriate packaging, bags, or boxes and documents evidence collection. Interviews, in person, victims and/or police officers (including those on detective assignment), in order to gain relevant case information.
• Assist and interact with other law enforcement and multi-jurisdictional agencies.
• The Crime Scene Specialist is responsible for continuously providing instruction and training to police personnel, and community functions.
• Transports evidence to an approved laboratory/other agency/and court facilities with accordance of property and evidence bureau and maintains chain of custody and returns the evidence to the evidence technician.
• Performs function tests, test fires impounded firearm, and enters cartridge casings into the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network and E-trace forms into ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives) online.
• Collect buccal (DNA) swabs, finger and palm prints from victim(s), suspect(s) and other individuals when deemed necessary.
• Prepares written supplemental reports for all casework assignments in our computerized report management software and tasks in a timely and efficient manner and maintain accurate documentation for all cases worked.
• Testifies in Tribal, State or Federal Court on behalf of the prosecution to disclose facts and data collected at a crime scene, which may include describing procedures/practices used to collect physical and biological evidence and chain of custody.
• Performs presumptive chemical tests to determine the presence of blood evidence;
• Operates a Police Department vehicle to travel to crime scenes and to transport equipment.
• Performs other job related duties that facilitate and enhance the overall goals of the department.
• Adheres to all training, policies, procedures, rules, regulations, standards, chain of custody, rules of evidence and laws. Maintains strict confidence and security of all data, financial accounts, information, intelligence, metrics, audio, video, computer analytics and meta data, police reports, supplements and associated case files, physical evidence, photographs, statistics and any other materials that are confidential and sensitive to all cases, investigations, personnel records and the operations or property of the SRPD and SRPMIC.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics:

• Knowledge of the history, culture, laws, rules, customs and traditions of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.
• Knowledge of Department, Federal and state guidelines concerning the receipt, processing, and control of criminal evidence.
• Knowledge of the locations of homes and businesses in the Community.
• Knowledge of general Police Department operations.
• Knowledge of police and medical jargon.
• Knowledge of and ability to perform presumptive chemical tests such as Kastle Meyer, Bluestar, Hemastix, and acid phosphatase to determine the presence of blood and other biological substances.
• Skill in identifying important details and making decisions under stressful conditions.
• Skill in the proper handling, storage, collection, photography, documenting, preserving, and control of physical evidence items.
• Skill in working cooperatively and effectively with all segments of the Community while remaining calm, decisive, and diplomatic in stressful situations.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to learn job-related material through oral instruction, observation, structured lecture and reading in the English language.
• Ability to produce written documents in English with clearly organized thoughts using proper sentence construction, punctuation and grammar.
• Ability to communicate effectively when called upon to testify in Court.
• Ability to communicate with various professionals such as Prosecutors, Defense Attorneys, Police Officers, Judges, and other personnel of the Court.
• Ability to work safely without presenting a direct threat to the self or others.
• Ability to learn to work with chemicals, powders, and body fluids using normal protective equipment.
• Ability to organize and maintain sensitive equipment and/or chemicals.
• Ability to operate a DSLR 35mm-digital camera using manual settings and dark areas.
• Ability to work under pressure, exercise good judgment and make sound decisions in stressful situations.
• Ability to attend to detail for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to communicate utilizing a police handheld radio.
• Ability to operate computer equipment and standard office equipment proficiently.
• Ability to type/key information accurately for successful job performance.
• Ability to complete tasks regardless of extreme weather conditions and or temperature.
• Ability to balance, crawl, climb, crouch, finger, feel, handle, grasp, perform repetitive motion, kneel, lift, pull push, hear, speak, stoop, stand, walk, demonstrate mental and visual acuity.
• Ability to work in an environment that may be considered awkward or unusual.
• Ability to move objects weighing up to 50 pounds short and long distances.
• Ability to work a call out schedule and respond promptly to process a crime scene upon short notice.
• Ability to maintain absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, records, and restricted and law enforcement sensitive information.

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

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• An AA or BS degree in Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, or related field. At least two years of work experience in crime scene processing or related job field.
• Crime Scene Investigator certification by the International Association for Identification (IAI) is highly desirable, will be required within the first 24 months of employment.

Equivalency

• Any equivalent combination of experience and education in related fields such as evidence collection, photography, and latent prints that will allow the applicant to satisfactorily perform the duties of the job may be considered when filling the position.

Underfill Eligibility:

• An enrolled Community Member whom closely qualifies for the minimum qualifications for a position may be considered for employment under SRPMIC Policy 2-19, Underfill

Special Requirements

• Employees in, and applicants applying for, jobs providing direct services to children are subject to the “Community Code of Ordinances”, Chapter 11, “Minors”, Article X. “Investigation of Persons Working With Children”.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Arizona Driver’s License.
• Must pass a background, polygraph/psychological testing due to nature of work.
• This position may be expected to work evenings, holidays, and weekends as needed and is not subject to a standard work schedule.

"SRPMIC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer" Preference will be given to a qualified: Community Member Veteran, Community Member, Spouse of Community Member, qualified Native American, and then other qualified candidate.

• In order to obtain preference, the following is required: 1) Qualified Community Member Veteran (DD-214) will be required at the time of application submission 2) Qualified Community Member (must provide Tribal I.D at time of application submission),3) Spouse of a Community Member (Marriage License/certificate and spouse Tribal ID or CIB is required at time of application submission), and 4) Native American (Tribal ID or CIB required at time of application submission).

Prior to hire as an employee, applicants will be subject to drug and alcohol testing. Will be required to pass a pre-employment background/fingerprint check. Employees are subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

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