Crime Scene Technician

Duties

• Responds to calls for crime scene services, and processes scenes of major crimes.
• Photographs crime and accident scenes, including burglaries, robberies, deaths, thefts, and assault victims to record the appearance of evidence using highly-skilled photographic and evidence-gathering techniques.
• Identifies, collects, and secures physical evidence, including but not limited to blood, body fluids, hair, fibers, and firearms for laboratory testing and use as evidence in criminal prosecutions.
• Searches for and develops latent prints at crime scenes.
• Photographs and fingerprints suspects, victims (including deceased individuals), witnesses, and applicants.
• Produces castings of footprints, tire tracks, and other impressions.
• Determines procedures to be used when identifying, collecting, and processing evidence.
• Comprehends and makes inferences from written material, including procedure manuals and departmental administrative and field orders in order to learn and apply crime scene processing techniques.
• Performs basic mathematical calculations to measure distance.
• Testifies in court.
• Writes detailed reports, and establishes and maintains records to ensure proper chain of custody of physical evidence.
• Communicates and interacts with sworn officers, co-workers, supervisors, and the public in answering questions, processing crime scenes, explaining procedures, and handling complaints. Interacts with victims and witnesses.
• Requires shift work, working weekends and holidays.
• Conducts training for new staff as needed.
• Performs related work as required.

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

Requirements

Required Education and Experience

• At least 60 semester units of college coursework from an accredited college or university with coursework in Photography, Criminalistics, and Physical Science (Biology/Biochemistry, Chemistry, or Forensic Science)
• Two (2) years of experience working as a Crime Scene Technician for a law enforcement agency can substitute for 30 units of the required college coursework
• Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Possession of a valid California driver's license and satisfactory driving record is an ongoing requirement
• Must be able to qualify to use protective respirator equipment based on passing a specialized physical examination by the hire date, and maintain certification.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement

• The City’s policy is that all persons hired on or after October 18, 2021, must be fully vaccinated, including the booster, for COVID-19. New employees will be required to provide proof of complete vaccination or have an approved medical or religious accommodation before employment may commence. If you have any questions regarding this policy, please contact Human Resources.

Other Requirements

• Must pass a polygraph and an extensive background examination. As a condition of employment, psychological, medical, and drug testing are also required.

Additional Requirements:

• No felony convictions
• No use of the following drugs within the past three (3) years: Cocaine, Hallucinogens, LSD, Heroin, Methamphetamine, MDMA (Ecstasy), Psilocybin (Mushrooms).
• Successful candidates must pass a thorough background investigation, including a criminal history check for job-related convictions, fingerprinting, polygraph test, credit check, and a check of drug use history.
• Must be able to qualify to use protective respirator equipment based on passing a specialized physical examination by the hire date, and maintain certification.

REQUIRED KSA FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge of:

• Modern office practices and equipment, including applicable software
• Law enforcement activities, and the organization of a police department
• Police investigative techniques, search and seizure, and the police officer’s role in criminal prosecution
• Standard techniques for classification, development, transfer, and chemical processing of fingerprints
• Hazards and safety precautions related to crime scenes, chemicals and equipment used in processing evidence

Skill in:

• Observing and recalling details
• Photography
• Organization and time management

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Read maps, and learn the geography of the City
• Learn photographic techniques and methods, including the use of a variety of film, digital equipment, lighting, filtration, infrared, and ultraviolet techniques
• Learn to use powders and chemicals to process scenes for latent fingerprints and subsequent lifting/photographing
• Learn gunshot residue testing
• Present accurate and professional testimony in court

Do you have the Education Required? See available on-line and campus-based degree programs now!