Forensic Technician I

Duties

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• In a training capacity, assist in searching for, collecting, and categorizing evidence at crime scenes for laboratory analysis.
• Assist in collecting, identifying, developing, and preserving latent fingerprints.
• Preserve, compare, and attempt to identify evidence such as blood, hair, fibers, cloth, wood, paint, and glass fragments.
• Take and compare physical impressions to attempt to connect evidence with suspects.
• 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.
• Tag, mark, and store evidence collected; may assist with managing 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.
• Photograph crime scenes, suspects, and evidence with digital and traditional photograph equipment; process and organize digital images using computer software programs.
• Use computer software and equipment to prepare and draw sketches of crime scenes and suspects.
• Prepare photographs and crime scene sketches for courtroom exhibits; store and inventory exhibits.
• Videotape testimony; edit and redact audio files of suspect and witness interviews; prepare, organize, and document evidence for discovery.
• Prepare detailed written field and laboratory reports and other correspondence.
• May testify in court.
• Assist with 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.
• Learn to use various kinds of scientific instrumentation to analyze, compare, identify, and quantify materials of evidence.
• Learn the function and use of the computerized bar code inventory control system used for evidence movement, storage, and accountability.

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

Requirements

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.)
• Candidates possessing a certification related to forensics are highly desired. These certifications include, but not limited to, the following: Crime Scene Investigation, Crime Scene Photography, Fingerprint Techniques and Impression, Forensic Report Writing, Death Investigation, and/or Blood Stain Pattern Analysis. Must be attached at time of application

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.

Other Requirements:

• Incumbents are expected to work flexible work schedules including rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, being on 24-hour on-call status, and may often be required to work overtime.

Physical Conditions:

• Incumbents must be able to assist with heavy lifting and carrying of deceased persons in difficult types of terrain and weather conditions; independent body mobility to stand for long periods and/or walk on uneven ground or wet surfaces.

Environmental Conditions:

• Incumbent must be comfortable to work around, biohazards, potential infectious diseases as well as, offensive sights and smells and will be required to wear personal protective equipment in accordance with applicable occupational safety and health regulations when potentially exposed.

License:

• Possession of a valid California Driver's License.

Background:

• Candidates must be able to pass an extensive background check which may take several months.
• All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of both a pre-employment physical exam, including a drug/alcohol test, and a criminal background investigation, which involves fingerprinting. (A felony or misdemeanor conviction may disqualify the applicant from County employment).

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