Crime Scene Specialist

Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Responds to crime scenes on a 24-hour basis; locates, labels, collects and preserves physical evidence present at crime scenes, traffic fatalities and search warrants.
• Photographs major crime scenes, autopsies and traffic fatalities.
• Processes evidence for latent prints using various chemical methods and Alternate Light Source.
• Analyses latent prints to determine value for identification; compares latent prints to suspects.
• Testifies in criminal courts as an expert witness.
• Fingerprints suspects and deceased for identifications; fingerprints defendants for criminal courts.
• Responds to open records requests and subpoenas for information.
• Assists other law enforcement agencies when requested; assists with criminal investigations when needed.
• Assists in Property Room.
• Submits evidence to appropriate Crime Labs for analysis.
• Completes supplemental offense reports.
• Work flexible hours/work week and/or schedule.
• Respond to crime scene call outs within one hour.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

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

Requirements

Education, training and Experience Guidelines

• High School Diploma or equivalent. Three (3) years of full-time work experience as a Crime Scene Technician. Latent Print Examiner preferred, or completion of latent print and palm print courses within two years of hire date.
• One (1) year (30 semester hours) of forensic science, criminal justice or related field, from an accredited college or university OR any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be substituted for one year of the required experience.

Knowledge of:

• Crime Scene Investigation and Criminal investigation procedures.
• Police Department rules and regulations.
• Latent print comparison, identification and classification, Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems, photography, evidence processing, crime scene processing, chemical formulas and Alternate Light Sources.
• Latest forensic techniques and processing guidelines, including Bloodstain Pattern Analysis, Shooting reconstruction and Crime Scene Reconstruction.
• General office equipment and operational practices and procedures.

Skill in:

• Organizing work and the ability to manage time efficiently.
• Working independently in the absence of immediate supervision.
• Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Using of computers and related equipment, hardware and software to maintain databases, files and records.
• Assisting in a variety of administrative and routine department duties.
• Comprehending and following verbal and written directions.
• Reading technical reports, policy and procedure manuals.
• Completing logs and reports.
• Mixing chemicals for latent print analysis and crime scene processing.
• Photography.
• Developing processes and the application of formulas applied to crime scene reconstruction.
• Sorting and categorizing materials.
• Resolving customer complaints and concerns.
• Establishing and maintaining effective relationships with co-workers; ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; ability to maintain appropriate.

SCHEDULE

• The position will begin with a Monday through Friday schedule, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., during the training period, but the hours and days may change once training is complete.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Valid Class C Texas driver’s license.
• Basic latent print and identification course. Crime Scene Search, Latent and Crime Scene Photography.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

• Standing, sitting, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, reaching, handling, fine dexterity, kneeling, crouching, crawling, bending, twisting, climbing, balancing, vision, hearing, talking, use of foot controls.
• Exposed to chemicals used in processing evidence and crime scenes. Exposed to body fluids/blood at crime scenes and autopsies. May be subject to exposure to extreme weather conditions, hostile environments, infectious diseases, air and waterborne pathogens. Lifting up to 50 pounds.

Applicant must be able to pass a background investigation, oral board, polygraph and psychological examination.

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