Crime Scene Investigator

Duties

Examples of Duties

• Works with deputies and detectives to recognize, identify and document physical evidence pertinent to a crime scene or criminal investigation.
• Examines crime scenes to preserve, collect, photograph, or/or video physical evidence.
• Collects trace evidence, including hair, fiber, glass, gunshot residue, fire debris, and other evidence transferred with an understanding of modern methods and Locard's Exchange Principle.
• Prepares diagrams and scene sketches, including hand drawn sketches, and computer-generated diagrams.
• Prepares and proofreads thorough reports regarding actions taken on scenes and in a lab setting. Is prepared to peer review reports from other investigators, and to have their work peer reviewed.
• Advises detectives at crime scenes regarding preservation and collection of evidence, and possible interpretations of evidence.
• Processes crime scenes during assigned shifts and in an on-call capacity as needed.
• Attends autopsies to photograph, package, and document evidence.
• Collects physical evidence from suspects in custody, including clothing, buccal swabs, gunshot residue, nail clippings, and trace evidence.
• Assists in forensically processing law enforcement officers who have been involved in a critical incident.
• Testifies in court.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

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

Requirements

Knowledge of:

• Procedures of the criminal justice system
• Routine software and business practices – Boulder County primarily uses a Microsoft environment for day-to-day business practices
• Best practices in crime scene processing
• Crime scene photography

Skills in:

• Teamwork in high stress environments, and with representatives from other agencies, organizations, or departments
• Technology - entering data, using spreadsheets, using crime scene hardware and software
• Safe handling, loading/unloading, and packaging of firearms
• Driving a van, sport utility vehicle, or pickup in suburban and rural areas

Ability to:

• Be nonjudgmental, non-biased, compassionate and empathetic
• Work independently and as part of a team
• Communicate clearly and effectively
• Work effectively with a wide variety of people from different backgrounds and cultures
• Testify in court
• Work in unpleasant settings, including crime, accident, mass casualty, and hazardous scenes
• Apply sound reasoning and decision making
• Maintain confidentiality
• Balance, prioritize and multitask workload

Minimum Qualifications:

• Two years of professional experience conducting criminal justice or forensic work in a field or laboratory setting
• Must be at least 21 years old
• Must be able to pass a comprehensive hiring testing process
• Must not have any felony convictions, or domestic violence convictions (whether misdemeanor or felony) - a history or excessive use of illegal drugs or other criminal offenses not otherwise listed could disqualify the applicant
• Must not have any DUI/DWAI convictions or driver license suspensions within 24 months of application or more than one DUI/DWAI conviction in the applicant's lifetime
• Must possess a valid Colorado driver’s license
• Must live within 60 minutes of normal driving time to Sheriff’s Office Headquarters

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree, or higher in a science or criminal justice related field
• Experience in the use of FARO, Leica, or similar scanning technology
• Experience testifying as a court accepted expert witness in a felony trial setting
• Membership or certification with the International Association for Identification (IAI)
• Training in Crime Scene Reconstruction, Shooting Incident Reconstruction, Bloodstain Pattern Analysis, and Footwear Impression Comparison
• Training in the collection, and analysis, of video evidence

Physical Requirements:

• Vison – Single eye correctable vision is acceptable. Frequently uses vision for photography, videography, and operation of electronic equipment in low-light environments as well as reading, recording, and interpreting information.
• Hearing - Dual hearing is required. Crime scene investigators are constantly required to listen for call-outs, portable radio transmissions, and other noises that may impact their safety at crime scenes.
• Sense of Smell - Intact. Occasionally uses olfactory sense to detect illegal drugs, chemicals, the odor of decomposition, or the presence of toxic vapors, smoke, or fuel.
• Speech – Must have the ability to speak and understand English clearly within normal parameters. Frequently uses voice to communicate with other staff members in person, by telephone, or radio. Clear diction and audible volume is required.
• Body movement – Crime Scene Investigators are frequently required to be able to lift up to 40 pounds. Occasionally required to carry equipment, computers, or evidence of various types. Occasionally required to squat, crawl, and lean during the processing of crime scenes and collection of evidence. Occasionally required to sort small pieces of evidence, with or without equipment; must have feeling in their hands and sufficient dexterity to collect trace evidence using appropriate tools.

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