Evidence & ID Specialist

Duties

Major Duties

• Responds to and conducts crime scene investigations at major crime scenes to include photography, documentation, and evidence collection.
• Processes evidence for latent finger and palm prints in a laboratory setting using powders, chemicals, and specialized light sources.
• Compares latent finger, palm, and foot prints to known prints of suspects and victims.
• Uses an Automated Finger and Palm Print Identification System (AFIS) to search unidentified latent finger and palm prints.
• Uses National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) imaging technology and microscopy, enter cartridge cases and review files and images that have been entered into local and national firearm databases for potential associations (NIBIN Database).
• Conducts NIBIN correlation and secondary/technical reviews.
• Testifies in state and federal court as an expert witness.
• Performs computerized image enhancements on latent finger and palm print images using AFIS.
• Examines items of evidence for the presence of trace evidence; performs Luminol and Phenolphthalein presumptive tests; conducts blood stain pattern analysis at crime scenes; performs gunshot residue collection.
• Packages, labels and seals items of evidence to ensure further scientific examination and possible courtroom display.
• Performs postmortem finger and palm prints to establish or verify identity.
• Prepares detailed, written reports on crime scene and evidence examinations.
• Administers and maintains a computerized livescan fingerprint and mugshot system; maintains all arrest fingerprint cards for the department.
• Fingerprints arrested persons; obtains case prints on suspects.
• Trains police department personnel in crime scene investigation, evidence collection, photography, and fingerprinting.
• Uses the CJ Leads computer system to obtain driver's and criminal histories.
• Orders and maintains crime scene supplies.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Seeks out and completes ongoing training to retain and enhance certifications.

Guidelines

• Guidelines include the department Policies and Procedures Manual, FBI and SBI evidence guidelines, and local, state, and federal laws. These guidelines are generally clear and specific, but may require some interpretation in application.

Supervisory/Management Responsibility

• None

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

Requirements

Education/Experience Requirements

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with completion of specialized training in the field of work, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high school education.
• Possess, or have the ability to obtain within 2 years of employment, a Forensic Certification by the International Association for Identification or other recognized forensic-related organization.
• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of North Carolina for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.

Knowledge Requirements

• Knowledge of the methods and standards employed in forensic science.
• Knowledge of the techniques used in print processing, bloodstain pattern analysis, and other crime scene investigation procedures.
• Knowledge of computer forensic imaging software.
• Knowledge of trace evidence collection procedures.
• Knowledge of department and city policies and procedures.
• Skill crime scene investigation and evidence collection.
• Skill in the use of chemical, powders and light in the collection of latent fingerprints.
• Skill in the identification of print pattern matches.
• Skill in the preparation of reports.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

• The work is typically performed in an office or at crime scenes.
• The work may be performed in a very noisy place and may expose the employee to much dust, dirt, grease, contagious and infectious diseases, or irritating chemicals.
• The work requires the use of protective device such as masks, goggles, and gloves.
• The work is performed while sitting, standing, stooping, walking, bending, or crouching.
• The employee frequently lifts light, and occasionally heavy, objects, climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, and must distinguish between shades of color.

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