Crime Scene Analyst I

Duties

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Exemplify Department values, both on and off duty.
• Perform a variety of tasks in evaluating and processing crime scenes including photographically documenting crime scenes, lifting and photographing fingerprints, and sketching and diagramming crime scenes.
• Perform a variety of tasks at autopsies including collection of clothing and evidence, fingerprinting and taking photographs; search for and recover trace evidence.
• Recover and collect physical evidence; safely package evidence.
• Process evidence for fingerprints; process for latent fingerprints using various methods including powders, chemicals, brushes, applicators, light sources or related methods.
• Prepare crime scene reports and documentation; ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Testify as an expert witness in court.
• Ensure the adherence of standard safety precautions.
• Recover, unload, process, and impound firearms and other weapons using sound safety precautions.
• Stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of crime scene investigations.
• Adhere to Department firearms requirements if electing to carry a firearm on duty.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

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

Requirements

Training, Education and Experience

• Possession of an Associate's degree (or 60 college credits) from an accredited university or college with one of the following:
• A minimum of 12 college-level credits in biology, chemistry, forensic technology, forensic science, physical anthropology, physics, anatomy, physiology or crime scene investigation.
• 120 hours of crime scene investigation related training from a reputable source. Proof of completion is required, and curriculum will be reviewed prior to acceptance.
• A combination of the above mentioned college level science credits and training (ten hours of training is the equivalent to one college level credit).
• Two years of experience in crime scene investigations.
OR
• Possession of a Bachelor's degree or higher.


• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid Nevada driver's license.

Knowledge of:

• Basic principles of chemistry, biology, anatomy, physiology and related physical sciences.
• Mathematical concepts to perform geometric and trigonometric calculations.
• Basic drawing and sketching techniques.
• Basic photographic principles.
• Proper English usage to include spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
• Operations, services and activities of the Crime Scene Investigations Section.
• Theory of fingerprinting and fingerprints.
• Methods and techniques of latent fingerprint processing using powders and chemicals.
• Pertinent Department and Section policies and procedures.
• Statutes pertaining to crime scene investigations, fingerprinting and photography.
• Firearms mechanics, handling and safety.

Ability to:

• Exemplify Department values and demonstrate professionalism, compassion and empathy.
• Follow safety precautions.
• Organize and prioritize a crime scene investigation.
• Use computer and applicable computer programs.
• Take observational notes and document actions taken.
• Transfer notes into report format.
• Use and operate tools and equipment used in crime scene investigations.
• Operate various types of photographic equipment.
• Operate forensic equipment.
• Apply crime scene investigation theories and techniques in various field situations.
• Work in the absence of supervision.
• Make independent decisions.
• Apply deductive, logical reasoning.
• Work in extremely stressful situations.
• Testify in court and handle adversarial situations.
• Communicate clearly and concisely orally.
• Communicate clearly and concisely in writing.
• Prepare clear and concise reports.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Deal with hostile, uncooperative, and emotional suspects, victims, and witnesses.

Conditions of Employment - In addition to the General Conditions of Employment, found here, the following specific conditions of employment and physical conditions apply to this position.

• Personal Appearance: While on duty, and/or representing the Department, uniformed or otherwise, all Department employees will be neat and clean in their appearance in public. Employees are prohibited from attaching, affixing, or displaying objects, articles or jewelry on or through the nose, tongue, eyebrow or other exposed body part, except the ears for females, while on duty. Employees are prohibited from stretching or "gauging" their earlobes. All jewelry implants will not be exposed or visible while on duty. Tattoos or branding will not be exposed or visible while on duty and/or representing the Department. Such markings must be covered by clothing. Markings that cannot be covered by clothing will be covered using neutral-toned bandages or patches except for hands, neck, head, or face tattoos. Makeup is not permissible to cover a tattoo. Tattoos or branding anywhere on the body that promote racism/discrimination, indecency, extremist or supremacist philosophies, lawlessness, violence, or contain sexually
• explicit material are prohibited.
• Participate in the LVMPD Mental Wellness Program.
• Submit a DNA sample for entry into the LVMPD DNA Staff Elimination Index System.
• Provide a copy of college diploma and/or college transcripts to the CSI Section to ensure accuracy of Statement of Qualifications file.
• Participate in random drug testing as part of the LVMPD Department Drug Testing Program.
• Maintain a Nevada driver's license for commuting between the regular workplace and offsite work locations such as crime scenes and the courts.
• Be on-call based on operational needs.
• Satisfactorily complete the Crime Scene Analyst training within the period determined by bureau management or they may be terminated.
• Work a variety of shifts, days off, weekends or holidays as determined by the bureau.
• Vision sufficient to read fine print on computers, distinguish fine details when examining evidence items, as well as distinguish color, contrast, patterns, and dimensions in poor lighting conditions.
• Speech sufficient to effectively communicate with other persons encountered in the line of duty, utilize the police radio, render expert courtroom testimony and scientific instructions.
• Hearing sufficient to hear police radio, instructions, training content, and conversations.
• Agility and mobility sufficient to climb ladders, navigate unpredictable terrain at crime scenes, stand, walk, stoop, bend, reach, rotate and extend neck, and balance self while using standard office equipment, as well as lift, push, and pull files, documents, crime scene equipment, and/or standard office equipment.
• Dexterity sufficient to manipulate instruments and small items accurately over an extended period of time, as well as write labels for collected evidence items.
• Strength and mobility sufficient to lift items up to 50 lbs. with or without aid of equipment.
• Endurance sufficient to sit or stand for long periods of time, as necessary.
• Physical and mental capacity to fly in aircraft to perform aerial photography.

Working Conditions

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT - Crime Scene Analyst incumbents are required to:

• Submit a DNA sample for entry into the LVMPD DNA Staff Elimination Index System.
• Provide a copy of college diploma and/or college transcripts to the CSI Section to ensure accuracy of Statement of Qualifications file.
• Participate in random drug testing as part of the LVMPD Department Drug Testing Program.
• Maintain a Nevada driver's license for commuting between the regular workplace and offsite work locations such as crime scenes and the courts.
• Be on call based on operational needs.
• Satisfactorily complete the Crime Scene Analyst training within the period determined by bureau management or they may be terminated.
• Work a variety of shifts, days off, weekends or holidays as determined by the Bureau.

Environmental Conditions:

• Office environment; urban and rural traffic and road conditions while driving a vehicle to travel from site to site; exposure to computer screens, potentially hazardous chemicals, human body fluids, blood-borne pathogens, other hazards, evidence items, and inclement weather conditions.

Physical Conditions:

• Vision sufficient to read fine print on computers, distinguish fine details when examining evidence items, as well as distinguish color, contrast, patterns, and dimensions in poor lighting conditions.
• Speech sufficient to effectively communicate with other persons encountered in the line of duty, utilize the police radio, render expert courtroom testimony and scientific instructions.
• Hearing sufficient to hear police radio, instructions, training content, and conversations.
• Agility and mobility sufficient to climb ladders, navigate unpredictable terrain at crime scenes, stand, walk, stoop, bend, reach, rotate and extend neck, and balance self while using standard office equipment, as well as lift, push, and pull files, documents, crime scene equipment, and/or standard office equipment.
• Dexterity sufficient to manipulate instruments and small items accurately over an extended period of time, as well as write labels for collected evidence items.
• Strength and mobility sufficient to lift items up to 50 lbs with or without aid of equipment.
• Endurance sufficient to sit or stand for long periods of time, as necessary.
• Physical and mental capacity to fly in aircraft to perform aerial photography.

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