Crime Scene Specialist I

Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conducts crime scene searches under extreme conditions to gather physical evidence, such as latent fingerprints, hair, fibers, blood, projectiles, shell casings and tool and tire marks.
• Creates scale drawings of crime scenes, utilizing computer aided drafting (CAD), which include the location of the crime, evidence reference points, exact distances, and trajectory of bullets; creates cast impressions of shoe, tool, and tire marks found at crime scenes.
• Lifts, photographs, and develops latent prints found at crime scenes, utilizing print enhancement chemicals and photography equipment.
• Identifies, photographs, collects and preserves biological material for DNA evidence.
• Prepares detailed narrative and technical reports for each crime scene investigated which include a detailed summary of all evidence; maintains detailed case files for each case.
• Meets with prosecuting and defense attorneys to discuss cases or to provide formal depositions regarding crime scene information and physical evidence.
• Testifies in court regarding evidence collected at crime scenes, the condition of the crime scene, and the methodology employed in the collection and testing of the evidence.
• Transports evidence to and from hospitals; maintains evidence transmittal forms to track the chain of custody for all evidence to ensure its integrity when introduced in court.
• Conducts chemical tests on blood found at crime scenes to provide physical evidence to the prosecutor; ensures the security and integrity of all evidence processed in the Crime Scene Search Unit Laboratory.
• Operates a metal detector to locate projectiles and shell casings at crime scenes.
• Operates photography equipment to photograph crime scenes.
• Analyzes crime scene information, such as blood spatter patterns to determine specific crime scene information.
• Develops lesson plans which meet State Minimum Standards for law enforcement officers; trains Police Officers in crime scene security and evidence collection and preservation.
• Prepares monthly reports detailing the number of crime scene investigations and the number of hours spent testifying in court and at the State Crime Lab.
• Conducts instructional courses and seminars for other law enforcement agencies, universities, etc., regarding crime scene searches; conducts crime scene searches for other law enforcement agencies as required.
• Operates a computer with database and word processing software in the performance of essential job functions.
• Operates a City pool automobile in the performance of essential job functions.

SECONDARY DUTIES

• Performs other related duties as required.

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

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• These knowledge, skills, and abilities are usually, although not always, acquired through completion of Bachelor's degree in in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Forensic Science, or a related area, and two hundred (200) hours of experience in a crime scene investigation internship program or a related area.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess a valid Arkansas Class D (Non-Commercial Vehicle) Driver's License before employment and maintain licensure for the duration of employment in this position.
• Must be able to work rotating shifts and be available for emergency call-out 24 hours a day.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of physical evidence gathering and preservation methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of the materials and methods used to lift and develop latent fingerprints.
• Knowledge of the methods and techniques of photography.
• Knowledge of the methods, techniques, and materials utilized to test physical evidence gathered at crime scenes.
• Knowledge of computer aided drafting (CAD).
• Knowledge of computer fundamentals and database and word processing software.
• Skill in the operation of equipment used to lift and develop latent fingerprints.
• Skill in the utilization of materials used to make casts and replications.
• Skill in the mixing and application of chemicals used to collect crime scene evidence (i.e., cyanoachrylate ether, rhodamina 6G, ninhydrin, etc.).
• Skill in the operation of photography equipment.
• Skill in the operation of a metal detector.
• Skill in the operation of a computer utilizing database and word processing software.
• Skill in the operation of an automatic transmission automobile.
• Ability to work in adverse conditions caused by environmental factors, chemical contamination, and crime scene aftermath.
• Ability to gather physical evidence at crime scenes.
• Ability to transport evidence and track the chain of custody of evidence to ensure its integrity.
• Ability to produce scale drawings of crime scenes.
• Ability to testify in court.
• Ability to maintain complex, detailed files and records.
• Ability to prepared detailed evidence submission forms for use by State Crime Lab personnel.
• Ability to develop and present training programs regarding crime scene searches and evidence collection and preservation.
• Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

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