Forensic Investigator

Duties

EXAMPLES OF WORK:

• Identifies, diagrams, photographs, collects and preserves evidence from crime scenes
• Prepares evidence lists and property tags for collected property and evidence
• Formulates plans of action for processing and surveying crime scenes
• Maintains records and prepares reports detailing findings, investigative methods, and laboratory techniques
• Provides consultation on evidence and crime scene investigation to police officers, detectives, commonwealth's attorneys and other court personnel, and external agencies
• Prepares photographs, charts and other exhibits and crime scene reports for presentation in court
• Testifies in court
• Conducts latent fingerprint and palmprint examinations; searches identifiable prints using the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS)
• Prepares evidence for submission and transport to off-site laboratories
• Trains new and other police department employees, as needed, on forensic science topics

Shift

• 10 hours per day; 40 hours per week to include weekends, holidays; shift work 6:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and/or 3:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.; subject to call-outs

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

Requirements

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of basic practices and procedures utilized in the investigation of crime scenes and evidence collection and preservation. Ability to learn to operate a variety of forensic and investigative equipment (e.g. photographic, fingerprinting, laboratory); to work at the scene of violent crimes or serious vehicle accidents; to communicate effectively orally and in writing; to operate a personal computer and related software and other standard office equipment; to develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate's degree in forensic science, criminal justice, a natural or physical science, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Knowledge of basic practices and procedures utilized in the investigation of crime scenes and evidence collection and preservation.
• Ability to learn to operate a variety of forensic and investigative equipment (e.g. photographic, fingerprinting, laboratory); to work at the scene of violent crimes or serious vehicle accidents; to communicate effectively orally and in writing; to operate a personal computer and related software and other standard office equipment; to develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers.
• Good driving record required. Must possess or be eligible for a Virginia driver's license with no more than six demerit points in the past twelve months or a DUI conviction in the past four years.
• This position is considered Critical Safety Sensitive and is subject to random drug testing and alcohol testing. The use of medical marijuana for this position is prohibited.
• Pre-employment drug testing, FBI criminal background check and education/degree verification required. This position is subject to working in high security areas governed by the US Department of Justice's "Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Policy" and therefore requires successfully passing a more stringent criminal background check.
• Must be a US citizen or have been a lawful resident of the US for the past ten consecutive years.

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