Forensic Specialist (Trainee/I/II/III)

Duties

IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Processes crime scenes by taking photographs, scanning/video recording scenes, prepare scene sketches, collecting, preserving, logging, packaging and inventorying evidence, and preparing detailed reports.
• Analyzes and evaluates latent fingerprints; conducts fingerprint comparisons.
• Utilizes the Leica RTC360 scanner to map crime scenes and produce a deliverable file of the mapped crime scene.
• Handle and operate firearms in a safe manner.
• Mixes and uses chemicals to process evidence; use alternate light sources to locate latent prints, serological, biological fluids and trace evidence.
• Operates the AFIX Tracker database and the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) to develop candidate lists for comparisons to latent prints.
• Reviews lab reports.
• Reconstructs major crime scenes using advanced forensic techniques such as blood spatter interpretation, shooting trajectory, etc.
• Testifies in court as an expert witness regarding crime scene processing and fingerprint comparisons.
• Responds to crime scenes and emergency situations during regular work hours, evenings and weekends.
• Maintains laboratory supplies for the Forensic Unit and ensures the lab and equipment are clean and functional.
• Ensures all divisions in the police department have an adequate supply of crime scene processing materials to ensure evidence is processed and lab requests are completed in a timely manner.
• Operates a motor vehicle to travel to attend trainings, meetings, conferences, and court cases.

OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES

• Provides training classes for police personnel, police academies, and public safety demonstrations.
• Research scientific articles regarding Forensic Discipline.
• Perform other job related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Organization and functions of a municipal law enforcement agency.
• General law enforcement codes, practices and methods.
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.
• English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Office procedures, methods and computer equipment.
• Basic principles of chemistry, physics, and biology.
• Principles of report preparation.
• Basic principles of budget preparation.

Skill to:

• Operate office equipment including computer equipment.
• Operate a variety of tools and equipment including alternate light source, digital camera, super glue chamber, fingerprint magnifier, fingerprint processing equipment, fume hood, laser scanner, and fingerprint identification systems.
• Operate hand tools or power tools to perform job functions.

Ability to:

• Work independently or with a team.
• Work courteously with the general public.
• Prepare accurate and grammatically correct reports.
• Work in unpleasant crime and accident scenes and under pressure.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Organize and manage time efficiently.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.
• Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.
• Perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.

Forensic Specialist II and III

• Lead, manage, and perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.

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

Requirements

Forensic Specialist Trainee

• Experience:
• Previous work experience in the criminal justice field or in a laboratory setting is preferred.
• Education/Training:
• Graduation from an accredited university with a Bachelor’s Degree in forensic science or related field is required. A minimum of five consecutive years in law enforcement can substitute this requirement.
• License or Certificate:
• A valid Texas driver's license; the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment, or a military waiver is required.

Forensic Specialist I

• Experience:
• Two (2) years of work experience in the criminal justice field or in a laboratory setting is required.
• Completion of six months’ work experience equivalent to the City of Abilene Forensic Specialist Trainee is required.
• Education/Training:
• Graduation from an accredited university with a Bachelor’s Degree in forensic science or related field is required. A minimum of five consecutive years in law enforcement can substitute this requirement.
• Satisfactory completion of a 40-hour Basic and a 40-hour Intermediate Level Latent Print courses, which meets International Association for Identification (IAI) standards is required.
• License or Certificate:
• A valid Texas driver's license; the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment, or a military waiver is required.

Forensic Specialist II

• Experience:
• Satisfactory completion of two (2) years of work experience in a position equivalent to the Forensic Specialist I in the criminal justice field or in a related laboratory setting is required.
• Education/Training:
• Graduation from an accredited university with a Bachelor’s Degree in forensic science or related field is required. A minimum of five consecutive years in law enforcement may substitute this requirement.
• Satisfactory completion of a 40-hour Advance Level Latent Print course and a Palm Print Comparison course, which meets International Association for Identification (IAI) standards is required.
• Satisfactory completion of the Texas Department of Public Safety Automated Fingerprint Identification System course is required.
• License or Certificate:
• A valid Texas driver's license; the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment, or a military waiver is required.

Forensic Specialist III

• Experience:
• Satisfactory completion of a minimum of two (2) years of work experience in a position equivalent to the Forensic Specialist I/II in the criminal justice field or in a laboratory setting is required.
• Education/Training:
• Graduation from an accredited university with a Bachelor’s Degree in forensic science or related field is required. A minimum of five consecutive years in law enforcement can substitute this requirement.
• Satisfactory completion of coursework and apprenticeship required by the International Association for Identification (IAI) for Latent Print Examiner and Crime Scene Certifications are required.
• License or Certificate:
• A valid Texas driver's license; the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment, or a military waiver is required.
• A IAI Latent Print Examiner (CLPE) or Crime Scene (CCSI, CCSA, CSCSA) Certification is required.

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