Crime Scene Specialist / Property Room Manager

Duties:

Example of Duties

• Classifies, indexes and files fingerprints; searches files and compares indexed fingerprints against latent, plastic, visible or photographic impressions obtained at the scene of crimes;
• Evaluates latent prints as to suitability for processing in the A.F.I.S. (Automated Fingerprint Identification System) system and ensure optimum performance of that system;
• Respond to major crime scenes and provide specialized support by searching for, collecting, preserving, transporting and processing physical evidence;
• Operate video equipment to record evidence at crimes scenes;
• Take and process crime scene and identification photographs of victims, suspects, evidence items, and fingerprints;
• Fingerprint deceased victims and/or manipulated remains while gathering evidence;
• Attend autopsies to collect evidence; fingerprint and photograph deceased persons; photograph and tag evidence as autopsy is conducted;
• Take measurements, prepare scaled crime scene drawings and diagram evidence locations;


• Perform gunshot residue tests on suspects;
• Book and process evidence/exhibits for court presentation;
• Provide court testimony related to evidence as required;
• Prepare detailed reports of crime scene evidence and maintain log of calls handled;
• Operate and maintain equipment for lab, photographic and field use
• Conduct preliminary field tests on materials found at crime scenes before sending to the State Crime Lab for analysis;
• Perform physical and chemical testing of various unknown substances to identify hazardous, toxic or illegal drugs;
• Prepare and maintain related records and reports;
• Maintains current knowledge of trends and developments in the field of crime scene analysis and evidence collection;
• Respond to call-outs as required
• Maintain professional and positive working relationships with those contacted during the course of business.

Requirements:

Knowledge of:

• Organizational function of a law enforcement agency; hazards and safety precautions related to chemicals and equipment; proper methods and techniques of collection, identification, and comparison of physical evidence; modern principles, practices and techniques of traditional photography and digital imaging; current methods of fingerprint collection, identification and analysis and comparison; technological developments relative to the forensic function.

Skill and Ability To:

• Coordinate information obtained from a variety of sources; make accurate observations and interpret such information; find relationships and draw logical conclusions; apply modern fingerprinting methods to the task of identification; take develop/process and print clear photographs; follow oral and written instructions; work with deceased persons in varying states of decomposition; maintain effective working relationships; write clear, concise reports; accurately sketch and diagram crime scenes; stand, stoop, bend, stretch, reach and extend arms above the shoulders, stand for prolonged periods of time and life and carry camera and evidence collection equipment; work in and around offensive sights and smells; be flexible and available by phone at all times to respond to requests for service; respond to emergency calls whenever necessary 24-hours a day.

Education, Training, and Experience:

• Option one: Equivalent to graduation from high school AND three years' experience working with the public preferably in a law enforcement agency. Two of the required years of experience must include direct involvement in crime scene investigations and evidence management.
• Option two: Associate's degree in criminology, criminal justice, forensic science or closely related field AND two years' work experience involving the public, one of which must have direct involvement in crime scene investigations, evidence management or law enforcement agency operations.
• Option three: Bachelor's degree in criminology, criminal justice, forensic science or closely related field. Experience working in a law enforcement agency preferred but not required.


• Will be required to obtain a Field Evidence Technician Certificate and Property Room Management Certificate, or equivalent within the one year probationary period.

Special Requirements

• Possession of a valid California driver's license.

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