Crime Scene Forensic Specialist

Duties:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS - The following functions are typical for this classification. The incumbent may not perform all the listed functions and/or may be required to perform additional or different functions from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Responds to crime and accident scenes and coordinates and processes scene investigations including taking photographs, lifting fingerprints/palm prints, collecting evidence involving but not limited to DNA, fingernail scrapings, gunshot residue, and other physical evidence from witnesses, victims, and suspects in custody; legally/appropriately transports all evidence collected to authorized crime labs for analysis and prepares detailed reports and records.
• Fingerprints using ink and/or Livescan for criminal and noncriminal matters as assigned; evaluates, compares and classifies fingerprints and palm prints for identification purposes; may process evidence for latent prints using chemical development; prepares, and inputs fingerprints into computer systems; conducts comprehensive analysis, searches, classification and filing of fingerprints; searches master fingerprint databases; operates the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), CAL-ID and other databases to compare suspect prints with recorded prints; prepares reports relevant to identification operations and prepares latent prints for submission to databases.
• Performs a variety of technical and clerical duties; takes physical measurements and prepares diagrams of crime scenes and traffic accidents. Prepares clear and concise written and oral crime and other investigation reports.
• Documents crime scene investigations and accident locations by conventional and digital photography. Uses evidence identification tools or video photography equipment to obtain and record evidence imprints, ballistics traces, and trajectories. Takes still and video photographs and/or recordings of crime scenes, fingerprints, victims and injuries, suspects, and traffic accidents; utilizes digital camera and video equipment; cleans and maintains video, photography, and identification equipment; may perform aerial photographic assignments. Maintains files and indexes of photographs recordings, and records.
• Prepares court exhibits depicting crime scenes and provides court testimony as an expert witness concerning the collection, identification, and preservation of evidence, including latent fingerprints.
• Receives all property and evidence; maintains inventory and chain of custody of all evidence for court purposes; disposes of evidence as prescribed by law; maintains detailed records, files, and reports of all property/evidence transactions.
• Performs administrative and law enforcement support activities; assists in audits of evidence room, prepares budget requests for crime scene investigation and analysis equipment; and orders supplies as needed.
• May provide training to police personnel related to the collection and preservation of evidence.
• May work around biohazard conditions and confined and/or elevated spaces at crime scenes; responds to emotionally charged, physically dangerous and/or gory crime scenes; responds to after-hours calls.

Requirements:

Any combination of education and/or experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of this position. A typical way of obtaining the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education and Experience

• Completion of 66 semester units from an accredited college or university or an AA degree from an accredited college with major coursework in criminal justice (criminalistics), forensic science, or a related field, in addition to, one (1) year full-time experience in a law enforcement agency or forensic laboratory, which included identification work, investigative photography, fingerprint identification, collection, development, and preservation of physical evidence. A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in criminal justice (criminalistics), forensic science or a related field is highly desired.
• Possession of a certificate of completion in Crime Scene Investigation from an accredited university or forensic academy, with a minimum of 24 units, may be accepted to supplement any of the education requirements above and requires one (1) year of responsible experience in crime scene investigation with a law enforcement agency.

License & Certification

• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License and a satisfactory driving record is required at time appointment and throughout employment in this position.

Special Requirements

• Successful completion of state mandated CLETS training program as required by the California Department of Justice within 6 months of employment, as well as ongoing maintenance of CLETS certification during employment.
• Certification as a Latent Print Examiner and/or Crime Scene Technician or Analyst is highly desirable.
• Performance of the essential duties of this position includes the following physical demands and/or working conditions.
• Work is performed in both field and office settings. While indoors, the noise level is typically moderately quiet, but can be loud depending on the location of the crime scene. While outdoors in the field, the employee is subject to variable weather conditions, with exposure to hazardous conditions and in the event of an emergency, may on occasion be exposed to blood and other body fluids and adverse conditions for an extended period. Incumbents must be able to complete the collection of crime scene evidence which includes activities involving climbing stairs and ladders, bending, lifting, crawling into small/confined spaces, working with chemicals in the processing of photographs and evidence, and tolerating adverse conditions such as fingerprinting and photographing deceased persons or subjects.
• May be required to work a variety of shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, travel to a variety of off-site locations and be available to respond during off duty hours.
• Will be required to successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation, polygraph examination, and fingerprinting. Must pass a post-offer pre-employment medical and psychological examination (which will include a drug/alcohol screening).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of: rules of evidence, basic crime scene photography, basic crime scene investigative techniques, current technology and procedures for collecting, interpreting, and preserving physical evidence, including latent print evidence; proper methods and procedures for processing imprints, firearms, projectiles, and trajectory evidence; modern practices and techniques for using video photography and recording equipment. Record keeping procedures; principles and practices of customer service and public contact; proper English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation; office procedures and equipment; applications of electronic data processing.
• Ability to: carefully collect, preserve, and interpret evidence; prepare sketches or drawings of crime scenes; maintain composure while conducting death investigations and when observing severe accident and violent crime scenes; operate computer equipment to enter, retrieve, and update evidence and lab records; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; accurately testify in court regarding evidence. Prioritize multiple tasks and work in a fast-paced environment; work confidentially with discretion; operate a personal computer; prepare related reports; work independently with little direction; organize and maintain files; interpret and apply related laws and regulations; maintain accurate records; exercise sound judgment; establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, fellow employees, detectives, court representatives, law enforcement agencies, and the general public; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The employee will perform work indoors and outdoors in a variety of locations to include on-site work at incidents, in a vehicle, and indoors. When working outdoors, may be exposed to the elements; may work under damp conditions, in confined or elevated spaces; may work on slippery and uneven surfaces; crouch, sit stand, walk bend, kneel, pull, reach, push, twist; may be exposed to biohazards, dust, chemicals, solvents, paint, grease/oil, fumes, electrical and mechanical hazards, vehicular traffic, vibration and noise. To meet the physical demands the employee must have mobility, hearing, dexterity and use of both hands and legs appropriate to the duties to be performed. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, color vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Do you have the Education Required? See available on-line and campus-based degree programs now!