Crime Scene Investigator

Duties

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Utilizes a complex record keeping system ensuring proper evidence handling and maintenance of chain of custody;
• Communicates with sworn officers, coworkers, supervisors, and a demanding and diverse public in answering questions, processing crime scenes, and explaining procedures;
• Interacts with victims and witnesses;
• Testifies in court;
• Inspects and visually investigates crime scenes (burglaries, deaths, robberies, assaults, etc.) for the collection and preservation of evidence;
• Photographs, dusts, and lifts latent prints;
• Uses specific lighting techniques to make visible latent physical evidence;
• Works with chemicals, powders, and body fluids using normal protective equipment according to prescribed safety standards and regulations;
• Operates a motor vehicle requiring a standard Driver's License to respond to crime scenes;
• Maintains sufficient inventory of PPE and evidence packaging supplies for sworn officers;
• Performs maintenance and upkeep of forensic laboratory equipment;
• Tests and evaluates new photographic techniques and equipment;
• Production of crime scene sketches and various digital presentations;
• Analyze case information (i.e. crime scenes, items of evidence, and witness statements) to assist sworn investigators in creating forensic links (ties) throughout/during investigations;
• Determines procedures/ methodology to be used when identifying, collecting, and processing evidence;
• Learns job-related material in a classroom setting and through on-the-job training regarding the processing and preservation of physical and photographic evidence;
• And other duties as assigned.

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

Requirements

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• US Citizen, at least 18 years of age
• Graduation from high school or GED required.
• College degree in law enforcement/crime scene/forensics or equivalent work experience.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATES AND/OR LICENSES:

• Valid Driver’s License, at least equivalent to a Maryland Class C

OTHER DESIRABLES:

• Bilingual
• Courses in the collection and preservation of evidence are highly desirable.
• Crime scene training is highly desirable

SKILLS (Communication/Language; Mathematical; Computer; etc.)

• Knowledge of law enforcement activities and the organization of a police department, and the functions of a police identification laboratory
• Working knowledge of federal, state, and city law enforcement procedures and practices, as they pertain to required reports and evidence handling
• Ability to differentiate between emergency and non-emergency calls and to determine the appropriate response to each
• Knowledge of and ability to use police radio for communication with officers
• Ability to enter and retrieve data or information into a terminal, PC, or other keyboard device
• Ability to communicate orally with customers, clients, the public, and other employees in a face-to-face setting, and using a telephone
• Ability to perform duties rapidly and accurately
• Ability to keep privileged information confidential
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions in the English language
• Ability to read maps and learn the geography of the City
• Ability to observe and recall details
• Ability to learn photographic techniques and methods including the use of a variety of film, lighting, filtration, infrared, and ultraviolet techniques;
• Ability to learn to use powders and chemicals to process scenes for latent fingerprints and subsequent lifting/ photographing
• Ability to learn standard techniques for classification, development, transfer, and chemical processing of fingerprints
• Ability to learn the techniques for gathering and preserving physical evidence
• Ability to learn the rules of evidence and court methods and procedures
• Ability to learn the hazards and safety precautions related to chemicals and equipment used in processing evidence
• Ability to learn gunshot residue testing and field drug testing
• Ability to present accurate and professional testimony in court
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associate personnel, federal, state, and regional law enforcement agencies, court personnel, and the public.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands 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 role, the employee is frequently required to remain in a stationary position for long periods of time. The employee is frequently required to read and comprehend written material and make inferences from the contents. This position requires continuous or repetitive arm-hand movements to utilize a computer keyboard to enter and retrieve data. The employee is required to frequently bend, stoop, and work in small, cramped area to gather crime evidence. Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken word and for conveying details or important instructions to others accurately and quickly either face to face, on the telephone, and/or through e-mail. Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels. Visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing crime scenes, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, distinguish colors when using chemicals and detecting blood, and observing general surroundings and activities. The employee may be required to push, pull, lift, and/or carry up to 25 pounds. Employee must be able to use a respirator when performing duties requiring exposure to dangerous chemicals and evidence that may be bio-hazardous and carcinogenic.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITION: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work is generally performed in a variety of weather conditions while collecting crime scene evidence. The noise level in the work environment can be moderate to loud.

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