Forensic Specialist

Duties

The functions typically performed by the Forensic Specialist include the following:

• Conducts crime scene investigations; identifies, collects, and preserves physical evidence including fingerprints, firearm evidence, trace evidence, shoe/tire impression evidence and physiological fluids.
• Documents crime scene investigations and major traffic collisions using conventional, digital and video photography, including aerial photography.
• Develops, collects and/or preserves friction ridge evidence using powders, chemicals and alternate light source technology.
• Scans, marks minutiae, and searches latent prints in the Automated Palm Fingerprint Identification System (APFIS).
• Analyzes, compares, evaluates and verifies latent prints against rolled or scanned prints.
• Conducts serial number restoration on firearms and other metal surfaces.
• Processes evidence collected at the crime scene for other forms of physical, physiological, and trace evidence.
• Performs presumptive chemical identification examinations on various types of biological evidence
• Takes measurements of crimes scenes and completes sketches for court displays.
• Interviews victims and witnesses and completes composite sketches.
• Attends Post-Mortem examination of deceased persons and assists the pathologist in the documentation, recovery and preservation of medico-legal evidence.
• Prepares detailed reports of investigations and/or forensic examinations conducted.
• Presents findings of investigations or examinations conducted in a court of law as an expert witness.
• Performs routine safety and maintenance checks of Forensic vehicles and equipment.
• Maintains departmental photographic and forensic equipment and supplies.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education

• High school diploma or recognized equivalent.

Experience

• One year of forensic experience including fingerprint analysis, evidence collection and processing, and crime scene photography and documentation or six months of experience as a Forensic Specialist Trainee with the City of Ontario.

Licenses

• Valid Class C California driver's license and an acceptable driving record at the time of appointment.

Special Requirements

• Ability to work various shifts, weekends, and holidays. May be required to return to work during non-business hours in emergency situations.

Desirable

• College level coursework in Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, Physical/ Life Science or a closely related field.
• Photography experience with digital cameras.

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