Crime Scene Unit Supervisor

Duties

Essential Functions:

• Using knowledge of OPD Crime Scene Unit (CSU) policies and procedures, supervises crime scene and property & evidence technicians, assignments, and technical support functions; assigns work, and assures work is performed in compliance with state laws, City policies, and OPD quality standards.
• Supervises and schedules technicians; conducts performance evaluations and resolves personnel issues; reviews work performed, and assures that quality and timeliness standards are met; plans and schedules training classes on new technology and technical procedures for all staff; develops cross-training plans.
• Meets regularly with staff to discuss and resolve technical issues, workload, special enforcement issues, trends, new procedures, resource allocation, and case management issues; monitors operations, inspects work unit, and develops recommendations for improving technical services, and individual skills.
• Reviews and approves technicians' case notes and narrative summaries; compiles data and generates operational and summary reports; maintains logs of services, cases, and information requests; requests additional information from OPD sources in order to supplement case notes.
• Monitors and supervises property storage facilities and the chain of custody of property received into the Evidence Unit; verifies the integrity of the evidence, processing procedures, and the paperwork.
• Supervises maintenance of CSU and evidence processing equipment; orders supplies and equipment as needed, and maintains inventory of forensic supplies.
• Answers inquiries about CSU services and records; explains policies, and procedures; provides information and assistance within scope of authority; refers matters requiring legal interpretation to supervisor.
• Acts as system administrator for FileOnQ™ property and evidence tracking system.
• Assists and coordinates with other emergency services personnel, outside organizations and businesses, and Federal, state and local law enforcement organizations.
• Performs duties of CSU technicians as needed to meet workload demands.
• Maintains the absolute confidentiality of all records and information.
• Supports the departmental operations with regular and timely attendance.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Odessa and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

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

Requirements

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines:

• Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, or a related field;
• AND
• Four years' experience in crime scene investigation for a law enforcement agency, preferably in the state of Texas.
• Successful completion of a background investigation and polygraph is required.

Knowledge of:

• State and Federal laws, regulations and statutes, governing management of property and evidence.
• Standards and procedures for operating a secure warehouse, including safety rules and regulations.
• Rules and standards for collecting, preserving, and securing physical evidence at a crime scene.
• Principles of crime scene management, and specialized technical equipment to collect forensic details.
• Quality assurance procedures and documentation standards for crime scene evidence.
• Investigative procedures and protocols for observation of critical details.
• Principles and practices of photographing and documenting crime scenes.
• Police radio, dispatch, and communication protocols and procedures.
• Principles of record keeping and confidential records management.
• Geography, roads, and landmarks of City and surrounding areas.

Skill in:

• Supervising staff, delegating tasks and authority, and coaching to improve staff performance.
• Packaging and organizing numerous items of evidence in an orderly fashion for storage and retrieval.
• Collecting, processing, and preserving crime scene evidence.
• Care, maintenance, and safe operation of crime scene tools and equipment.
• Maintaining accurate evidence records, and generating special and periodic reports.
• Promoting and enforcing effective forensic procedures and safe work practices.
• Working as a team member with other law enforcement and multi-jurisdictional agencies.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

License and certification requirements:

• A valid Texas State Driver's License is required.
• Certification for access to Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) from Texas Department of Public Safety is required.
• Completion of advanced training from Texas Association of Property and Evidence Inventory Technicians (TAPEIT) is also required;
• Additional technical training and certifications may be required.

Physical demands and working environments:

• Work is performed in a standard office environment, and indoors and outdoors at crime scenes; must maintain a level of physical fitness to meet Department standards.

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