Crime Scene Technician

Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/TYPICAL TASKS

• Analyzing and investigating all property crime types, violent and complex crime scenes in compliance with local ordinances and laws and North Carolina state laws.
• Processes crime scene by identifying, collecting, documenting, and preserving physical evidence.
• Documents crime scenes evidence through basic, advanced and manual means, including macro, and one to one examination quality photography techniques.
• Prepares detailed hand drawn sketches and diagrams of crime scene as required.
• Provides detailed and accurate crime scene reports which will be utilized by officers and detectives to assist with criminal investigations and in local, state and federal court testimonies.
• Prepares and delivers credible expert testimony in local, state, and federal court regarding crime scene processing techniques utilized, the methodology of those techniques, and the methodology of evidence collection and preservation.
• Follows safety protocols at crime scenes.
• Evaluates and processes crime scenes items and surfaces for latent fingerprints, shoeprints, or other types of pattern evidence.
• Analyzes the scene to identify, process and collect touch DNA, blood evidence, seminal or other biological fluid evidence.
• Operates specialized equipment to determine the presence of blood, seminal fluids/body fluids, hair, fibers, gunshot residue and other trace evidence and materials.
• Responsible for basic scene reconstruction of trajectory pathways on shooting investigations.
• Prepares and packages evidence maintaining its integrity and chain of custody for storage and further processing by the Crime Lab.
• Processes living victims, witnesses, and suspects to document injuries or lack of injuries, and identify, document, and collect any relevant evidence found.
• Provides demonstrations to outside entities as requested
• Responsible for the proper use, maintenance, necessary replacement, and security of all personally issued and shared equipment and keeps the equipment in operational readiness.
• Works with decomposing corpses, body fluids, contagious diseases, hazardous materials, heavy objects, standard and unique equipment, and tools.
• Accepting all evidence required for any type of case presentation; cataloging and repackaging evidence as required for safe storage.
• Oversees, monitors, and participates in the maintenance of received property and evidence to secure all items from theft, loss, or contamination and in accordance with all “chain of custody” regulations as well as other pertinent codes, laws, and practices.
• Transports physical evidence in appropriate containers with pertinent documentation to crime laboratories upon request; ensures the transported evidence remains safe and secure; documents activities and collects necessary signatures.
• Maintains clean and orderly property and evidence facilities; ensures all property and evidence items are stored in a hygienic and safe manner; ensures all property and evidence items are secured with no tampering or compromising of reliability or validity.
• Provides assistance in the evidence room and to department staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned

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

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• General knowledge of multiple scientific disciplines, mathematics, biology, chemistry, and physics.
• Keen observational skills and an eye for minute detail.
• Knowledge of principles, methods, equipment and current techniques used in crime scene investigations and forensics.
• Knowledge of investigative and laboratory techniques.
• Ability to develop thorough knowledge of evidence chain of custody procedures and requirements.
• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, and agency practices and procedures.
• Ability to exercise initiative and consistently use independent sound judgment and discretion in the handling of sensitive and unique situations.
• Determine and decide upon procedures to be implemented, setting priorities, maintaining standards, and resolving problems.
• Ability to work in often stressful, fast-paced work environment.
• Ability to cope, maintain composure, and work effectively when dealing with difficult and traumatic scenes.
• Superior organization and time management skills with the ability to multi-task and work with frequent interruptions.
• Ability to be adaptable and innovative with problem solving and general crime scene processing.
• Possesses analytical sensibilities, excellent critical thinking, active listening skills and learning abilities.
• Ability to follow oral and written procedures and policies.
• Ability to read and comprehend authoritative directives, laws, and ordinances.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited community college with a degree in forensic science, related natural or physical science, or criminal justice and two years relevant work experience as a crime scene investigator, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the essential job duties may be considered.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Possession of a valid driver license in the State of North Carolina.
• Possession or ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire Division of Criminal Justice Certification Modules 1 through 3 through the North Carolina Department of Justice and International Association for Property and Evidence, Forensic Advantage Certification – Crime Lab, North Carolina Sexual Assault Kit Tracking Certification, Information Management System, and Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Trace Platform through the North Carolina Department of Justice.
• Must have the ability to process crime scenes at any time of the day and in all types of weather conditions

• This is light work requiring the exertion of up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects; work requires reaching, fingering, and repetitive motions; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operation of machines, and determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work; work requires exposure to blood borne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment and occasionally requires working with hazardous items to include weapons, narcotics, drug paraphernalia, poisons, and flammable/explosive materials; the worker is subject to adverse environmental conditions.

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