Crime Scene Specialist

Duties

• Responds to crime scenes on a 24 hours basis.
• Processes crime scenes utilizing chemical and physical processes, scientific methods and equipment for the detection of evidence and crime scene reconstruction.
• Locates, collects, preserves and analyses physical evidence present at crime scenes, traffic fatalities and search warrants.
• Photograph major crime scenes, autopsies and traffic fatalities.
• Processes evidence for latent prints using physical, chemical and other various techniques.
• Evaluates the quality of latent prints submitted and developed to determine suitability for comparison.
• Performs analysis, comparison and identification of fingerprint and latent print evidence.
• Testifies in criminal courts as an expert witness.
• Fingerprints suspects and deceased for identifications; fingerprints defendants for criminal courts.
• Assists other law enforcement agencies when requested; assists with criminal investigations when needed.
• Submits evidence to appropriate Crime Labs for analysis.
• Completes detailed supplemental offense reports and other required documentation.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

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

Requirements

Education, training and Experience Guidelines

• High School Diploma or equivalent. Five (5) years of full-time work experience as a Crime Scene Technician and Latent Print Examiner. OR Any equivalent combination of experience, training and/or that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• One (1) year (30 semester hours) from an accredited college or university may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience with a maximum substitution of two (2) years.

Knowledge of:

• Crime Scene Investigation and Criminal investigation procedures.
• Police Department rules and regulations.
• Latent print comparison, identification and classification, Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems, photography, evidence processing, crime scene processing, chemical formulas and Alternate Light Sources.
• Latest forensic techniques and processing guidelines, including Bloodstain Pattern Analysis, Shooting reconstruction and Crime Scene Reconstruction.
• General office equipment and operational practices and procedures.

Skill in:

• Organizing work and the ability manage time efficiently.
• Working independently in the absence of immediate supervision.
• Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Using of computers and related equipment, hardware and software to maintain databases, files and records.
• Assisting in a variety of administrative and routine department duties.
• Comprehending and following verbal and written directions.
• Reading technical reports, policy and procedure manuals.
• Completing logs and reports.
• Mixing chemicals for latent print analysis and crime scene processing.
• Photography.
• Developing processes and the application of formulas applied to crime scene reconstruction.
• Sorting and categorizing materials.
• Resolving customer complaints and concerns.
• Establishing and maintaining effective relationships with co-workers; ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; ability to maintain appropriate.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Valid Class C Texas driver’s license.
• Identification and Latent Print Development, Advanced Latent Prints, Crime Scene Search, Latent and Crime Scene Photography.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

• Standing, sitting, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, reaching, handling, fine dexterity, kneeling, crouching, crawling, bending, twisting, climbing, balancing, vision, hearing, talking, use of foot controls.
• Exposed to chemicals used in processing evidence and crimes scenes.
• Exposed to body fluids/blood at crimes scenes and autopsies.
• May be subject to exposure to extreme weather conditions, hostile environments, infectious diseases, air and water borne pathogens.
• Lifting up to 50 pounds.

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