Crime Scene Investigator

Duties

Duties and Responsibilities

• Preserves and maintains all evidence in the chain of custody for court purposes in accordance with all department operating procedures without loss or damage to evidence.
• Receives, tags, records and securely stores all evidence received according to department procedures and releases evidence upon appropriate release from police officers/detectives or public owner when the case has been adjudicated; inventories receipts, and ensures all evidence received correlates with the incoming paperwork.
• Transports to a storage area and records the storage location on evidence records to ensure security and ease of retrieval.
• Responds to crime scenes and completes field crime scene processing; uses digital cameras, video equipment, and measuring and diagramming techniques following established methods and procedures; searches for and recovers latent fingerprint evidence.
• Collects, preserves and packages different types of evidence in accordance with established procedures; produces print/impression evidence by casting and/or photographing to scale impressions to use as investigative aids.
• Acts as a key operator for the IR-8000 Breathalyzer in support of law enforcement efforts; checks calibration of the IR-8000 weekly and performs routine maintenance; runs proficiencies received from the Scientific Laboratory; testifies in court in reference to the accuracy and calibration of the instrument, evidence collection practice and techniques used to collect evidence.
• Prepares and presents various special and recurring reports; appears in court related to evidence collection techniques, preservation techniques, storage techniques, photographs, and latent prints.
• Orders, receives, inventories, stores, issues, and ships materials, supplies, and equipment used by the Police Department to maintain necessary supplies for daily operations; maintains liaison with the City Purchasing Agency to order and receive necessary materials for police operations.
• Compiles stock control records, consumption data, and related factors to establish appropriate stock levels or replenishment needs; completes ordering.
• Maintains records of stolen property or contraband including the description, identification, value or cost, data acquired, location acquired, name of custodian, date of inventory, condition, and disposition.
• Trains staff in the methods of police photography and gathering latent fingerprints at crime and accident scenes.
• Researches forensic science field for current materials regarding new techniques in locating, collecting and preserving all types of physical evidence.
• Performs manual verification of 10-print cards for identification and latent reverse searches.

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

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a Science related field or Criminology or Criminal Justice AND six (6) months experience in Crime Scene investigation preferred.
• A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.

Licenses/Certification(s)

• Valid driver’s license required. Position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with City of Las Cruces policies.
• Advanced Forensics Techniques Certification I and II required within one (1) year of hire.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of: principles, practices, techniques, activities, rules, and regulations related to the operations and functions of the position and services provided; current principles of record keeping and records management; principles and practices of effective research methods and data analysis, customer service, and problem resolution techniques; occupational and environmental safety and health hazards, and safety practices; safe and effective use and maintenance of related tools, materials, and equipment; current methods and standards for preparing effective business correspondence; correct English usage, grammar, composition, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; business and personal computers and related software applications; City organization, operations, policies, and procedures to effectively perform the required functions and duties of the position.
• Ability to: perform a variety of duties and responsibilities and assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and demands to meet deadlines; ensure appropriate levels of customer service to achieve expectations and meet objectives; read, understand, and assure compliance with a variety of policies, procedures, rules, standards, and regulations governing related activities and functions; collect applicable information and maintain accurate and timely records; maintain confidentiality of information and data; communicate effectively orally and in writing and use interpersonal skills to sufficiently exchange or convey information and receive work direction; prepare and present accurate and reliable information and reports; establish and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public; safely and effectively operate relevant tools, equipment, and motorized vehicles; navigate across even and uneven surfaces; timely and accurately enter data and update records using various mediums and formats; take initiative and exercise sound independent judgment within established procedural guidelines and carry out primary responsibilities in accordance with all governing regulations, statutes, and procedures to ensure achievement of goals and objectives.
• Skills in: reading, understanding, and applying relevant rules, ordinances, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures; effectively managing assignments; responding to inquiries timely and within the scope of delegated authority; responding appropriately, maintaining objectivity and freedom from prejudice, and exercising sound judgment and understanding in all interactions; effectively working independently, or as a team member, in various environments with changing priorities; preparing and presenting various reports, documents, forms, and correspondence; researching information, analyzing data, maintaining accurate records, and updating information in various mediums and formats; operating a personal computer with installed generic and specialized software; preparing and presenting information in a clear and concise manner; demonstrating appropriate and effective interpersonal communication and conflict resolution skills; performing highly effective support in assigned areas.

Environmental Factors

• Work is performed in the field, laboratory, and office. When processing crime scenes may be exposed to all weather conditions, unstable surfaces, chemicals and fumes, bodily fluids, and other potential hazards.

Physical Factors

• Heavy physical demands. Physical demands are substantial and involve balancing, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, squatting and push/pull up to 33% of each shift. Ability to climb ladders, fences, walls and walk on elevated and uneven surfaces. Reaching above shoulder height up to 66% of each shift. Writing, keyboarding, using a mouse and filing 1-2 hours each day.

Work Situation Factors

• Position involves competing demands, performing multiple tasks, working to deadlines, occasional work beyond normal business hours, and responding to customer issues. Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services. Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Las Cruces policies.

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