Forensic Specialist I

Duties

Essential Duties

• Searches for, collects and preserves physical evidence from crime scenes for reconstruction.
• Processes evidence at or from crime scenes for latent prints, impression evidence, biological evidence, trace evidence, firearms, tool marks, chemistry, computer and other physical evidence.
• Photographs crime scenes, bloodstain patterns for analysis, bullet paths for trajectory analysis and latent fingerprint evidence for comparison purposes.
• Prepares crime scene sketches and measurements for reconstructing crime scene.
• Attends autopsies to document and/or impound evidence and fingerprint the deceased.
• Prepares and files reports stating results of examination; presents testimony in criminal cases for identification and physical evidence comparison.
• Performs similar duties related to certain traffic crash scenes.
• Prepares court exhibits and preserves material significant for court presentation.
• Maintains written and computer log of all investigations.
• Maintains equipment and supplies assigned.
• Maintains crime scene vehicle.
• Assists in maintaining a clean working environment within the crime scene section.
• Attends specialized schools and short courses pertaining to new or improved methods that have been developed.
• Provides assistance to the public as needed and performs in-house fingerprinting, photography and other miscellaneous support tasks.
• Performs related work as required.

Other Important Duties

• Assists in class instruction to new recruits. Conducts tours for general public, city officials, and other law enforcement agencies. Performs related work as required.

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

Requirements

Minimum Training & Experience

• Possession of a bachelor’s of science degree in physical, biological, or forensic science.
OR
• Possession of a non-science bachelor’s degree and one year of experience with a recognized law enforcement agency, or an accredited forensic laboratory or institution in the areas of crime scene or forensic science that includes fingerprint classification, crime scene investigation, crime scene photography, or sworn law enforcement experience. A master’s of science degree in physical, biological, or forensic science may substitute for one year of the required experience.
OR
• Possession of an associate’s of science degree in physical, biological, or forensic science and two years of experience with a recognized law enforcement agency, or an accredited forensic laboratory or institution in the areas of crime scene or forensic science that includes fingerprint classification, crime scene investigation, crime scene photography, or sworn law enforcement experience.
OR
• Possession of a high school diploma and four years of experience with a recognized law enforcement agency, or an accredited forensic laboratory or institution in the areas of crime scene or forensic science that includes fingerprint classification, crime scene investigation, crime scene photography, or sworn law enforcement experience.

Necessary Special Requirements

• Must possess a valid Class E State driver's license at the time of appointment. At the department director's discretion, the noted license may not be required.
• Applicants should truthfully complete the Criminal History Questions on the City Employment Application. Any omissions, falsifications, misstatements, or misrepresentations of the information provided may disqualify an applicant. The top applicant chosen for this position will be required to complete and pass a Truth Verification Examination and a pre-employment psychological examination prior to an employment offer being made.
• Applicants must take and pass a psychological examination prior to an employment offer being made.

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