Forensic Specialist Trainee I/II/III

Duties

IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Processes crime scenes by taking photographs, scanning/video recording scenes, prepare scene sketches, collecting, preserving, logging, packaging and inventorying evidence, and preparing detailed reports.
• Analyzes and evaluates latent fingerprints; conducts fingerprint comparisons.
• Utilizes the Leica RTC360 scanner to map crime scenes.
• Produce a deliverable file of the mapped crime scene.
• Mixes and uses chemicals to process evidence; use alternate light sources to locate latent prints, serological, biological fluids and trace evidence.
• Operates the AFIX Tracker database and the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) to develop candidate lists for comparisons to latent prints.
• Reviews lab reports.
• Reconstructs major crime scenes using advanced forensic techniques such as blood spatter interpretation, shooting trajectory etc.
• Testifies in court as an expert witness regarding crime scene processing and fingerprint comparisons.
• Provides training classes for police personnel, police academies, and public safety demonstrations.
• Responds to crime scenes and emergency situations during regular work hours, evenings and weekends.
• Ensures the lab and equipment is clean and functional.
• Maintains laboratory supplies for the Forensic Unit.
• Ensures evidence is processed and lab requests are completed in a timely manner.
• Completes daily activity sheets.
• Ensures all divisions in the police department have an adequate supply of crime scene processing materials.
• Travels to attend trainings, meetings, conferences, and court cases.
• Research scientific articles regarding the Forensic Discipline.
• Successfully completes the required forensic training program and obtains required certifications.

OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES

• Perform other job related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Organization and functions of a municipal law enforcement agency.
• General law enforcement codes, practices and methods.
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.
• English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Office procedures, methods and computer equipment.
• Basic principles of chemistry, physics, and biology.
• Principles of report preparation.
• Basic principles of budget preparation.

Skill to:

• Operate office equipment including computer equipment.
• Operate a variety of tools and equipment including alternate light source, digital camera, super glue chamber, fingerprint magnifier, fingerprint processing equipment, fume hood, laser scanner, and fingerprint identification systems.
• Operate hand tools or power tools to perform job functions.
• Handle and operate firearms safely.

Ability to:

• Work independently or with a team.
• Work courteously with the general public.
• Prepare accurate and grammatically correct reports.
• Work varied shifts, including weekends, as required.
• Work in unpleasant crime and accident scenes and under pressure.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Organize and manage time efficiently.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.
• Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.
• Perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.

Forensic Specialist II and III

• Lead, manage, and perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.

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

Requirements

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES:

• For positions with more than one level, all listed requirements at the lower levels are required at the higher levels. Any combination equivalent to experience and training to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying. Knowledge, skills, and abilities may be obtained through:

Forensic Specialist Trainee, I, II and III

• Education/Training: Graduation from an accredited university with a Bachelor’s Degree in forensic science or related field is required or a minimum of five consecutive years in law enforcement can substitute this requirement.
• License or Certificate: A valid Texas driver's license; the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment, or a military waiver is required.

Forensic Specialist Trainee

• Experience: Previous work experience in the criminal justice field or in a laboratory setting is preferred.

Forensic Specialist I

• Experience: Two (2) years of work experience in the criminal justice field or in a laboratory setting is required. Completion of six months’ work experience equivalent to the City of Abilene Forensic Specialist Trainee is required.
• Education/Training: Satisfactory completion of a 40 hour basic and a 40 hour Intermediate Level Latent Print courses, which meets International Association for Identification (IAI) standards.

Forensic Specialist II

• Experience: Satisfactory completion of two (2) years of work experience in a position equivalent to the Forensic Specialist I in the criminal justice field or in a related laboratory setting is required.
• Education/Training: Satisfactory completion of a 40 hour Advance Level Latent Print course and a Palm Print Comparison course, which meets International Association for Identification (IAI) standards is required. Satisfactory completion of the Texas Department of Public Safety Automated Fingerprint Identification System course is required.

Forensic Specialist III

• Experience: Satisfactory completion of a minimum of two (2) years of work experience in a position equivalent to the Forensic Specialist I/II in the criminal justice field or in a laboratory setting is required.
• Education/Training: Satisfactory completion of coursework and apprenticeship required by the International Association for Identification (IAI) for Latent Print Examiner and Crime Scene Certifications are required.
• License or Certificate: Forensic Specialist III requires the possession of the IAI Latent Print Examiner (CLPE) or Crime Scene (CCSI, CCSA, CSCSA) Certification.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Exposure to cold, heat, outdoors, varying terrains, confining work space, and chemicals.
• Ability to visually compare minute details without fatigue during day and night time lighting.
• Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment: Medium – lifting no more than 50 pounds; carrying up to 25 pounds

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