Crime Scene Investigator

Duties

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Processes major crime scenes and other crime scenes as requested.
• Collects evidence to include physical, trace and latent prints.
• Photographs and prepares diagrams of crime scenes and accident scenes to collect, preserve and document evidence.
• Records crime scenes and accident scenes to preserve and document evidence.
• Prepares a variety of reports of all crime scene procedures.
• Processes evidence for latent prints by examining item, chemically treating item, photographing latent prints, and preparing a report.
• Submits latent prints to AFIS.
• Maintains files of latent prints recovered.
• Performs comparison of latent prints to known prints.
• Maintains forensic lab equipment.
• Prepares various reports and presentations for court.
• Attends autopsies to photograph and document injuries to collect, preserve and document evidence as needed.
• Testifies in court about evidence processed and collected.
• Maintains all records pertaining to the receipt, storage, and disposition of all property and evidence.
• Maintains an accurate inventory of all property and evidence.
• Disposes of all property and evidence in accordance with all state laws and agency policy and procedure.
• Coordinates the process of transporting evidence to the crime lab.
• Ensures compliance with agency policy and procedure for evidence/property storage.
• Handles items of evidence and property, to show the continuity of the chain of custody and security.
• Performs routine clerical work; duties may include logging in materials and documents, entering data and information into computerized files, filing, and retrieving materials from manual or computerized filing system, typing correspondence, memos and other short documents, and sorting documents.
• Operates department vehicle in performance of duties.
• Performs other related duties as required

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

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required by the Position

• Knowledge of principles, practices, methods, and techniques of maintaining and processing evidence and property including those used in the collection, handling, preservation, labeling, storage, and disposition of evidence and
• Knowledge of photographic and identification techniques used in law enforcement; fingerprint collection; and computer use and techniques.
• Knowledge of trace evidence and blood, bodily fluid, and DNA collection techniques.
• Knowledge of modern office practices, equipment, methods, and procedures for crime scene processing.
• Knowledge of standard policies, procedures, programs, and services as they relate to crime scene processing and property and evidence.
• Knowledge of state laws, practices and procedures related to municipal police departments and the handling of evidence.
• Knowledge of court procedures.
• Knowledge of relationships and interactions between court structures and criminal justice agencies as it relates to the collection, preservation, and presentation of evidence.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety practices necessary to the area of work
• Skill in managing competing priorities on multiple projects and ability to meet deadlines.
• Skill in operation of issued equipment and motor vehicle.
• Ability to learn and become proficient in the use of various types of forensic equipment.
• Ability to maintain confidential and sensitive material.
• Ability to understand and carry out complex verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with employees and the general public.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Ability to manage stressful situations.
• Ability to operate photographic
• Ability to operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and associated software.

Physical Demands

• Effective audio and visual discrimination and perception needed to make observations; read and write; drive safely and simultaneously operate emergency lights, siren, radio, and computer; speak clearly and concisely, free from speech impediments; hear and understand radio, telephone, and normal range of verbal communications, discern color differences; identify and distinguish smells of different materials; ability to exert moderate, though not constant physical effort, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (25-50 pounds); work efficiently for long periods of time; function effectively under stress; ability to deal effectively with the morbid, the repugnant, the abnormal, the morse, the psychotic, the neurotic, and otherwise unpleasant and unusual facets or results of human behavior.

Work Environment

• Work is performed either in an office environment or in a variety of field and office settings and may require exposure to dangerous and life-threatening situations; willing to work any hour of the day or night (shift work), overtime, weekends on call and holidays; work at any location in the city and travel in specific assignments.

Job Requirement

• Associate’s degree in Forensic Science, Political Science, Criminology, Criminal Justice, or related field desired; Bachelor’s degree preferred; four (4) to six (6) years of progressively responsible crime scene investigation experience; must possess Georgia P.O.S.T. Crime Scene Technician Certification or be able to obtain certification within one year; Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities for the job may be considered; valid Georgia Driver’s License; successfully pass pre-employment medical and drug screen; satisfactory motor vehicle record (MVR); and acceptable background investigation.

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