Field Evidence Technician

Duties

The Field Evidence Technician will be subject to call-out to major crime scenes. The Field Evidence Technician must work in either an indoor or outdoor environment, under varying levels of light, noise, stress and weather conditions. Approximately 30% of the work is performed indoors in a climate-controlled office or laboratory.

• Preserves and collects physical evidence in a wide range of settings using appropriate protocols
• Documents activities at crime scenes
• Controls the crime scene by arranging crime perimeter security
• Prioritizes actions at crime scenes to best preserve and collect evidence
• Searches for evidence of crimes
• Directs others when necessary at crime scenes to preserve or collect evidence
• Documents condition and evidence at crime scenes using sketches, notes, photography
• Uses various powder and chemical methods to collect fingerprint evidence
• Utilizes various lighting techniques to photograph the crime scene
• Digitally records the crime scene
• Takes measurements of crime scenes
• Uses metal detectors and alternate light sources to look for hidden evidence
• Gathers evidence at traffic accident scenes and suspicious fires when necessary
• Consults with investigators and supervisors about incidents and evidence
• Interviews witnesses and victims when appropriate
• Transports evidence
• Evaluates and interprets evidence
• Develops latent fingerprints using various laboratory processes
• Packages and submits evidence to laboratories using appropriate protocols
• Generates written reports of all evidence obtained
• Consults with investigators and prosecutors about the value of evidence
• Reconstructs the crime scene by arranging crime site materials
• Takes, downloads, stores and prints photographs
• Appropriately files documentation and processes evidence
• Reviews Forensic Laboratory reports
• Develops scale drawings of crime scenes utilizing computer assisted drafting
• Receives, sorts, reviews and corrects suspect’s records information
• Utilizes a computer for photographic image reproduction
• Takes photographs of suspects
• Photographs and fingerprints juveniles
• Testifies in court
• Prepares and presents evidence for appropriate presentation in court
• Meets with attorneys to discuss evidence
• Maintains equipment and supplies necessary for unit operation
• Operates laboratory equipment
• Distributes evidence to other law enforcement agencies
• Computer data entry
• Conducts tours of Department crime lab and/or makes presentations on criminal physical evidence to various groups
• Assists in instruction at the Police Academy and Citizen’s Academy
• And any duty assigned by Chief of Police, Division Commander or designee as needed for efficient operation of the department

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

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Associate's degree or equivalent from two-year college or technical school with a major in criminal sciences desirable but not required; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to prepare reports and correspondence. Ability to communicate effectively with groups of customers or employees of organization. Fluency in Spanish is beneficial.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Possession of a valid appropriate driver's permit issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus

. WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

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