Crime Scene Specialist

Duties

Examples of Typical Duties:

• Responds to requests for assistance at secured crime scenes; assists in the investigation of crime scenes; interviews witnesses and victims; collects and preserves evidence digital evidence (surveillance videos, phones, computers); collects and preserves physical evidence; composes and types crime reports; photographs crime scenes; prepares displays for courtroom presentations; may testify in court; works with other staff in maintaining the Body Worn Camera (BWC) database and data entry including maintaining Body Worn Camera Equipment; assists in researching and reporting of data on police regulated businesses and the applicants for these business; assist in inputting and retrieving data utilizing various computers and computer databases; receives, reviews, and analyzes misdemeanor and felony arrest reports and citations to determine that the elements of the crime are present to support the charges, the detention was legal, the search and seizure was legal, and the defendant's statements are admissible in court and performs relates procedures; maintains logs and prepares statistical data; responds to requests for information; performs other related duties as assigned.

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

Requirements

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: Any combination equivalent to training and experience that could likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge, skills, and abilities would be:

• Successful completion of a POST-certified Basic Course for Peace Officers or a POST- certified Reserve Peace Officer Level I training course;
OR
• Successful completion of nine (9) semester units of coursework in criminal justice or administration of justice, which must include California Criminal Law, Evidence, and Criminal Procedures (which must include Search and Seizure);
AND
• Two (2) years of experience conducting in-depth analysis and review of arrest reports, processing impounded property, and conducting in-depth computer research to obtain information for crime analysis and case load management.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS IN:

• California rules of evidence; California Penal Code; search and seizure laws; basic statistics; law enforcement information systems; personal computer functions; investigative techniques and procedures; investigative confidentiality requirements. The collection and preservation of physical evidence at a crime scene along with methods to collect, preserve and handle digital evidence. Video editing such as making video clips, redacting faces or objects, stabilization of video and enhancement for a better picture quality. Office methods, practices, procedures, and modern automated equipment; correct English, including vocabulary, grammar, and spelling; modern filing and indexing methods.

ABILITY TO:

• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; effectively interview individuals to obtain necessary information; collect and verify information by letter, telephone, and/or computer records; maintain logs, records, and files; identify problems and detect missing information, discrepancies, and errors; utilize and operate office and computer equipment necessary to perform work; establish effective working relations with all levels of staff and the public; treat City employees, representatives from outside agencies, and members of the public with courtesy and respect; work under minimal supervision.

Other Requirements

• Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license is required at the time of appointment.
• Must meet standards of integrity and trustworthiness required for law enforcement-related activities. Must pass a Police Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) background investigation with the Police Department.

Examination Process

• Based upon a review of applications received, those applicants who best meet the requirements indicated above will be invited to continue in the selection process. A short list of the most qualified candidates will be forwarded to the hiring department for consideration.

NOTE:

• Successful candidates must undergo a thorough background investigation including fingerprinting, computer voice stress analysis (CVSA), psychological evaluation, and a thorough medical examination. There are certain types of conduct, which will be automatic grounds for disqualification. Please read the information on the Potentially Disqualifying Criteria to help you identify some of the common areas of the background investigation process that may cause a delay or prevent you from competing in the selection process.

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