Supervisor, Crime Scene

Duties

Essential Functions:

• Supervises the crime scene response personnel in the Forensic Services Unit in the performance of crime scene processing and evidence collection.
• Modifies, oversees, and implements the Forensic Specialist training program and continuing education program to enhance the skills of the employees.
• Responds to crime scenes for the identification, collection, preservation, and documentation of physical and biological evidence.
• Processes evidence in the field or other off-site locations using fingerprint powders, chemicals, forensic light sources, and various photographic equipment to preserve evidence.
• Conducts a thorough technical review of crime scene reports for technical accuracy, grammar, punctuation, and evidence chain of custody.
• Provides expert witness testimony related to crime scene processing responsibilities.
• Ensure new and experienced staff members are prepared for court testimony, their role, and responsibilities during trial, and to monitor the quality of their testimony content.
• Works with the assigned Quality Manager and Laboratory Director (working titles designated by accreditation) to ensure accreditation standards and quality assurance policies are being implemented and enforced.
• Develops and implements competency and internal proficiency testing for Forensic Specialists. Develops remedial training for staff when the need arises.
• Establishes goals and objectives for the crime scene personnel of the Forensic Services Unit, then monitors and facilitates achievement of those goals.
• Maintains inventory of equipment and supplies; ensures availability of adequate materials to conduct crime scene investigation activities.
• Under general direction completes administrative tasks relating to employee performance evaluations, payroll submission, budgetary requests, and statistical information.
• Studies new techniques and procedures in crime scene evidence collection and processing, determining the feasibility of implementing these advances into the workflow.
• Utilizes 3D scanners and processes the images with the associated software to submit to the case agents.
• Assists with the department-initiated intern and volunteer programs to support the future growth of college students and those considering forensic careers.
• May be required to work more than 40 hours to perform job duties, including, unscheduled callouts, weekends, evenings, early morning hours and holidays as required.
• Operates city vehicles.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

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

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in forensic science, biology, or natural science or a closely related field with a minimum of five (5) years of experience in forensic crime scene work for a law enforcement agency including at least one (1) year of supervisory or lead experience Preference will be given to applicants that possess external crime scene or forensic photography certification with the International Association for Identification or other similar certification body, and experience with ISO/17025 standards.
• Any equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. One year of relevant experience may be substituted for each year of required education.

Knowledge of:

• Crime scene procedures, policies, and recommended best practices
• Quality assurance procedures and programs
• Development, implementation, remediation of training programs
• Execution of competency and proficiency testing programs
• Tools, instruments, and equipment used for the identification, collection, and preservation of physical evidence from a crime scene
• Strong photography skills and teaching strategies
• ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards
• Current innovations and Organization of Scientific Area Committees for Forensic Science (OSAC) best practice recommendations
• Principles of leadership and supervision
• Forensic Laboratory policies and procedures
• Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
• Records Management System (RMS)
• Legal and court proceedings
• Microsoft Office products and other relevant technologies
• Operate a personal computer and related software and demonstrate proficiency to prepare documents, spreadsheets, email, and time sheets

Ability to:

• Apply rules of evidence, forensic procedures, crime scene procedures, and use of physical evidence in court
• Prepare and conduct training programs for the Forensic Services Unit staff and other police employees
• Learn and deliver job related materials through on-the-job training and in a classroom setting about new and emerging topics in forensic investigations
• Follow prescribed procedures and policies; carefully following verbal and written instructions
• Perform detailed work with a high degree of accuracy
• Operate a wide variety of forensic equipment
• Testify and withstand cross-examination in court proceedings
• Effectively communicate findings of scientific tests both orally and in writing
• Operate city vehicles
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, associates, police personnel, other laboratories or law enforcement agencies, city personnel, and the public
• Implement the laboratory’s quality assurance program in a crime scene environment
• Adhere to all safety related requirements when working with or around biohazard, hazardous, or safety sensitive environments
• Operate city vehicles

Special Requirements:

• Valid AZ Driver’s License.
• This position is classified as safety-sensitive which requires candidates to successfully undergo drug and alcohol testing prior to employment. They will be subject to further drug and alcohol testing throughout their period of employment in accordance with the City of Glendale Substance Abuse policy. A post-offer physical assessment is required. The City of Glendale will incur the cost of all required testing.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

• Standing for long periods of time may be required and may involve heat or cold environments. Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to communicate effectively on the telephone and in person. Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, patterns, identify and evaluate evidence, conduct laboratory analysis, and review or prepare written documents and materials. Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to work in a laboratory or field setting. This would include heavy lifting of up to 50 pounds, climbing ladders, or flying in helicopters or airplanes may be required during investigations. The primary duties of the position are performed in the field with some work in a laboratory environment. Duties could involve exposure to hazardous chemicals and materials including bodily fluids, toxic or caustic chemicals, lasers, teratogens, carcinogens, explosives or materials that may transmit infectious diseases. Enters, exits, and operates city vehicles.

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