Forensic Investigator I

Duties

• Respond to and process a wide variety of crime scenes.
• Participate in and perform specialized duties in the investigation and evaluation of crime scenes and related evidence.
• Collect, preserve, protect, prepare written records and establish and/or control the chain of custody.
• Measure locations and relational distances of victims, suspects and other individuals, evidence, objects, buildings, vehicles and other items using manual and automated equipment and prepare diagrammatic material depicting those measurements and locations as found at crime scenes.
• Develop latent fingerprints with powders, chemicals, or other approved methods, both in the field and in an evidence laboratory, on a variety of objects and surfaces and perform related specialized photography.
• Work in an evidence lab setting, developing latent fingerprints with powders, chemicals, laser, or other approved methods, collect DNA and trace evidence off of property items, enter cartridge cases into IBIS, serial number restorations, and perform specialized photography to document evidence.
• Perform forensic photography and videography of victims, suspects, crime scenes, items of evidence, latent prints and other items and objects.
• Fingerprint and photograph dead bodies in various states of decomposition.
• Evaluate and compare inked and latent prints using manual and automated methods.
• Upon assignment as a Latent Examiner, verify identifications of inked and latent fingerprints.
• Upon assignment as a Forensic Artist, formulate composite likeness of subjects from descriptions obtained through interviews.
• Prepare supplementary investigation reports related to crime scene investigations, evidence collection and processing, fingerprint identification and processing procedures, and other reports as required.
• Review reports for quality and accuracy.
• Fingerprint persons as required.
• Testify in court.
• Provide training to subordinate and other department personnel.
• Provide demonstrations and presentations regarding forensic techniques and equipment to department personnel, other City departments, citizens and community groups.
• Provide exceptional customer service to those contacted in the course of work.
• Other related duties may also be performed; not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual holding this classification.

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

Requirements

Knowledge of

• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Basic understanding of computer operations and/or word processing programs.
• Basic principles of digital photography and videography.
• Basic understanding of fingerprint pattern recognition.

Ability to

• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Perform a variety of record keeping, filing, indexing, and other general clerical work.
• Learn fingerprinting procedures.
• Learn police procedures and methods for crime scene investigations.
• Learn physical and biological evidence collection, crime scene photography, videography and diagramming.
• Learn proper handling and maintenance of safety equipment and chemicals.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, City departments, governmental agencies, and the general public.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Provide effective testimony in court.
• Prepare records and reports.
• Perform related work as required.
• As knowledge, skill and abilities develop, exercise independent judgment and work with a minimum of supervision.
• Learn to provide keen attention to detail and engage in critical thinking and analysis.
• Work at locations involving human trauma of all types and degrees of severity and in high stress situations.
• Perform crime scene investigation work involving extended hours and physical effort, in inclement weather and at a variety of locations.

A combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

Experience

• One year, equivalent to full-time, experience as a student trainee, or career employee in a law enforcement agency or two years of experience in a customer service position in the public or private sector.

-AND-

Education

• Completion of sixty (60) units from an accredited college or university with major work in forensic science, criminal justice, chemistry, biology, or a closely related field.

Substitution

• A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with major work in forensic science, criminal justice, chemistry, biology, or a closely related field may substitute for the required experience.

Additional Substitution

• Three years' experience in police investigation, forensics, or fingerprinting, and a Bachelor's Degree in a non-related field.

Proof of Education

• Proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted with your application and will be required at the time of appointment. Unofficial documents and/or copies are acceptable.
• An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credentials evaluation service. Evaluation of education records will be due at time of appointment.

SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Driver License

• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License at the time of appointment. Loss of the Class C License is cause for discipline. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to physical disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Respiratory Protective Equipment

• Work in this class requires wearing respiratory protective equipment at times. When assigned to such work, facial hair must be shaven when it interferes with the safe fitting of respiratory protective equipment.

Felony Convictions

• Free of felony convictions under California Government Code Section 1029.

Probationary Period

• Employees must complete eighteen (18) months of probation at a satisfactory performance level prior to gaining permanent status.

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