Forensic Investigator

Duties

• Receive, document, and process evidence collected by members of this Agency using chemicals, powder, photographic equipment, and digital still and video investigative tools.
• Work involves providing civilian advanced technical support within a police related activity.
• Recover and preserve evidence from crime scenes, suspects and victims using proper techniques as outlined in various written directives of this Agency.
• Document investigations with photographs, recovery of physical evidence, and sketches of crime scenes.
• Prepare written reports and work assignments in a timely and efficient manner.
• Maintain accurate documentation for all cases worked.
• Conduct major crime scene searches under a variety of conditions to recover critical forensic evidence.
• Process evidence for latent fingerprints using various chemical, photographic, and digital methods.
• Operate and maintain digital photo and video laboratory and equipment.
• Develop crime scene photographs using a digital process.
• Attend autopsies to document, photograph, and recover evidence.
• Transport and maintain accurate chain of custody of forensic evidence to other federal, state, and local crime labs for additional analysis.
• Appear in court to present evidence on cases investigated and to testify against persons accused of committing crimes.
• Gather information, write notes, reports, and other documents necessary to provide the State’s Attorney with information needed for the prosecution of cases.
• Testify in court and at other proceedings in a clear, well-organized, and logical manner to accurately provide information describing events, objects, processing methods, and evidence associated with a case.
• Assist in securing and managing crime scenes by limiting access until evidence can be properly collected, preserved, and documented.
• Attend and participate in meetings and training sessions, which may require overnight travel, as required
• When on-call, required to respond immediately when needed during hours outside of the regular workday.
• Compares known finger, palm, and footprints with latent print impressions to determine identity for use in police investigations.
• Conduct firearm examinations and operability test fires with live ammunition.
• Test fire and enter firearms evidence to NIBIN (National Integrated Ballistic Information Network).
• Provide training to Interns and other members of the agency.
• Provide education to the public and participate in public relations events and demonstrations.
• Complete and pass annual proficiency testing in assigned tasks.
• Perform other related duties, as assigned.

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

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or higher degree in Forensics, or natural science (Biology, Chemistry etc.).
• Two (2) years of prior experience as a crime scene technician, latent print examiner, and/or forensic evidence technician or equivalent position.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of forensic science to include trace evidence, latent prints, firearms, digital photography, and biology.
• Knowledge of techniques for recovering and preserving physical evidence to include understanding the proper collection, processing and preservation procedures for “touch” DNA evidence and wet DNA evidence.
• Knowledge of the rules governing the admissibility of evidence in court.
• Knowledge of the application of scientific methods to forensic science and crime scene investigation.
• Knowledge of new techniques and current, up-to-date developments in forensic science.
• Ability to write complex technical forensic laboratory reports.
• Ability to perform and evaluate scientific research.
• Ability to testify effectively in a court of law on forensic matters.
• Ability to identify problem areas and recommend appropriate solutions based on logical consideration of alternatives.
• Ability to handle firearms using safe practices.
• Successful completion of a documented latent print training program.
• Recognize and distinguish patterns that are relied upon for latent print comparison processes.
• Ability to interpret and apply a variety of regulations, standards, and procedures.
• Ability to prepare and present reports clearly and concisely.
• Ability to work both independently and cooperatively with other units and agencies.
• Ability to maintain calm and professional composure when dealing with stressful situations.
• Ability to work various hours as assigned to include on-call hours, and night shifts.
• Ability to work in hostile environments for long periods of time including adverse temperature; chemical; confined spaces; contaminated areas including those with blood, insect infestation, rodent infestation, and general filth.
• Must be physically fit and able to handle the demands of the job, including lifting objects weighing up to 50 pounds and performing various physical tasks such as walking, standing, kneeling, and bending.

Selected Candidate:

• Must be 18 years of age or older and U.S. citizen.
• Must pass comprehensive background investigation and criminal record check; medical exam and drug/alcohol screening; and polygraph exam.
• Must provide handwriting sample for review.
• Must appear before and receive a favorable recommendation from Oral Interview Board.
• Must have reliable transportation and telephone communication since this is an on-call position with a possibility of a full-time status if position becomes available.
• Must possess a history and exhibit the characteristics of honesty, reliability, integrity, and interpersonal skills. Any criminal conviction(s) and/or arrest(s) may be grounds for disqualification.

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