Crime Scene Technician

Duties

Work in this classification requires an individual to be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary classification functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this classification may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in this classification description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this description.

TYPICAL CLASSIFICATION ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Identify, collect, and preserve crime scene and accident scene evidence to aid in criminal and civil prosecutions, document chain of custody, and maintain integrity of evidence according to PCSO Standard Operating Procedures.
• Document crime scene details using specific techniques, procedures, and specialized technical equipment, photograph and measure the crime scene, document location of all evidence and other important objects and details, and create computer generated diagram of crime scene from documentation collected at crime scene.
• Search out, identify, collect, preserve, log, examine, and secure evidence, document handling of evidence and property, assist with the identification of evidence at crime scenes, and photograph persons, crime scenes, secondary or additional scenes, and other areas/items related to investigations.
• Perform presumptive chemical tests to identify biological evidence and locate latent fingerprint evidence, document tool marks, footwear, and tire track impression evidence, and collect biological/personal characteristic evidence from individuals as directed.
• Collect, develop, and preserve latent fingerprints.
• Transfer and transport evidence from crime scenes, occasionally transfer and transport evidence to crime laboratories for testing, process firearms for latent fingerprints or swab collections as requested, download photographic documentation to computer database per policy, and submit photographs as evidence if provided by victim, or other than PCSO employee.
• Package evidence and accurately complete evidence control sheet(s), follow special processing and packaging procedures for all evidence including biological evidence, document evidence collected and maintain the chain of custody, enter data and download photographs into computer system, transport crime scene evidence, properly package the evidence, and submit to property and evidence control unit.
• Write detailed supplemental crime scene and photo log reports, maintain activity logs, develop case files, and prepare technical and statistical reports.
• Prepare technical documentation, including but not limited to scene diagrams and evidence for court.
• Testify in court.
• Assist and interact with other Sheriff's personnel and other law enforcement and multi-jurisdictional agencies.
• Maintain the integrity, professionalism, values, and goals of the Sheriff's Office by assuring that all rules and regulations are followed, and that accountability and public trust are preserved.
• Maintain absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, customer records, and restricted County information.
• Perform other related duties as required.

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

Requirements

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:

• Associate's degree in Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, or a related field.
• Two (2) years of related work experience, preferably in a law enforcement or criminal justice agency.
• Must pass a thorough background investigation and polygraph examination.
• Valid Arizona State Driver's License.
• For ACJIS users - Must pass a thorough background investigation and background re-investigation every 5 years.
• Or an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience may substitute for the minimum requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Additional technical training and certifications may be required by direction of the Sheriff.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Sheriff's Office policies, procedures, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
• Knowledge of state and Federal laws, regulations and statutes, governing management of crime scenes.
• Knowledge of rules and standards for collecting, preserving, and securing various types of evidence at a crime scene.
• Knowledge of principles of crime scene management and the operation of specialized technical equipment to collect evidence and forensic details.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of photographing and technical documentation of crime scenes, and the operation of a variety of technical equipment and specialized software.
• Knowledge of Arizona criminal justice and court systems, procedures, and protocols.
• Knowledge of investigative procedures and protocols for observation of critical details.
• Knowledge of geography, roads, and landmarks of Pinal County.
• Knowledge of principles of accounting, record keeping, and technical records management.
• Skill in documenting crime scene details, collecting and preserving evidence, and recognizing ancillary evidence.
• Skill in packaging and organizing numerous items of evidence in an orderly fashion for storage and retrieval.
• Skill in scribing accurate crime scene notes, recording information observed at a scene, documenting, in written form, observations, scribing measurements and GPS locations to produce detailed supplemental reports and diagrams.
• Skill in collecting, processing, and preserving crime scene evidence.
• Skill in care, maintenance, and safe operation of crime scene tools and equipment.
• Skill in technical and crime scene photography and processing of digital media using specialized computer software
• Ability to follow directions and effectively communicate verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member with other law enforcement personnel with PCSO and multi-jurisdictional agencies.
• Ability to operate a personal computer and specialized software applications.
• Ability to work alternating work schedules, weekends, holidays and be subject to call-out.
• Ability to work various (12) hour shifts and be subject to mandatory overtime.
• Ability to write detailed supplemental reports and policies and procedures as requested.

ADA COMPLIANCE

• Pinal County Sheriff’s Office is an Equal Opportunity employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Frequently requires the ability to exert substantial physical effort by pushing and pulling objects in excess of 120 pounds for up to 150 feet in distance. Requires the ability to lift, push or pull objects in excess of 50 pounds frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds constantly to move objects.
• Frequently requires the ability to balance, climb, crawl, crouch, finger, feel, grasp, handle, reach, kneel, stoop, sit, stand, perform repetitive motions and walk for an extended amount of time.
• Occasionally requires the ability to operate motor vehicles or heavy equipment.
• The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information.
• Occasionally ascend/descend stairs or 12 foot ladders while carrying objects weighing in excess of 20 pounds.
• Must be able to ascend and descend ladders, scaffolds, stairs and work in confined spaces.
• Must be able to move objects, and use abdominal and lower back muscles to provide support over time without fatigue. Constant movement and use of limbs; this position requires good manual dexterity, coordination and stamina.
• Must have adequate speech, hearing and eyesight, ability to perceive and distinguish colors or shades of colors, sounds, odor, depth, texture, and visual cues or signals demonstrate mental and physical acuity.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is mostly performed within a field environment that may require exposure to all weather conditions, in or near vehicle traffic, emergency situations with exposure to a variety of safety hazards, strong odors or fumes, disease/blood/bodily fluids, pathogenic substances, toxic agents, hazardous materials, noise, explosives, vibrations and slippery or uneven surfaces When not engaged in emergency operations, may work under station or office conditions.
• May be required to use a respirator when performing duties requiring exposure to hazardous chemicals and evidence that may be biohazardous and carcinogenic.
• Must be able to work in small, cramped areas and reach elevated items up to 14 feet high for storage and retrieval purposes.
• Must be available to work long, irregular schedules and on-call, including nights, overtime, evenings, weekends and holidays, as required by the needs of the agency.
• Work is performed in an environment making decisions that could lead to major community or organizational consequences if appropriate decisions are not timely.

THIS IS CONSIDERED A SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITION.

• This position may reasonably be expected to come into contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials in the performance of the work duties and is therefore subject to the vaccination and training provisions presented in the County Blood Borne Pathogen Exposure Control plan.

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