Crime Scene Technician I

Duties

• Responds to crime scenes and documents through notetaking, photography, videography, and sketches with measurements.
• Develops latent prints through chemical techniques and various powders.
• Collects and preserves evidentiary items while maintaining chain of custody.
• Ensures crime scenes are secured.
• Processes crime scenes
• Prepares written notes, reports, and testifies in court as an expert witness.
• Obtains known finger and palm prints.
• Secures evidence, preventing contamination and maintaining chain of custody.
• Collects, processes, packages, labels, and examines evidence when needed for trace and physical analysis.
• Trains new employees on forensic related matters
• Processes arrestees during prisoner processing
• Communicates and deals with citizens daily during crime scene investigations and other duties.
• Conducts Intoxilyzer tests.
• Operates lab motor vehicle in all weather conditions.
• Responds to work during all weather-related events, considered essential personnel.
• Maintains files and records.
• Conducts Public Fingerprinting
• Ensures all work is performed in accordance with Section and Unit Standard Procedures, Departmental General Orders, City Safety Standards, City Policies and OSHA Standards

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

Requirements

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:

• Associate’s degree is required.
• Candidates with relevant field experience or internship/volunteer experience in forensic or investigative settings will receive additional consideration.

Certifications and Licensure:

• Ability to obtain Intoxilyzer operator certification within one year of employment is required.
• A valid North Carolina Driver’s License is required. Individuals holding a license from another state must obtain a North Carolina license within sixty (60) days of employment.
• Successful completion of a polygraph examination and background investigation is necessary due to the confidential and sensitive nature of the work.

Work Environment and Schedule:

• Position involves working under general supervision on a varied, rotating schedule that includes on-call shifts, holidays, weekends, and inclement weather.
• Candidates should be prepared to process crime scenes involving graphic violence and emotionally challenging content.
• Work may require extended hours in confined spaces or physically demanding positions.
• Willingness and readiness to lead the processing of crime scenes at any time is expected.
• A calm, objective, and professional demeanor is essential, especially in high-stress and high-profile situations.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong oral and written communication skills, along with proficiency in computers and digital tools, are essential.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, initiative, and adhere to established procedures is critical.
• Physical and mental endurance are required to meticulously locate and collect small pieces of evidence over extended periods.
• The role involves managing psychological stress, particularly when working homicide scenes or providing courtroom testimony.
• Effective teamwork and collaboration with members of the Forensic Section are expected at all times.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A bachelor’s degree or higher in Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, or a related field from an accredited college or university is preferred
• Working knowledge of Crime Scene Investigations.
• Certifications in Forensic Discipline.
• English and Spanish Language skills.

Physical Requirements
Hearing and Speaking

• Ability to express and receive information through spoken word is essential for communicating with coworkers, citizens, and applicants.

Visual Abilities
Visual acuity is necessary for tasks requiring both near and far vision:

• Far Acuity: Clear vision at 20 feet or more, needed for observing tests, operating a vehicle, or addressing audiences.
• Near Acuity: Clear vision at 20 inches or less for reviewing documents and close-up tasks.
• Depth Perception: Ability to judge distances and spatial relationships.
• Field of Vision: Peripheral awareness when eyes are focused in one direction.
• Accommodation: Ability to quickly adjust focus between varying distances.

Physical Strength and Dexterity
This is classified as light work, involving:

• Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally
• Up to 10 pounds of force frequently
• A negligible amount of force constantly to move materials

Types of Physical Demands

• Reaching: Extending arms/hands in any direction
• Handling: Grasping, holding, or turning objects with hands
• Fingering: Using fingers to pick, pinch, or manipulate small items
• Mental Activity and Requirements

Reasoning

• Ability to apply logical thinking and a working knowledge of public personnel practices and employment laws to solve practical problems, assess situations quickly, and make sound decisions.

Mathematics

• Competence in using arithmetic and/or statistics to prepare tests, reports, and analyses.

Language

• Proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in English is required.

Environmental Conditions
Work Environment

• Work may be performed indoors or outdoors in varying conditions.
• Potential exposure to body fluids, chemicals, vaccines, and other substances. Work is governed by OSHA safety standards.

Tools and Equipment

• Regular use of computers, calculators, audio/video recording equipment, projectors, printers, copiers, measuring devices, two-way radios, phones, and office supplies.
• Frequent reference to manuals, ordinances, regulations, reports, correspondence, statutes, and building codes.

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