Crime Scene Investigator

Duties

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Functions

• Ensures crime scene is secured; investigates crime scenes to gather information related to the crime.
• Processes crime scenes for evidence including fingerprint, DNA, trace, hair and fiber, weapons such as firearms, etc.; uses forensic chemicals and powders for processing evidence; photographs, sketches and draws diagrams of crime scenes.
• Maintains chain of custody and control on criminal evidence; transports evidence to secure storage facilities and appropriate laboratory for further processing.
• Secures body for transport to the morgue; escorts remains to autopsy facility; collects evidence from the medical examiner.
• Prepares detailed description of findings and provides to appropriate investigative personnel; prepares report of action on crime scenes; prepares copies of reports and associated diagrams and photographs.
• Prepares appropriate documentation of each piece of evidence for submission to laboratory facilities; packages and labels evidence according to departmental and laboratory guidelines; provides receipts for submitted evidence to appropriate personnel.
• Logs and secures processed evidence; receives and processes evidence from officers; collects evidence from hospitals; provides investigators with copy of analysis.
• Prepares and conducts evidence showing; transports evidence for trial; testifies in court.
• Disposes of evidence upon receipt of destruction order; provides Clerk of Court with evidence and disposition orders; returns evidence to owners upon case disposition.
• Accompanies investigators to jail and hospital for execution of search warrants.
• Conducts arson investigations.
• Prepares fingerprint cards; fingerprints applicants.
• Collects pawn shop listings and reviews for possible stolen property.
• Provides excellent customer service when working with citizens, elected officials, and/or associates.
• Completes any other assigned duties by supervisor.
• Supports the overall City organization by executing the directives as set forth by the immediate supervisor and elected officials.

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

Typical Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• General knowledge of law enforcement methods, practices and procedures;
• General knowledge of the geography of the City and location of important buildings;
• General knowledge of crime scene processing and handling of evidence;
• General knowledge of the rules and regulations of the Police Department;
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions and to prepare clear comprehensive reports;
• Ability to communicate ideas effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Ability to deal courteously, firmly and tactfully with victims, witnesses and the public;
• Ability to analyze situations and to adopt quick, effective and reasonable courses of action with due regard to surround hazards and circumstances;
• Skill in the use of investigation tools;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, other law enforcement agency representatives and the general public.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED and moderate experience in crime scene processing, inventory control, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Physical Requirements

• This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force;
• work regularly requires speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and reaching with hands and arms and occasionally requires standing, walking, sitting, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, tasting or smelling, pushing or pulling, lifting and repetitive motions;
• work requires close vision, distance vision, ability to adjust focus, depth perception, color perception, night vision and peripheral vision;
• vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly;
• hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound;
• work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, using of measuring devices, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities;
• work occasionally requires wet, humid conditions (non-weather), working near moving mechanical parts, working in high, precarious places, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals, exposure to outdoor weather conditions, exposure to the risk of electrical shock, wearing a self contained breathing apparatus and exposure to bloodborne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment;
• work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).

Special Requirements

• Possession of or ability to acquire Crime Scene Phase I and II, Arson Investigation, Scientific Basics of Fingerprinting, Legal Issues of Crime Scene Searchers and Crime Scene Photography certifications and/or training within six months of employment.
• Must meet and maintain minimum training and experience requirements for position as established by the department and the State of North Carolina.
• Valid driver's license in the State of North Carolina.

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