Crime Scene Investigator

Duties

• Works a forty (40) hour work week in addition to scheduled, rotating on call duty
• On call duty consists of being readily available by phone at all times to respond to calls for service
• In addition to on call duty, CSI is expected to respond to emergency calls when additional help is needed
• Is expected to respond to calls for service in a timely manner, as good judgement and safety allows
• Responds to and oversees a variety of complex crime scene calls, including but not limited to homicides, unattended deaths, suicides, fatality accidents, robberies, kidnappings, and property crimes
• Photographs scenes, collects, processes and properly packages evidence identified, and is aware of proper packaging material and procedure
• Establishes and maintains detailed record of chain of custody
• Establishes a permanent, detailed record describing the crime scene and processes performed in the laboratory by writing detailed reports, preparing accurate sketches and diagrams, and by applying professional photographic techniques
• Reconstructs events as they happened just prior to, during, and shortly following the commission of a crime in order to determine the sequence of events and ascertain the type and location of evidence
• Gives advice and direction to officers and detectives in crime scene, forensic, and evidentiary matters
• Processes evidence in the laboratory and maintains lab equipment and supplies in a state of readiness
• Examines latent prints recovered by officers and crime scene investigators for sufficient ridge detail
• Performs latent print comparisons to exact potential identifications to known individuals
• Fingerprints individuals, for identification, comparison, and exclusionary purposes
• Files and searches rolled fingerprint cards
• Gives expert testimony in criminal court cases. This testimony must not only follow the rules of evidence but must also be able to explain, in layman’s terms, to a jury the significance of the evidence as it relates to scientific proof.
• Operates Midland Police Department computer, record keeping programs, and AFIS terminal
• Mixes chemicals for lab and crime scene use using prescribed PPE and safety measures
• Assists criminal justice officials in preparing criminal cases, in person and by providing reports, diagrams, photographs, etc
• Frequently interacts on a professional basis with law enforcement officials at all levels, state and federal prosecutors, medical examiners, and state laboratory personnel in person or by telephone
• Attends briefings, conferences, and evidence reviews with detectives and/or attorneys
• Works efficiently under stress and uses good judgment in emergency/high stress situations
• Assists other employees in conducting assigned duties and responsibilities as necessary
• Provides training in crime scene search, preservation, and evidence collection to patrol officers
• Stays abreast of new discoveries, procedures, theories, and technological advancements in the field of forensic science by attending conferences, seminars, and continuing education/training courses, and by reading textbooks, scientific reports, and professional journals
• Maintains workspace, laboratory, city issued vehicle, and on call CSI van in clean, stocked, and organized condition
• Must maintain physical fitness to perform job duties.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

EQUIPMENT USED:

• DSLR Camera, tripod, and accessories
• MPD Computer
• City vehicle
• On call CSI van
• Automated Fingerprint Identification System
• Various instruments, tools, and chemicals used in collection of evidence
• Alternate Light Source
• Safety equipment such as respirators and self-contained breathing apparatus

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

Requirements

Physical and Environmental Conditions

• Works under unfavorable conditions including exposure to harsh weather, poor or no lighting, hazardous chemicals and smoke, unpleasant odors, extremes in temperature, all types of weather conditions, electrical hazards, communicable diseases, etc. - following local, state, and federal guidelines
• Works irregular hours including weekends, holidays, and extended hours in emergency, disaster, or other situations influenced by workload, staffing difficulties, or equipment related repair problems
• Responsibilities may include occasional physical labor and endurance and may be hazardous with regards to physical and mental well-being

Required Qualifications

• Knowledge of Administrative Directives of both the City of Midland and the Police Department
• Knowledge of pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations; interprets and applies as necessary
• Knowledge of technical aspects of law enforcement including investigation, identification, records management, and care and custody of property
• Knowledge of geography of the city and the surrounding vicinity
• Knowledge of law enforcement and criminal justice system principles
• Skill in communicating clearly and concisely, both oral and written
• Skill to plan, organize, and manage time effectively
• Works independently in the absence of supervision
• Knowledge of grammar, spelling, and syntax
• Knowledge of safety procedures in relation to chemicals in use in the Crime Scene lab and communicable diseases
• Associate's degree or 65 college hours
• Must be a resident of Midland County at the time of employment.
• Must possess a valid Texas Class 'C' driver's license
• No felony convictions, history of criminal or improper conduct, or poor driving record which may affect suitability for law enforcement work
• If prior military service, must have an honorable discharge
• Must be proficient in both spoken and written English

CONDITIONS FOR CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT:

• Must obtain Certified Crime Scene Investigator status under the International Association for Identification certification program
• Must obtain AFIS certification to operate terminal independently
• Must meet or exceed job performance expectations and substantially meet all standards of performance under broad banding plan
• Must maintain necessary physical condition to carry out all essential job functions
• Must maintain a valid Texas Class 'C' driver's license

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