Crime Lab Technician

Duties

Essential Functions

• Respond to crime scenes or assignments promptly;
• Identify, document, process, collect, package, and preserve physical evidence found at crime scenes using proper techniques;
• Conduct crime scene searches under a variety of conditions to recover critical forensic evidence;
• Process laboratory examination requests submitted by deputies and allied agencies;
• Process evidence for latent fingerprints and DNA using various chemicals, powders, light sources, photographic and laboratory equipment;
• Obtain and process various digital requests including, but not limited to, video surveillance and cellular data;
• Operate, process, and maintain FARO laser scanner equipment and software;
• Prepare photographic line-ups;
• Prepare detailed written reports and diagrams from work assignments in a timely and efficient manner;
• Gather information, take notes, and maintain accurate documentation for all case assignments including, but not limited to, chain-of-custody;
• Prepare evidence and transmittals for allied agency submission;
• Operate and maintain crime lab equipment and software;
• Maintain complete and accurate information in various databases;
• Attend autopsies to recover evidence;
• Testify in court and at other proceedings in a clear, well-organized, and logical manner to accurately provide information describing events, objects, and evidence associated with a case;
• Operate and ensure required maintenance is conducted on issued agency vehicle;
• May require:
• Shift work;
• Successfully passing proficiency tests;
• Will require:
• Call back;
• On-call;
• Performs other duties as assigned.

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

Requirements

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in a Physical Science, Forensics, or Criminal Justice;
• Or three or more years of experience in evidence collection or criminal investigations;
• Or any combination of equivalent technical training, education, and/or related experience.

Additional Requirements:

• Possess a valid Maryland Driver’s License;
• Ability to pass a comprehensive background investigation;
• Ability to pass random drug screening;
• Ability to pass polygraph examination.

Physical and Environmental Conditions:

• Exposure to deceased bodies, open wounds, and other disagreeable aspects.
• Exposure to hoarder-like and unsanitary conditions.
• May be exposed to hazardous materials, illicit drugs, biohazards, and other contaminants.
• Requires occasionally utilizing a step stool or ladder, to reach above or below arm level.
• Requires occasional strenuous effort. For example, handling of moderately heavy boxes, tools, and equipment 30 to 60 pounds.
• Requires long periods of standing, frequent walking, repeated bending, crouching, stooping, stretching or reaching.
• May sit for prolonged periods of time, answering the telephone, and operating computer equipment.
• Exposure to all types of environmental conditions. Exposure ranging from a courtroom setting to being at a crime scene for prolonged periods of time. Temperatures range from below freezing to above 100 degrees.
• Function in a structured organization with strict rules of conduct.
• May be required to work varying hours on a rotating schedule including days, evenings, midnights, weekends, and holidays.
• Requires occasional use of protective gear including, but not limited to, full Tyvek suits, boots, gloves, and masks.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to gain thorough knowledge of St. Mary’s County Government and Office of the Sheriff policies and procedures;
• Ability to gain thorough knowledge of Crime Lab standard operating procedures;
• Ability to effectively communicate with agency and government personnel and the general public, either in person or by telephone, by written report or memorandum, through radio communications or computer.
• Ability to recognize physical evidence and know its potential value.
• Knowledge of techniques for recovering and preserving physical evidence to include understanding proper collection, processing, and preservation procedures for various types of physical evidence.
• Ability to properly and accurately document investigations, including the recovery of physical evidence.
• Ability to operate an agency motor vehicle, both day and night, in all weather/road conditions, in a manner to expeditiously, yet safely, arrive at a scene.
• Ability to learn names and locations of roads, buildings, and other landmarks in St. Mary’s County.
• Ability to plan, organize, and execute complicated and continuing assignments accurately, with minimum instruction or review.
• Ability to utilize the senses of sight, hearing, smell, and touch.
• Ability to learn and operate various types of crime scene technician equipment.
• Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions, to speak effectively and articulately, to demonstrate good listening skills, and to convey concern, understanding, and empathy.
• Ability to utilize a high level of discretion, good judgment, and confidentiality.
• Ability to maintain a high level of accuracy in assigned tasks.
• Ability to organize and determine priorities of diverse assignments.
• Ability to plan, organize, and effectively present ideas and concepts to groups.
• Ability to assimilate information from a variety of resources. Analyze, evaluate, and select, often with limited information, the best course of action.
• Ability to develop and write documents, manuals and other literature.
• Ability to comprehend and adhere to, at all times, agency policies and procedures.
• Ability to work independently and as a team on tasks and maintain complete and accurate records.
• Effective business English, grammar, legal terminology, and math skills.
• Ability to make decisions in accordance with established laws, and Federal Guidelines, and to apply departmental policies and procedures to daily work problems.
• Ability to work in an office setting with frequent interruptions.

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