Crime Scene Investigator

Duties

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Process complex crime scenes, including the identification, documentation, collection, preservation, and submission of evidence and produce detailed offence reports.
• Use powders and chemicals to process evidence and scenes for latent fingerprints and subsequent lifting/photographing the prints.
• Analyze, compare and evaluate latent fingerprint impressions.
• Processes evidence by performing presumptive laboratory tests, analyses, classifications, comparisons, and identifications of all types of physical evidence from crime scenes and completes and distributes lab reports for each request received.
• Testifies in court by consulting with court personnel concerning testimony, responding to requests for specific evidentiary information and testifying under oath on crime scenes processed for specific cases.
• Provides educational opportunities by conducting training classes for police officers on crime scenes, teaching classes at police academies and providing public safety education at public schools.
• Provides departmental support by maintaining files and records, preparing detailed reports to ensure proper chain of custody, and assisting other organizations and agencies that do not have crime scene investigative units.
• Scientific examination, comparison, and evaluation of digital multimedia evidence.
• Responsible for testifying in court as an expert witness regarding video/audio analysis, evidence processing and crime scene processing.
• Perform other duties as directed by the Chief of Police.

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

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the demonstrated ability to interact effectively with citizens or family members who are experiencing traumatic events such as a horrific crime.
• Use photography skills to properly document evidence recovered at a scene or in a lab setting.
• Operation of a SLR digital camera, various latent print powders and chemicals, cyanoacrylate(superglue)fuming chamber, dry-safe drying chamber ,alternate light source kit and forensic optical comparator.
• Identifying latent prints by conducting searches on latent prints utilizing the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) and the FBI's Integrated Automated Identification System (IAFIS).
• Use an alternate light source to examine scenes for body fluids, hairs and fibers.
• Utilize the digital camera systems to burn, collect and store videos, and retrieve videos as needed.
• Ability to work unsupervised or in a small group after the completion of appropriate training, completing complex tasks and procedures with minimal or no guidance.
• Ability to stand and walk around for extended periods of time. Tasks involve regular and, at times, sustained performance of moderate physical demanding work, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, standing, and walking.
• Ability to complete tasks regardless of the weather or temperature.
• Ability to complete tasks regardless of foul odors or insect activity.
• Ability to lift and carry, push or pull up to 50 lbs.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to operate a large vehicle loaded with Crime Scene Unit equipment and tools.
• Proven expertise in Microsoft Office applications, specifically Word, Excel, and Outlook, is required. Working knowledge of a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and Microsoft Access is preferred.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements with or without accommodations.
• Willingness to work extended hours with little or no advanced notice.

Minimum Requirements:

• Must be a United States citizen.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related physical science, criminal justice, or forensic science is required. Relevant experience as a crime scene investigator may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum of two years of experience in forensic, scientific, or criminal justice fields.
• Minimum age requirement – 21 years of age
• Must possess a valid Texas Driver’s License
• Must be able to proficiently read, write and comprehend the English language
• Must possess and maintain adequate visual acuity and hearing ability to read, write, hear, and speak clearly in person and by telephone
• Must possess computer skills that allow one to efficiently utilize programs that relate to word processing and other needs as required by the department such as Windows, Microsoft Word, Excel, Visio, Poser, Adobe Photoshop, 3d crime scene software, etc.
• A current IAI (International Association for Identification) Certification as a crime scene investigator or analyst is strongly preferred; the successful applicant must be able to achieve certification within one year of hire. Certification must be maintained throughout employment with Humble Police Department.
• Experience vetting raw information to determine source reliability and content validity.
• Experience in producing tactical and strategic assessment.
• Proficient with current research methods on social media sites and open source tools.
• Must possess the ability to relate to members of the public and communicate effectively with persons of all ethnic, social, religious, and economic backgrounds.
• Must possess or obtain within 90 days of employment FAA Part 107 certification to operate sUAS (drone)
• Must possess the ability to comprehend laws and ordinances from a law enforcement context.
• Must possess the ability to remain calm and effective when confronted with hostile, angry or confused individuals.
• Must be able to perform public speaking assignments and give presentations to citizens’ groups.
• Must not have been convicted of any Felony offenses.
• Must have demonstrated a positive past work history with a good attendance record and be punctual.
• Must possess and maintain a good credit history and financial record.
• Must be able to pass a drug screening and physical abilities test.
• Must be able to pass required pre-employment screenings, CJIS and fingerprint check, and have the ability to comply with state and federal requirements for CJIS standards.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions:
In carrying out the duties of Crime Scene Investigator, one could expect to routinely encounter the following approximations with regard to exposure and conditions:

• Routine work indoors 40% of the job.
• Routine work outdoors 40% of the job.
• Routine work in vehicles 20% of the job.
• Working all shifts and days of the week.
• Emergency call-out at a moment’s notice.
• Remain on duty until properly relieved.
• Work overtime during staffing shortages and emergencies, up to and including working double shifts when required.

Physical demands can include, but are not limited to: running, walking, crouching or crawling; and walking, standing or sitting for extended periods of time; experience periods of working under tight schedules and deadlines, with multiple distractions; and difficult situations involving the public. In addition, you must be able to lift and move heavy objects, potentially overhead.

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