Forensic Evidence Technician

Duties

Essential Functions:

• Prepares and documents crime scenes using sketches, reports of activities, and a photo log.
• Collects, preserves, and transports physical evidence from crime scene investigations and autopsies, which includes latent fingerprints, trace evidence and serological evidence, narcotics, firearms, and tool marks.
• Documents crime scenes using 35mm and/or video cameras and a variety of different photographic films and/or digital techniques.
• Examines items of evidence in the field and in the laboratory for latent fingerprints and trace evidence using a combination of laser techniques, print powders and chemicals (i.e. fluorescein).
• Performs data entry of firearms and fingerprint data into a computerized data system.
• Attends medical legal autopsies at the Medical Examiner's Office to collect photographic and physical evidence.
• Appears in court as an expert witness regarding collected and processed physical evidence.
• Collects evidence from dead bodies and photographs all aspects of the body necessary for investigation.
• Prepares court displays.
• Researches and evaluates new technical developments in crime scene processing, handling, and analysis of crime laboratory evidence.
• Travels in and out of the county to crime scenes to conduct special investigations.
• Takes photographs of crime scenes from helicopter/aircraft.
• Provides courteous, high quality service to members of the public by personally responding to requests for service or appropriate referral.

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

Requirements

Knowledge of:

• Evidence identification, documentation, collection, preservation, and transportation procedures and techniques
• Fingerprint classification systems and equipment and development techniques
• Investigation policies and procedures used by law enforcement
• Local, State and Federal laws/policies regarding the collection, preservation, and transportation of evidence
• Photographic techniques, equipment, materials and development methods; conventional and digital
• Telephone, office, and online etiquette
• County customer service objectives and strategies

Skills and Abilities to:

• Operate various types of photographic equipment
• Determine the appropriate analytical tests needed for the evaluation of evidence
• Operate computers for preparation of sketches, reports and evidence/photo logs and data entry of fingerprint and/or firearms evidence
• Prepare clear and concise reports
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with County staff and outside law enforcement agencies
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Communicate effectively with a variety of individuals representing diverse cultures and backgrounds and function calmly in situations, which require a high degree of sensitivity, tact and diplomacy
• Treat County employees, representatives of outside agencies and members of the public with courtesy and respect
• Assess the customer's immediate needs and ensure customer's receipt of needed services through personal service or making appropriate referral
• Provide prompt, efficient and responsive service
• Exercise appropriate judgment in answering questions and releasing information; analyze and project consequences of decisions and/or recommendations
• Establish effective working relationships with management, employees, employee representatives and the public representing diverse cultures and backgrounds

Education and/or Experience
Education, training, and/or experience that demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills and abilities listed above. Qualifying education/experience:

• An associate of science degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency and a community college certificate in Evidence Technology or equivalent, OR,
• One (1) year of experience in the identification, documentation, collection, preservation and transportation of physical evidence which must include fingerprint processing, OR,
• Two (2) years of full time experience as an Evidence Technician in a law enforcement agency.

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