Criminalist

Duties

What you will do:
Criminalist performs work in the operation of a laboratory and/or in the field at crime scenes. The work involves processing evidence and investigating minor to major crime scenes, using established physical, technical, and/or chemical techniques and recording results by means of notes, photographs and lift cards. This position will also provide clerical and administrative assistance in the office or field settings. We are looking for candidates with a strong skill set in writing detailed reports based on actions and findings that are legible, accurate, comprehensive, and intelligent. Must be eligible to be certified by Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) as a user.

Key responsibilities include:

• Conducting forensic analysis and testing on physical evidence.
• Collecting, preserving, and comparing latent fingerprints to known prints for identification purposes.
• Classifying, indexing, and maintaining fingerprint records.
• Gathering and preserving various types of evidence during field investigations, such as fingerprints, biological samples, and ballistic materials.
• Preparing detailed forensic reports for use in investigations and court proceedings.
• Providing expert testimony in court regarding forensic test results and procedures.
• Test firing of firearms for ballistic analysis.
• Respond to crime scenes for evidence collection and processing.
• Use of chemicals, instruments and electronic equipment for evidence collection and analysis to include but not limited to laser light devices and lidar 3D scanning devices.

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

Requirements

What are the minimum qualifications?

• Must pass the pre-employment drug test and pre-employment police background check.
• Must have Oregon Class C driver's license and a driving record that meets the City of Salem's driving standards.
• Associate's degree in criminalistics, police science or a related field with completion of a minimum 8 units of photography, crime scene investigation, fingerprinting or criminalistics; and two years of professional relevant work experience detecting, lifting, retrieving and comparing latent prints from crime scenes, or providing direct assistance to forensic identification specialists or other law enforcement investigation professionals conducting field investigations; or any combination of experience and training that demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skill and abilities as listed, and ability to perform the examples of work.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Possession of a current Latent Print Certification from the International Association for Identification
• Possession of a current Crime Scene Certification from the International Association for Identification
• Has received formal training in latent print and or crime scene processing which would go towards pre-requisites for certification.
• Crime Scene Evidence Collection and Processing Experience
• Experience writing Police or Crime Lab reports
• Experience working in a Crime Lab
• Experience or training in courtroom testimony
• Lab chemical or electronic equipment for evidence collection/processing experience

Do you have the Education Required? See available on-line and campus-based degree programs now!