Crime Scene Technician I

Duties

Essential Tasks & Responsibilities:

• Responds to crime scenes and documents through notetaking, photography, videography, and sketches with measurements.
• Develops latent prints through chemical techniques and various powders.
• Collects and preserves evidentiary items while maintaining chain of custody.
• Ensures crime scenes are secured.
• Processes crime scenes
• Prepares written notes, reports, and testifies in court as an expert witness.
• Obtains known finger and palm prints.
• Secures evidence, preventing contamination and maintaining chain of custody.
• Collects, processes, packages, labels, and examines evidence when needed for trace and physical analysis.
• Trains new employees on forensic related matters
• Processes arrestees during prisoner processing
• Communicates and deals with citizens daily during crime scene investigations and other duties.
• Conducts Intoxilyzer tests.
• Operates lab motor vehicle in all weather conditions.
• Responds to work during all weather-related events, considered essential personnel.
• Maintains files and records.
• Conducts Public Fingerprinting
• Ensures all work is performed in accordance with Section and Unit Standard Procedures, Departmental General Orders, City Safety Standards, City Policies and OSHA Standards

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

Requirements

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• An associate’s degree is required.
• Candidates with relevant field experience or internship/volunteer experience in forensic or investigative settings will receive additional consideration.

Certifications and Licensure:

• Ability to obtain Intoxilyzer operator certification within one year of employment is required.
• A valid North Carolina Driver’s License is required. Individuals holding a license from another state must obtain a North Carolina license within sixty (60) days of employment.
• Successful completion of a polygraph examination and background investigation is necessary due to the confidential and sensitive nature of the work.

Work Environment and Schedule:

• Position involves working under general supervision on a varied, rotating schedule that includes on-call shifts, holidays, weekends, and inclement weather.
• Candidates should be prepared to process crime scenes involving graphic violence and emotionally challenging content.
• Work may require extended hours in confined spaces or physically demanding positions.
• Willingness and readiness to lead the processing of crime scenes at any time is expected.
• A calm, objective, and professional demeanor is essential, especially in high-stress and high-profile situations.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong oral and written communication skills, along with proficiency in computers and digital tools, are essential.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, initiative, and adhere to established procedures is critical.
• Physical and mental endurance are required to meticulously locate and collect small pieces of evidence over extended periods.
• The role involves managing psychological stress, particularly when working homicide scenes or providing courtroom testimony.
• Effective teamwork and collaboration with members of the Forensic Section are expected at all times.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A bachelor’s degree or higher in Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, or a related field from an accredited college or university is preferred
• Working knowledge of Crime Scene Investigations.
• Certifications in Forensic Discipline.
• English and Spanish Language skills.

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