Crime Scene Investigator I/II

Duties

CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATOR I

• Respond to a variety of situations including homicides, suicides, shootings, including officer involved shootings, rapes, and assaults to process the scene;
• Photograph and videotape crime scenes to meet evidentiary requirements; take entry and exit photographs, set crime scene markers; locate, tag, photograph and process evidence, blood spatters, foot/shoe prints, tire tracks, victims and suspects;
• Take impressions of tire tracks and foot/shoe prints;
• Locate and lift latent prints; examine fingerprints and upload to databases; make positive identifications, testify in court;
• Obtain samples such as possible blood, urine, tissue, semen, gunshot residue, buccal swabs or other materials; use chemicals to enhance blood or fingerprints; obtain fingernail samples and scraping; obtain DNA samples from crime scene, victim and suspect;
• Identify blood stains using UV light or Luminol; photograph and take samples;
• Collect bullet casings, noting location, and enter into National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN); serve as NIBIN Technician;
• Collects external swabs in rape cases pending Sexual Assault Rape Team response;
• Photograph autopsies as directed by pathologist;
• Perform general office work, enter information into a variety of regional and national databases; deliver sample to federal crime lab for processing;
• Testify in court as a fingerprint expert;
• Explain in understandable terms the policies and procedures of the Sheriff's Department;
• Operate special equipment designed to locate and collect evidence.

CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATOR II

• All typical tasks from Crime Scene Investigator I and;
• Train and lead less experienced staff;

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

Requirements

CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATOR I
SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Learn the principles, techniques and methods used in crime scene processing, crime scene photography, and fingerprint collection and analysis;
• Learn to safely handle biological samples and chemicals;
• Speak and write clearly and effectively;
• Learn and apply departmental policies and procedures;
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt effective courses of action;
• Develop rapport and obtain cooperation from crime victims, witnesses, and the public;
• Maintain accurate and concise records and reports;
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions;
• Recognize and maintain confidential information;
• Operate a police radio and mobile digital terminal;
• Sketch charts, graphs and diagrams;
• Lift objects weighing up to 30 pounds;
• Operate a computer terminal and printer;
• Testify in court as a fingerprint expert;
• Testify in court regarding evidence collection and processing methods.

KNOWLEDGE

• Photography and techniques of photography and fingerprinting;
• Basic organization and functions of a law enforcement agency;
• General office practices, including the operation of standard office equipment and computer terminals;
• Record keeping principles;
• Correct English usage, spelling and punctuation;
• Rules of evidence;
• Basic interviewing methods and techniques;
• Geography of Stanislaus County; and
• Civil law and procedures.

CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATOR II
SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Testify in court as a fingerprint expert;
• Testify in court regarding evidence collection and processing methods;
• Safely collect and process evidence;
• Speak and write clearly and effectively;
• Apply departmental policies and procedures;
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt effective courses of action;
• Develop rapport and obtain cooperation from crime victims, witnesses and the public;
• Maintain accurate and concise records and reports;
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions;
• Recognize and maintain confidential information;
• Operate a police radio and mobile digital terminal;
• Sketch charts, graphs and diagrams;
• Lift objects weighing up to 30 pounds; and
• Operate a computer and use investigative and criminal applications.

KNOWLEDGE

• Principles and techniques of crime scene photography;
• Principles and techniques of fingerprint collection and identification;
• Advanced principles and practices of crime scene processing;
• Safe practices when working with biological and chemical evidence and methods of disinfecting and cleaning person and locations;
• Organization and functions of a law enforcement agency;
• General office practices, including the operation of standard office equipment and computer terminals;
• Record keeping principles;
• Correct English usage, spelling and punctuation;
• Rules of evidence;
• Basic interviewing methods and techniques;
• Geography of Stanislaus County; and
• Civil law and procedures.

We recognize your time is valuable, please only apply if you meet the following required qualifications.

CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATOR I
PATTERN I

• High school graduate or General Educational Development (GED) equivalency; AND
• Two (2) years of full-time work experience involving public contact in a law enforcement setting comparable to a Stanislaus County Community Service Officer.

PATTERN II

• High school graduate or General Educational Development (GED) equivalency; AND
• One (1) year of full-time work experience comparable to a Stanislaus County Forensic Autopsy Technician.

PATTERN Ill

• Associates degree or higher in Forensic Science, Criminology, or Criminal Justice; AND
• Six (6) months full time experience in a law enforcement setting.

CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATOR II

• Two (2) years of full-time work experience comparable to a Stanislaus County Crime Scene Investigator I.

License and Certification

• Possess and maintain a valid California Driver's License.
• Successful completion of POST certified Crime Scene Photography and Latent Print Examination courses.
• Possess and maintain Crime Scene Certification through the International Association for Identification or other certification acceptable to the department.

Special Requirement

• Physical/manipulative abilities required by the department;
• Mental/cognitive abilities required by the department;
• Possess and maintain a valid California Driver's License;
• Must be of good moral character with no felony convictions and must not have been convicted of a crime for which the punishment could have been imprisonment in a Federal penitentiary or State prison.

Proof of education is required for verification purposes after the eligible list has been established as part of the selection interview process. Proof of education (transcripts and/or degree) may be attached at the time of online application submission if available.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES/FINAL FILING DATE

• Applications cannot be submitted later than 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date. Make your online application as complete as possible so a full and realistic appraisal may be made of your qualifications.

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