Forensic Specialist

Duties

Examples of Duties

• Conduct examinations and crime scene investigations, examine, collect, document, and preserve physical and trace evidence at crime scenes;
• Record and document crime scenes, which includes diagrams, sketches, photographs, and video;
• Attend autopsies to collect photographic and physical evidence;
• Photograph and process victims, suspects, and witnesses for evidence in the field or inside a facility such as at the police station, hospital, or jail/prison;
• Examine items of evidence in the field and in the laboratory for latent fingerprints, trace evidence, blood, and other impression evidence using a variety of mediums;
• Perform basic examination of blood, hair, fiber, firearms, narcotics, and other types of physical Evidence;
• Properly label and package evidence;
• Prepare detailed evidence collection, crime scene, and laboratory reports;
• Obtain major case prints from criminal suspects, victims, and witnesses;
• Prepare, enter, and compare latent fingerprints in the automated California Identification System, Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems, and related systems;
• Research and evaluate new technical developments in latent print development, crime scene processing, handling, and analysis;
• Responsible for managing the submission of data to the Integrated Ballistic Information System, prepares photographs, charts, and other materials for demonstration of evidence in court;
• Testify in court and at other designated proceedings;
• Responsible for training new Forensic Specialists in all facets of the assignment;
• Responsible for training other department employees in proper evidence processing, collection, and documentation;
• Conduct public presentations;
• Provide courteous, high quality service to members of the department and public in the course of duties;
• Respond to call outs after hours, on weekends, and on holidays
• Perform related duties as assigned.

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

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Methods and techniques used in the identification, collection, preservation, and transportation of evidence
• Commonly used fingerprint classification systems and latent print comparison and identification techniques
• Principles, practices, and operation of crime scene photographic and laboratory equipment related to identification and investigative techniques
• Crime scene diagramming
• Rules and procedures of providing testimony in court, courtroom etiquette
• Current technology and trends in the profession
• Evidence collection and rules of evidence
• Local, State, and Federal laws/policies regarding the collection, preservation, and transportation of evidence
• Investigation policies and procedures used by law enforcement

Ability to:

• Perform a variety of property and evidence collection, processing, documentation, and analysis functions
• Work with investigators at complex crime scenes in the collection of evidence
• Maintain the integrity of the evidence and chain of custody in accordance with established guidelines
• Operate and maintain various fingerprint identification and other technical and scientific instruments, equipment, and supplies
• Lift, read, classify, and identify latent fingerprints
• Operate various types of photographic equipment and take clear and accurate photographs by employing a variety of photographic techniques
• Prepare accurate written reports, maintain accurate and legible logs and records
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Determine the appropriate analytical tests needed for the evaluation of evidence
• Work independently
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
• Operate computers for preparation of sketches, reports and evidence/photo logs and data entry of fingerprint and/or firearms evidence
• Make presentations to departments, agencies and the public.
• Provide training and technical guidance to sworn or civilian departmental personnel and assist supervisors and managers in coordinating designated activities and programs.

Experience and Training
Experience:

• Six months of increasingly responsible experience in forensic operations or processing crime scenes.

Training:

• Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university in evidence technology, biology, chemistry or related field or a minimum of 60 college semester units from an accredited college or university in evidence technology, biology, chemistry or a related field.

License/Certificate:

• Possession of, or the ability to obtain and maintain, a current and valid California driver’s license.

As a condition of continued employment:

• Must obtain the Crime Scene Investigator Certificate (POST certified) within one year of hired date.
• Must obtain the Advance Crime Scene Investigator Certificate (POST certified) within two years of hired date.
• Must obtain Certification as a Crime Scene Investigator from the International Association of Identification within three years of hired date.

Special requirement:

• Must complete a medical examination, background investigation,polygraph examination, and psychological evaluation and be willing and able to work various shifts including evenings, weekends, holidays and rotating shifts and respond to call outs outside of designated work shift.

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