Latent Print / Crime Scene Technician

Duties

POSITION DESCRIPTION:
Under basic supervision, processes evidence, latent prints, and other trace evidence for the Waco Police Department (WPD) to help develop investigative leads.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Responds to crime and accident scenes, evaluate the scene, and conduct searches for evidence utilizing disciplines related to crime scene investigation.
• Measures and/or photographs crime scenes, evidence, etc.; Documents collects, packages, preserves, and processes evidence in accordance with applicable legal chain of custody practices and procedures.
• Utilizes alternate light sources, chemical and physical processes, scientific methods, and equipment to detect and collect evidence.
• Process evidence and crime scenes for latent fingerprints, utilizing both chemical and powder processes.
• Develops investigative leads for detectives based on analytical processing of crime scene evidence.
• Writes, drafts, and completes reports and/or documentation of work completed.
• Assists other surrounding law enforcement agencies with crime scene processing.
• Testifies as an expert witness in court regarding analysis of procedures after being declared by the judge an expert in the field of crime scene investigation.
• Works in an environment containing bio-hazardous materials.
• Must be able to work an on-call schedule when assigned and respond to calls within the department's designated response time. May be required to respond afterhours, including holidays and weekends, in the event of a departmental or City-wide emergency.
• Operates a City vehicle to respond to crime scenes throughout the City and surrounding jurisdictions, transport equipment and supplies, and securely collect and transfer evidence to designated locations.

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

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:

• Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, or a related field.
• -OR- an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must complete Police Department Background Packet (packets will be sent 5/22/2025).

Preferred:

• One year of experience in crime scene processing, latent print development, and fingerprint comparison.

Hours:

• Various days and hours, including overnight hours, weekends, and holidays.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• Valid Texas Driver's License
• Must successfully complete any additional background checks required for the position, which may include a CJIS background check, federal background check, or other applicable screenings (e.g., FAA)

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