Crime Scene Technician

JOB TITLE:Crime Scene Technician
DEPARTMENT/DIVISION: Police, Criminal Investigative Division
REPORTS TO: Police Department Crime Scene and Property and Evidence Unit Sergeant
SUMMARY: Responsible for the documentation, analysis, and preservation of evidence and Crime Scene information to assist in solving crimes; collects, packages, transports evidence found at Crime Scenes; analysis and comparison of latent fingerprint impressions; forensic preservation and analysis of electronic device evidence; assists with management of property and evidence operations.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Investigates Crime Scenes onsite by documenting and collecting evidence, preserving and packaging evidence according to established standards.
• Analyze, process, and document Crime Scenes using various forensic techniques and processes including photography, digital video, measurements, and diagrams.
• Processes evidence by performing laboratory tests, analyses, classifications, comparisons, and identifications of all types of evidence from Crime Scenes.
• Lifts and identifies latent prints; prepares, submits, and conducts searches using Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) to identify suspects in criminal cases.
• Mixes and uses chemicals to process evidence and uses alternate light sources to locate latent prints, biological fluids, and other trace evidence.
• Completes lab reports and case supplement reports through case management.
• Testifies in court to present physical and photographic evidence collected.
• Provides training classes to sworn and non-sworn personnel.
• Responds to Crime Scenes and emergency situations during regular work hours, evenings, and after routine hours.
• Successfully complete required forensic training program and obtain required certifications.
• Assist the Property and Evidence Unit in maintaining care, custody, and control of all evidence.
• Transport evidence to and from labs.
• Ensure maintenance of processing lab and adherence to established standards and procedures.
• Ensure Crime Scene vehicles are properly maintained and adequate supplies for processing and preservation of evidence.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to work independently or with a team.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally, in writing, and with a police radio.
• Ability to work night or weekend shifts as required.
• Able to grasp, handle, feel and type.
• Ability to use hand tools or power tools to perform job functions
• Ability to work with mathematical operations, methods, and functions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduation from an accredited university with a Bachelor’s Degree in forensic science or related field.

PREFERENCES:

• One (1) year of Crime Scene investigator experience;
• IAI certification as a Certified Latent Print Examiner
• Texas Forensic Science Academy, IAI or equivalent certification as a Crime Scene Investigator

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to lift heavy items (up to 50 pounds), stand, walk, speak clearly, listen attentively, and occasionally speak/hear over the sound of traffic.
• Frequent reaching, sitting, standing, climbing, talking, seeing, and hearing.
• Work is performed in various, possibly hostile, environments and weather conditions.
• Direct contact with citizens, police personnel, city personnel, and outside agencies.
• Proficient in the use of technology including computer workstations and forensic investigative equipment.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen
• Must pass a Polygraph and Psychological Exam
• Must pass a pre-employment physical exam
• Must pass a criminal history check
• Must pass forensic aptitude and ability testing
• Must pass a motor vehicle records checks and be insurable to drive city vehicles
• Three (3) or more moving violations in the last three (3) years.
• Three (3) or more preventable accidents in the last two (2) years.
• Two (2) chargeable vehicle accidents within the past two (2) years,
• Or any combination of three (3) or more of moving violations or preventable City accidents within the last three years.
• Must possess a valid Texas driver’s license