Forensic Services Technician

Salary : $56,904.00 - $80,064.00 Annually
Location : Westminster Police Department, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2023-54
Department: Police
Opening Date: 11/22/2023
Closing Date: 12/22/2023 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
The City of Westminster's Police Department is currently seeking a Forensic Services Technician with a high degree of attention to detail and strong analytical skills to perform field and laboratory analysis for processing and comparing fingerprints, and processing crime scenes.
The following salary increases are pending council approval:

1. 3% Effective January 2024
2. 3% Effective July 2024
3. 3% Effective July 2025

DEFINITION
Under general supervision, performs criminal identification duties of a technical nature including the collection, identification, preservation, examination, and processing of digital and physical crime scene evidence; prepares appropriate reports; assists in criminal investigations; serves as an expert witness in court proceedings; and performs related work as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from higher level Police supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision of staff.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is a non-sworn journey-level class that provides Forensic Services support to the Police Department, including conducting crime scene investigations, recording and visualizing evidence using photographic techniques, and maintaining appropriate database systems. Successful performance of the work requires knowledge of Police Department functions and activities and the ability to act as a resource for Forensic Services activities.
Examples of Duties
EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Responds to major crime or traffic accident scenes and provides technical services such as search for, identify, document, collect, preserve, examine, analyze, and oversee physical and biological evidence; search for, develop, and lift fingerprints; collect elimination fingerprint exemplars, collect body fluids and clothing, and make plaster impressions.
• Performs forensic laboratory analysis, California Identification/Automated Fingerprint Identification System (CAL-ID/AFIS) processing, Western Identification Network (WIN) processing, digital photo and video imaging enhancement, biological evidence examination, collection of gunshot residue, number restoration, and identification of narcotics and drugs.
• Testifies in court as an expert witness regarding the collection, processing, examination, analysis, preservation, and documentation of physical, biological, and digital evidence, crime scenes, and automated and manual fingerprint identification.
• Prepares and maintain appropriate technical logs, diagrams, and reports to document evidence examination and analysis in a manner that ensures reliability, reproducibility, and supports after-the-fact validity verification.
• Maintains laboratory equipment, office, and crime scene equipment and supplies.
• Responds to inquiries and requests from department personnel, District Attorney's Office, and outside agencies regarding the collection, preservation, and analysis of evidence.
• Provides training to other law enforcement personnel in crime scene evidence and fingerprint collection, preparation, and analysis, and in preparing for court testimony in such matters.
• Provides general information regarding department policies, procedures, and regulations, including responding appropriately to complaints, requests for information, and requests for service in person and by telephone, forwarding written complaints against personnel, and coordinating work with other City departments.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:

• The California Evidence Code (CEA) pertaining to crimes and advanced, state-of-the-art crime scene and crime lab procedures.
• Principles of digital photography, videography equipment, and standards, and specialized software programs used for viewing, processing, analyzing, and cataloging photos and videos.
• Current forensic methods and techniques used in the collection, analysis, evaluation, preservation, and presentation of physical evidence; sequential processing methods used in recovery, collection, and preservation of physical evidence.
• Physical, biological, and digital evidence identification, documentation, collection, and preservation; methods for storing chemicals and sequential chemical processing used to process a variety of evidence.
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements regarding chemical storage, usage, destruction, and environmental hazards; and biological safety in the workplace.
• Techniques and procedures used in developing, collecting, and analyzing fingerprint evidence.
• Functions, organization, principles, and practices of law enforcement agencies, police terminology, and law enforcement codes.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Basic and complex arithmetic and statistical techniques.
• Business letter writing and the standard format for reports and correspondence.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Record keeping principles and procedures.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, and regulatory organizations, and the public.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.

Ability to:

• Conduct complex criminal evidence collection and analysis.
• Photograph and videotape crime scenes, traffic collision scenes, and develop latent fingerprints.
• Prepare charts and detailed sketches of crime scenes.
• Understand the functions, principles, and practices of municipal police services.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, regulations, and departmental policies and procedures.
• Prepare clear and effective reports, correspondence, and other written material.
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record keeping, and tracking systems.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Operate modern office equipment and computer applications related to the work.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with major coursework in criminology, forensic science, life sciences, or a related field and two (2) years of progressively responsible experience with a law enforcement agency in fingerprint collection and development, latent fingerprint analysis, and processing/analyzing major crime scenes.
Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License by time of appointment.
• Field Evidence Technician Certification required after hire.

Please refer to the MOU for detailed benefits:
EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE: Employees may receive an additional 5% of base pay for possessing an AA degree; or an additional 10% of base pay for possessing a BA/BS degree
BILINGUAL PAY:$150 per month for demonstrated proficiency in specified languages
LONGEVITY PAY:
10 years of service: $95 per month
15 years of service: $150 per month
21 years of service: $150 per month plus 2% of base salary
22 years of service: $150 per month plus 4% of base salary
23 years of service: $150 per month plus 6% of base salary
24 years of service: $150 per month plus 8% of base salary
25 years of service: $150 per month plus 10% of base salary
RETIREMENT BENEFITS: The City participates in the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). The City's contract provides for the following retirement tiers:
Tier 2 (hired on or after July 28, 2011 and a current CalPERS member): 2% @ 60 formula; employees contribute 7.0% of salary towards retirement costs.
Tier 3/PEPRA (hired on or after January 1, 2013 and not a current CalPERS member): 2.0% @ 62 formula; employees contribute one-half of normal cost, which is 5.75%.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION: Optional employee participation in Section 457 supplemental retirement plans/deferred compensation.
INSURANCE BENEFITS: The City's cafeteria benefits plan provides $1,600 per month toward the purchase of health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as additional voluntary products. Unused cafeteria plan dollars may be received by the employee as taxable income. Employees who participate in the CalPERS health insurance program and are enrolled in the Family level of coverage shall receive an additional City contribution of $200 per month (total of $1,800 per month).
A pre-tax flexible spending account is also available for health care and dependent care expenses. The City also provides a City-paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Long-Term Disability (LTD) plan. City contributions toward retiree medical insurance are based on length of employment.
TUITION REIMBURSEMENT: Tuition reimbursement up to $1,000 per fiscal year for approved courses is available.
VACATION: Employees earn 120 hours of paid vacation during their first year of service. An additional eight hours is earned for each additional year of service up to five years. Additional benefits apply after 20 years of service.
HOLIDAYS: Employees receive 104 hours of paid holiday to be used at the employee's discretion.
SICK LEAVE: Employees earn 96 hours of paid sick leave per year.
01
Do you have at least two years of Forensics experience?

• Yes
• No

02
Do you possess a current / valid California Class "C" Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

03
Are you able to work a flexible schedule such as days, nights and/or weekends?

• Yes
• No

Required Question