FORENSIC SPECIALIST

Salary: $29.54 - $43.85 Hourly
Location : Bullhead City, AZ
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2024-00207
Department: Public Safety
Division: Criminal Investigations
Opening Date: 02/16/2024
Closing Date: 2/29/2024 5:00 PM Arizona
STATEMENT OF THE JOB
Responds to all major crime scenes to assist law enforcement personnel with the collection and identification of evidence; to preserve, collect, and package evidence for analysis. Assists The Bureau of Criminal Investigations in the investigation and analysis of criminal cases .
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE/LICENSING & TRAINING
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
Graduation from high school or GED equivalency, supplemented by courses in criminal justice, police science, police administration, police forensics and/or three (3) years of current forensic crime scene processing experience that include: testifying as an expert witness in latent print comparison.
LICENSING & TRAINING:

• Valid State Driver's License
  
• National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) training based on assignment.

*Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certificates being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.

• Advises law enforcement staff in methods of collection and identification of evidence.
• Conducts technical processing and analysis of evidence and provides technical opinions.
• Analyzes and compares suspect fingerprints to latent prints recovered from crime scenes and renders expert opinions of identifications.
• Collects and processes evidence. Processes evidence from various law enforcement bureaus for evidence of latent fingerprints.
• Compares ten-print and latent fingerprints with the Department database, using the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS).
• Responds to major crime scenes to record and preserve evidence of various types; photographs and/or video tapes crime scenes to identify, locate, and preserve evidence; completes detailed diagrams; collects blood residue or other biological fluids and specimens as evidence; properly packages evidence for transport to crime analysis laboratories; collects clothing and photograph impressions in vehicles; provides analysis, opinions, and support for other Divisions of the Police Department; conducts specialized, complex searches of suspects.
• Conducts comparative analysis studies to include tire tracks/footwear and tool mark impressions for identification purposes.
• Prepares detailed scientific reports of findings and opinions, such as blood spatter analysis.
• Testifies as an expert witness for the Department in fingerprint identification, accident reconstruction, clandestine drug labs, hazardous waste investigations, crime scene reconstruction, and evidence processing.
• Gathers and submits reports to various Federal and State agencies.
• Assists with developing policies and procedures for the collection and preservation of evidence.
• Participates in and represents the Police Department on committees, study groups, project teams, and meetings at the local, regional, and State levels.
• Develops and conducts police training programs on the collection and preservation of evidence.
• Updates and implements procedures for the collection of evidence, records and information to maintain compliance with the State of Arizona Penal and Vehicle Codes and other applicable laws and regulations.
• Prepares and presents a variety of written and oral reports on Department functions and operations.
• Performs other duties as assigned in case of an emergency.
• Provides exceptional customer service to internal and external customers.
• Complies with and promotes safe practices in agreement with the safety rules and procedures set forth in the Loss Control Program.
• Performs other duties as required in the investigation of criminal activity by the Supervisor and/or Commander of The Bureau of Criminal Investigations.
• Represents the City with respect, confidence and trust that our colleagues and community place in us. Responsible for conducting ourselves with, and using our value statement of PRIDE: Being Professional, Responsible, being an employee of Integrity, Dedicated and striving for Excellence with staff and the public.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Considerable knowledge of crime scene photography and the use of equipment.
• Crime scene processing and preservation of evidence that includes measuring, diagramming, evidence collection procedures, field processing of evidence, and chemical and bodily fluid collection techniques, with a basic knowledge in the use of a forensic light source/laser and associated chemicals and reactions; serology, toxicology, and biological collections; accident investigation.
• Arizona Revised Statutes pertaining to both criminal and criminal traffic offenses, as well as local and federal laws to determine elements of crime to proceed in proper collection of evidence.
• The use of departmental booking equipment and maintenance; scene mapping techniques; and a working knowledge in the use of the A.F.I.S. System.

ABILITY TO:

• Analyze situations and adopt quick, effective and reasonable courses of action.
• Prepare clear and comprehensive reports.
• Pass a pre-employment polygraph examination.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Establish effective working relationships.

SKILL IN:

• Operation of job related tools, equipment and computerized systems.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed both inside and outside of office settings. Outdoor work is required when photographing or collecting evidence at crime scenes. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate cameras, computers, and various pieces of office equipment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; taste and smell. The employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places; is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme cold or heat, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet while in the office and moderately noisy while in the field.

• Medical/Rx (EPO or HDHP)
• Dental/Vision
• Wellness Program
• Flexible Spending/Health Savings Account
• Group Life Insurance
• Optional Additional Life Insurance
• Optional Additional Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
• 12 Paid Holidays Annually
• Paid Vacation (Accrual rate is dependent upon full time years of service)
• Paid Personal Leave (96 Hours/Year)
• Short Term Disability
• Long Term Disability
• Retirement Plan - 401A Defined Contribution Plan
  • Sworn Police Officers participate in the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS). Contribution rates are determined by State Legislature
• Optional Deferred Compensation
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Service Awards

01
The following supplemental questions will be used as part of the application screening and selection process and will determine your eligibility for further consideration. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, partial information, or answering a question with "See resume/application" will result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and that your responses can be verified from information included within the application?

• Yes
• No

02
A High School Diploma or GED is required for this position. Do you have a High School Diploma or GED?

• Yes, I have a High School Diploma or GED.
• No, I do not possess a High School Diploma or GED.

03
Which best describes your highest level of education?

• High School Diploma or GED
• Some College
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or higher
• Trade School/Technical College
• Currently enrolled in High School
• None of the above

04
Please select the license you currently possess.

• Valid State Driver's License
• Valid State Commercial Driver's License
• I do not currently posses a valid Driver's License.

05
Will you accept a job that requires you to work overtime, including weekends and/or holidays?

• Yes
• No

06
Some positions may have a minimum age requirement. Are you age 18 years or older?

• Yes
• No

07
Have you used marijuana for any purpose within the past two (2) years?

• Yes
• No

08
Have you sold, produced, cultivated, or transported marijuana for sale?

• Yes
• No

09
Have you been convicted of a felony or any offense that would be a felony if committed in Arizona?

• Yes
• No

10
Have you illegally used dangerous drugs or narcotics, other than marijuana, for any purpose within the past seven (7) years?

• Yes
• No

11
I understand that all communication regarding this position will be sent via email and that it is my responsibility to monitor my email. Human Resources will not be responsible for unread emails.

• I have read and acknowledge that all communication regarding this position will be sent to me via email.

Required Question