Job Description
Duties and Requirements Click to read more
Duties
Essential Job Functions
- Identifies, collects and preserves crime scene and accident scene evidence to aid in the prosecution of criminal and civil cases; documents and maintains chain of custody.
- Searches out, collects, preserves, logs, examines and secures evidence; documents all handling of evidence and property.
- Documents the crime scenes by taking photos, video and/or preparing accurate sketches and diagrams.
- Collects, develops, preserves, classifies and files latent fingerprints; conducts visual and physical analysis and comparison of crime scene latent prints to local, state and national fingerprint databases.
- Receives property and evidence from law enforcement officers; documents receipt of items and maintains the chain of custody; enters and updates data into computer system; packages and transports evidence to the appropriate laboratory for analysis.
- Authorizes release of evidence and crime scenes within scope of authority.
- Develops case files and prepares technical and statistical reports.
- Prepares necessary documentation and evidence for court; may be required to testify in court.
- Attends autopsies of deceased persons. Collects, preserves, and packages physical evidence obtained from deceased persons at autopsy.
- Assists and coordinates with other emergency services personnel, outside organizations and businesses, and Federal, state and local law enforcement organizations.
- Performs routine clerical work; duties may include logging in materials and documents, entering data and information into computerized files, filing, and retrieving materials from manual or computerized filing system, typing correspondence, memos and other short documents, and sorting documents.
- Maintains laboratory, equipment and property storage areas.
- Maintains the absolute confidentiality of all records and information.
- Exhibits a general working knowledge of crime scene investigative safety issues. Operates assigned vehicles and equipment in a safe manner.
- Performs related duties as assigned.
- Responds regularly and promptly to work.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
Required:
- High School Diploma/GED plus at least five (5) years of directly related work experience; OR an Associate’s degree in a related field plus at least three (3) years of directly related work experience; or a Bachelor’s degree in a related field of study plus at least one (1) year of directly related work experience.
Preferred:
- Additional training or higher education in areas such as crime scene processing, latent fingerprint processing, major and advanced death investigations, photography and/or blood stain pattern interpretation and forensics
Equivalent combinations of education, experience, certification, and training may be considered. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Ability to:
- Learn and become proficient in the use of various types of forensic equipment.
- Work independently and efficiently following established practices and procedures.
- Read and reconstruct events as they happened just prior to, during and shortly following the commission of a crime in order to determine the sequence of events and to ascertain the type and location of evidence.
- Systematically survey an area and formulate a plan of procedure.
- Give advice and direction to case investigators in crime scene and evidentiary matters.
- Write detailed and accurate reports.
- Observe minute details of the scene as they relate to crime and their meaning in relation to the evidence.
- Maintain an in-depth knowledge of federal and state statues, and court cases related to work performed, as well as department rules and regulations.
- Prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and demands, and meet established deadlines.
- Work under steady pressure with frequent interruptions and a high degree of public contact by phone or in person.
- Maintain a high level of integrity and discretion in handling confidential information.
- Demonstrate good judgment and a professional demeanor at all times.
- Take the initiative to learn individual job tasks and continue to broaden knowledge levels by willingly accepting new responsibilities and attending training to advance skills.
- Demonstrate satisfactory work performance and regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.
- Comply with City and department administrative directives, policies, and procedures.
- Provide management with sound, positive advice and information concerning incumbent’s area of responsibility.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of City staff, other agencies, and the general public.
Skills:
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong customer service skills with the ability to remain calm in sometimes stressful situations.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
- Advanced skills in operating office and photographic equipment.
- Strong personal computer skills, including the ability to efficiently utilize a variety of office equipment. Must be strongly proficient with Microsoft Office (Word/Excel/Outlook) and able to promptly learn other job-specific programs as needed.
Licenses, Certifications & Special Requirements
- Texas Class C driver’s license with a good driving record as measured by the City’s evaluation system.
- Must not have any criminal conviction above the grade of a Class B misdemeanor or any Class B misdemeanor within the past 10 years.
- Must clear the selection process which includes completion of a Personal History Statement (PHS) Form and passing an interview, background investigation, polygraph, and a drug/alcohol screening.
- Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) certification preferred or the ability to obtain the certification within the time frame set by the department.
Physical Demands
- Physical demands include but are not limited to: sitting, talking, hearing, seeing, standing, walking, driving, bending, reaching, twisting, pushing, pulling, using hands and fingers to operate office equipment and machines, and occasionally lifting and/or moving objects up to and including 50 pounds.
Working Conditions
- Work is performed in a standard office environment, and indoors and outdoors at crime scenes.There will be exposure to inclement weather, blood and other body fluids, chemicals, fumes, and odors.
- Work is performed at any hour of the day or night. Standby duty is required; while on standby, must be readily available by pager or phone at all times to respond to requests for service.Must be available to respond to emergency calls 24 hours/day.
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Job Tags
Work experience placement, Local area, Outdoor, Night shift,