Education, Experience, Skills, Formal Training, Licenses and Certifications
Required (for Criminalist):
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Graduation from high school or possession of a GED
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Minimum of two (2) years of college level course work in Forensic Chemistry, Police Science or Criminal Justice
Preferred:
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Basic Fingerprint certification
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Basic Blood Spatter Analysis certification
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Crime Scene Reconstruction certification
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Footwear / Tire Track Evidence certification
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Basic Crime Scene Photography certification
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Four-year college degree in a related field such as Forensic Chemistry or Police Science
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Actual experience in crime scene investigation while employed by a law enforcement agency
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Knowledge of current computer forensic techniques.
Any equivalent combination of education, training and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and skills, may be considered.
Consideration for Senior Criminalist appointment requires all of the requirements for Criminalist plus, three (3) years of experience in crime scene investigation and evidence collection while employed by a law enforcement agency. Plus, specialized training in at least two disciplines such as: advanced latent print examination with continued training such as Ridgeology, AFIS, etc.); advanced bloodstain pattern analysis; advanced photography training.
Physical Requirements
Work is physical in nature and requires sufficient physical strength and stamina for:
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Constant sitting to perform daily office and laboratory duties, standing, and walking through a multilevel facility and over all types of terrain in all weather conditions
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Occasional squatting, bending, and kneeling to perform investigations of crime scenes and vehicles involved in criminal activity
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Occasional crawling in confined spaces and occasional climbing on ladders
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Frequent reaching overhead and twisting; constant reaching below shoulder to collect and process evidence
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Constant light grasp and fine manipulation to perform office duties and handle evidence; frequent firm grasp and handling to safely use tools and equipment
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Occasional step up/down and actuate mechanism to safely operate and enter/exit vehicles
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Frequent near acuity to perform office and laboratory functions; occasional far acuity and constant hearing to communicate with public and staff
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Occasional lifting and carrying of up to 50 pounds from ground to shoulder to move evidence, equipment and tools; occasional pushing/pulling of up to 50 pounds to move carts, drag evidence and processing equipment
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is constantly performed indoor and outdoor with constant exposure to extreme temperatures. Work is performed year round in all weather conditions. Position will be exposed to laboratory chemical fumes and fumes from decomposing bodies. Position will come in contact with bodies of deceased victims, victims of assaults, sexual assaults, accidents, child abuse and domestic violence. Position will also come in contact with suspects for physical evidence processing. Position will come in contact with firearms and other weapons, drugs, drug paraphernalia, bloodstained and bio-hazardous materials. Position requires the ability to work on-call on a rotational basis, and respond to after hour's call-outs on crime scenes. Although subject to change, normal shifts are 10 (ten) hours in duration. Position requires the ability to work a day or evening shift on a rotational basis. Position requires the ability to discern between close shades of color.
Work is performed in the laboratory section of the police department Specialized Services Division. Position also requires travel to crime scenes, hospitals, coroner's offices, vehicle impound lots, courthouses, other police departments and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (C.B.I.).
Required Materials and Equipment
Must be able to operate crime scene related equipment including a crime scene special crime investigation vehicle, digital photo equipment with accessories, alternate light source, latent print kit, inked print kit, evidence vacuum, metal detector, measuring devices, flashlight, portable floodlights, ladder, hand tools and police radio, etc.
Must be able to operate crime laboratory related equipment including microscopes, magnifiers, optical comparators, scientific scales and laboratory fume hood. Will be exposed to fingerprint powders, fingerprint inks, fingerprint chemicals, laboratory chemicals and packaging materials.
Must be able to operate computers, printers, copiers, fax machines, telephones, and other standard office equipment.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS-
Employment as a Criminalist/Senior Criminalist is conditional upon successful completion of an oral interview and/or assessment center, psychological examination, background investigation, polygraph or CVSA
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Additional testing may be required
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You must be able to pass a Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) background investigation and be fingerprinted for this job; afelony conviction is generally considered grounds for denial of CJIS access; outstanding arrest warrants can also lead to being disqualified from CJIS certification
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Drug screen
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Pre-employment physical
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Must be legally entitled to work in the United States and provide required documentation
