JOB The incumbent is responsible for collecting, documenting, preparing, preserving, examining, securing, and packaging physical evidence for scientific evaluation; preparing detailed, well-written reports; and testifying in court regarding the findings and methods used at the crime scene. EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
- Fingerprints and photographs suspects, victims, witnesses.
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Searches AFIX database to find specific prints or to make comparisons.
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Corresponds with other agencies and exchanges identification information.
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Processes all types of crime scenes (burglaries, train deaths, plane deaths, homicides).
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Attends autopsies and process deceased persons for evidence.
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Searches and develops latent prints, utilizing various methods.
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Takes photographs of crime scenes; prints photographs.
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Searches, collects, preserves, and processes physical evidence.
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Obtains casts of shoes, tires, instruments and other impressions.
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Keeps records and prepares detailed reports of findings of examinations and investigations.
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Proceeds unassisted in various investigations, including death investigations, i.e., taking fingerprint impression of cadavers.
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Provides courtroom testimony and evidence collection in trials, depositions, and hearings.
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Draws diagrams of various scenes and utilizes laser mapping equipment.
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Maintains vehicles and equipment in working order.
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Operates all types of firearms taken as evidence by loading and unloading.
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Sifts through arson debris.
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Handles situations and crime scenes of varying degrees including extreme bio-hazardous conditions (biological, chemical, and drug related).
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Gives presentations to educational institutions ranging from elementary schools to college.
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Performs other assigned duties as assigned.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
- Knowledge of crime scene principles, practices, policies, and procedures.
- Knowledge of applicable laws and legal precedents.
- Knowledge of applicable Federal, State, County, and City Ordinances and Laws.
- Knowledge of the basics of Fingerprint Science.
- Knowledge of technical aspects of crime scene processing.
- Knowledge of emergency medical and first aid practices.
- Skill in communication with co-workers and the community.
- Skill in operating motor vehicles in hazardous situations.
- Skill in taking, classifying, identifying, and filing fingerprints.
- Skill in the use of computers, digital cameras and other technical equipment used in crime scene investigation.
- Skill in searching for, preserving, and interpreting physical evidence and identification data.
- Skill in maintaining cross index filing systems and in classifying documentary material for filing purposes.
- Ability to make oral presentations.
- Ability to investigate situations and to prepare written reports.
- Ability to act effectively in crisis situations.
- Ability to read, write, and speak the English language clearly and concisely.
- Ability to operate a motor vehicle.
- Ability to perform mathematical calculations to determine bullet trajectory and blood spatter impact origination.
- Ability to visually inspect items for safety reasons.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Ability to exert between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a recurring basis.
- Ability to climb a ladder.
- Ability to exercise manual dexterity for data entry and writing reports.
- Ability to hear conversations spoken in various tones of voice.
- Ability to read, write, and speak the English language clearly and concisely.
- Ability to grasp objects.
- Ability to operate a motor vehicle.
- Ability to bend, walk, kneel, crawl, stretch and sit while lifting heavy objects.
- Ability to identify colors and read symbols.
- Ability to read and write legal documents.
- Ability to visually inspect items for safety reasons.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is typically performed in a dynamic environment that requires sensitivity and responsiveness to changes that include goals, priorities, and needs of the organization and position.
