Forensic Technician

Description

Under supervision of the Forensic Supervisor the Forensic Technician responds to major crime scenes as requested conducts crime scene investigations and performs a variety of highly technical crime scene related processing functions include but not limited to collecting fingerprints preparing detailed forensic reports; and identifying documenting collecting preserving processing and/or handling evidence and recording the scene in accordance with established departmental policies and procedures.

Principal Duties

FORENSIC TECHNICIAN I

This is the entry-level class in the Forensics Technician series performing the more routine technical support in processing crime scenes. Incumbents at this level are not expected to function with the same amount of knowledge or level of competency as the Forensic Technician II level and exercises less independent discretion and judgment. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Advancement to the Forensic Technician II level is based on demonstrated proficiency in performing the assigned functions and/or assessment that validates the performance of the full range of duties obtaining applicable certification and meeting the minimum requirement of the Forensic Technician II.

Principal Job Duties

The following represent the core areas of responsibilities of the position however may not include all addition the duties listed may not include all tasks that may be found within a position in this class.

1. Respond to various types of crime and accident scenes as requested; evaluate the scene conduct searches and process the scene by utilizing disciplines related to crime scene investigation at the direction of the supervisor in charge.
2. Document collect package preserve and process physical evidence in order to conduct scientific evaluation; transport evidence to the department ensuring evidentiary value is maintained and all evidence is preserved in the proper manner.
3. Maintain a thorough working knowledge of all laws statutory and case pertaining to search and seizure of evidence.
4. Maintain a high degree of proficiency and knowledge in performing crime scene photography lifting and developing fingerprints; and maintain a working knowledge of fingerprint classification in order to enter and modify information in the fingerprint database.
5. Process evidence collected by members of the department as necessary for fingerprints.
6. Download electronic devices for forensic analysis upon request.
7. Provide testimony in court as required on an occasional basis.
8. Prepare written reports as necessary.
9. Attend autopsies as directed and collect evidence discovered as a result of the autopsy and transporting the evidence to the department.
10. Perform other duties as assigned.

FORENSIC TECHNICIAN II

This is the full journey level class within the Forensic Technician series performing the more complex crime scene investigations. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Forensic Technician I by the performance of more complex and more advanced crime scene processing duties as assigned. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Positions in this class series are generally filled by advancement from the Technician I level or when filled externally require prior experience.

Additional Principal Job Duties/Forensic Tech II

*Performs all job duties of the Forensic Technician I in addition to the following:

1. Maintain a high degree of proficiency in lifting developing comparing and classifying fingerprints utilizing both chemical and powder processes; and maintain a working knowledge of fingerprint classification in order to enter and modify information in fingerprint database and compare unknown fingerprints with known samples in attempts to make proper identification.
2. Maintain proficiency and knowledge in performing crime scene photography to include specialized photography using an alternate light source.
3. Maintain a level of proficiency and knowledge so as to qualify as an expert witness in court and provide testimony as requested.
4. Utilize alternate light sources chemical and physical processes scientific methods and equipment for the detection collection and processing of evidence.
5. Assist with crime scene reconstruction including determining the sequence of events that took place bullet trajectory and identifying blood stain patterns to aid in blood stain analysis.
6. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Job Qualifications/Forensic Technician I

Required:

Associate degree in criminal justice chemistry natural science or related field which includes field experience or an extensive internship in a practical setting with a reputable department or laboratory or law enforcement agency; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Valid Texas Drivers License. Ability to respond to crime scenes on a 24-hour on-call basis upon request. Ability to complete required training including but not limited to latent print development digital/forensic photography crime scene investigation digital forensic analysis. Well organized detailed oriented with the ability to maintain good and accurate records. Ability to learn basic knowledge of criminal investigation procedures and forensic science principles. Ability to meet the physical demands of the job including but not limited to extensive kneeling stooping reaching climbing and standing for long periods of time; ability to lift and/or move objects of varying weight and shape up to and including 50 pounds; exposure to chemicals used in processing evidence and crime scenes and to body fluids/blood at crime scenes and autopsies. Must not currently be or have been within the last ten (10) years on court-ordered community supervision or probation for any criminal offense of the grade of a Class B misdemeanor or above. May not have been convicted of an offense of the grade of a Class B misdemeanor or above within the last ten (10) years. May not have been at any time convicted of a felony offense or any family violence offense.

Preferred:

Bachelors degree in criminal justice chemistry natural science or related field

Job Qualifications/Forensic Technician II

Required:

Must meet all minimum requirements of the Forensic Technician I and the following:Associate degree in criminal justice chemistry natural science or related field and two (2) years experience which includes field experience or an extensive internship in a practical setting with a reputable department or laboratory or law enforcement agency; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Possess IAI Level 1 (Certified Crime Scene Investigator) Certification Ability to complete required training including but not limited to latent print development digital/forensic photography crime scene investigation fingerprint comparison courses advanced crime scene methods courses. Ability to work with and train/educate other employees in fields related to crime scene investigation. Basic knowledge of criminal investigation procedures and forensic science principles.

Supplemental Information

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Drug Screening: Due to the safety and/or security sensitive nature of this position individuals shall be subject to pre-employment or pre-placement drug and/or controlled substance testing as outlined in City policy.

Additional Criminal Background Screening Required: In addition to the standard pre-employment criminal background check individuals receiving a conditional offer for this position shall be subject to a finger-print based background screening due to the required access to secured buildings and/or secure data systems.

COLLEGE STATION POLICE DEPARTMENT
CRIME SCENE TECHNICIAN SELECTION PROCESS
FLOW CHART

Candidate Applies Before Application Filing Deadline

Personal History Statement Completed Before Deadline

Records Check

Oral Interview

Fingerprinting Check

Background Investigation

Interview with Chief of Police or Designee

Drug Screen*

Medical Exam*

Psychological Exam*

Candidate
Selected
OR
Application Held
For Future Consideration

Candidates must be successful in each phase of the selection process.

Candidates may be eliminated or disqualified at any point in the process for failure to meet the criteria set forth by the Police Department.

*A conditional offer of employment will have been made before the drug screen medical exam and psychological exam are administered.

The expected duration of the application process is 60-90 days. Those successfully completing the selection process will be placed on an eligibility list for 6 months. After 6 months the applicant must reapply. Applicants who fail to successfully complete any portion of the selection process shall be notified in writing by the Human Resources Department. This notification will include the eligibility date to reapply which will be no sooner than 30 days from the rejection date.

An Equal Opportunity and Military Friendly Employer

APPLICATIONS MAY BE FILED ONLINE AT:

Experience:

IC

Employment Type : Full-Time
Experience: years
Vacancy: 1
Hourly Salary Salary: 24 - 38