Crime Scene and Evidence Specialist

Job Summary

A Crime Scene and Evidence Management Specialist – Crime Scene: Will primarily be responsible for processing crime scenes, collecting evidence in accordance with department policy, and maintain the chain of custody through final disposition of the case.     

Principal Accountabilities

The following duties are typical for this classification, but bear in mind they are illustrative only. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address the needs and changing practices of the agency.

• Maintains integrity of the crime scene investigatory process.
• Evaluates the crime scene from a forensic perspective.
• Utilizes specialized equipment and procedures to determine the presence of blood and seminal fluid and to collect body fluids, hairs, fibers, gunshot residue, and other trace evidence and materials.
• Follows appropriate police and scientific data collection protocols.
• If needed, recovers, unloads, and impounds firearms or other weapons using sound safety precautions.
• Identifies, secures, packages, and transports physical evidence for evaluation and as needed to outside crime labs.
• Photographs various aspects of crime scenes and other locations relevant to the investigation.
• Creates sketches and diagrams of crime scenes and evidence, when necessary.
• Attends and documents autopsies using photographic and narrative techniques.
• Follows proper procedures for using, transporting, cleaning, and maintaining necessary equipment.
• Prepares and utilizes presumptive tests, various chemicals, powders, compounds, and casting materials used in a forensic laboratory, and preserving techniques as required.
• Prepares forensic reports detailing crime scene activities and observations.
• Participates in law enforcement agency briefings. 
• Testifies in court regarding investigatory methods and findings.
• Follows all departmental administrative requirements.

• Subject to an on-call schedule as the crime scene and evidence unit provides 24-hour availability
• Performs additional duties as assigned or needed.

Knowledge & Skills

• Expertise specific to scientific evidence-collection techniques.
• Knowledge of police investigatory procedures and law enforcement agency regulations.
• Ability to use equipment utilized in the evidence-collection process.  
• Technical writing skills to accurately document observations and investigations, and provide comprehensive and accurate reports.  
• Extensive knowledge of local, state, and federal laws relevant to investigations.  
• Maintains awareness of relevant court cases and decisions. 

Experience & Education

• Must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Possess a valid Missouri driver’s license.
• Associate’s Degree or 2 years equivalent work experience in the Criminal Justice field preferred.
• Successful completion of an approved formal program of study specific to crime scene investigation.
• Knowledge and proficiency in Microsoft Office computer applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).

Physical Requirements/Working Environment

• Communication: Communicates with management, sworn officers, coworkers, supervisors, court officials, and the public in answering questions, processing crime scenes, explaining procedures, and handling complaints. Interacts with victims and witnesses. Presents accurate and professional testimony in court. Produces written documents, including performance evaluations and detailed written crime scene reports using proper grammar and punctuation. Compiles statistical information and other reports.
• Environment: Must have the ability to work under unsafe, uncomfortable conditions where environmental factors such as temperature, odors, toxic agents, violence, irate individuals, intimidation, explosives, hazards, and disease may be present and where there is a potential risk of injury or discomfort. Must wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including gloves, bio-hazard suits, booties, hats, and protective masks, either separately or together. Exposure to blood borne pathogens such as HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B and C, and/or other diseases such as Tuberculosis or MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) is a possibility. Manages containers with unknown and potentially hazardous substances. Must be willing to work extended hours, participate in an on-call schedule, and may be required to assist in unique events.
  Mental: Observes and recalls details. Comprehends and makes inferences from written material including procedure manuals, departmental administrative and field orders to learn and apply crime scene processing techniques. Reads maps and learns geography of the city. Performs basic mathematical calculations to measure distance. Learns job related material in a classroom setting as well as on-the-job training regarding the processing and preservation of physical and photographic evidence. Provides court testimony in reference to work performed.
• Physical: Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, and hear. Required to use hands and fingers to manage or operate objects, tools, equipment, or controls; reaches with hands and arms; climbs or balances; stoops, kneels, crouches, crawls; smells. Occasionally lifts and/or moves more than twenty-five pounds. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
• Substance Abuse Testing: Due to the safety and/or security sensitive nature of this classification, individuals shall be subject to pre-employment, pre-placement and/or random alcohol, drug and/or controlled substance testing as outlined in county policy and procedures.

Travel

• Travel will vary with the assignment.

Benefits

• 14 paid holidays
• Receive 8 hours vacation and 4 hours personal time per month
• Potential for overtime and/or comp time
• CERF Retirement
• Paid health/dental/vision insurance for employees (option for health/dental/vision insurance available for family/dependents at employee's expense)
• Required uniforms and equipment provided
• Qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• County provided Life and AD&D insurance
• Optional additional voluntary life insurance

Disclaimer

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.