About the job Crime Scene Specialist (COH)
Description
DEFINITION
Under direction, collect & process evidentiary items utilizing various chemical and physical development techniques to reveal friction ridge impressions. In addition, perform crime scene duties by identifying, collecting, preserving and processing physical evidence at crime scenes and in a laboratory; to prepare appropriate reports; assist in criminal investigations; testify in court; and assist in other duties as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is a journey-level professional position in which incumbents independently perform a variety of tasks, such as: utilize sound judgment in the application of correct sequential processing procedures; utilize scientific methods in the recovery of friction ridge impressions and other physical evidence; and proficiently mix various reagents in compliance with standard operating procedures. The Crime Scene Specialist is distinguished from the Crime Scene Technician in that an incumbent is required to perform complex evidence analysis and chemical processing whereas the Crime Scene Technician performs routine technical duties at the crime scene and/or laboratory. It is further distinguished from the Certified Latent Print Examiner in that the latter position performs the analysis, comparison, and evaluation of latent prints.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Receives direction from the Unit Administrator, sworn personnel, and management staff.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
May provide functional and/or technical supervision, lead direction, and training to staff.
Essential Duties
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Determines techniques to be employed in testing and examination of physical evidence; develops and oversees procedures to ensure maintenance of chain of evidence within the parameters of state and federal laws, rules of evidence, court procedure, and case law.
Determines techniques to be employed in discovering patent or latent finger, palm and foot impressions to include basic and advanced chemical processing.
Utilizes various light sources to examine items of evidence for the detection of friction ridge impressions and digital capture equipment to record friction ridges developed.
Develops and implements procedures to ensure the appropriate collection and preservation of evidence, measurements and diagrams of crime scenes, and provide lead direction in the processing of major and large-scale crime scenes.
Photographs evidence and crime scenes using digital photographic and video equipment; directs the development and printing of photographs and films and the preparation of photographic displays; and examines photographic image to determine quality of print.
Prepares and maintains training manuals.
Oversees maintenance of unit's equipment, supplies, and maintenance of evidence van.
Performs quality checks of instruments and reagents.
Provides training to less experienced staff or law enforcement personnel in: laws and regulations affecting the processing of crime scenes; preparation of courtroom exhibits and procedures; and techniques and practices in crime scene processing and analysis.
Performs technical tasks in the collection and preservation of evidence at a crime scene such as lifting latent prints, collecting body fluids and clothing, dislodging bullets, and making plaster impressions.
Records elimination prints of victims and persons of interest; takes major case prints of known subjects using inked, powdered, and photographic techniques. Testifies as an expert witness regarding laboratory examination of evidence, and crime scene processing.
Assists with developing and implementing appropriate safety procedures on the work site.
Packages evidence for storage; ensures proper procedures are followed.
Photographs a wide variety of situations to ensure proper documentation of the crime scene.
Prepares detailed reports and records of crime scenes and evidence collected; prepares diagrams.
Performs duties related to other areas of civilian police activities as necessary.
Reports to major crime scenes to collect evidence on a 24-hour basis as needed. Performs related work as necessary.
JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Advanced methods and techniques of criminal identification and crime scene investigation.
Latent print techniques including development, collection and preservation.
Methods and techniques of various chemical, laser and physical processes and related safety requirements.
Evidentiary processing techniques for latent impression evidence recovery, collection, and preservation.
Principles and techniques of black and white and color photography 'including Lighting, Alternate Light Source, enlarging, and printing.
Digital photography equipment, as it relates to latent print photography.
Principles and practices of technical crime scene processing and crime scene reconstruction.
Report writing.
Rules of evidence of the methods and procedures of physical evidence collection, processing and preservation.
Ability to:
Locate, analyze and interpret data related to crime scene work.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Effectively handle conflict and uncertain situations.
Operate photography, laboratory and print apparatus and equipment.
Operate modern office equipment and related software applications.
Apply advanced evidence collection methods and carry out complex instructions regarding the appropriate collection of differing kinds of evidence.
Prepare physical evidence and exhibits for court.
Maintain confidentiality while processing evidence and cases.
Work both as part of a team, and equally well independently.
Minimum Qualifications
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience: Three (3) years of experience equivalent to a Crime Scene Technician at the City of Hayward, combined with extensive ongoing training and development.
Education: Possession of an Associates degree in criminalistics/forensic science, natural science (biology, biochemistry, or chemistry), or a related field. A Bachelors degree is highly desirable.
Licenses or Certificates: Possession and maintenance of a valid Class C California Driver's License. Possession of a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified Basic Field Evidence Technician certificate. Crime Scene Certification by the International Association of Identification (IAI) is desirable.
Supplemental Information
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Essential duties require the following mental and/or physical abilities and work environment: wear a uniform and safety equipment; work evening, holidays, and weekends in variable indoor and outdoor conditions; emotionally charged situations and disturbing sights; confined spaces; safely drive to various locations throughout the City and County during day and evening hours; tolerate exposure to outdoor elements in all weather conditions (e.g. heat, cold, and rain) throughout the year; exposure to dust, solvents, fumes, gases, toxic waste, odors, or other irritating particles; grasp and perform repetitive hand movements and fine coordination to prepare documents and data using a computer, keyboard and mouse/trackball, laptop, photographic equipment, and/or tablet; sit for prolonged periods of time; walk, stand, crouch, reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, squat, stoop, climb, safely lift and maneuver equipment and materials weighing up to 50 pounds; converse by telephone, by email, in person, and before small and large groups, and be clearly understood; read and comprehend legal, technical and complex documents; interact with the public and all different levels of City staff in an effective and professional manner. Essential functions must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.Not less than 18 years of age at time of appointment.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD: One (1) Year