Forensic Technician; Police

Description of Work

The following statements are illustrative of the duties and responsibilities of the job. The organization retains the right to modify or change the duties and responsibilities of the job at any time.

The Police Sergeant assigns work in terms of very general instructions.

• Responsible for the recognition, identification, documentation, and scientific collection of physical evidence pertinent to the investigation of a criminal act.
• Examines crime scenes to discover, preserve, collect, photograph, video and identify physical evidence.
• Collects trace evidence.
• Prepares sketches and diagrams to include dimensions of the scene and to establish the location of evidence and relationships of all relevant data.
• Prepares detailed reports and documentation for investigative use and court proceedings.
• Prepares, proofreads, processes, and maintains a variety of written reports and records pertaining to lab processes and activities.
• Advises law enforcement personnel at crime scenes to ensure continuity and preservation of evidence.
• Appears in court as an expert witness as required.
• Makes presumptive field tests of suspected substances.
• Assumes responsibility for crime scene investigation activities during an assigned shift and on an on‑call basis.
• Contacts and cooperates with other law enforcement agencies in matters relating to the investigation of crimes.
• Provides technical and professional assistance upon request.
• May be required to gain additional knowledge and training in specific forensic disciplines.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Forensic Science or related field of study, or equivalent experience.
• Experience performing crime scene and/or laboratory duties including the processing of evidence and latent prints for a law enforcement agency is preferred.
• Possess a valid Driver’s License to drive Crime Scene Vehicle to scenes.
• Available for on‑call work schedule assignments that require working nights, weekend, holidays, and overtime as necessary.
• General office practices and procedures.
• Routine software and business applications including, but not limited to, word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, and databases.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
• Read and comprehend department rules, regulations, policies and standard operating procedures.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other city employees, representatives of other agencies and organizations, and members of the community.
• Regular, predictable attendance.
• Modern forensic laboratory equipment and procedures.
• Criminal law, criminal court proceedings, and rules of evidence.
• NCIC Fingerprint classification systems.
• Knowledge of the Integrated Ballistics Identification System.
• Working knowledge of digital image processing software.
• Use of laboratory and photographic equipment and materials.
• Give acceptable testimony in courts of law.
• Apply sound reasoning and decision‑making.
• Interact in a professional manner with all staff.
• Work in unpleasant, crime, accident, and/or mass casualty scenes under stressful conditions.
• Abide by high standards of confidentiality and integrity.

The Police Sergeant assigns work in terms of very general instructions. The supervisor spot‑checks completed work for compliance with procedures and the nature and propriety of the final results.

Guidelines include incident‑based reporting product specifications and procedures. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.

The analysis of evidence must follow established Unit/Section procedures and conclusions must be supported by observations and any scientific data generated by the Forensic Ballistic Examiner.

The purpose of this position is to perform crime and operational analyses in support of department operations. Success in this position contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of department operations. This may include examining firearms and ballistics and building data forms to accurately identify weapons that are used in crimes.

Contacts are typically with other City staff, vendors, members of the general public, business owners, and representatives of other law enforcement agencies.

Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, and provide services.

Physical work involves the use and manipulation of all types of firearms and tools, as well as moving packages of evidence. Physical demands may also include the occasional lifting or moving of heavy objects.

The Forensic is exposed to lead, noise, and other safety hazards. The Forensic is also exposed to irritant and hazardous chemicals and biohazards that have potential to be life‑threatening from cuts or punctures from contaminated.

None.