Criminalist

JOB TITLE

Criminalist

DEPARTMENT/DIVISION

Police, Criminal Investigative Division

REPORTS TO

Police Department Crime Scene and Criminal Investigations Division Sergeant SUMMARY:

Responsible for leading the forensic investigation unit as well as latent print and mobile forensic analysis.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Act as lead forensic investigator, latent examiner and mobile forensic examiner.. Manage lab facility and investigative processes of Crime Scene Unit. Investigates crime scenes onsite by documenting and collecting evidence, preserving and packaging evidence according to established standards. Analyze, process, and document crime scenes using various forensic techniques and processes including photography, digital video, measurements, and diagrams. Completes lab reports and case supplement reports through case management. Testifies in court to present physical and photographic evidence collected and to the results of any analysis conducted by the crime scene investigator. Coordinates crime scene related department training to sworn and non-sworn personnel. Oversees maintenance of processing lab, assigned vehicles, and equipment. Responds to crime scenes and emergency situations during regular work hours, evenings, and after routine hours. Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Skilled in ACE-V method of latent print comparison. Ability to work independently or with a team. Ability to communicate effectively verbally, in writing, and with a police radio. Ability to work night or weekend shifts as required. Able to grasp, handle, feel and type. Ability to use hand tools or power tools to perform job functions Ability to work with mathematical operations, methods, and functions. Ability to work on-call, after hours with little or no supervision on most crime scenes.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Graduation from an accredited university with a Bachelor s Degree in forensic science or related field. Two (2) years of crime scene investigative experience Certified to conduct latent print comparisons through Texas DPS or as a Certified latent print examiner. Completion of 16 hours in Court Room Testimony Training

WORKING CONDITIONS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to lift heavy items (up to 50 pounds), stand, walk, speak clearly, listen attentively, and occasionally speak/hear over the sound of traffic. Frequent reaching, sitting, standing, climbing, talking, seeing, and hearing. Work is performed in various, possibly hostile, environments and weather conditions. Direct contact with citizens, police personnel, city personnel, and outside agencies. Proficient in the use of technology including computer workstations and forensic investigative equipment.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Must pass a pre-employment drug screen Must pass a Polygraph and Psychological Exam Must pass a pre-employment physical exam Must pass a criminal history check Must pass forensic aptitude and ability testing Must pass a motor vehicle records checks and be insurable to drive city vehicles Three (3) or more moving violations in the last three (3) years. Three (3) or more preventable accidents in the last two (2) years. Two (2) chargeable vehicle accidents within the past two (2) years, Or any combination of three (3) or more of moving violations or preventable City accidents within the last three years. Must possess a valid Texas driver s license