FORENSIC SPECIALIST

FORENSIC SPECIALIST

City of Newport News

• 3.

7 Newport News, VA Job Details 9 hours ago Qualifications Biometric systems Word processing Spreadsheets Writing skills Digital forensics software Employee relationship building Driver's License Investigation evidence collection Desktop applications Legal evidence Productivity software Data collection Mobile devices Full Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION FORENSIC SPECIALIST POLICE DEPARTMENT

Human Resources

NEWPORT NEWS, VA

Department

CITY OF OPPORTUNITY GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Under limited supervision, this position is responsible for complex evidence identification, collection and preservation associated with civil and criminal cases and internal investigations assigned to the Forensic Services Unit. Reports to the Forensic Unit Sergeant. There are two (2) levels of Forensic Specialist distinguished by the level of work performed and the qualifications of the employee.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Identifies, collects, preserves, documents, and processes physical evidence independently from victims and suspects, complex crime scene, digital phones, video footage, computers, mobile and other electronic devices and from victims and suspects and serves as a technical witness; collects latent fingerprints; photographs and sketches complex crime scene; maintains chain of evidence; processes and maintains digital images; transports evidence to and from the State crime lab; coordinates with detectives and all appropriate laboratories. Utilizes detailed crime scene reports to document actions, procedures, information, and evidence collected at scenes of criminal investigations and other locations relating to the case in question; properly disposes and labels biohazard materials; maintains drying cabinets and proper cleaning of cabinets and handles all wet, bloody items collected by technicians and officers; handles and processes firearms under specific safety conditions; handles chemicals that are in accordance to the material safety data sheets (MSDS) set forth by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA). Processes and maintains digital images and archives case photographs and images; transports all departmental evidence collected with the exception of drug evidence to and from the state laboratory on a weekly basis; and work on a variety of projects within the department; processes latent fingerprints chemically on various surfaces; obtains inked fingerprint impressions; interprets fingerprint patterns; and recovers fingerprints. Processes evidence in the field and in the Forensic Services Unit laboratory; interprets laboratory analysis reports and forensic findings; creates forensic images of original data using a variety of validated imaging programs; prepares detailed reports for inclusion in formal case files; and works with detectives and patrol officers, the Commonwealth Attorney's office and other agencies to develop and prepare cases; and prepares, presents expert testimony and defends court testimony. PC# 31590, 31591, 31592, 38751, 38845, 38945, 315900 Page 1 of 3

Revised:

11/01/2021 Develops comprehensive lesson plans and course curriculum to train Police Officers on crime scene protocol; creates policies and procedures encompassing digital forensic processes; performs a variety of projects within the department as needed; serves as a liaison with the Medical Examiner and the Department of Forensic Science. Performs other duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE STANDARD

Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community and the organization through work behaviors demonstrating the City's Values. Employees are also expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE

 Forensic Science

• Knowledge of all aspects of crime scene processing and crime investigation procedures and techniques. Comprehensive knowledge of fingerprint and palm print identification and the Virginia Automated Fingerprint Identification System computer.  Technology
• Knowledge of general office equipment and personal computers to include word processing, spreadsheet, and related software .

Knowledge of mobile devices and mobile device applications.

REQUIRED SKILLS

 Computer Skills

• Utilizes a personal computer with word processing, spreadsheet, and related software to effectively complete a variety of administrative tasks with reasonable speed and accuracy.  Interpersonal Relationships
• Develops and maintains cooperative and professional relationships with employees, managers, and representatives from other departments and organizations. Shares knowledge with staff for mutual and departmental benefit.  Time Management
• Ability to plan and organize daily work routine.

Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology.

REQUIRED ABILITIES

 Evidence Collection

• Ability to recognize and identify physical evidence and properly collect and preserve physical evidence.  Communication
• Ability to communicate ideas effectively, including the preparation of reports.

Ability to listen and understand directions, information and ideas presented verbally and in writing. Ability to handle a variety of issues with tact and diplomacy in a confidential manner . Ability to deal with victims, victims' families, witnesses, etc. in a respectful, sensitive and professional manner.  Judgement/Decision Making

• Ability to use logic and reasoning to understand, analyze, and evaluate situations and exercise good judgment to make appropriate decisions.

PC# 31590, 31591, 31592, 38751, 38845, 38945, 315900 Page 2 of 3

Revised:

11/01/2021 EDUCATION

AND EXPERIENCE

Forensic Technician

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in Police Science, Chemistry, Biology, Forensic Science or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE) Certification desired. Forensic Specialists
• Requires a Bachelor's degree in Police Science, Chemistry, Biology, Forensic Science or a related field and 3-4 years of experience in evidence identification, preservation and collection, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE) Certification desired.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires a comprehensive background investigation to include a local, state and federal criminal history check; sex offender registry and credit check. Requires satisfactory results from a medical and pre-employment substance abuse testing and is subject to random alcohol and controlled substance testing. A valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record. Will declare an area of specialty and will work towards a primary area of expertise and certification such as fingerprints, bloodstain, forensic photography, crime scene and crime scene reconstruction or similar specialty.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

 Tasks require the regular and, at times, sustained performance of moderately physically demanding work.  Some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling.  May involve the lifting to include overhead lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (20-50 pounds).

SENSORY REQUIREMENTS

 Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, odor, depth, texture, and visual cues or signals.  Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES

Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, weather, fumes, smoke, temperature and noise extremes, hazardous materials, fire, traffic hazards, toxic agents, explosives, firearms, violence, disease or rude/irate persons. PC# 31590, 31591, 31592, 38751, 38845, 38945, 315900 Page 3 of 3

Revised:

11/01/2021