Job Description
Duties and Requirements Click to read more
Duties
IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES
- Processes crime scenes by taking photographs, scanning/video recording scenes, prepare scene sketches, collecting, preserving, logging, packaging and inventorying evidence, and preparing detailed reports.
- Analyzes and evaluates latent fingerprints; conducts fingerprint comparisons.
- Utilizes the Leica RTC360 scanner to map crime scenes and produce a deliverable file of the mapped crime scene.
- Handle and operate firearms in a safe manner.
- Mixes and uses chemicals to process evidence; use alternate light sources to locate latent prints, serological, biological fluids and trace evidence.
- Operates the AFIX Tracker database and the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) to develop candidate lists for comparisons to latent prints.
- Reviews lab reports.
- Reconstructs major crime scenes using advanced forensic techniques such as blood spatter interpretation, shooting trajectory, etc.
- Testifies in court as an expert witness regarding crime scene processing and fingerprint comparisons.
- Responds to crime scenes and emergency situations during regular work hours, evenings and weekends.
- Maintains laboratory supplies for the Forensic Unit and ensures the lab and equipment are clean and functional.
- Ensures all divisions in the police department have an adequate supply of crime scene processing materials to ensure evidence is processed and lab requests are completed in a timely manner.
- Operates a motor vehicle to travel to attend trainings, meetings, conferences, and court cases.
OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES
- Provides training classes for police personnel, police academies, and public safety demonstrations.
- Research scientific articles regarding Forensic Discipline.
- Perform other job related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
- Organization and functions of a municipal law enforcement agency.
- General law enforcement codes, practices and methods.
- Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.
- English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
- Office procedures, methods and computer equipment.
- Basic principles of chemistry, physics, and biology.
- Principles of report preparation.
- Basic principles of budget preparation.
Skill to:
- Operate office equipment including computer equipment.
- Operate a variety of tools and equipment including alternate light source, digital camera, super glue chamber, fingerprint magnifier, fingerprint processing equipment, fume hood, laser scanner, and fingerprint identification systems.
- Operate hand tools or power tools to perform job functions.
Ability to:
- Work independently or with a team.
- Work courteously with the general public.
- Prepare accurate and grammatically correct reports.
- Work in unpleasant crime and accident scenes and under pressure.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Organize and manage time efficiently.
- Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.
- Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.
- Perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.
Forensic Specialist II and III
- Lead, manage, and perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.
Requirements
Forensic Specialist Trainee
- Experience:
- Previous work experience in the criminal justice field or in a laboratory setting is preferred.
- Education/Training:
- Graduation from an accredited university with a Bachelor’s Degree in forensic science or related field is required. A minimum of five consecutive years in law enforcement can substitute this requirement.
- License or Certificate:
- A valid Texas driver's license; the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment, or a military waiver is required.
Forensic Specialist I
- Experience:
- Two (2) years of work experience in the criminal justice field or in a laboratory setting is required.
- Completion of six months’ work experience equivalent to the City of Abilene Forensic Specialist Trainee is required.
- Education/Training:
- Graduation from an accredited university with a Bachelor’s Degree in forensic science or related field is required. A minimum of five consecutive years in law enforcement can substitute this requirement.
- Satisfactory completion of a 40-hour Basic and a 40-hour Intermediate Level Latent Print courses, which meets International Association for Identification (IAI) standards is required.
- License or Certificate:
- A valid Texas driver's license; the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment, or a military waiver is required.
Forensic Specialist II
- Experience:
- Satisfactory completion of two (2) years of work experience in a position equivalent to the Forensic Specialist I in the criminal justice field or in a related laboratory setting is required.
- Education/Training:
- Graduation from an accredited university with a Bachelor’s Degree in forensic science or related field is required. A minimum of five consecutive years in law enforcement may substitute this requirement.
- Satisfactory completion of a 40-hour Advance Level Latent Print course and a Palm Print Comparison course, which meets International Association for Identification (IAI) standards is required.
- Satisfactory completion of the Texas Department of Public Safety Automated Fingerprint Identification System course is required.
- License or Certificate:
- A valid Texas driver's license; the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment, or a military waiver is required.
Forensic Specialist III
- Experience:
- Satisfactory completion of a minimum of two (2) years of work experience in a position equivalent to the Forensic Specialist I/II in the criminal justice field or in a laboratory setting is required.
- Education/Training:
- Graduation from an accredited university with a Bachelor’s Degree in forensic science or related field is required. A minimum of five consecutive years in law enforcement can substitute this requirement.
- Satisfactory completion of coursework and apprenticeship required by the International Association for Identification (IAI) for Latent Print Examiner and Crime Scene Certifications are required.
- License or Certificate:
- A valid Texas driver's license; the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment, or a military waiver is required.
- A IAI Latent Print Examiner (CLPE) or Crime Scene (CCSI, CCSA, CSCSA) Certification is required.
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Job Tags
Apprenticeship, Traineeship, Work experience placement, Local area, Weekend work, Afternoon shift,