Crime Lab Technician I

Job Description

Performs responsible technical and investigative support work involving the documentation, collection, and preservation of evidence; does related work as required.

Work is performed under general supervision.

Essential Tasks

• Responds to crime scenes and documents through notetaking, photography, videography, and sketches with measurements.

• Develops latent prints through chemical techniques and various powders.

• Collects and preserves evidentiary items while maintaining chain of custody.

• Ensures crime scenes are secured.

• Processes crime scenes

• Prepares written notes, reports, and testifies in court as an expert witness.

• Obtains known finger and palm prints.

• Secures evidence, preventing contamination and maintaining chain of custody.

• Collects, processes, packages, labels, and examines evidence when needed for trace and physical analysis.

• Trains new employees on forensic related matters

• Processes arrestees during prisoner processing

• Communicates and deals with citizens daily during crime scene investigations and other duties.

• Conducts Intoxilyzer tests.

• Operates lab motor vehicle in all weather conditions.

• Responds to work during all weather-related events, considered essential personnel.

• Maintains files and records.

• Conducts Public Fingerprinting

Ensures all work is performed in accordance with Section and Unit Standard Procedures, Departmental General Orders, City Safety Standards, City Policies and OSHA Standards

Qualifications

• Formal Education

• Associate degree.

• Bachelor's Degree or higher in Criminal Justice, Forensic Science or other related field from an accredited college or university.

• Additional consideration will be given to applicants with related field experience.

• Additional consideration will be given to applicants with relevant internship/volunteer experience.

• Must be able to obtain an Intoxilyzer operator certification within a year of employment.

• Must be able to work under the general supervision of the unit supervisor on a varied, rotating work schedule which includes on-call, rotating shifts, working during inclement weather, on holidays and weekends.

• Work requires the exercise of initiative and independent judgment while using established work methods and procedures.

• Must possess excellent oral and written communication and computer skills.

• Must be able to work at crime scenes where there is much graphic violence.

• Must be able to work a mentally and physically demanding crime scene with a good, positive, unbiased attitude.

• Must be willing to work as a lead on all crime scenes at any given time.

• Crime Scene Technicians must be able to handle the psychological stress associated with being responsible for processing homicide scenes and testifying in court on major and high-profile cases.

• Must be able to deal with the gruesome nature of some crime scenes.

• Extended periods of time will be spent in this type of environment and can include working in confined spaces and positions.

• The Crime Scene Technician must have the physical and mental endurance to find small pieces of evidence and work hours on a major crime scene.

• The Crime Scene Technician is a member of a unit and is expected to operate as a team with other members of the Forensic Section at all times.

• Because of the confidential and sensitive nature of the work required, successful completion of a polygraph and background investigation is required.

• Valid North Carolina Driver's License. A driver's license issued by another state must be changed to a North Carolina driver's license within sixty (60) days of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working and understanding knowledge of Crime Scene Investigations.

• Certifications in Forensic Discipline.

• English and Spanish Language skills.

Physical Requirements

Hearing/Speaking

• Expressing and/or receiving information by means of spoken word are both necessary to converse with internal and external customers including co-workers, citizens and applicants.

Visual Abilities - the ability to perceive via eyesight is required for this position:

• Acuity, far - clarity of vision at 20 feet or more. Must be able to see from a distance when administering and observing employment tests, operating a motor vehicle, or addressing an audience.

• Acuity, near - clarity of vision at 20 inches or less. Must be able to see work-related business documents close at hand.

• Depth perception

• Three-dimensional vision and the ability to judge distance and space relationships.

• Field of Vision - the area that can be seen up and down or to the right or left while eyes are focused on one point. Must be able to see a wide span of area.

• Accommodation

• Must be able to adjust the eye lens to glance quickly.

Physical Strength - degree of physical demands typically associated with this position include:

• Light Work

• Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally; and/or

• Exerting up to 10 pounds of force frequently; and

• A negligible amount of force constantly to handle or move materials related to the position.

• Type of Physical Demands

• Reaching

• Extending the hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction.

• Handling

• Seizing, holding, grasping, turning, or otherwise working with hand(s).

Fingering

• Picking, pinching or otherwise working with fingers primarily rather than the entire hand or arm.

Mental Activity/Requirements

Reasoning

• Ability to apply principles of logical thinking combined with knowledge of principles and practices of public personnel and employment laws to work tasks and handle practical situations, comprehend, and respond to a variety of situations in a timely fashion and exercise good judgment.

Mathematics Ability

• Using arithmetic and/or Statistics: Ability to direct and oversee the use of arithmetic and/or statistics in the preparation of a variety of tests and reports.

Language Ability

• The ability to speak, read and write the English Language are required for this position.

Environmental Conditions

Physical Surroundings

• The Crime Scene Technician is subject to working inside or outdoors.

Hazards

• The Crime Scene Technician may be exposed to body fluids, chemicals, vaccines and other drugs. The work performed is subject to the final standards of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines.

Machinery/Tools/Work Aids/Other Equipment

• Computer, calculator, TV/DVD player, projector, audio/video still and motion recorders, printer/fax/copy machine, measuring devices, manuals, ordinances, Personnel Resolution, regulations, reports, evaluations, records, correspondence, periodicals, two-way radio, reference materials, statutes, building codes, telephone, regular office supplies.

Disclaimer

This job description may not be all-inclusive, as jobs evolve over time to meet the ever-changing needs of the City of High Point's workforce. This job description is not intended to and does not create a contract or offer of employment to any individual. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is possible that requirements may be modified to reasonably accommodate disabled individuals. However, no accommodations will be made which may pose serious health or safety risks to the employee or others or which impose undue hardships on the City of High Point. Candidates selected for employment must pass a background screening as well as a pre-employment physical to ensure medical clearance to perform the essential functions of the job prior to receiving a full offer of employment.

The City of High Point is an at-will employer and employees may be terminated or may terminate their employment at any time with or without reason for any reason not prohibited by law.