Crime Scene Technician

JOB SUMMARY

This person in this position is responsible for: assisting in complex crime scene investigations; responsible for the evaluation of the crime scene; using various types of equipment to identify and collect evidence; developing, securing, and packaging physical evidence for scientific evaluation and comparison; as well as maintaining custody/control of this evidence within our property room and preparing detailed reports on the observations and activities at the crime scene. The incumbent’s work also involves court testimony regarding the findings and processing methods used at a crime scene.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS                                                                                            

• Processes major crime scenes and other crime scenes as requested.
• Collects evidence to include physical, trace, and latent fingerprints.
• Photographs and prepares diagrams of crime scenes and accident scenes to collect, preserve and document evidence.
• Videotapes crime scenes and accident scenes to preserve and document evidence.
• Prepares a variety of reports of all crime scene procedures.
• Performs all duties of the evidence custodian, including processing, intake, maintenance of the chain of custody, return to rightful owner, retention schedules, and legal destruction/sale of evidence from the department property rooms.
• Transports evidence to the GBI and other locations for forensic testing, processing, evaluation, or destruction while maintaining the proper chain of custody.
• Processes evidence for latent prints by examining item, chemically treating them, photographing latent prints and preparing a report.
• Submits latent prints to Automatic Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS).
• Maintains files of latent prints recovered.
• Maintains forensic lab equipment.
• Prepares various reports and presentations for court.
• May attend autopsies to photograph and document injuries to collect, preserve and document evidence.
• Testifies in court about evidence processed and collected.
• Performs related duties as required.
• Performs various other lab testing as needed.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS 

Requires a High School diploma or other equivalent degree; Associate’s degree, or two (2) years of college coursework is preferred; one (1) year of directly related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of local, state and federal laws pertaining to evidence handling, storage and disposal;
• Skill in conducting maintenance checks of vehicles and other equipment;
• Ability to keep and maintain accurate files and records;
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions;
• Ability to write routine reports and business correspondence;
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, clients, customers and the general public;
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions;
• Ability to interpret a variety of technical instructions, and deal with a variety of concrete variables;
• Ability to be continuously on call;
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.

CERTIFICATION, LICENSE AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS 

Requires a valid Georgia Driver’s License, and the incumbent must be certified as a Crime Scene Technician.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is medium work and requires balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, feeling, fingering, grasping, handling, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, and walking.

WORK ENVIRONMENT        

Incumbent works in a safe and secure work environment that may periodically have unpredicted requirements or demands.