Detective-CSI-Evidence Tech - Sheriff

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary : Under the supervision of the Detective Sergeant, the Detective applies specialized knowledge and abilities in the investigation and detection of crime. Once assignments are received, specific cases are followed to conclusion. This aspect of the work distinguished the Detective from the Master Patrol Officer and patrol officers who make preliminary investigations of cases at the scene of the crime. Although work is performed in accordance with established rules and procedures, the employee must exercise considerable judgment in working on specific cases and assignments. Work in this position involves an element of danger. The employee in this position must be able to act without direct supervision and to exercise independent judgment in handling cases / emergencies.

Examples of Work (Essential Functions) :

• Answers citizens and officer concerns and complaints.
• Serves as officer in charge of crime scenes.
• Consults and advises the county coroner.
• Applies for and serves search warrants.
• Arrests criminal offenders.
• Assists patrol officers with cases.
• Conducts investigations and collects evidence at crime scenes.
• Educates citizens, civic clubs, and school-aged children on topics of public awareness.
• Enforces all federal, state, and local laws and ordinances.
• Interviews witnesses and suspects.
• Works closely with County Attorney’s office in preparation of cases.
• Performs surveillance operations.
• Prepares cases for and testifies in court.
• Prepares reports and completes forms.
• Responds to emergency calls.
• Submits evidence for lab processing.
• Photograph crime scenes, buildings, victims, and other evidence utilizing still and video photography.
• Conduct detailed measurement of evidence, bodies of victims, trace evidence, and location and description of crime scenes. Makes drawings of crime scenes on a computer.
• Develop and lifts fingerprints utilizing appropriate methods.
• Collects blood, hair, dirt, fibers, wood, bullets, human tissue, and other evidence for the purpose of analysis.
• Attend post-mortem examinations; researches and analyzes physical evidence; processes physical evidence submitted to the crime lab.
• Prints photographs of crime scenes utilizing specialized equipment; enlarges and enhances photographs; maintains files and records of all negatives and prints.
• Perform services for outside agencies residing throughout the County; also provides them with film, fingerprint supplies, and other needed materials.
• Maintain inventory of supplies and equipment; prepares budget recommendations for supplies and equipment.
• Maintain camera and photo processing equipment; maintains crime scene processing equipment, tools, and other specialized equipment.
• Prepare and maintains records and files of work performed such as fingerprints, photography, negatives, and supplies.
• Testify in court regarding evidence and information regarding crime scenes.
• Prepare written reports on crime scene investigations and fingerprint examinations.
• Photograph special events and maintains personnel photo files.
• Process and Maintain Property and Evidence.
• Receive physical evidence, found property, personal property, seized items, and other property taken into Sheriff’s custody, including paperwork for each item.
• Inspect evidence and paperwork for accuracy and completion, and enter information into evidence-tracking software.
• Contact employees as needed for corrections on evidence and paperwork before processing.
• Sort evidence into appropriate sections using mobile racking systems, refrigerators, freezers, and restricted areas.
• Instruct employees on proper methods of marking, packaging, and submitting evidence.
• Maintain detailed records of property transactions.
• Review laboratory examination requests for items needing tested at the appropriate forensic laboratory for completion and accuracy and pull evidence requested.
• Research and assist individuals requesting property back, and communicate with the assigned detective to facilitate the return of property.
• Assist individuals coming to pick up personal property, and file paperwork to complete returns.
• Maintain storage facilities in a neat, clean, and orderly condition
• Organize and condense evidence as needed.
• Transport evidence.
• Drive the property van to other divisions to pick up new evidence and paperwork.
• Load and unload evidence using the Property and Evidence van.
• Drive samples to the appropriate forensic laboratory for testing, and pick them up as needed.
• Sort and assist with evidence removal / disposal.
• Research and prepare journal entries for removal / disposal of evidence and property.
• Pull evidence as requested for destruction.
• Attempt to reunite personal property with owners or other authorized parties.
• Complete paperwork and communicate with other divisions at the Sheriff’s Office to reunite firearms with owners upon request.
• Transport evidence to the destruction site, and assist with controlled destruction.
• Perform other duties as deemed necessary or as required.

Examples of Work (Marginal Functions) :

None.

Certificate, License : Valid driver's license. Certification through the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center.

Required Education and / or Experience : Two years related experience, High School Diploma or G.E.D.; or Associate’s degree; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Employee is expected to have acquired the necessary information and skills to perform the job reasonably well after six months in the position. 40 hours of continuing education annually.

Preferred Education and / or Experience : Three years related experience, High School Diploma or G.E.D.; or Associate’s degree and one year experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Abilities, Knowledge, Skills :

Problem Solving : Frequent problem solving exists in this position. Problems include dealing with the public, victim trauma and with the criminal element.

Decision Making : Frequent decision making exists in this position. Decisions include determining whether to arrest an individual and appropriate action to be taken in family disputes.

Accountability : Employee is not responsible for budgetary control of the department and does not participate in the annual department budget process.

Supervision : Limited supervision is provided in the field and job related decisions are seldom reviewed by the Captain. Employee may have supervisory responsibilities over subordinate personnel. Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of a department or function. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include supervising direct reports through coaching, interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Personal Relationships : Frequent contact with other county departments and the general public. Officers must testify in a court of law. Be able to clearly communicate to other officers and the public.

Working Conditions : The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is exposed less than one third of the time to conditions such moving mechanical parts; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals and outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud. This position is exposed to very stressful situations where things may seem chaotic. This position may be exposed to blood borne pathogens or bodily fluids, dangerous situations. This position may be called out 24 hours a day to include evenings, nights, weekends and holidays. This position may have very long hours.

Physical Requirements : The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to stand and walk; use hands to finger, grasp, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance and stoop, squat, bend, twist, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Lifting, moving, pushing or pulling up to 10 pounds does generally occur, in emergencies may be necessary to lift, move, push, or pull up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, distance vision and ability to adjust focus.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all essential functions, marginal functions, responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified in this position.