Forensic Unit Manager

• Instruct, assign, plan and review the work conducted by CIU personnel;
• Maintains chain of custody as prescribed by SC State Law and the Police Department’s Standard Operating Procedures;
• Ability to obtain and maintain NCIC certification;
• Enters and secures property and evidence for the Police Department;
• Photograph and video tape crime scenes utilizing a digital SLR camera and digital video camera;
• Locate, develop and collect latent, patent and plastic fingerprints at crime scenes using powders, chemicals, photographic techniques and alternate light sources;
• Locate, identify, preserve and collect items likely to contain and yield DNA evidence;
• Prepare detailed crime scene response reports to document observations and findings;
• Prepare detailed hand drawn or computer aided crime scene sketches to record all evidence locations and reference points;
• Testify in court proceedings on the methods and procedures utilized at crime scenes and evidence obtained during the process;
• Preserve, maintain, and secure collected and submitted evidence in the evidence facility;
• Oversee maintenance of log and file evidence and property control forms;
• Supervise and safeguard the integrity and chain of custody of all submitted property from initial submission to final disposition;
• Operates and applies advanced knowledge about chemical reagents and complex equipment on crime scenes;
• Order’s property room and crime scene processing supplies;
• Maintains skills by attending training seminars and classes;
• Implements changes to or develop new procedures where required by newly passed laws or as improvements to outdated procedures; and
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• An associate degree in Criminal Justice or related field, preferred.
• Five (5) years of experience in evidence/crime scene processing or related field. Law enforcement experience is preferred.
• Any combination of education and relevant experience totaling four (4) years may be considered.
• Valid South Carolina Driver’s License.

 KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, methods and procedures used in crime scene investigation and property and evidence maintenance and storage.
• Working knowledge of Federal, State and local laws as they apply to crime scene investigation, chain of custody and evidentiary property.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with peers, supervisors, members of external agencies and the public.
• Ability to collect, organize and evaluate data and develop logical conclusions.
• Ability to handle confidential information and display discretion and integrity in the performance of duties to maintain credibility of the individual and the department.
• Knowledge of personal protective equipment while working with contaminated or hazardous waste materials.
• Knowledge of the rules and laws regarding property and evidence to include the preservation and collection of evidence.
• Knowledge of the geographic layout of the City.
• Knowledge of court procedures, introduction of evidence, rules of evidence and testimony and applicable laws.
• Skill in the operation of the tools used in the collection and processing of evidence.
• Ability to use a digital and video camera to include a good understanding of digital photography and video recordings.
• Ability to prepare detailed and factual reports.
• Ability to use computers and various software programs, to include Word and Excel.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is medium and requires exerting up to 20 pounds of force regularly and up to 75 pounds occasionally to move, push or drag objects. Candidates must have the following physical abilities: balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, feeling, fingering, grasping, handling, hearing, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, and walking for extended periods of time as necessary.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work is performed in an office setting and frequently in the field, exposed to the outdoors in inclement weather. The employee may be exposed to hazardous situations. The work requires the use of protective devices. The incumbent must have the ability to work under stressful conditions and in adverse weather for extended periods of time.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described.  Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were written out in this job description.

The City reserves the right to revise this position description at any time.