Crime Scene and Evidence Management Specialist

Job Summary

A Crime Scene and Evidence Management Specialist – Crime Scene: Will primarily be responsible for processing crime scenes, collecting evidence in accordance with department policy, and maintain the chain of custody through final disposition of the case.     

Principal Accountabilities

The following duties are typical for this classification, but bear in mind they are illustrative only. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address the needs and changing practices of the agency.

• Maintains integrity of the crime scene investigatory process.
• Evaluates the crime scene from a forensic perspective.
• Utilizes specialized equipment and procedures to determine the presence of blood and seminal fluid and to collect body fluids, hairs, fibers, gunshot residue, and other trace evidence and materials.
• Follows appropriate police and scientific data collection protocols.
• If needed, recovers, unloads, and impounds firearms or other weapons using sound safety precautions.
• Identifies, secures, packages, and transports physical evidence for evaluation and as needed to outside crime labs.
• Photographs various aspects of crime scenes and other locations relevant to the investigation.
• Creates sketches and diagrams of crime scenes and evidence, when necessary.
• Attends and documents autopsies using photographic and narrative techniques.
• Follows proper procedures for using, transporting, cleaning, and maintaining necessary equipment.
• Prepares and utilizes presumptive tests, various chemicals, powders, compounds, and casting materials used in a forensic laboratory, and preserving techniques as required.
• Prepares forensic reports detailing crime scene activities and observations.
• Participates in law enforcement agency briefings. 
• Testifies in court regarding investigatory methods and findings.
• Follows all departmental administrative requirements.

• Subject to an on-call schedule as the crime scene and evidence unit provides 24-hour availability
• Performs additional duties as assigned or needed.

Knowledge & Skills

• Expertise specific to scientific evidence-collection techniques.
• Knowledge of police investigatory procedures and law enforcement agency regulations.
• Ability to use equipment utilized in the evidence-collection process.  
• Technical writing skills to accurately document observations and investigations, and provide comprehensive and accurate reports.  
• Extensive knowledge of local, state, and federal laws relevant to investigations.  
• Maintains awareness of relevant court cases and decisions. 

Experience & Education

• Must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Possess a valid Missouri driver’s license.
• Associate’s Degree or 2 years equivalent work experience in the Criminal Justice field preferred.
• Successful completion of an approved formal program of study specific to crime scene investigation.
• Knowledge and proficiency in Microsoft Office computer applications (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc.).

Physical Requirements/Working Environment

• Environment: Not guaranteed daily lunch/dinner or breaks, or you may have to leave from lunch/dinner or breaks to handle calls for service.  Must wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including gloves, bio-hazard suits, booties, hats, and protective masks, either separately or together, for extended periods of time in all weather conditions.  Possible exposure to blood-borne pathogens such as HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B and C, and/or other diseases such as Tuberculosis or MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus).  Works at scenes that could be highly emotional and traumatic for investigators and/or the victims: sex crimes; homicides; police shootings; etc., any of which could include infants, children, or vulnerable adults as victims.  Handles containers with unknown and potentially hazardous substances.  Works for extended periods of time in extreme weather conditions, such as high heat and severe rain storms.  During training, employees will be under constant supervision by a trainer who will provide daily feedback, positive remarks, and criticism as needed.  This same individual will eventually become your co-worker. Must be willing to work extended hours, participate in an on-call schedule, and may be required to assist in special events.
• Physical: Handle and move deceased persons in various stages of decomposition.  Climb onto building rooftops, into small, confined spaces, or areas with limited or no lighting and may be required to spend extended periods of time in these areas.  Performs manual labor as necessitated based on the nature of investigations.  Frequently bends, stoops, lifts, reaches, and climbs.

Travel

• Travel will vary with the assignment.

Disclaimer

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Salary : $20