Forensic Manager

SUMMARY :

Responsible for supervising and overseeing the daily operations of the Forensic Unit. Must manage personnel and ensure compliance with department protocols as they relate to crime scene investigation, laboratory processing and the integrity of evidence collection and storage. In addition to supervisory management, this position requires the candidate to perform all forensic duties to include but not limited to, scene processing, evidence collection, lab processing, fingerprint processing and analysis, photography, blood stain analysis, trajectory and blood draws.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

Provide leadership and supervision of all personnel assigned to the Forensic Unit.

Work closely with the Violent Crimes Unit, Precinct Investigations Unit and personnel, Special Victims Unit, the State Crime Lab and other crime labs and various outside agencies.

Must have excellent verbal, written and personal communicative skills.

Responds to the scene of Critical Incident Investigations in order to coordinate personnel and assist in organization and documentation of the crime scene. This position requires frequent "Call-outs" to include both nights and weekends.

Assigns casework, manages forensic que and call-out rotation to forensic personnel.

Effectively address personnel matters.

Performs technical and administrative reviews on all completed case files.

Maintains monthly and annual statistics to track workload and productivity within the Forensic Unit.

Monitors and enforces all safety regulations within the laboratory and on scene locations.

Conducts evaluations and annual reviews of personnel performance and equipment maintenance.

Testifies in court as an expert witness in the areas of crime scene documentation, latent print examination and the protocols utilized within the Unified Police Department.

Provides education and trainings for law enforcement officers, attorneys and civilians in the areas of crime scene documentation, laboratory processing and latent print examination.

Assists in the development of procedure manuals and provides ongoing recommendations for improvements in policies.

Stays current on recommendations for national standards and technological developments within the forensic community and assists in incorporating those values into the Unified Police Forensic Unit.

Maintains working knowledge through education and training in relevant techniques and procedures in the field of forensic science.

Plans, coordinates and reviews training and performance skills of all Crime Scene Analysts to accomplish the mission, goals and objectives of the unit and department. Plans and organizes training needs for the areas of responsibility such as specialized courses or on-the-job training, ensuring personnel receive training required to meet responsibilities.

Provides professional development to staff when needs are determined.

Process crime scenes to include the search and recovery of latent finger and palm prints, shoe wear & tire tread impressions, trace evidence, DNA, and other physical evidence.

Responds to area hospitals and the medical examiners' office building for autopsies to document and collect evidence in criminal investigations.

Photograph persons arrested for crimes, then download and store photographs in accordance with digital media archiving policies.

Photograph evidence, objects and activities in the lab and at crime scenes as requested while maintaining detailed logs and action reports while incorporating forensic photography standards.

Document all elements of the crime scene using digital video cameras as well as 3D scanning with FARO scanners.

Use alternate light sources to locate and collect human body fluids, hairs, and fibers.

Conducts latent fingerprint and palm print searches for criminal identification and elimination purposes using the AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System) or other automated fingerprint systems.

Complete the Utah School of Phlebotomy to become a licensed Phlebotomist to draw blood from live subjects involved in crime events and traffic accidents.

Collect DNA samples either in the form of a blood draw or buccal swab.

Administers / conducts tests or examinations and / or evaluates results of physical evidence.

Writes or drafts technical reports, articles or related material based on research, investigation or analysis.

Prepares specimens for laboratory analysis by preparing media, solutions, chemical reagents, stains, and the incorporation of other technical laboratory procedures.

Gathers, preserves, and / or stores evidence; maintaining integrity of evidence through appropriate collection, handling, security, and chain of custody, etc.

Properly package and book evidence into the Property and Evidence building.

Acts as an expert witness. Gives testimony and / or recommendations in court cases and / or hearings.

Creates court trial exhibits and manages evidence ensuring procedures are followed / completed according to SOP's, Federal Rules of Evidence and Daubert Criteria.

Operates, maintains, calibrates and adjusts specialized equipment. Oversees additional calibration processes from outside vendors are completed according to SOPs to ensure accuracy. Maintains a log sheet of all calibrations, and adjustments.

Operate and maintains a variety of photographic equipment including digital cameras, video cameras, copiers, viewers and photographic software and other printing equipment.

Delivers presentations, stand up training, or instruction to staff, management, clients, or the general public as assigned.

Collect inked 10 print fingerprint cards for UPD criminal cases and employee background checks.

Stays abreast of trends and innovations in the fields of crime analysis, photography, fingerprint, identification, and forensics.

Write detailed Forensic reports on all actions using UPD Records system.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS :

Must have completed at least 300 hours of specialized training in the areas of crime scene documentation, chemical processing and latent print examination. Must have previous experience in testifying as an expert witness in either federal or state courts. The ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND / OR EXPERIENCE :

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Forensic Science, Chemistry, Biology, Criminalistics or closely related field and a minimum of 4 years of experience in a crime laboratory.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS :

Master's Degree from an accredited college or university.

Prior supervisory experience and an ability to effectively lead groups.

Preference will be given to those who possess both a Master's Degree in Forensic Science, Chemistry, Biology, Criminalistics, or related field, and crime laboratory supervisory experience.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS :

Must have a valid Utah driver's license at the time of hire.

Must hold a current certification from the International Association for Identification.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES :

The knowledge and use of basic computer software programs and office equipment.

The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, members of law enforcement agencies, attorneys and the public.

The ability to organize, develop and implement long term goals for the progression of the Forensic Unit.

Ability to complete the Utah School of Phlebotomy to become a licensed Phlebotomist to draw blood from live subjects involved in crime events and traffic accidents.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS :

Ability to physically and effectively perform job duties in the laboratory and at crime scenes. This includes the ability to lift up to forty pounds, work in inclement weather conditions, walk through uneven terrain and occasionally adjust to work nighttime hours, holidays, and weekends without prior notice.

The position requires the ability to work all hours of the day and night, on weekends, holidays, on a 24-hour on-call schedule and available for call out when necessary. Must be available after normal working hours to assist in crime scene response.

WORK ENVIRONMENT :

Considerable exposure to stressful situations as a result of human tragedy, unpredictable work hours and deadlines associated with supervising and managing a case load.

Includes working in a laboratory environment, handling potentially hazardous chemicals and biological fluids.

The candidate will be subject to risks found in the typical office setting, which is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated. The proper and safe use of office equipment, emergency evacuation procedures, and fire safety are provided.

Risk of exposure to blood borne pathogens, airborne pathogens and infectious diseases is prevalent in this position. Biological safety protocols and equipment are implemented and safety training is provided.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee will be exposed to disagreeable elements, such as : heat, cold, rain, snow, offensive fumes and odors, dust, firearms, sharps, controlled substances, high intensity light including ultra-violet and lasers, hazardous chemicals, bodily fluids, deceased bodies and body parts, and other crime scene materials.

Many functions of the work pose a high degree of hazard uncertainty. Various levels of mental application are required, such as : memory for details, emotional stability, discriminating thinking, and creative problem solving.

Frequent travel in crime scene vehicles is required in the daily performance of the job duties. Travel to local courts as expert witness is required.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

The position can require medical screening and monitoring of tuberculosis, HIV, hepatitis A & B, color blindness, depth perception, and pattern recognition ability.

The position will require subjection to random drug and alcohol screening.

Job Posted by ApplicantPro

Salary : $32 - $49