Crime Scene Investigator - Police

JOB SUMMARY The Crime Scene Investigator is responsible for the professional collection, preservation, and analysis of physical evidence, including the documentation of crime scenes through photography and sketching, the identification of latent prints, the collection of evidentiary materials, and the management of the chain of custody for all seized property. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Timely respond to the scenes of crime, collisions and fires and determine the best methods to employ for the preservation and recovery of evidence for criminal investigation. A vehicle is provided for official use and commuting between the residence and duty stations. On-call pay, call-out pay, and comp time may be available for work performed outside normal business hours, depending on the specific circumstances. Perform all techniques to document a crime scene including digital photography, videography, forensic mapping, sketching and note taking. Perform all techniques required to search for and recover evidence at a crime scene, including search by alternate and ultraviolet light sources, collection of biological fluids, trace evidence and gunshot residues, tool mark, tire and footwear impressions, metal detection and laser trajectory determinations. Respond to autopsies to perform postmortem fingerprinting and collection of evidence. Perform latent recovery work in the field. Perform recovery and documentation of latent fingerprints in a laboratory setting using powders, chemicals and dyes, fuming chamber and photography. Operate crime scene equipment including the drying cabinets, forensic light sources, MVac, scene lights, and trajectory tools. Prepare timely, accurate and comprehensive reports of crime scene investigations. Operate computers and relevant software applications. Serve as evidence custodian for the department in the approval of all submissions of property into the evidence rooms, storage, transfer of property to courts, labs, etc., and disposal. Follow appropriate procedures to ensure the security and integrity of evidence. Testify in court concerning crime scene investigations. Perform other duties as assigned. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK: Must be a U.S. citizen and at least 21 years of age. Associate’s degree in forensic science, Chemistry, Biology or related field. 4 years of experience and/or training in crime scene investigation. Or equivalent combination of education and experience. Valid South Carolina driver’s license. Ability to prepare comprehensive and well-written reports. Must have or obtain certification as a Property and Evidence Specialist with the International Association of Property and Evidence within one (1) year of date of hire. Must have or obtain certification as a Crime Scene Investigator with the International Association for Identification within eighteen (18) months of date of hire. Preferred Qualifications International Association for Identification (IAI) certification in: Forensic Photography Crime Scene Investigator Crime Scene Analyst Senior Crime Scene Analyst and/or Latent Fingerprint Examiner. This position is classified as safety-sensitive which requires candidates to successfully complete a thorough background investigation to include polygraph, drug testing, credit history, and psychological evaluation. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND APTITUDES: Knowledge of Federal and South Carolina law relating to search and seizure, evidence control and forensic testing. Knowledge of crime scene investigations, principles, practices, methods, and procedures. Knowledge of film and digital photography, latent recovery techniques, and crime scene processing technologies. Knowledge of fingerprint identification and preservation principles, practices, methods, and procedures. Knowledge of court proceedings and testimony. Skill in collecting and preserving physical evidence for laboratory analysis. Skill in operating photographic and fingerprint development and collection equipment. Ability and willingnes…