Crime Lab & Forensic Supervisor

High Point, NC; High Point (NC); On-site; USD 63,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Guaranteed monthly pension

401K and 457B Retirement Plans

Paid Vacation and Sick Time

Paid Holidays

Tuition Reimbursement Plan

Medical, dental, and vision plans

Job summary

The High Point Police Department is seeking a Crime Scene Unit Supervisor to lead Crime Scene Technicians in examination and investigation of crime scenes and accidents, both in the field and office, ensuring processing meets SOPs.

This role requires a bachelor’s degree in a related field, six years’ experience, strong report writing, and proficiency in photography and evidence handling; it also expects polygraph and background checks and a NC driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in forensic science, biology, chemistry, criminal justice, or closely related field.
• Minimum of six years of experience in crime scene processing.
• Must be in good standing with current agency with no serious written reprimands within the last year.
• Must be able to work crime scenes with graphic violence.
• Must have knowledge of federal and state laws and department rules.
• Ability to assign, direct, and supervise subordinates; maintain records and prepare reports.
• Excellent oral and written communication and computer skills.
• Advanced knowledge of rules of evidence.
• Advanced knowledge of photography.
• Ability to perform distance sketches for crime scenes.
• Proficiency with issued equipment and forensic methods.
• Polygraph and background investigation required.
• Driver's license valid in North Carolina or convertible within 60 days.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the Crime Scene Unit daily activities and supervise the Crime Scene Technicians.
• Review technical reports and maintain personnel records; document performance and payroll.
• Train Crime Scene Technicians and oversee field training programs.
• Provide forensic expert advice to detectives and testify in court.

Skills

Communication skills

Supervisory ability

Forensic knowledge

Photography knowledge

Report writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in forensic science or related field

Job description

Compensation Range $62,680.80 - $85,073.20 Please note: This job opening may close earlier than the stated date, due to high candidate volume.

Who We Are

At the High Point Police Department, we are committed to protecting our city and building relationships with our community. Our team includes over 300 officers and professional staff who are passionate about serving others. As a proactive, data-driven agency, we take pride in being nationally recognized for excellence. Our department offers some of the finest in-house training in the country, along with numerous opportunities for growth, development, and career advancement. A rewarding career awaits you here. Join our team and play a vital role in keeping High Point a safe place to live, work, and visit.

What We Offer

The High Point Police Department offers a competitive salary commensurate with education and experience. We also offer generous benefit package for full-time employees which include but are not limited to:

• A guaranteed monthly pension upon retirement, vested after 5 years of service
• 401K and 457B Retirement Plans
• Paid Vacation and Sick Time
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement Plan
• Competitive medical, dental, and vision plans effective day one

What You'll Do

The Crime Scene Unit Supervisor has direct supervision over assigned Crime Scene Technicians involved in the examination and investigation of all types of crime scenes and accident investigations in support of law enforcement activities. The Crime Scene Unit Supervisor works in the field, monitoring subordinates’ work, participating in crime scene processing, coordinating crime scene investigations with sworn personnel in the field, and ensuring that tasks are performed in accordance with standard operating procedures, regulations, and best practices. This position allows for a significant amount of creativity and critical thinking in an effort to provide leadership to Crime Scene Technicians. The Crime Scene Unit Supervisor also performs the following duties:

• reviewing technical reports; creating and maintaining work schedules; completing thorough documentation of subordinates’ work performance, as well as completing performance evaluations; and completing payroll and other administrative functions.
• An additional responsibility is training the Crime Scene Technicians and other department personnel in the forensic disciplines and functions of the Crime Scene Unit.
• The Crime Scene Supervisor is also responsible for overseeing the Crime Scene Technician field training program, the training of new Crime Scene Technicians, and the performance of Field Training Technicians.
• The Crime Scene Unit Supervisor is also required to maintain proficiency in performing the duties of a Crime Scene Technician, which includes:
  • photographing all types of crime and accident scenes to record the appearance of evidence using highly-skilled photographic and other evidence gathering techniques;
  • identifying, collecting, and securing physical evidence, such as blood, body fluids, hair and fibers, and firearms for laboratory testing and use as evidence in criminal prosecutions;
  • searching for and developing latent prints at crime scenes;
  • photographing and fingerprinting suspects, investigate leads, victims (including deceased individuals), and witnesses;
  • producing castings and comparative photographs of footprints, tire tracks, and other impressions;
  • and testifying in court.
• The use of chemicals in the field may be necessary in order to perform certain tasks.
• A major aspect of the duties includes writing detailed reports with proper grammar and punctuation, as well as establishing and maintaining records to ensure proper chain of custody of physical evidence.
• Duties may include other special assignments.
• Work is performed under the regular supervision of the Forensic Section Manager.

Essential Tasks & Responsibilities

Specifications/Qualifications

• Minimum of bachelor's degree in forensic science, biology, chemistry, criminal justice, or closely related field from an accredited institution
• Minimum of six years of experience in crime scene processing
• Must be in good standing with your current agency with no serious written reprimands within the last year
• Must be able to work crime scenes where there is graphic violence
• Must have thorough knowledge of pertinent federal and state laws and municipal ordinances and rules and regulations of the department
• Must have the ability to assign, direct, and supervise the work of subordinate personnel; to deal with the public courteously and firmly and to maintain records and prepare reports.
• Must possess excellent oral and written communication and computer skills
• Must have advanced knowledge of rules of evidence
• Must have advanced knowledge of photography
• Must be able to figure distance measurements for accurate crime scene sketches
• Possess the ability to use all the issued equipment at the required level of proficiency
• Must have advanced knowledge of methods and standards employed in forensic science
• Because of the confidential and sensitive nature of the work required, successful completion of a polygraph and background investigation is required.
• Valid North Carolina Driver's License. Driver's license issued by another state must be changed to a North Carolina driver's license within sixty (60) days of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certifications in Forensic Discipline.
• Preference will be given to applicants with experience in a designated leadership/supervisory role within forensics.
• Preference will be given to applicants who have had leadership and/or training courses.
• Preference will be given to applicants with an established record of experience in the successful training of new employees.

The hours for this position may consist of evening and nighttime shift hours and could vary day to day and week to week. The Crime Scene Supervisor’s schedule will be coordinated with and approved by the Forensic Manager. The Crime Scene Supervisor will be given the flexibility to build a 40 hour/week schedule based on several factors, including: High Point Police Department's needs, calls for service, Crime Scene Technician oversight, and task-driven assignments. The schedule will be very fluid, on-call hours will apply, and adjustments can be made with little required notice upon approval of the Forensic Manager.

Qualifications

• Coordinates the Crime Scene Unit daily activities and responsibilities.
• Assigns, directs, supervises, and reviews the work of the Crime Scene Technicians who are responsible for the collection and preservation of physical evidence and processing of crime scenes.
• Maintains employee personnel records and completes performance appraisals of Crime Scene Technicians; provides feedback and guidance on employee performance; corrects deficiencies of Crime Scene Technicians.
• Assists in the implementation of goals and objectives.
• Monitors schedules and methods for providing forensic services.
• Implements procedures to improve efficiency of crime scene investigations.
• Participates and provides staff training.
• Reviews crime scene case notes, reports, photographs, evidence, and diagrams for accuracy and completeness in accordance with established procedures; provides advice and counsel as necessary.
• Serves as shift supervisory liaison for the Crime Scene Unit with police officers, detectives, and Patrol supervisors.
• Conducts periodic inspections of vehicles, workspaces, equipment, evidence lockers, and evidentiary documentation.
• Ensures that ongoing training requirements are met and required or preferred certifications are obtained by staff.
• Provides training and keeps abreast of assigned staff training needs.
• Makes requests of equipment/supplies needed to meet crime scene processing needs to the Forensic Manager.
• Stays abreast of trends, developments, and legal opinions related to the fields of crime scene investigations.
• Provides forensic expert advice to detectives and police officers.
• Testify in court as an expert witness regarding crime scene processing/investigations and examination of evidence.
• Understand and apply scientific concepts for forensic analysis of evidence to reach accurate conclusions of fact in criminal investigations.
• Ability to scan the crime scene, make decisions on evidence to be collected, and direct subordinates in the collection of evidence before it is distorted or destroyed through the moving of objects, bodies, etc.

Physical Requirements

Hearing/Speaking - Expressing and/or receiving information by means of spoken word are both necessary to converse with internal and external customers, including co-workers, citizens, and applicants.

Visual Abilities – the ability to perceive via eyesight is required for this position: Acuity, far – clarity of vision at 20 feet or more. Must be able to see from a distance when administering and observing employment tests, operating a motor vehicle, or addressing an audience. Acuity, near – clarity of vision at 20 inches or less. Must be able to see work‑related business documents close at hand. Depth perception – Three-dimensional vision and the ability to judge distance and space relationships. Field of Vision – the area that can be seen up and down or to the right or left while eyes are focused on one point. Must be able to see a wide span of area. Accommodation – Must be able to adjust the eye lens to glance quickly.

Physical Strength – The degree of physical demands typically associated with this position includes: Light Work Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally; and/or Exerting up to 10 pounds of force frequently; and A negligible amount of force constantly to handle or move materials related to the position.

Type of Physical Demands – Reaching – Extending the hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction. Handling – Seizing, holding, grasping, turning, or otherwise working with hand(s). Fingering – Picking, pinching, or otherwise working with fingers primarily rather than the entire hand or arm. Must have finger dexterity to operate radio equipment, computer, and similar equipment.

Mental Activity/Requirements – Reasoning Ability to apply principles of logical thinking combined with knowledge of principles and practices of public personnel and employment laws to work tasks and handle practical situations, comprehend and respond to a variety of situations in a timely fashion, and exercise good judgment.

Mathematics Ability – Using arithmetic and/or Statistics: Ability to direct and oversee the use of arithmetic and/or statistics in the preparation of a variety of tests and reports.

Language Ability – The ability to speak, read, and write the English language is required for this position. Must be able to communicate both verbally and in writing.

Environmental Conditions

Physical Surroundings The Crime Scene Supervisor is subject to working inside or outdoors. Exposed to the various weather conditions and temperatures. When the crime scene is located outside, the worker is required to work in extremely hot weather and extremely cold weather as well as in rain, sleet, snow, ice, fog, smoke, and windstorms. The position is so specialized that the worker may not leave the scene until all evidence is collected. This may require the individual to wear the same clothing and continue work for a period of time to exceed the normal work schedule and sometimes as long as 24 hours.

Hazards The Crime Scene Supervisor may be exposed to body fluids, chemicals, vaccines, and other drugs. The work performed is subject to