Crime Scene Investigator

Brazoria County; Angleton (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office is seeking a Crime Scene Investigator to identify, document, collect, and preserve physical evidence from crime scenes with precision and integrity. You will support investigations by applying forensic methods, maintaining detailed documentation, and collaborating with investigators, laboratories, and prosecutors.

The role requires attention to detail, adherence to protocols, and the ability to perform in high-pressure environments, with duties spanning from

Qualifications

• Knowledge of criminal justice principles and procedures.
• Proficient with documentation and evidence handling.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Identify, document, collect, and preserve physical evidence at crime scenes.
• Photograph, video, sketch, and document crime scenes and observations.
• Maintain chain-of-custody and coordinate laboratory testing.
• Prepare detailed written reports and assist with court testimony.

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in relevant field

Intermediate Peace Officer License

Job description

JOB SUMMARY –

The Crime Scene Investigator is responsible for identifying, documenting, collecting, and preserving physical evidence from crime scenes in a manner that ensures accuracy, integrity, and legal admissibility. This position supports criminal investigations by applying scientific methods, maintaining detailed documentation, and collaborating with investigators, laboratories, and prosecutors. The role requires attention to detail, adherence to established protocols, and the ability to perform effectively in dynamic and high-pressure environments.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Essential functions are the fundamental and primary duties of a classified position that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, in order to fulfill the purpose of the position.

• Carry out the Sheriff’s Mission and Vision and adhere to the Office’s Core Values; Trust, Service, Community;
• Cultivates high morale and a Team culture within the Sheriff’s Office;
• Maintains proficiency in the essential functions of a Patrol Deputy (If TCOLE licensed);
• Maintain firearms proficiency in accordance with Department standards (If TCOLE licensed);
• Maintain compliance in the Office’s Physical Fitness Program (If TCOLE licensed);
• Responds to crime scenes, death investigations, and other incidents to identify, secure, document, collect, preserve, and process physical, biological, and trace evidence in accordance with agency policy, state law, and forensic best practices;
• Conducts systematic crime scene examinations, evaluates scene conditions, establishes and maintains scene security, and determines appropriate evidence-collection techniques;
• Photographs, videos, sketches, and documents crime scenes, evidence, and related observations to ensure accurate and complete case records;
• Collects, packages, labels, and transports evidence while maintaining strict chain-of-custody procedures and evidentiary integrity;
• Processes evidence using forensic techniques, including latent fingerprint development, impression evidence recovery, bloodstain documentation, and basic trace evidence handling;
• Analyzes and compares fingerprints using Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) technology and manual comparison methods, as assigned;
• Submits evidence to forensic laboratories, prepares laboratory requests, and coordinates with analysts regarding testing and results;
• Prepares detailed written reports, diagrams, and supplemental documentation clearly describing methods, findings, and conclusions;
• Maintains, stores, and tracks evidence within property and evidence systems;
• Assists with evidence disposition, return, or destruction as authorized;
• Testifies in court as a fact or expert witness regarding crime scene processing, evidence handling, forensic techniques, and findings;
• Operates, maintains, and safely uses specialized forensic equipment, tools, and vehicles; reports equipment deficiencies and ensures operational readiness;
• Follows safety protocols related to biohazards, chemicals, sharps, and hazardous environments while properly utilizing personal protective equipment (PPE);
• Collaborates with deputies, investigators, supervisors, prosecutors, medical examiners, and external agencies to support criminal investigations;
• Participates in on-call rotations, after-hours responses, and emergency operations as required;
• Maintains professional certifications, completes required training, and stays current with advancements in forensic science and investigative techniques;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION, TRAINING & EXPERIENCE

The preferred way to obtain the minimum knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position are listed below. The County reserves the right to consider higher levels of education in lieu of training and experience and vice-versa.

• Intermediate Peace Officer License; AND
• Minimum 1-Year of Patrol Experience; OR
• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in relevant field of study

OTHER MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• 21 Years of age or older
• High school diploma or G.E.D.
• Possess a valid Texas Driver’s License
• Be a United States Citizen (Born or Naturalized)
• Have a working cell phone
• No more than 20/200 vision that is correctable to 20/20;
• No convictions or court-ordered community supervision or probation for any criminal offense above Class B misdemeanor within the last ten years from the date of the court order;
• Honorable Discharge from Military Service (If applicable)

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of the local and state criminal justice system.
• Intermediate proficiency with modern office equipment and procedures.
• Ability to become proficient in all County and Department policies and procedures.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to multitask and perform effectively in a constantly changing work environment.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and make well-reasoned decisions under high-stress conditions.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Ability to foster productive, cooperative working relationships with employees, supervisors, external partners, public officials, and the general public.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

• Duties and training are regularly performed both indoors and outdoors.
• Work may occur during natural and man-made disaster situations.
• Exposure to adverse weather conditions, including extreme heat, extreme cold, rain, sleet, snow, ice, and high winds.
• Exposure to biohazardous and toxic materials.
• Work in both bright and low-light environments.
• Exposure to high noise levels that may result in potential hearing damage.
• Work in and around high-voltage areas.
• Work in areas with operating heavy machinery.
• Work in spaces that may not be compliant with local, state, and federal safety codes or ADA regulations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Perform physical activities including walking, running, crawling, standing, sitting, jumping, kneeling, bending, and lying down for extended periods;
• Perform physical tasks involving carrying, pushing, pulling, dragging, and holding medium to heavy objects;
• Operate vehicles in high-risk situations, exercising sound judgment and strict adherence to safety procedures;
• Engage in high-stress and physically demanding duties and training scenarios;
• Speak and hear in order to communicate effectively in person, through telephone, and through emergency radios.

DISCLAIMER

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this classification. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and working conditions associated with the position. The employer reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other related work as required to meet operational needs. Nothing in this job description shall be construed as creating a contract of employment or limiting management rights. All duties must be performed in accordance with applicable laws, policies, and procedures. Essential functions of the position must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, consistent with state and federal law.