Crime Scene Specialist

City of Glendale AZ; Glendale (AZ); On-site; USD 55,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Glendale AZ in Glendale, AZ seeks a Crime Scene Specialist for the Glendale Police Department. The role focuses on collecting, analyzing, and preserving evidence from major crime scenes and serious traffic incidents.

Responsibilities include photographing, documenting, and testifying about findings while maintaining ISO 17025 compliant records. A valid AZ driver’s license and related certifications are required, with possible transition to regular status as vacancies arise.

Qualifications

• Minimum one year of crime scene processing experience or related field.
• Associate degree in forensic science, criminal justice, chemistry, biology or related field.

Responsibilities

• Distinguish the full range of color spectrum to inspect crime scenes and investigations.
• Recognize, collect, preserve physical evidence including fingerprints, tire/shoe prints, DNA.
• Digitally records evidence with a camera and/or 3D scanner at major crime scenes.
• Testifies in legal proceedings as a witness related to crime scenes.

Skills

Photo lab skills

Laboratory equipment use

Education

Associate degree in forensic science

Associate degree in criminal justice

Associate degree in chemistry

Associate degree in biology

Tools

3D scanner

Photographic equipment

Job description

Benefits

$54,514.98 - $81,772.86 Annual Salary

$26.21 - $39.31 Hourly Salary

All communication throughout the selection process including testing invitations will be sent by E-mail. Please ensure you provide a valid E-Mail address on your application and check it regularly for updates.

Candidates who are hired into contract roles may be considered for transition into regular-status positions as vacancies arise.

About Our City

Located on the west side of the Phoenix metropolitan area, Glendale is a vibrant and culturally diverse city of more than 255,000 residents. The community blends historic charm with modern growth and is a premier destination for sports, shopping, and entertainment - home to world-class venues, year-round events, and a thriving atmosphere that continues to evolve.

Description

This recruitment process will be used to fill full-time regular-status and contract Crime Scene Specialist positions with the Glendale Police Department. Candidates who are hired into contract roles may be considered for transition into regular-status positions as vacancies arise.

About Our Department

The Glendale Police Department proudly serves this dynamic community with a team of 458 sworn officers and 166 professional staff. Our agency operates across three bureaus and six divisions - Administrative Services, Special Operations, Criminal Investigations, Support Services, Gateway Patrol, and Foothills Patrol — working around the clock to keep Glendale safe.

About Your Impact

Identifies, collects, examines, interprets, classifies, and preserves evidence from major crime scene investigations and serious traffic accidents.

Essential Functions

• Distinguish the full range of color spectrum in order to visually and physically examine and investigate all types of crime scenes, including but not limited to burglaries, vehicle crimes, thefts, assaults, abuse, criminal damage and death investigations.
• Must be able to recognize, develop, collect, and preserve physical evidence, which may include latent fingerprints, tire prints, shoe prints, tool marks, firearms, drugs, DNA and other physical evidence from crime scenes.
• Digitally records evidence with either a camera and/or 3D scanner at major crime scenes and serious accidents.
• Utilizes special processing techniques, chemical solutions, a forensic light source or other specialized equipment to develop, record and preserve evidence.
• Attends autopsies to photograph injuries or obtain fingerprints from deceased individuals.
• Testifies in legal proceedings as a witness in conjunction with their responsibilities at the crime scene.
• Prepares and maintains records of technical and scientific findings in accordance with ISO 17025 guidelines, department policies, and unit procedures.
• Maintains working knowledge through education and training in relevant techniques and procedures in the field of forensic science.
• Accepts, documents, and enters evidence into the department Records Management System and the Laboratory Information Management System.
• Inputs data or information into a terminal, tablet. Or PC device
• Monitor radio communications and speak clearly to the dispatch team on current activities and locations.
• Provides specialized training to police officers, detectives, and newly hired Forensic Technicians on the proper method of identifying, collecting, and documenting forensic procedures.
• Gives presentations at schools and community groups on forensic capabilities.
• Operates city vehicles.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications / Special Requirements / Success Factors

Any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. Candidates with one year of experience in crime scene processing and/or an associate degree in forensic science, criminal justice, chemistry, biology or a related field will be given preference.

Knowledge Of

• The basic principles involved in scientific examination of physical evidence including the recognition, collection, preservation, and submission of all types of evidence.
• The basic principles of crime scene photography and the use of photographic and 3D scanning equipment
• The operation, maintenance, care, and use of scientific instruments and apparatus used for the detection of physical evidence.
• Firearms safety and handling
• The uses and effects of chemicals for the enhancement of physical or biological evidence.
• Department and unit policies for the range of responsibilities required during the technical process of documenting crime scenes, including safety procedures and biological hazard precautions.

Skill In

• The use of photographic equipment and photo lab materials
• The use of laboratory equipment

Ability To

• Learn and apply Standard Operating Procedures to the collection of physical evidence.
• Perform job duties in conditions which include decomposing bodies, strong odors, insects, hostile, emotionally charges situation, child and animal victims.
• Perform detailed work with a high degree of accuracy and integrity.
• Identify, collect, preserve, document, and report activities related to criminal and department investigations.
• Remember and recall facts and details about their work activities.
• Be able to respond to designated locations using maps or street signs as guidance.
• Operate a two-way radio utilizing clear and concise verbal communications.
• Abide by verbal and written instructions. Produce written documents in English with clearly organized thoughts using proper grammar.
• Effectively communicate findings of scientific test both orally and in writing.
• Communicate in English effectively orally one-on-one, in a group setting, over the phone and on the police radio.
• Learn job related material through oral instruction, observation, structured lectures and readings.
• Complete required OSHA/safety training
• Work safely without presenting a threat to self or others.
• Present findings in court proceedings
• Work cooperatively with the public and other individuals with city employees and members of other agencies

Special Requirements

• Valid Arizona driver's license.
• Obtain Terminal Operator Level A certification within 6 months of hire and must maintain during employment.
• Must be available to work rotating shifts with irregular hours, weekends, holidays, on-call basis and availability over the normal duty hours.
• Applicants will be required to undergo drug testing prior to employment and will be subject to further drug and alcohol testing throughout their period of employment in accordance with the City of Glendale Substance Abuse policy.

Success Factor Classification Level - Foundational

To view the success factor definitions please click here. (If needed, click here to download PDF reader).

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions

Heavy lifting of up to 50 pounds and climbing ladders may be required during investigations. Must be able to enter, exit, and operate city vehicles.

Working Conditions

Exposure to fumes, lasers and hazardous chemicals used in fingerprint development. Exposure to distraught victims, combative prisoners, and injured and deceased persons, and possibly to infectious diseases. Exposures can be substantially controlled by the use of safety precautions. Exposure to highly stressful situations for long hours at major crime scenes. Work is performed in all weather conditions.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Glendale is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity at all levels of the workforce. Applicants may obtain a copy of the City of Glendale’s EEOP Utilization Report here or upon request from the City of Glendale's Human Resources & Risk Management Office.

Benefits Information

Benefit information is outlined here: https://www.glendaleaz.gov/Your-Government/Connect/Departments/Human-Resources-Risk-Management/Benefits

Application Question

Please explain some of the reasons that you chose to apply for a position with the City of Glendale.