Crime Scene Specialist

City of Indianapolis & Marion County; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Indianapolis Marion County's Forensic Services Agency seeks a crime scene specialist to conduct crime scene processing, evidence preservation, and laboratory support for public safety agencies across Marion County.

The role involves collaboration with local, state, and federal agencies, providing preliminary analysis, expert court testimony, and training staff, while maintaining confidentiality and adhering to accreditation requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, forensic science, criminology, or related science.
• Five years of crime scene processing or five years of law enforcement experience.
• Capable of completing internal/external training and certification programs.
• Must maintain proficiency through annual proficiency testing.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for forensic support in identification, preservation, and collection of evidence at crime scenes.
• Provides expert testimony in court when needed.
• Ensures QA/QC methodologies per accreditation guidelines.
• Trains staff and provides technical guidance within the laboratory.
• Acts as liaison between IMCFSA and law enforcement agencies.

Skills

Forensic evidence handling

Court testimony

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Chemistry, Forensic Science, Criminology, or related science courses

Job description

Position is responsible for providing crime scene specialist and investigation activities for public safety agencies throughout Marion County. Assists in the development and implementation of crime scene scientific programs; confers with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to coordinate work activities at scenes and/or in the laboratory. Provides preliminary analysis of collected crime scene evidence. Provides testimony as an expert in court as needed. Ensures that the total work product meets all appropriate scientific, legal and accreditation requirements. Trains new employees as assigned. Incumbent must exercise independent judgment in the performance of their duties and receive minimal supervision. Independent judgment must be exercised with assessing crime scenes and in the course or performing one’s duty. Position reports to the Crime Scene Specialist Supervisor.

Agency Summary

The purpose and mission of the Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Services Agency is to serve the Marion County Community and supports the needs of the Criminal Justice System by providing services in Crime Scene Processing, Forensic Document Examinations, Latent Print Processing and Examination, Blood Alcohol Analysis, Fire Debris Analysis, Seized Drugs Analysis, Firearms Examinations and NIBIN, DNA and Serology Analysis and Forensic Evidence Technician (Morgue Liaison) services. The agency cultivates a productive, collaborative, and compliant work environment to meet the needs of the constituents of Indianapolis and Marion County.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The City of Indianapolis Marion County is an equal opportunity employer All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. We value diversity in perspectives and experiences among colleagues and the residents of this city of whom we serve.

• Responsible for forensic support in the identification, preservation, and collection of forensic evidence at crime scenes, providing a wide variety of crime scene activities involving crimes against persons homicides, suicides, rapes, aggravated assaults, etc. to include fingerprint processing, DNA collection/swabbing, and firearm evidence
• Ensures that appropriate quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) methodologies are employed throughout their section of the laboratory, per accreditation guidelines
• Provides expert testimony in court
• Assists supervisors to develop, implement, and provide technical guidance to all employees within the laboratory to include QA/QC
• Implements newly developed forensic and crime scene technologies
• Reviews statistical data and ensures compliance with appropriate scientific, legal and government regulations
• Recommends modification of practices to the section supervisor, as required, for operation of section
• Serves as liaison between IMCFSA and local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to ensure that scientific and administrative support is provided
• Conducts training, as directed, for local agencies to include basic evidence technician courses, crime scene courses and specialized forensic applications courses for the proper collection of evidence in the forensic disciplines of drug chemistry, trace chemistry, questions documents, latent prints, DNA, serology, and firearms and/or toolmarks.
• Attends seminars, meetings, and conferences to incorporate new developments into laboratory case work
• Presents results of laboratory research at conferences and/or publish results in scientific journals
• Must maintain confidentiality at all times
• This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to time

Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Chemistry, Forensic Science, Criminology, or related science courses. Five (5) years’ experience in crime scene processing or five (5) years law enforcement experience from a certified law enforcement academy, and experience in digital photography and alternative light sources may be used as a degree equivalent. Incumbent must be willing and capable of completing an internal/external training program determined by the Crime Scene Specialist Supervisor and the Quality Assurance Program, and capable of completing additional and specialized training, as required or available, from Federal, State and Local agencies, and other organizations. Incumbent shall maintain proficiency through annual proficiency testing. Should have knowledge of the criminal justice system and familiarity with the sensitive and confidential nature of evidence managing and examination. Must be able to establish and set priorities according to time sensitive information in order to have continued success in this position. Must be able to communicate effectively in oral, verbal, and written formats. Must be able to attain Crime Scene Certification through the Indiana Law Enforcement Training Board within one year after completion of training.

Preferred Job Requirements and Qualifications

Master’s Degree in Biology, Chemistry, Forensic Science, Criminology, or related science courses, including minimum qualifications listed.

Majority of work is performed in the field and a variety of weather conditions and locations. Some time may be performed in a standard office environment.