Crime Scene Tech

Doña Ana County, NM; Center (TX); On-site; USD 67,468,000 - 109,430,000; Full time

Job summary

Doña Ana County is seeking a crime scene technician to respond to scenes, develop and preserve evidence, photograph and diagram scenes, and collect DNA for rapid analysis. This position includes rotating shifts and on-call duties, with training provided for new technicians.

Responsibilities include crime scene processing, firearms evidence handling, maintaining chain of custody, operating cameras and measurement tools, and producing detailed reports while maintaining confidentiality.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent in criminal justice, evidence collection, forensics, or related field.
• Two years of experience in evidence collection, crime scene processing, forensics, or photography preferred.
• Basic knowledge of chain-of-custody procedures and inventory control.

Responsibilities

• Respond to scenes as requested by supervisors.
• Develop and preserve evidence, photograph and diagram crime scenes.
• Collect DNA and use Rapid DNA for results.
• Prepare detailed reports and maintain chain of custody.
• Work rotating shifts and on-call duties.

Skills

crime scene processing

forensics

photography

documentation

chain of custody

inventory management

communication

PPE safety

camera operation

Education

Associate's degree in criminal justice/evidence collection/forensics

Tools

Digital camera

Measurement tools

NIBIN acquisitions

Job description

NOTICE TO APPLICANTThis position will close at 12:00AM MST on the End Date.You must ensure your application reflects the correct and current information for your work experience, hours worked per week per position, education, personal information, etc.Only the information provided on this application is evaluated when determining compensation.Job DescriptionPURPOSE SUMMARY.Under general supervision, responds to scenes as requested by Evidence Supervisor, Field supervisor, or CID supervisor. Conducts latent prints development and preservation, photography, video, sketching, crime scene search, evidence collection and preservation in support of law enforcement. Position requires working rotating shifts and on-call duty.ESSENTIAL DUTIES.Inspects and visually investigates crime scenes for the collection and preservation of evidence to include all trace and physical evidence such as body fluid (blood, saliva, etc.), hair, fibers, weapons, shoe impressions.Uses digital camera, video equipment and measurement and diagraming techniques.Collects DNA and utilizes Rapid DNA for results.Serves as specialist in firearms examination and National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) acquisitions. Safely handle, examine, operate, and test fire a variety of firearms and ammunition.Produces print and impression evidence by casting and/or photographing to scale impressions to use physical evidence as investigative aid.Processes evidence using powders, chemicals, and alternative light sources for latent prints.Packages evidence in accordance with policy and procedure.Prepares detailed reports of all activities in reference to crime scene.Operates basic power tools, hand tools and equipment.Properly uses specialized equipment on crime scene vehicle.Maintains confidentiality with regard to information received on cases and is responsible for knowing and abiding by all department and county policies and procedures.Trains new technicians as necessary.Assists supervisor in conducting educational training and discussions and mock scenes for academies, citizens and LEO’s.Works rotating shifts and on-call duties.ADDITIONAL DUTIES. Performs other related duties as assigned.QUALIFICATIONS.A. Education. Associate’s degree in criminal justice, evidence collection, forensics, or related field.B. Experience. Two (2) years’ experience in evidence collection, crime scene processing, forensics, photography/videography. Basic crime scene investigation and photography course preferred.C. Education/Experience substitution. In accordance with County policy.D. Licenses/Certifications. A valid Driver’s License is required. Must maintain a satisfactory driving record in accordance with County policy. Must have or successfully complete a basic crime scene processing class and photography training course within 1 year of hire.E. Other (e.g., post-offer medical exam, polygraph, background check, driver’s license record, etc.). Must pass background check and driver’s license check. No Felony convictions.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION :Must have knowledge of inventory maintenance practices for a wide variety of property; strict security and administrative controls for classification and storage of items, such as evidence for law enforcement purposes; the rules of evidence and chain of custody procedures; record keeping; and some knowledge of computerized inventory record keeping procedures; pertinent Federal, State, and County laws; photography, and lighting techniques.Must have skills to follow the legal chain-of-custody and property disposal procedures; accurately and legibly post and maintain inventory records and documents, identify and reconcile related discrepancies; operate motor vehicle, personal computer and applicable software, and material handling equipment; properly photograph elements of a crime scene; photograph crime scene by taking close-up, mid-range, and overall pictures; and photograph nighttime crime scenes.Must have ability to work rotating shifts and be on-call; communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, supervisors, Sheriff’s deputies, and members of the public; operate basic power tools, hand tools, and digital camera; respond to crime scenes in a timely manner; work safely by wearing personal protective equipment (PPE); train new technicians; work with outside agencies referencing crime scene processing; work with specialized crime scene equipment; conduct educational training and discussions and mock scenes for academies, citizens and LEO’s; and work closely with the case agent to gain relevant information for crime scene investigation.Compensation Range$23.53 - $38.19Doña Ana County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to abide by all federal and state laws prohibiting employment discrimination on the basis of a person’s race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, disability, serious medical condition, genetic information, ancestry, spousal affiliation, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other unlawful criteria, except where a reasonable Bona Fide Occupational Qualification exists.Doña Ana County will make reasonable accommodation(s) for the known physical or mental limitations of an applicant with a disability, upon request, unless the accommodation(s) would cause an undue hardship on the operation of the County. Please see http://www.donaanacounty.org/ada/ for our Public Notice and to get the Testing/Interview Accommodation Request Form or call 575-647-7210 for assistance.