Crime Scene Technician

Santa Fe County; Santa Fe (NM); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Santa Fe County seeks a qualified crime scene investigator to process scenes, photograph, collect and preserve evidence, and prepare documentation for criminal prosecutions.

You will perform bio-evidence collection, testify in court, and train patrol officers on scene protocols while engaging with the public at community events. Facility and field duties require attention to detail and strong written communication.

Qualifications

• Requires associates degree in relevant field plus 3 years crime scene experience or 5 years experience total.
• Knowledge of photography, evidence collection and analysis required.
• Certification in crime scene investigation within 1 year of hire preferred.

Responsibilities

• Process crime scenes to identify and collect relevant evidence.
• Document, package, and preserve evidence; assess for lab testing.
• Compose reports and testify in criminal proceedings.
• Perform bio-evidence collection and cellular phone forensics.
• Train patrol officers and educate the public on crime scene protocols.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Digital photography

Evidence collection

Latent fingerprint analysis

Reporting

Communication skills

Education

Associates Degree in Criminal Justice/Criminology/Forensic Science/Physical Science/Chemistry/Biology/Physics

Tools

Digital camera

Latent print kits

Electrostatic dust print lifter

Casting kits

Lighting equipment

Communication radios

Word processing

Spreadsheet software

Database software

Job description

Under the supervision of a law enforcement agency, this position is responsible for the processing of crime scenes, including photographic and physical collection of evidence, identification, and preservation of evidence in relation to criminal investigations and in accordance with modern investigative principles.

• Under general supervision, processes crime scenes for purposes of identifying and collecting relevant evidence for use in criminal prosecution, utilizing one or all of the following techniques: digital photography, diagrams and sketches, fingerprint collection procedures, plaster casts, and assorted physical and/or chemical tests.
• Documents, packages, and preserves evidence; assesses evidence for further lab testing.
• Composes reports documenting relevant information and testifies in criminal proceedings.
• Performs bio-evidence collection and cellular phone forensics.
• Trains patrol officers and instructs the public at community events regarding crime scene protocols.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge/ Skills:

• Knowledge of digital photography and evidence collection and analysis.
• Ability to conduct specialized tests and evaluate situations.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the public.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle, digital camera, latent print kits, electrostatic dust print lifter, communication radios, ladders, hand tools, shovels, casting kits, and lighting equipment.
• Ability to operate various word-processing, spreadsheet, database, and other software programs.

• Ability to prepare accurate, complete and legible reports and to present detailed, accurate, and objective oral presentations and responses to questions.

• Associates Degree (minimum) in one or more of the following: Criminal Justice, Criminology, Forensic Science, Physical Science, Chemistry, Biology, or Physics; AND three (3) years of experience in crime scene processing, digital photography, and latent fingerprints; OR a minimum of five (5) years of experience in crime scene processing, digital photography, and latent fingerprints.
• Must obtain and maintain at least one nationally or internationally recognized crime scene investigator certification such as: International Association for Identification, American Board of Medical Legal Death Investigators, or International Association of Blood Spatter Analysis, within one (1) year of hire.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed frequently in an office environment and outdoors in varied weather conditions with exposure to dust, fumes, airborne particles and/or allergens. Work involves high risk or potentially dangerous situations, exposure to hazardous materials, excessive noise, hostile individuals, and work near hazardous/moving equipment or machinery. Work requires the use of protective clothing, equipment, devices or materials. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to stand, walk, and sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands or arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel or crouch; and talk or hear. Ability to lift over 100 lbs. Clarity of vision at long distance and short distance is required. Evening, holiday, and weekend work is required.

Conditions of Employment:

Selected candidate must submit to and pass a County paid pre-employment physical and drug/alcohol screening. Additionally, selected candidate must submit to and pass a county paid criminal background screening. Selected candidate may not have any felony convictions. Selected candidate must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Class D Driver’s License as incumbent shall be appointed to drive a County vehicle during the performance of his/her duties. Candidate must obtain and/or maintain all certifications required.