Crime Scene Technician - Registry

Pinal County; Florence (AZ); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation and sick leave

Retirement plans

Healthcare benefits

Tuition reimbursement

Alternative work schedules

Job summary

Pinal County Sheriff's Office is seeking a Crime Scene Evidence Technician to perform documentation, collection, photographing, tracking, handling, safekeeping and packaging of crime scene evidence under supervision.

The role requires strong attention to detail, adherence to chain of custody procedures, and ability to operate specialized equipment. Candidates should have an Associate's degree in Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, or related field and at least two years of related experience.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, or related field.
• Two years of related work experience preferred.
• Must pass background investigation and polygraph.

Responsibilities

• Identify, collect, and preserve crime scene and accident scene evidence.
• Document details and maintain chain of custody.
• Photograph scenes and create diagrams.
• Prepare technical reports and testify in court.

Skills

Documentation

Photography

Evidence handling

Court testimony

Education

Associate's degree

Tools

Specialized equipment

Job description

JOB SUMMARY Perform a variety of technical tasks in the documenting, collection, photographing, tracking, handling, safekeeping, and packaging of crime scene evidence for the Pinal County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) under basic supervision.

Description JOB SUMMARY Perform a variety of technical tasks in the documenting, collection, photographing, tracking, handling, safekeeping and packaging of crime scene evidence for the Pinal County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) under basic supervision. Notice To Applicants:

• The hiring salary for this position is dependent upon experience, qualifications and position funding; starting salaries will require an internal equity review and those that are above the first quartile will require additional approval.

Per PCSO Selection Guidelines, the following may be disqualifiers:

• Having been disciplined by any employer, including military, as an adult for abuse of leave, gross insubordination, dereliction of duty or persistent failure to follow established policies and regulations.
• 'Having been involuntarily dismissed, for any reason other than layoff, from two or more employers as an adult.
• Having held more than seven paid positions with different employers within the past four years, or more than 15 paid positions with different employers in the past ten years (excluding military). Students who attend school away from their permanent legal residence may be excused from this requirement as well as other persons with a reasonable explanation for an extensive job history.
• Resigning from any paid position without notice may be disqualifying, except where the presence of a hostile work environment is alleged or other reasonable cause existed.

TYPICAL CLASSIFICATION ESSENTIAL DUTIES We work in this classification requires an individual to be able to perform the essential functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary classification functions herein described. Since every duty is not described, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in this classification description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this description.

• Identify, collect, and preserve crime scene and accident scene evidence to aid in criminal and civil prosecutions, document chain of custody, and maintain integrity of evidence according to PCSO Standard Operating Procedures.
• Document crime scene details using specific techniques, procedures, and specialized technical equipment, photograph and measure the crime scene, document location of all evidence and other important objects and details, and create computer generated diagram of crime scene from documentation collected at crime scene.
• Search out, identify, collect, preserve, log, examine, and secure evidence, document handling of evidence and property, assist with the identification of evidence at crime scenes, and photograph persons, crime scenes, secondary or additional scenes, and other areas/items related to investigations.
• Perform presumptive chemical tests to identify biological evidence and locate latent fingerprint evidence, document tool marks, footwear, and tire track impression evidence, and collect biological/personal characteristic evidence from individuals as directed.
• Collect, develop, and preserve latent fingerprints.
• Transfer and transport evidence from crime scenes, occasionally transfer and transport evidence to crime laboratories for testing, process firearms for latent fingerprints or swab collections as requested, download photographic documentation to computer database per policy, and submit photographs as evidence if provided by victim, or other than PCSO employee.
• Package evidence and accurately complete evidence control sheet(s), follow special processing and packaging procedures for all evidence including biological evidence, document evidence collected and maintain the chain of custody, enter data and download photographs into computer system, transport crime scene evidence, properly package the evidence, and submit to property and evidence control unit.
• Write detailed supplemental crime scene and photo log reports, maintain activity logs, develop case files, and prepare technical and statistical reports.
• Prepare technical documentation, including but not limited to scene diagrams and evidence for court.
• Testify in court.
• Assist and interact with other Sheriff's personnel and other law enforcement and multi-jurisdictional agencies.
• Maintain the integrity, professionalism, values, and goals of the Sheriff's Office by assuring that all rules and regulations are followed, and that accountability and public trust are preserved.
• Maintain absolute confidentiality of work‑related issues, customer records, and restricted County information.
• Perform other related duties as required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK Associate's degree in Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, or a related field. Two (2) years of related work experience, preferably in a law enforcement or criminal justice agency. Must pass a thorough background investigation and polygraph examination. Arizona residents must have a valid Arizona Driver’s License upon hire; newly established Arizona Residents must have one within 30 days of hire. For ACJIS users - Must pass a thorough background investigation and background re-investigation every 5 years. Or an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience may substitute for the minimum requirements.

Preferred Qualifications Additional technical training and certifications may be required by direction of the Sheriff.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of Sheriff's Office policies, procedures, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). Knowledge of state and Federal laws, regulations and statutes, governing management of crime scenes. Knowledge of rules and standards for collecting, preserving, and securing various types of evidence at a crime scene. Knowledge of principles of crime scene management and the operation of specialized technical equipment to collect evidence and forensic details. Knowledge of principles and practices of photographing and technical documentation of crime scenes, and the operation of a variety of technical equipment and specialized software. Knowledge of Arizona criminal justice and court systems, procedures, and protocols. Knowledge of investigative procedures and protocols for observation of critical details. Knowledge of geography, roads, and landmarks of Pinal County. Knowledge of principles of accounting, record keeping, and technical records management. Skill in documenting crime scene details, collecting and preserving evidence, and recognizing ancillary evidence. Skill in packaging and organizing numerous items of evidence in an orderly fashion for storage and retrieval. Skill in scribing accurate crime scene notes, recording information observed at a scene, documenting, in written form, observations, scribing measurements and GPS locations to produce detailed supplemental reports and diagrams. Skill in collecting, processing, and preserving crime scene evidence. Skill in care, maintenance, and safe operation of crime scene tools and equipment. Skill in technical and crime scene photography and processing of digital media using specialized computer software. Ability to follow directions and effectively communicate verbal and written instructions. Ability to work independently and as a team member with other law enforcement personnel with PCSO and multi-jurisdictional agencies. Ability to operate a personal computer and specialized software applications. Ability to work alternating work schedules, weekends, holidays and be subject to call‑out. Ability to work various (12) hour shifts and be subject to mandatory overtime. Ability to write detailed supplemental reports and policies and procedures as requested.

Pinal County Sheriff’s Office is an Equal Opportunity employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS Frequently requires the ability to exert substantial physical effort by pushing and pulling objects in excess of 120 pounds for up to 150 feet in distance. Requires the ability to lift, push or pull objects in excess of 50 pounds frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds constantly to move objects. Frequently requires the ability to balance, climb, crawl, crouch, finger, feel, grasp, handle, reach, kneel, stoop, sit, stand, perform repetitive motions and walk for an extended amount of time. Occasionally requires the ability to operate motor vehicles or heavy equipment. The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information. Occasionally ascend/descend stairs or 12 foot ladders while carrying objects weighing in excess of 20 pounds. Must be able to ascend and descend ladders, scaffolds, stairs and work in confined spaces. Must be able to move objects, and use abdominal and lower back muscles to provide support over time without fatigue. Constant movement and use of limbs; this position requires good manual dexterity, coordination and stamina. Must have adequate speech, hearing and eyesight, ability to perceive and distinguish colors or shades of colors, sounds, odor, depth, texture, and visual cues or signals demonstrate mental and physical acuity.

WORK ENVIRONMENT Work is mostly performed within a field environment that may require exposure to all weather conditions, in or near vehicle traffic, emergency situations with exposure to a variety of safety hazards, strong odors or fumes, disease/blood/bodily fluids, pathogenic substances, toxic agents, hazardous materials, noise, explosives, vibrations and slippery or uneven surfaces When not engaged in emergency operations, may work under station or office conditions. May be required to use a respirator when performing duties requiring exposure to hazardous chemicals and evidence that may be biohazardous and carcinogenic. Must be able to work in small, cramped areas and reach elevated items up to 14 feet high for storage and retrieval purposes. Must be available to work long, irregular schedules and on‑call, including nights, overtime, evenings, weekends and holidays, as required by the needs of the agency. Work is performed in an environment making decisions that could lead to major community or organizational consequences if appropriate decisions are not timely.

THIS IS CONSIDERED A SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITION. This position may reasonably be expected to come into contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials in the performance of the work duties and is therefore subject to the vaccination and training provisions presented in the County Blood Borne Pathogen Exposure Control plan.

Pinal County Offers Some Of The Best Benefits In Arizona! We Offer a Wide Range Of Employee Benefits. You Can Read More details About Our Organizations Benefit Program Or You Can Review The List Below:

• An Employer that Values Each Employee and Prioritizes a Work Experience that Provides Ample Time for Stress Reduction and Work Life Balance.
• Paid Vacation And Sick Leave
  • 15 Vacation Days Accrued Annually Starting Day One
  • After Three (3) Years of Service 18 Vacation Days Accrued Annually
  • After Five (5) Years of Service 20 Vacation Days Accrued Annually
• Ten Paid Holidays + One Paid Floating Holiday to Use as You Wish
• 13 Sick Leave Days Accrued Annually Starting Day One
• Paid Sabbaticals Every Five (5) Years
  • Two Week Sabbatical After Five Years of Continuous Service
  • Three Week Sabbatical After Ten Years of Continuous Service
  • Four Week Sabbatical After Fifteen Years of Continuous Service
  • Four Week Sabbaticals Every Five Years After Fifteen Years of Continuous Service
• Retirement Plans with Generous Employer Contributions - Guaranteed Lifetime Benefit!
• Top Tier Affordable Medical, Dental and Vision Plans
  • Insure your whole family on a PPO plan for as low as $57.94/mo.
  • Insure you and your children on a PPO plan for ZERO premium cost
• Comprehensive Wellness Program
  • Onsite Mammogram and Prostate Screening Events
  • Skin Cancer Screening Events Onsite
  • Biometrics and Health Screening Events Onsite
  • Financial Health and Retirement Planning Events Onsite & Online
  • Fitness Resources and Onsite Sessions Like Yoga and Tai Chi
  • Quarterly Well Challenges
  • Vaccination Clinics Onsite
  • Vision Exams and Optometry Events Onsite
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Alternative Work Schedules
• Telehealth
• Qualified Employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program through the Dept of Education
• Employee Assistance Program with Ongoing Training & Development Options
• Civil Service Leave
• VanPool Options
• Short-Term Disability – Employer Paid
• Basic Life Insurance - Employer Paid
• Flexible Spending Accounts for Dependent Care and Medical Expenses
• Suite of Voluntary Benefits including additional Life, Accident, Critical Illness & Cancer Insurance