Forensic Investigator

City of Garland; Garland (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Garland is seeking a forensic investigator to conduct timely, organized investigations and present evidence in court. You will document, obtain, analyze, and present evidence against offenders in the City.

The role requires knowledge of crime scene processing, photography, fingerprint development, and report writing, with emphasis on independence, sound judgment and ability to work under pressure. A relevant degree and basic certifications are preferred.

Qualifications

• Graduation with an associate's degree in criminal justice, forensic sciences, or closely related science.
• No experience required.
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential functions.

Responsibilities

• Investigate crime scenes by collecting, documenting, analyzing, and presenting evidence.
• Analyze, process, and document crime scenes using photography, digital video, laser scanning, measurements and diagrams.
• Prepare objective and thorough investigative reports.
• Establish and maintain liaisons with police, lab personnel and court personnel to inform all parties of investigations.
• Provide testimony in court and present evidence collected.
• Document and maintain files of latent prints recovered in investigations.

Skills

Photography basics

Fingerprint development

Evidence handling

Report writing

Crime scene analysis

Blood spatter analysis

Gunshot residue

Bullet trajectory

Math and science

Written communication

Independent work

Stress management

Education

Associate degree in criminal justice or forensic sciences

Bachelor's degree in Forensic Science

Tools

Photography equipment

Evidence handling protocols

Crime scene measurement tools

Job description

Salary: $55,100 - $59,000/yr depending on qualification and experience

Summary

Responsible for conducting timely, organized and complete forensic investigations. Duties include documenting, obtaining, analyzing, and presenting evidence against those who have committed crimes in the City.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Investigate crime scenes by means of collecting, documenting, analyzing, and presenting evidence.

• Analyze, process, and document crime scenes by use of various techniques including photography, digital video, laser scanning, measurements and diagrams.

• Prepare objective and thorough investigative reports.

• Establish and maintain liaisons with police department personnel, laboratory technicians and court personnel to inform all parties of investigations and reports.

• Provide testimony in court and present physical, documentary and photographic evidence collected.

• Document and maintain files of latent prints recovered in investigations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate's degree in criminal justice, forensic sciences, or a closely related science

• No experience required

• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

Preferred Qualifications

Education/ Experience:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in Forensic Science, Chemistry, Biology or closely related science

• Experience and/or certification in the forensic science field (pay commensurate accordingly)

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Basic knowledge of photography, fingerprint development, proper evidence handling, and report writing preferred

• Basic knowledge of investigative techniques, principles and practices used in crime scene analysis

• Basic knowledge in performing blood spatter analysis, gunshot residue, chemical processing, and bullet trajectory analysis

• Skilled in using math, biology, chemistry and related sciences as they relate to crime scene analysis

• Skilled in basic writing principles and grammar

• Ability to work independently, exercise good judgement and individual initiative in the performance of assigned duties

• Ability to perform physical tasks under diverse working conditions

• Ability to remain calm, even tempered, decisive, accurate, and emotionally unattached while working in a high stress environment

Licenses and Certifications

• Valid Class C Texas driver's license

• Completion of the Basic Fingerprint Comparison Course or the ability to do so within three years of hire.

• Texas Department of Safety (DPS) Texas Crime Information Center (TCIC) Less Than Full Access and the Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunication System (TLETS) certifications or the ability to obtain within 6 months of hire