Forensic Investigator

City of Garland; United States; On-site; USD 55,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Garland is seeking a dedicated investigator to conduct timely and thorough forensic investigations. You will document and analyze evidence from crime scenes, prepare clear reports, and present findings in court as needed.

Responsibilities include collecting latent prints, coordinating with police and laboratories, and providing testimony. A relevant degree and hands-on evidence handling skills are required or strongly preferred.

Qualifications

• Minimum: associate degree in criminal justice/forensic sciences or equivalent experience.
• Preferred: bachelor’s degree in forensic science, chemistry, biology or related field.
• Experience with evidence collection, documentation and report writing is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Investigate crime scenes by collecting, documenting, analyzing and presenting evidence.
• Analyze crime scenes using photography, measurements, diagrams and basic laser scanning.
• Prepare objective investigative reports for review and court purposes.
• Coordinate with police, lab personnel and court staff to inform investigations.
• Provide testimony in court and present physical and photographic evidence.

Skills

Crime scene investigation

Evidence handling

Report writing

Court testimony

Photography basics

Attention to detail

Education

Associate's degree in criminal justice or forensic sciences

Bachelor's degree in Forensic Science / Chemistry / Biology

Tools

Photography equipment

Fingerprint development

Blood spatter basics

Job description

Salary

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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• 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.