Forensic Services Technician

City of Winston-Salem, NC; Winston-Salem (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Winston-Salem, NC invites applications for a position in Forensic Services. The role supports crime scene response, evidence handling, and prepares testimony for court, under supervision of the Forensic Services Squad Division Supervisor.

Responsibilities include crime scene processing, photography, latent prints collection, maintaining chain of custody, and training personnel while staying current with forensic methods and safety requirements.

Qualifications

• Associates/Technical degree in criminal justice, forensic science, or related field and/or moderate experience in forensics, law enforcement, and analyzing crime scenes, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• General knowledge of methods and standards employed in forensic science; general knowledge of rules of evidence; general knowledge of photography; ability to maintain confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Crime Scene Response including processing and photography; documents scenes and evidence through forensic photography/videography.
• Identifies, collects, and preserves evidence utilizing appropriate forensic techniques; locates, preserves and/or lifts latent prints.
• Maintains chain of custody for evidence; prepares detailed sketches and diagrams of crime scenes; prepares investigative reports.
• Presents evidence in District, State, and Federal Courts; prepares photographic line-ups and images for viewing.
• Effectively communicates with investigators, court personnel, suspects, and citizens; trains personnel.

Skills

Forensic photography

Evidence preservation

Court testimony

Communication

Education

Associate/Technical degree in criminal justice or forensic science

Job description

Performs intermediate technical work identifying, gathering and preserving evidence, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the moderate supervision of the Forensic Services Squad Division Supervisor.

• Crime Scene Response to include processing and photography; responds to and initiates radio communications; documents scenes and evidence through forensic photography/videography; identifies, collects, and preserves evidence utilizing appropriate forensic techniques; locates, preserves and/or lifts latent prints from physical evidence
• Maintains chain of custody for evidence; prepares detailed sketches and diagrams of crime scenes; obtain post-mortem finger and palm prints to establish identity; searches files to identify suspects.
• Prepares evidence and presents courtroom testimony in District, State, and Federal Courts.
• Prepares photographic line-up and images for viewing; maintains detailed filing systems and records; prepares detailed investigative and supplemental case reports of activities and investigations.
• Effectively communicates with investigators, court personnel, suspects, and citizens.
• Remains abreast of technological and procedural advances in forensic related disciplines.
• Processes persons under arrest for mugshots, DNA, updating demographic information in databases and operates a LiveScan terminal to obtain their known impressions.
• Conducts breath and blood testing for alcohol or other impairing substances for suspected impaired drivers.
• Trains personnel.
• Various administrative duties.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Associates/Technical degree in criminal justice, forensic science, or related field and/or moderate experience in forensics, law enforcement, and analyzing crime scenes, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

General knowledge of methods and standards employed in forensic science; general knowledge of rules of evidence; general knowledge of photography; ability to maintain confidentiality; ability to follow complex oral and written directions; ability to use all issued equipment at the required level of proficiency; ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing; ability to present clear and concise testimony in court; ability to work independently in the absence of direct supervision; basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and position specific software; ability to maintain effective working relationships with investigators, court personnel, suspects, supervisors, co-workers and members of the public.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 50 pounds of force; work regularly requires standing, speaking or hearing and using hands to finger, handle or feel, frequently requires walking and reaching with hands and arms and occasionally requires sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, tasting or smelling, lifting and repetitive motions; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, using of measuring devices, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work regularly requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions, frequently requires exposure to fumes or airborne particles and exposure to bloodborne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment and occasionally requires wearing a respirator; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).

Special Requirements

• Valid driver's license

• Intoximeter Certification (NCDHHS)
• Medical and departmental approved respirator
• Successful completion of City of Winston-Salem safety driving class