Forensic Specialist, Criminalist

Kansas City Police; Kansas City (MO); Vor Ort; USD 60.000 - 90.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

The Kansas City Police Department is seeking an imaging analyst to support crime scene investigations. A bachelor’s degree in imaging or science is required, with preference for digital imaging or 3D graphics experience. Strong pattern recognition, writing and analytical skills, plus a valid driver’s license, are essential.

Post-offer testing is required. The role involves scene attendance, data extraction from CCTV, audio/video analysis, 3D laser scanning, and evidentiary preparation for court.

Qualifikationen

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in imaging or science.
• Close attention to detail and pattern recognition required.
• Knowledge of computer-based imaging software required.
• Post offer, pre-employment testing per Department policy.

Aufgaben

• Attend crime scenes to facilitate technical recovery of CCTV data safely and evidentially.
• Analyze audio recordings for authenticity and clarity for legal use.
• Process data from 3D laser scans; clean, align and build 3D models; create virtual walkthroughs.
• Test and prep video evidence; review video and photos for clarity.
• Operate video editing tools to assemble evidential packages for court; apply enhancements.
• Identify similarities/differences in imagery; document findings for detectives.
• Conduct research and verification studies of new software/equipment.
• Prepare written reports of examinations; provide expert testimony as needed.
• Triage and maintain audit records of applied enhancements; ensure QA compliance.
• Maintain ability to work overtime, nights, weekends; adapt to weather conditions.

Kenntnisse

Pattern recognition

Analytical thinking

Written communication

Decision making

Time management

Discretion and judgement

Strong communication

Ausbildung

Bachelor's degree in imaging or science

Jobbeschreibung

Applicants must upload a resume and cover letter outlining their qualifications for this position with their application.

Must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in an imaging or science related field. Close attention to detail and an understanding of pattern recognition is required. Previous digital imaging or 3D computer graphics experience is preferred but not essential. Knowledge of computer-based software for imaging and processing is required.

The position requires strong communication, writing, analytical and decision-making skills. The incumbent is required to exercise discretion and sound judgement consistently. The inclement must also have documented strong time management skills.

Incumbent must possess a valid driver’s license and must possess the ability to operate an automobile.

Incumbent will be required to complete post offer, pre-employment testing per Department Policy.

Physical Requirements:

Lifting (20-50 pounds), walking (up to 2 miles), and extended periods of sedentary work are required daily.

Exposure to hazardous materials, noise levels, and working conditions exist.

Work may involve decomposing corpses, body fluids, exposure to contagious diseases, and potentially deadly unknown materials such as fentanyl.

Brief Job Description

• Attend in and around crime scenes as directed by supervisor or investigating officers, to facilitate the technical recovery of CCTV data that cannot be otherwise recovered by system operators or attending police officers ensuring that retrieval is carried out in an evidentially safe manner.
• Using audio software, analyze, interpret and clarify audio recordings for legal and investigative purposes. Support law enforcement and legal teams by ensuring the authenticity and clarity of audio evidence.
• Process, analyze and interpret data collected from 3D laser scanning devices. Clean Point Cloud Date Remove noise, redundant points, and irrelevant data from raw scans. Align Scans Combine multiple scans into a single, cohesive 3D model through registration processes. Interpret the spatial data to extract meaningful information, such as dimensions and bullet trajectory analysis. Produce 3D virtual walkthrough presentations of crime scenes.
• Conduct preliminary testing and preparation of video evidence. Provide analysis of video, still photographs and other evidence, whether analog or digital in nature. Review video and photographic evidence for visual clarity.
• Operate nonlinear video editing equipment and DVD authoring software to assemble evidential packages for use in court. Apply annotation, masking, filters and highlighting to video footage as directed, to achieve customer requirements.
• Using specialized equipment and software, apply enhancement techniques to gain the maximum definition of detail while maintaining an evidential audit record of applied enhancements.
• Compare and contrast known objects to questioned objects observed in imagery and recovered items. Identify and document similarities/dissimilarities in characteristics including colors, relative positioning, and unique identifiers.
• Conduct research projects and perform verification studies of new software/equipment.
• Examine and conduct analysis on evidence; relate results of examinations through written reports. Report confidential analysis results to detectives and officers of the court.
• Render expert witness testimony in depositions and court.
• Perform technical/administrative reviews of casework.
• Troubleshoot and identify repair or replacement needs to photographic and video equipment.
• Participate in and conduct proficiency testing in applicable areas of analysis.
• Strong communication, time management, writing, analytical and decision-making skills are required. Must consistently exercise discretion, sound judgment and must comply with all accreditation mandates to assure quality of results and analysis. Failure of any quality assurance mandates must be reported, whether it is of their own or another analyst.
• Must submit to a DNA standard for quality control purposes.
• Continue advancing skills through research, attendance to educational conferences and relevant courses or workshops.
• Regular and reliable attendance is essential and must have the ability to work mandatory overtime, flexible hours, on-call, nights, and weekends and/or holidays when necessary.
• Must have the ability to work outside in all types of weather conditions. Assist in crime scene investigations where appropriate.