Police Crime Scene Specialist

Gila River Indian Community; Sacaton (AZ); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

The Gila River Police Department is seeking a Police Crime Scene Specialist in Sacaton, AZ. The role focuses on preserving chain of custody and security of evidence, and releasing items for laboratory tests or court testimony.

Qualifications include an associate’s degree in a relevant field or a high school diploma with extensive experience in evidence custody, and an ability to work independently with discretion. A tribal driving permit is required.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree with 1 year of care, custody, and control of evidence or law enforcement experience.
• High school diploma or GED with 3 years of care, custody, and control of evidence or law enforcement experience.

Responsibilities

• Identify, collect, examine, interpret, classify, preserve, and present evidence from crime scenes.
• Process evidence in the field or workstation using powders, chemical solutions, forensic light source, and cameras to develop and preserve evidence.
• Prepare detailed reports of processed scenes and involvement in investigations.
• Respond to call-outs and testify in court as required by subpoena.
• Attend trainings to stay updated on job-specific issues.

Skills

Chain of custody

Communication skills

Discretion and integrity

Independent work

Physical fitness

Education

Associate’s degree in Criminalistics/Forensics

High School diploma or GED + 3 years experience

Tools

Computers and software

Forensic photography equipment

Job description

Job Title: Police Crime Scene Specialist

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Job Number: 24-509

Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Department: Gila River Police Department

City: Sacaton, AZ

Locations: 639 W. Seed Farm Road

Area of Interest: Public Safety

Salary/ Hourly Rate: $20.25 - $25.65 Hourly

Tribal DrivingPermit Required: Yes

*Written Testing Required*

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The Police Crime Scene Specialist is responsible for preserving the chain of custody and security of hazardous/non-hazardous evidence received from law enforcement personnel. Releases, documents and issues evidence for the purpose of performing laboratory tests or providing testimony in court.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Identifies, collects, examines, interprets, classifies, preserves, and presents evidence from crime scenes, such as biological evidence, latent fingerprints, tire prints, firearms, shoe prints, tool marks, and other physical evidence.
• Processes evidence in the field or workstation using special powders, chemical solutions, forensic light source, and various cameras, lenses, and filters to develop and preserve evidence.
• Reports to crime scenes as directed and completes required procedures including, but not limited to, photography, collection and identification of evidence under the direction of the detective personnel.
• Releases evidentiary items to authorized law enforcement personnel.
• Prepares detailed reports of scenes that have been processed and any involvement during the investigation.
• Responds to call-outs; testifies in court as required by subpoena.
• Attends meetings and training sessions in order to remain updated on job specific issues.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY:

• Considerable knowledge of applicable federal, state, and tribal laws, codes, and regulations.
• Knowledge of police procedures for impounding and safekeeping of property.
• Knowledge of computers and software desired.
• Working knowledge of firearms operation.
• Basic knowledge of modern photographic techniques and equipment, including video.
• Ability to understand and follow handling, retrieval and disposal procedures carefully.
• Ability to implement storage, security and accounting procedures for items of a sensitive nature and/or valuable impounded property.
• Ability to work independently in absence of supervisor.
• Ability to display discretion and integrity in the performance of duties.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work irregular hours, holidays, weekends, and call-outs.
• Ability to bend, stretch, stoop, reach, and climb (stairs or stepladders).
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, Community Officials and the general public.
• Ability to perform all physical requirements of the position; agree to maintain a Drug-free workplace.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university in Criminalistics, Forensics, Chemistry, or a closely related field and one (1) year experience in the care, custody, and control of evidence items or experience in a law enforcement environment; Or
• High School diploma or GED and three (3) years’ experience in the care, custody, and control of evidence items or experience in a law enforcement environment.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.

Required to pass a background check and fingerprint clearance as a condition of employment and must continue to maintain throughout duration of employment.

Required to obtain a Tribal Driving permit. Valid state driver’s license with a current proof of driving record for the past 39 months will be required to qualify for a tribal driving permit. Proof of driving record must be submitted with application and must not be more than 60 days old from the date of submission of the application.

Non-Supervisory, Hourly Position

Reports to Chief of Police or designee

BENEFITS:

The Gila River Indian Community offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes; vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, short and long term disability benefits.

Preference in filling vacancies is given to qualified Indian candidates in accordance with the Indian Preference Act (Title 25, U.S. Code, Section 472 and 473). The Gila River Indian Community is also committed to achieving the full and equal opportunity without discrimination because of Race, Religion, Color, Sex, National Origin, Politics, Marital Status, Physical Handicap, Age or Sexual Orientation. In other than the above, the Gila River Indian Community is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

• Preference for Community Members (with proof of enrollment)
• Preference for Native Americans (must meet membership requirement of a federally recognized Tribe.)
• Preference point for Spouse of Community Member (with proof of spouse enrollment)
• Preference point for Veteran (must meet statutory requirements)

HUMAN RESOURCES WILL NOT MAKE COPIES OF APPLICATIONS OR DOCUMENTS BEING SUBMITTED.