Police Evidence Specialist Trainee (SR-16)

County of Maui; Wailuku (HI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Maui seeks a Police Evidence Specialist Trainee to gain initial orientation in searching for, recovering, and marking physical and digital evidence at crime scenes and traffic incidents. You will assist seasoned specialists, learn laboratory procedures, and help prepare evidence reports for court presentations.

Under supervision, you will receive on-the-job training in fingerprint processing, dusting and lifting latent prints, preparing sketches, taking photographs, and performing

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in the physical or biological sciences.
• Must be qualified to carry and/or possess firearms or ammunition in accordance with state and federal laws.
• Possession of a valid motor vehicle driver’s license (equivalent to State of Hawaii, Type 3).

Responsibilities

• Receives orientation in searching for, recovering, preserving, and marking physical/digital and trace evidence at crime scenes and traffic accidents.
• Learns proper procedures for measurements and notes and prepares simple sketches of crime scenes and traffic accidents.
• Receives on-the-job training in dusting, lifting, and recovering latent fingerprints and producing castings of impressions.
• Receives orientation in photographs of latent prints, evidence, victims, crime scenes and traffic accidents.
• Receives training in conducting tests and analyses in the crime laboratory, including examination of drugs and alcohol, processing latent prints, and firearms testing.
• Learns to prepare detailed evidence reports and assemble exhibits for court presentations.
• Assists in procuring supplies and attends relevant classes.

Skills

Knowledge of physical sciences

Laboratory procedures

Office equipment

Crime scene characteristics

Rules of evidence

Investigative methods

Reports writing

Laboratory instruments

Record keeping

Teamwork

Oral and written instructions

Education

Bachelor’s degree in physical or biological sciences

Job description

Description

Under immediate supervision, receives initial orientation and training in searching for, recovering, preserving, marking and processing of physical/digital evidence at crime scenes and traffic accidents as required, and in preparing evidence reports and exhibits for court presentation; assists more experienced specialists with conducting tests and analyses in a police forensics laboratory; and performs other related duties as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This class differs from the Police Evidence Specialist I in that the Police Evidence Specialist Trainee performs as a trainee and receives initial orientation and training relating to the search, recovery, preservation, and marking of physical/digital evidence in accordance with prescribed standards, methods, and techniques; whereas the Police Evidence Specialist I performs moderately difficult tasks relating to the search, recovery, preservation and marking of physical/digital evidence, and assists more experienced specialists with the more difficult and complex aspects of the work.

Examples of Duties

• Receives orientation in the prescribed standards, methods, and techniques in searching for, recovering, preserving, and marking physical/digital and trace evidence at crime scenes and traffic accidents as required;
• Learns the proper procedures for measurements and notes; learns to prepare simple sketches and drawings of crime scenes and traffic accidents as required, including placement of physical evidence;
• Receives on-the-job training in dusting, lifting, and recovering latent fingerprints from various sources; producing castings of footprints, tire tracks, and other impressions;
• Receives orientation in taking photographs of latent prints, evidence, victims, crime scenes and traffic accidents as required;
• Receives orientation and training in conducting tests and analyses in the crime laboratory to include examination and analysis of drugs, and alcohol; processing latent prints through chemical methods; examining, and testing firearms and comparing bullets and cartridges; preparing chemical reagents, etc.;
• Learns the proper procedures for preparing detailed evidence reports and assembling evidence and exhibits for court presentation;
• Assists in procuring supplies and services;
• Attends in-service and other classes pertinent to the field;
• Operates a mobile crime scene response vehicle as required;
• Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Training and Experience: A combination of education and experience substantially equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in the physical or biological sciences.

Qualification for Firearms: Must be qualified to carry and/or possess firearms or ammunition in accordance with state and federal laws, e.g., no misdemeanor or felony domestic violence conviction.

License Requirement: Possession of a valid motor vehicle driver’s license (equivalent to State of Hawaii, Type 3).

Knowledge of: Basic principles of physical and biological sciences; standard laboratory procedures and equipment; uses of standard office equipment.

Ability to: Learn crime scene characteristics and evidence recovery procedures; learn and apply the rules of evidence; learn and apply investigative methods and techniques; learn to prepare reports of crime scene investigations; learn the use of common laboratory instruments and equipment; assist with routine laboratory analyses and keep records of findings; work well with others; and follow oral and written instructions.

Health And Physical Condition

Persons seeking appointment to positions in this class must meet the health and physical condition standards deemed necessary and proper to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

Physical Effort Grouping: Light

Special Working Conditions: Irregular hours, shift and weekend work, and occasional exposure to obnoxious conditions as required.

Supplemental Information

Firearms Requirements

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The County of Maui does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, color, ancestry, national origin, disability, marital status, pregnancy, arrest and court record, assignment of child support, national guard participation or any other basis covered by state or federal laws governing non-discrimination

Pre-Employment/Post-Offer Drug Screening Test

All applicants, who will enter a safety sensitive position or certain designated categories that the Personnel Services Director has established or who are required by law to be drug tested must pass a pre-employment/post-offer drug screening test as a condition of employment. There is no retesting or re-evaluation process. Cost for the drug screening test shall be borne by the County of Maui.