VA Certified Officer Investigations Forensic Detective

Lynchburg Police Department; Lynchburg (VA); On-site; USD 53,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Job summary

The Lynchburg Police Department seeks a sworn Crime Scene Detective for the Forensic Unit in the Criminal Investigations Division. The role focuses on collection, preservation, and documentation of physical evidence from crime scenes, including digital devices and photography.

Virginia DCJS certified officers may transfer laterally. The position requires nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call duties with 45-minute response readiness; training, exams, and background checks are part of employment.

Qualifications

• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to completion of high school and considerable experience in police work.
• Previous forensic science training is preferred; candidates must complete required training.
• Must be able to provide credible court testimony.

Responsibilities

• Analyze crime scenes and gather evidence for identification, apprehension, and prosecution.
• Know approved principles and procedures of police forensic work and related equipment.
• Maintain chain of custody and prepare clear reports and presentations.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Evidence handling

Court testimony

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Forensic science training

Tools

Crime scene equipment knowledge

Job description

The City of Lynchburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The Lynchburg Police Department is currently offering a lateral transfer program for Virginia DCJS Certified Officers

This position is for a sworn Crime Scene Detective, who will be assigned to the Forensic Unit within the Criminal Investigations Division and responsible for the collection, identification, classification, packaging, preservation, transportation, and documentation of physical evidence gathered from crime scenes

This position may require working more than 40 hours in a workweek, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Applicants must be able to work and maintain an on-call status regularly and be able to return to the City of Lynchburg limits within 45 minutes in a call-out situation

Virginia Certified Officers will complete this application, a physical fitness examination, an oral interview with the Criminal Investigations Division, a polygraph examination, a psychological examination, a background investigation, and a medical examination prior to employment

• $5,000 sign-on bonus.
• All Police Officers will receive 40 hours of vacation time and 40 hours of sick time upon being hired.
• 100% of Law Enforcement Officer experience credit up to 9 years of service will be used to determine salary and rank. (Jail officers, courtroom security officers, sworn security officers, and any other sworn officer who have not conducted policing similar to the responsibilities of a Lynchburg Police Officer are not eligible.)
• All sworn personnel are subject to reassignment to other areas of the agency based on the needs of the department or unforeseen circumstances.
• Will be required to complete the abbreviated LPD Field Training Program for certified law enforcement officers.

Years of service a Virginia Certified Officer must have before obtaining rank are:

• A minimum of 3 years to obtain POII - $53,060.80 - $55,723.20
• A minimum of 5 years to obtain POIII - $57,512.00 - $79,185.60

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Analyze crime scenes and gather evidence to be used in identifying, apprehending, and prosecuting people suspected of committing crimes.
• Should have a general knowledge of approved principles, practices, and procedures of police forensic work and equipment and technology relating to the forensic sciences.
• Should have a strong work ethic and knowledge of the fundamentals of crime scene identification, evidence collection, preservation, processing, and documentation of physical evidence, digital phones, video footage, computers, mobile and other electronic devices, collect latent fingerprints, photographs and sketches complex crime scenes, transports evidence to and from the crime lab, coordinates with other criminal justice professionals and relevant parties.
• Should have a thorough knowledge of the rules of evidence and laws of search and seizure.
• Must maintain confidentiality and follow proper procedures to preserve evidence and ensure the chain of custody.
• Must be able to prepare clear and concise reports and PowerPoint presentations.
• Must be able to provide credible court testimony.
• Will be required to attend in-service training and keep abreast of new techniques and best practices in the field.
• Must have enthusiasm for new tasks and a willingness to work efficiently and effectively with minimal supervision when necessary.
• Must be a team player and have a willingness to contribute to group goals and objectives.
• Must have the ability to use logic and reasoning to understand, analyze, and evaluate situations and exercise good judgment to make appropriate decisions.
• Performs special projects and other related duties as assigned.
• Other duties to provide direct or indirect service to the citizens may be assigned.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Other duties to provide direct or indirect service to the citizens may be assigned.
• When unusual situations occur and/or the City Manager declares a State of Emergency, all City employees may be required to accept special assignments and perform as needed to ensure appropriate service delivery.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to completion of high school and considerable experience in police work.
• Previous forensic science training is preferred. Candidates without prior forensic training must successfully complete all required forensic science training within one year, including attendance at either the University of Tennessee National Forensic Academy or the Virginia Department of Forensic Science Forensic Science Academy.
• Ability to maintain compliance with minimum standards for Police Officers issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• Must be able to provide credible court testimony.
• Must have worked in a position that is commensurate to the duties and responsibilities of a Lynchburg Police Officer.
• Possession of valid Driver's License issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia and acceptable driving record according to City Criteria
• Must have at least three years of continuous valid licensing, no DUI convictions within the last three years, and an overall pattern of safe vehicle operation and driving habits.
• Must successfully complete IS100 and IS700 National Incident Management (NIMS) training within 90 days of employment. May also be required to complete higher levels of NIMS training as determined appropriate for the position.