Crime Lab & Forensic Supervisor

City of High Point•High Point, NC

20h•Onsite

About The Position

The Crime Scene Unit Supervisor has direct supervision over assigned Crime Scene Technicians involved in the examination and investigation of all types of crime scenes and accident investigations in support of law enforcement activities. The Crime Scene Unit Supervisor works in the field, monitoring subordinates’ work, participating in crime scene processing, coordinating crime scene investigations with sworn personnel in the field, and ensuring that tasks are performed in accordance with standard operating procedures, regulations, and best practices. This position allows for a significant amount of creativity and critical thinking in an effort to provide leadership to Crime Scene Technicians. The Crime Scene Unit Supervisor also performs the following duties: reviewing technical reports; creating and maintaining work schedules; completing thorough documentation of subordinates’ work performance, as well as completing performance evaluations; and completing payroll and other administrative functions. An additional responsibility is training the Crime Scene Technicians and other department personnel in the forensic disciplines and functions of the Crime Scene Unit. The Crime Scene Supervisor is also responsible for overseeing the Crime Scene Technician field training program, the training of new Crime Scene Technicians, and the performance of Field Training Technicians. The Crime Scene Unit Supervisor is also required to maintain proficiency in performing the duties of a Crime Scene Technician, which includes: photographing all types of crime and accident scenes to record the appearance of evidence using highly-skilled photographic and other evidence gathering techniques; identifying, collecting, and securing physical evidence, such as blood, body fluids, hair and fibers, and firearms for laboratory testing and use as evidence in criminal prosecutions; searching for and developing latent prints at crime scenes; photographing and fingerprinting suspects, investigate leads, victims (including deceased individuals), and witnesses; producing castings and comparative photographs of footprints, tire tracks, and other impressions; and testifying in court. The use of chemicals in the field may be necessary in order to perform certain tasks. A major aspect of the duties includes writing detailed reports with proper grammar and punctuation, as well as establishing and maintaining records to ensure proper chain of custody of physical evidence. Duties may include other special assignments. Work is performed under the regular supervision of the Forensic Section Manager.

Requirements

Minimum of bachelor's degree in forensic science, biology, chemistry, criminal justice, or closely related field from an accredited institution
Minimum of six years of experience in crime scene processing
Must be in good standing with your current agency with no serious written reprimands within the last year
Must be able to work crime scenes where there is graphic violence
Must have thorough knowledge of pertinent federal and state laws and municipal ordinances and rules and regulations of the department
Must have the ability to assign, direct, and supervise the work of subordinate personnel; to deal with the public courteously and firmly and to maintain records and prepare reports.
Must possess excellent oral and written communication and computer skills
Must have advanced knowledge of rules of evidence
Must have advanced knowledge of photography
Must be able to figure distance measurements for accurate crime scene sketches
Possess the ability to use all the issued equipment at the required level of proficiency
Must have advanced knowledge of methods and standards employed in forensic science
Because of the confidential and sensitive nature of the work required, successful completion of a polygraph and background investigation is required.
Valid North Carolina Driver's License. Driver's license issued by another state must be changed to a North Carolina driver's license within sixty (60) days of employment.
Hearing/Speaking - Expressing and/or receiving information by means of spoken word are both necessary to converse with internal and external customers, including co-workers, citizens, and applicants.
Visual Abilities – the ability to perceive via eyesight is required for this position: Acuity, far – clarity of vision at 20 feet or more. Must be able to see from a distance when administering and observing employment tests, operating a motor vehicle, or addressing an audience. Acuity, near – clarity of vision at 20 inches or less. Must be able to see work-related business documents close at hand. Depth perception – Three-dimensional vision and the ability to judge distance and space relationships. Field of Vision – the area that can be seen up and down or to the right or left while eyes are focused on one point. Must be able to see a wide span of area. Accommodation – Must be able to adjust the eye lens to glance quickly.
Physical Strength – The degree of physical demands typically associated with this position include: Light Work Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally; and/or Exerting up to 10 pounds of force frequently; and A negligible amount of force constantly to handle or move materials related to the position
Type of Physical Demands Reaching - Extending the hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction. Handling - Seizing, holding, grasping, turning, or otherwise working with hand(s). Fingering - Picking, pinching, or otherwise working with fingers primarily rather than the entire hand or arm. Must have finger dexterity to operate radio equipment, computer, and similar equipment
Mental Activity/Requirements Reasoning Ability to apply principles of logical thinking combined with knowledge of principles and practices of public personnel and employment laws to work tasks and handle practical situations, comprehend and respond to a variety of situations in a timely fashion, and exercise good judgment.
Mathematics Ability Using arithmetic and/or Statistics: Ability to direct and oversee the use of arithmetic and/or statistics in the preparation of a variety of tests and reports.
Language Ability The ability to speak, read, and write the English language is required for this position. Must be able to communicate both verbally and in writing.
Environmental Conditions Physical Surroundings The Crime Scene Supervisor is subject to working inside or outdoors. Exposed to the various weather conditions and temperatures. When the crime scene is located outside, the worker is required to work in extremely hot weather and extremely cold weather as well as in rain, sleet, snow, ice, fog, smoke, and windstorms. The position is so specialized that the worker may not leave the scene until all evidence is collected. This may require the individual to wear the same clothing and continue work for a period of time to exceed the normal work schedule and sometimes as long as 24 hours.
Hazards The Crime Scene Supervisor may be exposed to body fluids, chemicals, vaccines, and other drugs. The work performed is subject to the final standards of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines.

Nice To Haves

Certifications in Forensic Discipline.
Preference will be given to applicants with experience in a designated leadership/supervisory role within forensics
Preference will be given to applicants who have had leadership and/or training courses
Preference will be given to applicants with an established record of experience in the successful training of new employees

Responsibilities

Coordinates the Crime Scene Unit daily activities and responsibilities.
Assigns, directs, supervises, and reviews the work of the Crime Scene Technicians who are responsible for the collection and preservation of physical evidence and processing of crime scenes.
Maintains employee personnel records and completes performance appraisals of Crime Scene Technicians; provides feedback and guidance on employee performance; corrects deficiencies of Crime Scene Technicians.
Assists in the implementation of goals and objectives.
Monitors schedules and methods for providing forensic services.
Implements procedures to improve efficiency of crime scene investigations.
Participates and provides staff training.
Reviews crime scene case notes, reports, photographs, evidence, and diagrams for accuracy and completeness in accordance with established procedures; provides advice and counsel as necessary.
Serves as shift supervisory liaison for the Crime Scene Unit with police officers, detectives, and Patrol supervisors.
Conducts periodic inspections of vehicles, workspaces, equipment, evidence lockers, and evidentiary documentation.
Ensures that ongoing training requirements are met and required or preferred certifications are obtained by staff.
Provides training and keeps abreast of assigned staff training needs.
Makes requests of equipment/supplies needed to meet crime scene processing needs to the Forensic Manager.
Stays abreast of trends, developments, and legal opinions related to the fields of crime scene investigations.
Provides forensic expert advice to detectives and police officers.
Testify in court as an expert witness regarding crime scene processing/investigations and examination of evidence.
Understand and apply scientific concepts for forensic analysis of evidence to reach accurate conclusions of fact in criminal investigations.
Ability to scan the crime scene, make decisions on evidence to be collected, and direct subordinates in the collection of evidence before it is distorted or destroyed through the moving of objects, bodies, etc.