Crime Scene/Evidence Specialist I/II

City of Golden•Golden, CO

12d

About The Position

The Crime Scene/Evidence Specialist provides crime scene processing and evidence collection under the direction of the Crime Scene/Evidence Specialist Supervisor. The role conducts forensic examinations of evidence, including fingerprinting and photography, and oversees daily operations in the evidence room and lab. It secures, stores, tracks, releases, and disposes of evidence and property in accordance with applicable laws and procedures while preserving the chain of custody and maintaining accurate records. The position responds to crime scenes, traffic accidents, and other police-related incidents; prepares photographic evidence and court exhibits; and may testify in court about evidence handling and crime scene investigation. It provides technical support, trains officers and investigators in crime processing and evidence procedures, and gives presentations to community members, students, and children. The role maintains current knowledge of scientific standards and works with department personnel and external partners, including the District Attorney’s Office, Forensic Nurse Examiners, and other law enforcement entities. It may be called out after regularly scheduled shifts as needed. Crime Scene Investigators are typically hired at the CSI I level. A CSI II is expected to function as a subject matter expert in the absence of supervision, demonstrate proficiency across the position’s systems and processes, and serve as a field trainer.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Criminalistics, or a related field, and two years of experience in Crime Scene/Evidence, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
For consideration at the CSI II level: at least three years of experience and an International Association for Identification Certified Crime Scene Investigator certificate or equivalent training.
Ability to read, interpret, and apply applicable federal, state, and local laws and ordinances, and to understand and follow departmental policies.
Ability to write detailed reports and correspondence and effectively present information in one-on-one and small-group settings.
Outstanding customer service, interpersonal communication, and relationship-building skills when working with police officers, city employees, governmental agencies, court representatives, public safety agencies, and the general public.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic, calculate rates, ratios, and percentages, and draw and interpret bar graphs.
Ability to follow written, oral, or diagrammed instructions, solve problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations, and work independently in the absence of supervision.
Ability to maintain accurate, up-to-date evidence files and a comprehensive understanding of evidence collection, processing, and retention.
Ability to handle sensitive information confidentially.
Knowledge of general law enforcement procedures for evidence collection and maintenance, and of inventory record-keeping principles and procedures.
Strong organization and attention to detail, with the ability to accurately account for property and evidence.
Ability to satisfactorily complete on-the-job training in crime scene and evidentiary procedures within six months.
Ability to communicate effectively with individuals in stressful circumstances, chaotic situations, and crime scenes.
For CSI II, ability to demonstrate high proficiency with systems and processes throughout all areas of the position and perform as a subject matter expert in the absence of supervision.

Responsibilities

Process crime scenes and collect evidence.
Conduct forensic examinations of evidence, including fingerprints, photographs, and other physical evidence.
Take photographs at crime scenes, traffic accidents, and other police-related incidents using a variety of photographic equipment.
Maintain files of photographic evidence and crime scenes.
Locate, develop, photograph, and lift latent fingerprints at crime scenes and from evidence submitted for chemical processing.
Collect inked fingerprints for comparison, elimination, and identity verification, and submit them to a county or state crime lab for analysis.
Prepare court exhibits for cases involving criminal activities and provide testimony on evidence handling and crime scene investigation techniques and processes.
Oversee daily operations in the evidence room and lab area.
Secure, store, and dispose of seized evidence and property according to federal, state, and department procedures.
Maintain the security and integrity of the evidence vault and evidence lab, follow departmental procedures, and preserve the chain of custody.
Receive, sort, and secure property delivered to the Golden Police Department Evidence Vault.
Verify evidence reports against property and tracking system entries.
Research lost and stolen property to determine ownership and release it to the rightful owner.
Determine the appropriate and lawful disposition of property and release it to police officers, lawful owners, the court system, or other law enforcement agencies.
Maintain accurate records of property transfers, releases, decisions, and evidence transactions; compile data for statistical computation.
Conduct periodic audits of property inventory.
Explain evidence collection procedures to officers, members of the public, and other agencies as needed.
Ensure office, processing, and photographic equipment is in good working order and keep work areas and crime scene vehicles clean.
Train new CSIs, detectives, and police officers in crime scene processing, evidence collection, and evidence packaging.
Provide presentations to community members, students, and children about forensic science and evidentiary collection procedures.
Maintain knowledge of and apply current CSI industry scientific standards for evidence collection, processing, and forensic techniques.
Work with department colleagues and professionals from other organizations, including the District Attorney’s Office, Forensic Nurse Examiners, and other law enforcement entities.
Respond to after-shift call-outs as needed and perform other related duties and specialized assignments.