Crime Scene Investigator (A9)

City of Annapolis•Annapolis, MD

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Annapolis Police Department (APD) is dedicated to preventing crime and preserving the quality of life for all residents through fair and impartial service. The crime scene investigator plays a critical role in criminal investigations. Where appropriate, this role requires examination of evidence for latent fingerprints, takes photographs, makes diagrams, collects, and preserves physical evidence; attends autopsies, collects additional evidence, and takes inked prints from deceased persons. Prepares reports for all assignments and examinations performed. Prepares letters of transmittal to various labs and preserves all evidence in its original condition for presentation in court. Responds to all crime scenes promptly when notified. Work requires a good knowledge of departmental programs; a good knowledge of the different latent fingerprint techniques; the ability to collect and preserve crime scene evidence; the ability to prepare letters and reports, including proper formatting; and the ability to understand and carry out complex oral and written instructions. Work requires the wearing of the proper uniform for the Unit and requires a courteous business-like demeanor when dealing with supervisors, coworkers, and the public. When appropriate apprises ranking members of the Department and supervisors of the facts of cases as they develop. Investigates homicide, rapes, armed robberies, departmental shootings, physical and sexual abuse, suicides, residential and commercial burglaries, home invasions, recovered stolen automobiles, and all other crime scenes. This is a quasi essential position.

Requirements

Minimum of bachelor’s degree in forensic science, criminal justice, a related science, or similar is required.
Possession of a valid driver’s license is required.
Knowledge of modern identification techniques, including fingerprint classification and photography;
Knowledge of approved principles and practices of police work;
Knowledge of laws and ordinances governing local police work;
Skill using sound judgment, tact and courtesy;
Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions;
Ability to be courteous and firm with the public;
Ability to operate small office equipment, including copy machines or multi-line telephone systems;
Ability to operate computers for data entry, word processing and/or recordkeeping purposes;
Ability to operate highly technical computer applications, such as GIS or CAD;
Ability to operate small/light equipment, such as power tools;
Ability to operate medium equipment and machinery, such as vehicles.

Nice To Haves

Ten print examination accepted training is preferred.
Certified Crime Scene Analyst through the International Association of Identification is preferred.
Bi-lingual in English/Spanish is desired.

Responsibilities

Responds to crime scenes or assignments promptly.
Examines evidence for latent fingerprints, takes photographs, makes diagrams, collects, and preserves physical evidence.
Gather facts regarding investigations from uniformed officers.
Attends autopsies as needed to recover physical evidence and document injuries, defects, scars, marks, and tattoos from the decedent. Recovers fingerprints from the decedent for identification and elimination purposes.
Uses proper techniques to collect, maintain, and package items of physical evidence for submission to laboratories and court.
Apprises ranking members on the scene and section supervisor of the facts of the case as developed.
Exhibits a courteous, businesslike demeanor when dealing with supervisors, coworkers, and the public.
Exhibits sound judgment in all situations.
Maintains reports which are complete, clear, and concise with an accurate description of the action taken.
Coordinates the securing of the victim’s residence or crime scene to ensure that further investigation is not compromised.
Determines the necessity of access of personnel into crime scenes to ensure that the integrity of the scene is not compromised.
Attends court, both Circuit and District, on and off duty, and testifies in criminal cases which he/she has investigated or assisted in the investigation; attends Civil Court as a result of an investigative effort.
If necessary, meet with State’s Attorneys for pretrial conferences. Responds to Court in proper attire and with necessary reports and evidence.
If necessary or requested by State's Attorney's Office, meet with State's Attorney assigned to case for pretrial conference.
Responds to court promptly and presents oral testimony clearly, truthfully, and accurately as to the facts of the case being prosecuted.
Responds to court in proper attire.
Responds to the court prepared for trial.
Trains new crime scene personnel, both sworn and civilian in the best practice of crime scene investigation.
Keeps up to date of new techniques as they pertain to crime scene processing and investigation.
Implements new policy and training as it becomes available to the department.
Instructs department in-service training on policy and procedure related to crime scene processing and investigation.
Maintains membership in good standing with professional originations such as the IAI, International Association of Identification/the American Academy of Forensic Science.
Attends training as directed by the department to include in-service and professional development.