Crime Scene Investigator

Brazoria County•Tx, TX

About The Position

The Crime Scene Investigator identifies, documents, collects, preserves, and processes physical evidence from crime scenes to ensure accuracy, integrity, and legal admissibility. The position supports criminal investigations through scientific methods, detailed documentation, and collaboration with investigators, laboratories, prosecutors, and other partners. The work requires attention to detail, adherence to established protocols, and effectiveness in dynamic, high-pressure environments. The role responds to crime scenes, death investigations, and other incidents; conducts systematic examinations; documents scenes and evidence; processes and tracks evidence; and prepares reports and related records. It may involve court testimony, specialized equipment and vehicles, hazardous materials, after-hours responses, on-call rotations, and emergency operations. If TCOLE licensed, the employee must maintain proficiency in the essential functions of a Patrol Deputy, firearms proficiency, and compliance with the Office’s Physical Fitness Program.

Requirements

Intermediate Peace Officer License and at least one year of patrol experience, or a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field of study.
Must be 21 years of age or older.
High school diploma or GED.
Valid Texas Driver’s License.
United States citizenship, born or naturalized.
Working cell phone.
Vision no worse than 20/200, correctable to 20/20.
No convictions or court-ordered community supervision or probation for a criminal offense above Class B misdemeanor within the last ten years from the date of the court order.
Honorable discharge from military service, if applicable.
Knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of the local and state criminal justice system.
Intermediate proficiency with modern office equipment and procedures.
Ability to become proficient in County and Department policies and procedures.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Ability to multitask and perform effectively in a constantly changing work environment.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and make well-reasoned decisions under high-stress conditions.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
Ability to foster productive, cooperative working relationships with employees, supervisors, external partners, public officials, and the general public.
If TCOLE licensed, maintain Patrol Deputy essential-function proficiency, firearms proficiency, and compliance with the Office’s Physical Fitness Program.
Ability to meet the position’s described physical demands, including physically demanding activities and operation of vehicles in high-risk situations.

Nice To Haves

A bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field of study may be used as an alternative to the Intermediate Peace Officer License and minimum patrol experience.

Responsibilities

Carry out the Sheriff’s Mission and Vision and adhere to the Office’s Core Values: Trust, Service, Community.
Cultivate high morale and a team culture within the Sheriff’s Office.
If TCOLE licensed, maintain proficiency in the essential functions of a Patrol Deputy, firearms proficiency in accordance with Department standards, and compliance with the Office’s Physical Fitness Program.
Respond to crime scenes, death investigations, and other incidents to identify, secure, document, collect, preserve, and process physical, biological, and trace evidence in accordance with agency policy, state law, and forensic best practices.
Conduct systematic crime scene examinations, evaluate scene conditions, establish and maintain scene security, and determine appropriate evidence-collection techniques.
Photograph, video, sketch, and document crime scenes, evidence, and observations for accurate and complete case records.
Collect, package, label, and transport evidence while maintaining chain of custody and evidentiary integrity.
Process evidence using forensic techniques, including latent fingerprint development, impression evidence recovery, bloodstain documentation, and basic trace evidence handling.
Analyze and compare fingerprints using AFIS technology and manual comparison methods, as assigned.
Submit evidence to forensic laboratories, prepare laboratory requests, and coordinate with analysts regarding testing and results.
Prepare detailed written reports, diagrams, and supplemental documentation describing methods, findings, and conclusions.
Maintain, store, and track evidence within property and evidence systems; assist with evidence disposition, return, or destruction as authorized.
Testify in court as a fact or expert witness regarding crime scene processing, evidence handling, forensic techniques, and findings.
Operate, maintain, and safely use specialized forensic equipment, tools, and vehicles; report equipment deficiencies and ensure operational readiness.
Follow safety protocols for biohazards, chemicals, sharps, and hazardous environments and properly use personal protective equipment.
Collaborate with deputies, investigators, supervisors, prosecutors, medical examiners, and external agencies to support criminal investigations.
Participate in on-call rotations, after-hours responses, and emergency operations as required.
Maintain professional certifications, complete required training, and stay current with advancements in forensic science and investigative techniques.
Perform other duties as assigned.