Crime Scene Specialist

City of Glendale•Glendale, AZ

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Crime Scene Specialist identifies, collects, examines, interprets, classifies, and preserves evidence from major crime scene investigations and serious traffic accidents for the Glendale Police Department. The role documents scenes and evidence, maintains technical records, enters evidence into department systems, and may provide training and community presentations. The recruitment may fill both full-time regular-status and contract positions. Candidates hired into contract roles may be considered for transition to regular-status positions as vacancies arise. The position requires work in a range of environments and potentially stressful circumstances, including exposure to hazardous chemicals, fumes, lasers, infectious diseases, distressed victims, combative prisoners, and injured or deceased persons. Work occurs in all weather conditions and may involve long hours at major crime scenes. The specialist must be available for rotating shifts, irregular hours, weekends, holidays, and on-call duty.

Requirements

Any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.
A valid Arizona driver's license.
Obtain Terminal Operator Level A certification within six months of hire and maintain it during employment.
Ability to distinguish the full range of the color spectrum.
Knowledge of basic scientific examination principles for recognizing, collecting, preserving, and submitting physical evidence.
Knowledge of crime scene photography principles and photographic and 3D-scanning equipment.
Knowledge of the operation, maintenance, care, and use of scientific instruments and apparatus for detecting physical evidence.
Knowledge of firearms safety and handling.
Knowledge of the uses and effects of chemicals for enhancing physical or biological evidence.
Knowledge of department and unit policies for documenting crime scenes, including safety procedures and biological hazard precautions.
Skill in using photographic equipment, photo lab materials, and laboratory equipment.
Ability to learn and apply Standard Operating Procedures for collecting physical evidence.
Ability to work in conditions involving decomposing bodies, strong odors, insects, hostile or emotionally charged situations, and child or animal victims.
Ability to perform detailed work accurately and with integrity.
Ability to identify, collect, preserve, document, and report activities related to criminal and department investigations.
Ability to remember and recall facts and details about work activities.
Ability to respond to designated locations using maps or street signs.
Ability to operate a two-way radio and communicate clearly and concisely.
Ability to follow verbal and written instructions and produce well-organized written documents in English with proper grammar.
Ability to communicate scientific test findings orally and in writing, and communicate effectively in English one-on-one, in groups, over the phone, and on the police radio.
Ability to learn job-related material through oral instruction, observation, lectures, and reading.
Complete required OSHA and safety training and work safely without presenting a threat to self or others.
Ability to present findings in court proceedings and cooperate with the public, city employees, and members of other agencies.
Availability for rotating shifts, irregular hours, weekends, holidays, on-call duty, and work beyond normal duty hours.
Pass drug testing before employment and be subject to further drug and alcohol testing during employment under the City of Glendale Substance Abuse policy.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience in crime scene processing is preferred.
An associate degree in forensic science, criminal justice, chemistry, biology, or a related field is preferred.

Responsibilities

Examine and investigate a range of crime scenes, visually distinguishing the full color spectrum as needed.
Recognize, develop, collect, and preserve physical evidence, including fingerprints, tire and shoe prints, tool marks, firearms, drugs, DNA, and other evidence.
Photograph or 3D-scan evidence at major crime scenes and serious accidents.
Use specialized processing techniques, chemical solutions, forensic light sources, and other equipment to develop, record, and preserve evidence.
Attend autopsies to photograph injuries or obtain fingerprints from deceased individuals.
Testify in legal proceedings about work performed at crime scenes.
Prepare and maintain records of technical and scientific findings in accordance with ISO 17025 guidelines, department policies, and unit procedures.
Maintain working knowledge of relevant forensic science techniques and procedures through education and training.
Accept, document, and enter evidence into the department Records Management System and Laboratory Information Management System.
Enter data and information using a terminal, tablet, or PC.
Monitor radio communications and clearly communicate current activities and locations to dispatch.
Train police officers, detectives, and newly hired Forensic Technicians in identifying, collecting, and documenting forensic evidence and procedures.
Give presentations to schools and community groups about forensic capabilities.
Operate city vehicles.
Perform other related duties as assigned.