APD Crime Scene Technician I

City of Atlanta•Atlanta, GA

About The Position

Processes crime scenes for the Police Department. The role includes operating a mobile crime scene lab; collecting and processing physical evidence; photographing crime scenes; lifting, processing, classifying, and identifying fingerprints; testifying in court; compiling reports; and maintaining and updating records for proper documentation. The position works under very general supervision and may work independently or with other skilled or semi-skilled workers to complete assigned tasks. The position photographs and/or videotapes crime scenes, people, and property; collects physical evidence; lifts fingerprints using powders and chemicals; measures distances; searches and compares fingerprints manually and through an AFIS computer system; processes evidence using various chemicals and methods; and may conduct chemical tests on suspects to determine whether they have fired a gun. It also maintains fingerprint records and databases, testifies as an expert witness, sketches and secures crime scenes, determines which items should be collected, and transports evidence while maintaining chain of custody. The employee may provide guidance and training to lower-level staff, interns, and temporary employees, and may perform other duties as assigned. The work requires knowledge of police identification and photography techniques, evidence collection and processing, human relations, and local law enforcement practices and procedures. The employee must communicate effectively, manage time, cooperate with law enforcement agencies, and assist authorized officers and investigators with the release of criminal history data. Heavy lifting is required, with exertion of up to 100 pounds occasionally, 50 pounds frequently, and 20 pounds constantly. The City of Atlanta states that reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in a related field and one year of experience in police identification and evidence collection techniques in a similar law enforcement environment, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Knowledge of modern police identification techniques, police photography, human relations, and local law enforcement practices, policies, and procedures.
Knowledge of proper methods for collecting, handling, and processing evidence.
Effective communication and interaction skills with supervisors, elected officials, employees, the public, and other groups involved in City activities.
Ability to manage time wisely.
Ability to cooperate effectively with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and their officers.
Ability to assist clerical personnel in releasing criminal history data to certain lawfully authorized officers and investigators.
Position is expected to have licensure or professional certifications appropriate to the position.

Nice To Haves

Three years of experience in police identification and evidence collection techniques in a similar law enforcement environment.

Responsibilities

Operate the mobile crime scene lab and process crime scenes for the Police Department.
Photograph and/or videotape crime scenes, persons, and property; measure distances and sketch crime scenes.
Collect, handle, process, and transport physical evidence while maintaining chain of custody.
Lift fingerprints using powders and chemicals; classify, compare, search, and identify fingerprints manually and using the AFIS computer system.
Process physical evidence using various chemicals and processes and, when required, perform chemical tests on suspects to determine whether they have fired a gun.
Maintain fingerprint records and databases, including stamping records classified by other technicians, reviewing classifications for errors, and entering and retrieving data on wanted persons.
Testify in local, state, and federal courts as an expert witness on fingerprint charts and evidence.
Secure crime scenes to prevent evidence from being tampered with or contaminated and determine which items should be bagged as evidence.
Use independent judgment to handle emergency situations, set priorities, determine procedures, maintain standards, and resolve problems.
Provide guidance and training to lower-level personnel, interns, and temporary employees as required.
Assist clerical personnel in releasing criminal history data to lawfully authorized officers and investigators.