Crime Scene Technician

Government of the Virgin Islands

About The Position

This is a civilian position responsible for gathering, analyzing, photographing, recording, and preserving evidence from crime scenes for use in criminal proceedings. Work takes place in the field—including crime scenes and autopsies—and in a laboratory. Scene types include personal crimes such as homicides, sexual assaults, and robberies; property crimes; and traffic accidents. Evidence may include fingerprints, firearms, drugs, tire and shoe prints, tool mark impressions, and biological samples. The employee performs chemical and photographic processes to analyze, develop, and preserve evidence. Work is reviewed by a supervisor based on results, observations, and oral and written reports. The position requires shift, weekend, holiday, on-call, and standby work as needed. The employee communicates with officers, detectives, and supervisors; maintains evidence records and chain of custody; prepares reports and courtroom exhibits; and may provide expert testimony. Work is performed independently for routine tasks under the guidance of the Forensic Unit supervisor, with completed work reviewed to ensure pertinent information has been obtained.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in biology, chemistry, forensic science, criminal justice, or a related field; or an associate degree in one of these fields with two years of work experience in crime scene processing or a related forensic discipline; or an equivalent combination of education, certification, or experience totaling four years and providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Knowledge of evidence collection and processing using technical equipment, materials, and methods.
Knowledge of photographic methods and equipment related to crime scene investigations and laboratory processing.
Knowledge of proper courtroom demeanor and effective testifying techniques.
Knowledge of departmental rules and regulations and laboratory safety procedures and precautions.
Knowledge of basic computer skills, word processing, and file management.
Knowledge of impression and plaster-casting techniques, including mixing ingredients, preparing impressions, and clearing casts.
Ability to produce clear, organized English-language documents with proper sentence construction, punctuation, and grammar.
Ability to identify different types and forms of evidence at a crime scene.
Ability to use information obtained from gunshot wounds to determine the weapon used.
Ability to provide 24/7 support and service as needed, including on-call and standby assignments.
Ability to apply sound judgment and interpretation in situations with limited standardization.
Ability to read and interpret technical materials with moderate to complex terminology related to job functions.
Ability to work indoors and outdoors and perform some walking, bending, stopping, and lifting of bodies or objects to gather evidence.

Responsibilities

Respond to and process crime scenes, including photographing and sketching scenes, collecting latent prints and other evidence, casting impressions, obtaining surveillance video, assisting with search warrants and drug collection, and processing evidence for the forensic lab.
Collect, process, handle, and tag evidence and perishable specimens while maintaining chain of custody and scene integrity in accordance with department policies and procedures.
Perform presumptive chemical identification of substances, including blood and narcotics.
Analyze photographic and digital media, including computers, cell phones, storage devices, video recordings, and surveillance footage, and use image enhancement when applicable.
Prepare detailed crime scene reports and other required reports.
Communicate with police officers, detectives, and supervisors regarding evidence processing and submission for investigative aid.
Conduct criminal-offense bookings using the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS).
Create and maintain filing systems for retrieving information for courtroom testimony and for storing mug shots, fingerprints, and related documents.
Assist with and/or train officers, detectives, and interns in general forensic protocols and evidence submissions.
Provide expert court testimony, including depositions, trial hearings, and case trials, and prepare court exhibits.
Attend administrative staff meetings as directed.
Attend autopsies to photograph injuries, fingerprint the deceased for identification, and collect potential physical evidence.
Perform other related work as required.