Crime Scene Technician

City of Lynchburg•Lynchburg, VA

About The Position

The City of Lynchburg Police Department is seeking a non-sworn Crime Scene Technician to perform specialized technical work in recognizing, documenting, collecting, processing, packaging, preserving, transporting, and recording physical evidence from crime scenes and other investigative activities. The role supports criminal investigations by ensuring evidence is handled in accordance with forensic standards, departmental policies, and applicable laws. The position responds to a range of scenes, including homicides, suspicious deaths, violent crimes, and property crimes. It uses approved forensic techniques and specialized equipment to document scenes and evidence, and may involve collecting and preserving electronic devices and digital evidence within assigned responsibilities. The technician maintains evidence records and chain of custody, prepares reports, and may testify in criminal and civil court proceedings. The role requires collaboration with law enforcement personnel, investigators, prosecutors, forensic laboratory personnel, medical examiners, and other criminal justice professionals. The technician also maintains assigned equipment and workspaces, protects confidential information, and participates in training and continuing education. Work takes place indoors and outdoors, in all weather conditions and sometimes under unpleasant or emotionally challenging circumstances. The position may require working more than 40 hours per week, including nights, weekends, holidays, and extended hours. Employees participate in a scheduled on-call rotation and must be able to respond within the City of Lynchburg limits within 30 minutes of notification. The successful candidate must complete extensive forensic sciences training, including either the University of Tennessee National Forensic Academy or the Virginia DFS Forensic Science Academy, within one year of employment.

Requirements

High school graduation or GED.
Valid driver's license that meets the City of Lynchburg driving policy.
Willingness and ability to participate in a regularly scheduled on-call rotation and respond within the City of Lynchburg limits within 30 minutes of notification.
Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, extended hours, and more than 40 hours per week when operational needs require.
Ability to complete extensive forensic sciences training, including either the University of Tennessee National Forensic Academy or the Virginia DFS Forensic Science Academy, within one year of employment.
Ability to learn accepted crime scene investigation and forensic evidence collection principles, practices, procedures, and techniques.
Understanding of, or ability to learn, evidence recognition, collection, preservation, contamination prevention, and chain-of-custody requirements.
Working knowledge of, or ability to learn, rules of evidence, constitutional considerations, and laws governing search and seizure.
Ability to operate specialized forensic equipment, digital cameras, computers, and other technology used in scene documentation and evidence processing.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare comprehensive reports and clearly explain technical information.
Ability to remain calm, professional, and focused in stressful, emotionally challenging, or rapidly evolving situations.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and recognize when additional assistance or supervisory guidance is needed.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple assignments and competing priorities.
Critical thinking, logic, and sound judgment when evaluating scenes and making decisions.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, law enforcement personnel, and members of the public.
Commitment to collaboration, confidentiality, professional ethics, integrity, and proper evidence handling.
Ability and willingness to learn new techniques, adapt to evolving technology, and participate in continuing professional development.
Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions, temperatures, and lighting, including unpleasant circumstances.
Ability to stand, walk, kneel, bend, crouch, climb, and perform repetitive movements for extended periods.
Ability to lift, carry, and transport evidence, equipment, and supplies in accordance with the position's established physical requirements.
Commitment to the mission and values of the Lynchburg Police Department and to maintaining public trust through professionalism, accountability, and integrity.

Nice To Haves

A minimum of two years of related additional education or experience with a background in law enforcement is preferred.

Responsibilities

Respond to and process crime scenes, including homicides, suspicious deaths, violent crimes, property crimes, and other incidents requiring forensic examination.
Recognize, identify, document, collect, process, package, preserve, and transport physical evidence according to forensic procedures and departmental policies.
Systematically examine crime scenes to identify evidence relevant to investigations.
Use approved forensic techniques and specialized equipment to locate, develop, photograph, and collect evidence, including latent fingerprints, biological and trace evidence, and firearms-related evidence.
Photograph crime scenes, evidence, injuries, and other relevant details.
Prepare crime scene sketches, measurements, diagrams, and related documentation.
Identify, document, collect, and preserve electronic devices and digital evidence according to established procedures and assigned responsibilities.
Maintain complete records of evidence collection, processing, transfers, and chain of custody.
Package, label, store, and transport evidence to designated facilities, forensic laboratories, or other authorized locations.
Prepare timely and accurate investigative and forensic reports.
Provide professional and credible testimony in criminal and civil court proceedings.
Collaborate with law enforcement personnel, investigators, prosecutors, forensic laboratory personnel, medical examiners, and other criminal justice professionals.
Maintain the cleanliness, organization, readiness, and proper care of assigned equipment, vehicles, supplies, and workspaces.
Maintain confidentiality concerning investigations, sensitive information, and evidence.
Participate in required departmental training, professional development, and continuing education.
Use sound judgment when assessing scenes, identifying evidence, prioritizing work, and addressing unexpected circumstances.
Perform other related duties as assigned.