Crime Scene Technician

CITY OF MABLETON•Mableton, GA

2d•$23 - $37•Onsite

About The Position

The Crime Scene Technician performs specialized technical and investigative support work involving the documentation, identification, collection, preservation, processing, and packaging of physical evidence from crime scenes and other investigative locations. The position assists criminal investigators by ensuring crime scenes are accurately documented and evidence is properly collected, preserved, maintained, and transferred in accordance with established procedures and applicable legal requirements.

Requirements

Thorough knowledge of crime scene documentation, evidence collection, preservation, packaging, and chain-of-custody procedures.
Knowledge of forensic photography, crime scene sketching, evidence processing, and basic forensic science principles.
Knowledge of latent fingerprint development and collection techniques.
Knowledge of appropriate procedures for the collection and preservation of biological, ballistic, trace, footwear, and other physical evidence.
Knowledge of contamination-control practices and evidence preservation requirements.
Knowledge of applicable laws, court requirements, departmental policies, and professional standards governing the collection and handling of evidence.
Ability to recognize and properly preserve items of potential evidentiary value.
Ability to operate forensic photography equipment, alternate light sources, fingerprint processing equipment, measurement tools, and other specialized equipment.
Ability to prepare accurate technical reports, diagrams, photographs, and other investigative documentation.
Ability to maintain meticulous attention to detail and accuracy under stressful or time-sensitive conditions.
Ability to maintain the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive evidence and investigative information.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with investigators, prosecutors, law enforcement personnel, laboratory personnel, court personnel, and other agencies.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to provide clear and professional testimony regarding documented observations and evidence-processing activities.
Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment within established procedures.
Bachelor's degree in Forensic Science, Chemistry, Biology, Criminal Justice, Criminalistics, or a closely related field.
One (1) to three (3) years of experience in crime scene processing, forensic services, evidence processing, or a related field.
Must successfully pass an extensive background investigation.
Must successfully complete required departmental crime scene training and certification requirements.
Must be willing and able to participate in an on-call rotation, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Possession of a valid driver's license.

Nice To Haves

International Association for Identification (IAI) Crime Scene Analyst certification.
Previous experience processing major crime scenes, death investigations, search warrants, or other complex investigations.
Training or certification in forensic photography, latent print examination, bloodstain pattern documentation, or other specialized crime scene disciplines.
Experience working in a law enforcement forensic services or criminal investigations environment.
Any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Responsibilities

Responds to major crime scenes, fatal accidents, burglaries, assaults, death investigations, search warrants, and other designated incidents to document and process physical evidence.
Evaluates assigned crime scenes and determines appropriate methods for documenting, photographing, measuring, collecting, packaging, and preserving evidence.
Conducts detailed forensic photography and videography of crime scenes, evidence, injuries, vehicles, property, and other relevant areas.
Prepares crime scene sketches, measurements, diagrams, and scale drawings using appropriate equipment and software.
Searches crime scenes for physical evidence and identifies items of potential evidentiary value, including latent fingerprints, biological materials, firearms and ballistic evidence, footwear impressions, tool marks, trace evidence, and other physical evidence.
Collects, preserves, packages, labels, and documents physical evidence in accordance with departmental procedures and established chain-of-custody requirements.
Processes evidence for latent fingerprints using appropriate techniques, including fingerprint powders, chemical processing methods, alternate light sources, and other approved equipment.
Assists with the identification, collection, and preservation of biological evidence for potential DNA analysis while following appropriate contamination-control procedures.
Documents and preserves bloodstain patterns and other physical evidence using approved photographic, measurement, and documentation techniques.
Maintains accurate records of evidence collected, processing methods used, photographs taken, and other activities conducted at crime scenes.
Prepares evidence submissions and associated documentation for state, federal, or other authorized forensic laboratories.
Maintains the integrity and security of evidence throughout collection, processing, packaging, transfer, and submission.
Prepares detailed technical reports describing crime scene observations, evidence collected, processing procedures, photographs, diagrams, and other investigative activities.
Assists investigators and prosecutors with the identification, organization, and preparation of photographs, diagrams, physical evidence, and other trial exhibits.
Provides factual or expert testimony in court regarding crime scene documentation, evidence collection, processing methods, and chain-of-custody procedures, as qualified and authorized.
Maintains specialized crime scene equipment and supplies and reports deficiencies or equipment malfunctions.
Participates in training and maintains knowledge of current crime scene processing techniques, equipment, legal requirements, and professional standards.
Participates in an on-call rotation and responds to assigned crime scenes during nights, weekends, holidays, and other non-standard working hours.
Maintains confidentiality regarding investigations, evidence, photographs, records, and other sensitive information.
Performs other related duties as assigned.