Crime Scene Unit Intern

City of Charlotte•Charlotte, NC

About The Position

This unpaid internship is designed for students graduating with or pursuing a 4-year degree in Forensic Science or a related field who are seeking exposure to real-world forensic and investigative work within criminal investigations. Interns will observe and gain insight into CMPD Crime Scene Investigator's forensic and investigative roles, developing an understanding of both technical forensic skills and the practical application of a forensic mindset. This internship provides an opportunity to learn how forensic principles are applied in active investigations, emphasizing accuracy, critical thinking, and professional standards.

Requirements

Currently enrolled in an accredited college or university pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in forensic science or related field
Maintain minimum GPA requirement of 2.5
Possesses scientific proficiency in multiple disciplines, mathematics, biology, chemistry, and physics.
Keen observational skills and an eye for minute detail
Ability to develop knowledge of principles, methods, equipment and current techniques used in crime scene investigations and forensics.
Ability to develop knowledge of investigative and laboratory techniques.
Ability to develop thorough knowledge of evidence chain of custody procedures and requirements
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, and agency practices and procedures.
Ability to exercise initiative and consistently use independent sound judgment and discretion in the handling of sensitive and unique situations, determining and deciding upon procedures to be implemented, setting priorities, maintaining standards, and resolving problems.
Ability to work in often stressful, fast-paced environment.
Ability to cope, maintain composure, and work effectively when dealing with difficult and traumatic scenes.
Superior organizational and time management skills and the ability to multi-task and work with frequent interruptions.
Ability to be adaptable and innovative with problem solving and general crime scene processing.
Possesses Analytical sensibilities, excellent critical thinking skills, active listening/active learning abilities
Ability to follow oral and written procedures and policies.
Ability to read and comprehend authoritative directives, laws, and ordinances.

Responsibilities

Maintains issued equipment and follows safety protocols at crime scenes
Responsible for the proper use, maintenance, necessary replacement, and security of all personally issued and shared equipment and keeps the equipment in operational readiness.
Responsible for the proper documentation, routing and dissemination of all messages and information as received.
Works with decomposing corpses, body fluids, contagious diseases, hazardous materials, heavy objects, standard and unique equipment, and tools
Must have the ability to process crime scenes any time of the day and in all types of weather conditions.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Observe current CMPD Crime Scene Technicians fulfill the following Major Duties and Responsibilities:
Combine Science, Technology, and expertise to analyze/investigate all property crime types, violent and complex crime scenes in a systematic and legal manner with the goal of the identification, documentation, collection, and preservation of physical evidence.
Document crime scenes/evidence through basic, advanced/manual (ALS and Bluestar), macro, and 1:1 examination quality photography techniques.
Complete hand drawn sketches/diagrams.
Prepare detailed and accurate crime scene reports which will be utilized by officers/detectives to assist with Criminal Investigations and in court testimony.
Latent Print Processing – Evaluates and processes scenes and diverse items and surfaces for latent fingerprints/shoeprints, or other types of pattern evidence.
Analyze the scene to identify, process and collect touch DNA, blood evidence, seminal or other biological fluid evidence.
Uses specialized equipment and procedures to determine the presence of blood, seminal fluids/body fluids, hair, fibers, gunshot residue and other trace evidence and materials.
Prepare and packages evidence maintaining its integrity and chain of custody for storage and further processing by the Crime Lab.
Process living victims, witnesses, and suspects to document injuries/lack of injuries, and identify, document, and collect any relevant evidence found