Criminal Investigator 1/2/3

State of Louisiana•Alexandria, LA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Louisiana State Police Crime Laboratory is seeking a Criminal Investigator to serve in the Evidence Control Unit (ECU). The position is domiciled in Rapides Parish and supports the secure handling, transport, and accountability of evidence held by Louisiana State Police. Regular travel is required to collect evidence and make weekly deliveries to the Crime Laboratory in Baton Rouge. The position works with departmental personnel and laboratory staff to resolve discrepancies and protect evidence throughout its handling and storage. This position supports evidence control operations and maintains accurate records from receipt through authorized disposition. The role requires understanding evidence handling and chain-of-custody procedures, careful record review, clear documentation and communication, sound judgment, attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work independently while coordinating with personnel at multiple locations. This is a classified-probational or job appointment and participates in a career progression. It will be filled as a Criminal Investigator 1, 2, or 3. Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, with adjustments at the discretion of the LSP Commander. The salary offered will be based on qualifications and experience; the position is in the PS pay schedule, starting at PS-112 with a minimum biweekly salary of $1,764.80.

Requirements

Two years of experience in law enforcement, investigatory work, or military intelligence work; or twelve hours in law enforcement or a criminal justice field.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must possess a current Louisiana driver's license.
Must be willing and able to attain Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification.
Must have Civil Service test scores for the 2100-Protective Services Exam (PSE), unless exempted by Civil Service rules or policy.
Applicants are disqualified if convicted of a felony, if felony charges are included in pending indictments or bills of information, or if convicted within the past three years of hit and run or driving while intoxicated.
Ability to understand evidence handling and chain-of-custody procedures, carefully review records, document findings, and communicate clearly.
Sound judgment, attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and ability to work independently while coordinating with personnel at multiple locations.
Willingness and ability to travel regularly to collect evidence and complete weekly laboratory deliveries.

Responsibilities

Collect and receive evidence from departmental locations; check item identification, packaging, seals, and accompanying documentation, and address discrepancies before completing transfers.
Transport evidence to the Crime Laboratory in Baton Rouge once a week and coordinate pickups, deliveries, and returns with submitting personnel and laboratory staff.
Maintain chain of custody by accurately and promptly documenting evidence receipts, transfers, storage locations, and authorized releases in the electronic evidence tracking system.
Conduct evidence audits and inventories, compare physical items and storage locations with records, identify discrepancies, and document findings.
Research evidence discrepancies, communicate findings to appropriate personnel, and assist with corrective follow-up.
Maintain the security and integrity of evidence during handling, storage, and transport, following applicable packaging, preservation, access, and safety procedures.
Coordinate authorized evidence releases, returns, and disposal; verify required approvals and record each item’s final disposition.
Respond to authorized personnel’s inquiries concerning evidence location, transfer, and disposition.
Prepare reports and maintain records supporting evidence audits, investigations, and reviews of compliance with departmental evidence procedures.
Provide court testimony when required concerning evidence handling, chain of custody, storage, transport, and related records.
Assist departmental personnel with evidence submission and documentation procedures and promptly report concerns involving missing items, damaged packaging, or compromised evidence.