Criminalist –Drug Task Force- Electronic Surveillance

City of Greeley•Greeley, CO

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Drug Task Force Criminalist performs advanced, specialized investigative and analytical work in support of complex drug-related and multi-agency criminal investigations. This position serves as a non-sworn professional resource responsible for evaluating investigative information, identifying evidentiary value, determining investigative direction, preparing affidavits and reports, supporting court processes, and advising on the lawful use and deployment of technical surveillance and investigative systems. The work requires the consistent exercise of discretion and independent judgment on matters of significance, including investigative strategy, evidentiary analysis, operational recommendations, legal compliance, and technical resource application. This position’s primary duty consists of advanced investigative, analytical, and operational support work requiring the consistent exercise of discretion and independent judgment on matters of significance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field, or Colorado POST Certification.
Four (4) years of total relevant experience.
Two to four (2–4) years of progressively responsible experience in criminal investigations, intelligence, forensic support, law enforcement operations, technical surveillance, or a closely related field.
Two to four (2–4) years of experience handling evidence and maintaining chain of custody and integrity of evidence.
Ability to obtain required certifications, including NCIC/CCIC, within established timelines.
Possession of a valid driver’s license.
Proficiency in standard office applications and other job-related software and systems.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in English and Spanish.
Experience supporting drug task force, narcotics, intelligence, or multi-agency investigative operations.
IP camera networking and fabrication.
Experience with Cellebrite or similar software.
Experience with Title III interception software such as Sytech or Penlik.

Responsibilities

Conducts complex criminal and drug-related investigations involving multiple sources of information, records, interviews, surveillance data, observations, and interagency coordination.
Gathers, verifies, analyzes, and interprets evidence, documents, records, logs, and investigative information to identify relevant facts, patterns, leads, and evidentiary significance.
Determines investigative scope, priorities, timing, and direction, and modifies investigative approach based on findings, legal requirements, and operational needs.
Examines, preserves, and documents evidence while maintaining chain of custody and evidentiary integrity.
Prepares detailed investigative reports, case summaries, affidavits, and supporting documentation for search warrants, arrest warrants, prosecutions, and related court proceedings.
Communicates confidential investigative information with law enforcement personnel, prosecutors, attorneys, and other criminal justice partners as appropriate to ongoing investigations and court activity.
Provides testimony and professional support in court proceedings regarding investigative findings, evidence, observations, and case-related determinations.
Provides oversight, guidance, and subject matter expertise regarding technical surveillance, investigative systems, and related operational applications.
Recommends equipment, contracting needs, technical priorities, and resource options; participates in research, development, implementation, and evaluation of investigative technologies and systems.
Assists in operational planning with enforcement personnel to ensure investigative and surveillance systems are deployed effectively, safely, and in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and policy.
Develops, evaluates, modifies, installs, maintains, and coordinates repair or recovery of surveillance and investigative equipment, software, and hardware systems.
Conducts site surveys, technical assessments, and analyses related to surveillance and investigative capabilities, system performance, and emerging technology options.
Designs or supports customized audio, video, tracking, and related technical surveillance solutions in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
Prepares analyses, long-range recommendations, and cost-benefit information related to surveillance and investigative system use, capabilities, and resource needs.
Provides training and technical guidance to task force personnel and partner agencies regarding investigative and surveillance equipment, systems, and procedures.
Maintains current knowledge of laws, judicial procedures, investigative methods, criminal justice information systems, and emerging technologies relevant to assigned work.
Builds and maintains effective working relationships with partner agencies, vendors, prosecutors, and internal stakeholders in support of task force objectives.
Prioritizes and manages assigned casework and technical assignments independently with limited supervision.
Serves on internal or interagency working groups, committees, or planning teams related to investigative programs, technology, or operational improvement.
Assists with special projects, pilot programs, or process improvement efforts related to investigative support services.
Performs other duties as assigned consistent with the general level and nature of the position.