Criminalist II - Denver Police Department Crime Lab

City and County of Denver•Denver, CO

3d•$33 - $51

About The Position

The Denver Police Department Crime Lab supports criminal investigations through forensic evidence processing. The Criminalist II works in the Denver Police Crime Scene Unit, which investigates cases across the City and County of Denver and responds to more than 4,000 crime scenes annually. This is a seniority-based night-shift position requiring availability for weekends, holidays, and on-call work. The incumbent identifies, collects, preserves, packages, documents, and processes evidence; performs advanced crime scene techniques with minimal supervision; and prepares technical reports. The role may include attending autopsies at the Denver Office of the Medical Examiner to photograph injuries and assist with physical evidence collection. The Criminalist II maintains evidence integrity and chain of custody, testifies in court, supports training and mentorship, troubleshoots operational issues, and follows departmental procedures and ISO/IEC 17025 quality requirements. Employment is contingent on successfully completing a polygraph examination, drug test, medical evaluation, and criminal background check. A valid driver’s license is required at application. The employee must be able to obtain IAI Certified Crime Scene Analyst, Level 2 certification within two years and complete LEVA Levels 1–4 training within four years. Completion of the Denver Police Forensics & Evidence Division DNA sample consent form is required at hire, and licenses and certifications must remain current. The position is listed as Unlimited, with a salary range of $33.22–$51.49 and target pay based on experience and education.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree, or qualifying education and experience equivalency as described in the posting.
Three years of experience at the Criminalist I level.
Valid driver’s license at the time of application.
Ability to obtain IAI Certified Crime Scene Analyst, Level 2 certification within two years of employment.
Ability to complete LEVA Levels 1–4 training within four years of employment.
Complete the Denver Police Forensics & Evidence Division Form for Consent for Collection of a DNA Sample at hire.
Keep licenses and certifications current.
Successfully complete a polygraph examination, drug test, medical evaluation, and criminal background check as conditions of employment.
Availability for a seniority-based night shift, weekends, holidays, and on-call work.
At least three years of experience in a similar work environment is identified as an ideal-candidate qualification, preferably within a large agency.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a similar work environment, preferably within a large agency.
Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic operational environment.
Ability to manage difficult crime scenes and challenging situations effectively.
Flexibility to accommodate changes in call rotations and scheduling.
Strong team-oriented mindset.
Commitment to exceptional customer service.

Responsibilities

Identify, collect, preserve, and package biological, friction ridge, impression, and other physical evidence according to standards and SOPs.
Support crime scene investigations using specialized techniques requiring advanced technical knowledge and training.
Perform advanced crime scene processing with minimal supervision.
Document crime scenes using digital photography, videography, laser scanning, and diagramming software.
Attend autopsies at the Denver Office of the Medical Examiner to photograph injuries and assist with physical evidence collection as needed.
Prepare detailed technical reports in accordance with departmental requirements.
Maintain chain of custody and package evidence appropriately to prevent contamination and preserve its integrity.
Provide courtroom testimony about crime scene processing and evidence handling.
Participate in structured training and assist in training and mentoring Criminalist I, Criminalist II, and Criminalist Technician personnel.
Troubleshoot and resolve issues encountered during daily operations.
Perform duties in compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 standards, SOPs, and quality assurance requirements.
Perform additional related duties as assigned by supervisors.