Criminalist Supervisor - Denver Police Department Crime Lab

City and County of Denver•Denver, CO

3d•$40 - $61

About The Position

The City and County of Denver is seeking a Criminalist Supervisor for the Denver Police Department Crime Laboratory. This is the fourth level in the Criminalist classification series and involves professional and supervisory work overseeing a team of Criminalists. The supervisor provides leadership and direction, establishes and evaluates performance standards, and develops short- and long-term goals and objectives for the assigned area in alignment with departmental plans and priorities. The Denver Crime Laboratory supports the Denver Police Department's Major Crimes Division in solving crime. The Forensics and Evidence Division employs trained professionals who assist with criminal investigations. The Denver Police Crime Scene Unit investigates cases throughout Denver, responding to more than 4,000 crime scenes annually. This is a seniority-based night-shift position. The incumbent must be available to work days, nights, weekends, holidays, callouts, callbacks, and standby assignments. Schedules are determined by seniority within the position and/or the appointing authority.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree, or an eligible education-and-experience substitution.
At least five years of experience as a Criminalist II or higher, or at least three years of leadership experience.
A valid driver's license at the time of application.
Ability to obtain IAI Certified Crime Scene Analyst certification within two years of employment.
Must complete the Denver Police Forensics & Evidence Division consent form for collection of a DNA sample at the time of hire.
Licenses and certifications must be kept current as a condition of employment.
Candidates selected to advance must successfully complete a polygraph examination, drug test, medical evaluation, and criminal background check.
Must be available to work days, nights, weekends, holidays, callouts, callbacks, and standby assignments, as determined by seniority and/or the appointing authority.
Must have valid work authorization that does not require visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated technical competence processing a variety of crime scenes, including property crimes, crimes against persons, and major crimes.
Experience with advanced crime scene analysis techniques, including chemical processing, shooting reconstruction, scene diagramming, and bloodstain pattern analysis.
Ability to collaborate effectively with customers, peers, and employees while fostering a positive and productive work environment.
Commitment to producing high-quality work and encouraging team members to maintain the same standards.
Ability to reason soundly, identify alternative solutions to complex problems, and make logical, well-informed decisions.
Managerial experience supervising two or more direct reports.
Understanding of and commitment to supporting established organizational structures and reporting relationships.
Ability to receive and follow direction while providing clear, consistent direction to others, including when communicating difficult or unpopular decisions.

Responsibilities

Direct and review Criminalists’ casework identifying, collecting, preserving, and packaging biological, friction ridge, impression, and other physical evidence according to established standards and SOPs.
Oversee crime scene documentation using forensic techniques and technologies, including digital photography, digital videography, laser scanning, and diagramming software.
Author and review technical departmental reports.
Ensure proper chain of custody and appropriate evidence packaging to preserve evidence integrity and prevent contamination.
Provide courtroom testimony regarding crime scene processing and evidence handling.
Review, develop, and modify work plans, methods, and procedures; establish priorities and schedules to ensure adequate staffing and operational coverage.
Provide work instructions and assist employees with difficult or unusual assignments while encouraging innovation and professional development.
Assign and distribute work, review assignments for accuracy and completeness, and recommend appropriate completion.
Conduct hiring interviews and select candidates for available positions.
Resolve operational issues and mediate conflicts by identifying solutions and promoting teamwork.
Encourage regular communication and keep staff informed of relevant organizational issues and their operational impact.
Develop performance enhancement plans, document employee performance, provide feedback, and conduct formal performance evaluations.
Develop and implement training and professional development plans and opportunities for subordinate staff.
Ensure the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of unit activities, including compliance with applicable safety measures.
Document causes for disciplinary action, initiate letters of reprimand, and make formal recommendations regarding disciplinary matters.
Respond to formal and informal employee grievances and prepare written responses.
By position, participate in budget planning and management; prepare and present budget recommendations to higher management; operate within established budget parameters; and adjust work plans and activities in response to budget changes.