Criminalist

Hays County•San Marcos, TX

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under general supervision, responds as directed to potential crime scenes following standardized principles, practices, and procedures to include but not limited to collecting, storing, recording, documenting, processing and/or releasing evidence/property. The work environment will be indoors as well as outdoors. The employee will act as a point of contact for citizens, officers, and attorneys. This position must have a strong work ethic, superior organizational skills, must follow directions, meet deadlines, have good attendance, be punctual, be reliable, be motivated, have initiative, have honesty, have integrity, be free from moral turpitude, and have a proper attitude. Employee must be available to always communicate with others. Individual serves at the pleasure of the elected official.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED
Current Class C Texas Driver’s License

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in natural or forensic science, or related field
One year in crime scene related activities
Two to three years of work experience in a police evidence room or other law enforcement work
Three to five years experience in Evidence/Property Room Management
Three to five years experience Forensic Photographer
Three to five years experience with death and sexual assault crime scene processing
Expert Witness

Responsibilities

Prepare, collect, document, process, maintain and dispose of evidence in accordance with Texas Code of Criminal Procedure and/or ordered directive
Prepare reports and other written documentation as needed
Provide internal and external customer service
Communicate and assist law enforcement officials and others regarding evidence status
Testify in court as a witness as required
Receives, collects evidence/property, maintain care, custody and control, and release or destroy evidence and any other stored property in accordance with established operating procedures (SOP)
Develop evidence/property statistics and reports
Research, locate, and return property to appropriate owner/custodian using established procedures
Photograph, video-record, diagram, scan and preserve any area designated as a potential crime scene including those item(s) contained within the scene, the surrounding area or other areas as directed
Research, update, and modify law enforcement database information appropriately
Collect, process, preserve, package, store, transport and dispose of hazardous material and bio-hazardous material in accordance with established laws and SOP
Transport evidence and property to authorized storage locations, laboratories, processing plants, and criminal court for trials while maintaining chain of custody
Process and or analyze all collected evidence to include, but not limited to fingerprints, palm prints, footprints, DNA and trace evidence, etc.
Assume care, custody, and control of evidence/property in accordance with established rules of evidence and procedures
Assist at crime scenes and pathology labs to include but not limited to photography, videotaping, inked rolled impressions, or as directed by the attending pathologist, Detective or Supervisor
Available to respond after normal work hours to any active crime scene when requested
Transport, arrange, coordinate, and facilitate the destruction and disposal of evidence/property in accordance with Texas Statutes
Work with law enforcement to identify, isolate and secure the crime scene
Work with law enforcement to establish a restricted perimeter around the crime scene as to not compromise evidence
Work with law enforcement to define a clear set of restrictions regarding nonessential personnel and investigative personnel
Preserve, collect, and record impressions, including tool marks, footprints, tire marks, bite marks, and fingerprints
Collect DNA evidence, including blood, semen, hair, skin, blood stain patterns, bodily fluids, and nails
Collect trace evidence, including gunshot residue, fibers, accelerant, glass, etc.
Collect firearms evidence, including weapons, spent cartridges, and bullet fragments
Requires the employee to be able to render credible testimony in any court proceeding to include Justice Courts, County Courts, District Courts, and any U.S. Federal Court
Perform other duties as assigned