Forensic Investigator I/II

City of Elk Grove•Elk Grove, CA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The City of Elk Grove is seeking a Forensic Investigator I/II. The ideal candidate is a dependable, detail-oriented individual who is motivated to serve the community through professional forensic services. They are organized, adaptable, and able to remain calm under pressure while handling sensitive evidence with care and professionalism. The successful candidate values teamwork, communicates effectively, and is committed to producing accurate, thorough, ethical work in support of public safety. This recruitment may be used to fill the position at either the Forensic Investigator I or Forensic Investigator II level, depending on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. The position and the associated rate of pay is subject to City Council approval.

Requirements

Completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by two years of college level and/or specialized training in forensic science, criminal justice, criminology, chemistry, biology, or a related field.
Two years of customer service experience (for Forensic Investigator I).
Two years of increasingly responsible experience in a law enforcement agency performing the full range of forensic responsibilities including experience in forensic photography, latent print comparison, and the identification, documentation, collection, processing, preservation, and analysis of evidence and crime scenes (for Forensic Investigator II).
Possession of an appropriate, valid driver's license.
Knowledge of basic law enforcement theory, principles, and practices and their application to a wide variety of activities and operations.
Knowledge of crime scene evidence collection, preservation, processing, storage, and safeguarding practices and procedures, including the handling of hazardous materials.
Knowledge of analysis, processing, and comparison of latent impression evidence.
Knowledge of methods of latent print classification, including latent pattern recognition.
Knowledge of modern photographic and videographic equipment and techniques.
Knowledge of current scientific techniques and methods utilized in laboratory analysis of evidence.
Knowledge of use and care of laboratory instruments and apparatus used in evidence examination.
Knowledge of methods used to cast impressions of tire marks, shoeprints, and other physical evidence.
Knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local laws, regulations, department policies, procedures, and rules governing the collection and preservation of physical evidence.
Knowledge of modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers.
Knowledge of computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
Knowledge of methods and techniques used in the preparation of sketches and diagrams.
Knowledge of methods and techniques of preparing technical and administrative reports, and general business correspondence.
Knowledge of City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
Knowledge of techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
Knowledge of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging concepts and principles, including their significance in organizational dynamics and the functioning of the City and their impact on fostering innovation and collaboration.
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Ability to perform the full range of technical law enforcement activities involved in providing a variety of forensic investigative services, including the preparation of sketches and forensic documentation; work with a minimum of supervision.
Ability to understand the organization, operations, and services of the City, the Police Department, and outside agencies as necessary to perform assigned responsibilities.
Ability to understand, interpret, and apply pertinent federal, state, and local codes, laws, and regulations.
Ability to understand, interpret, and apply general and specific administrative and departmental policies, procedures, and guidelines.
Ability to apply crime scene investigation and evidence collection practices and procedures.
Ability to recognize, collect, preserve, transport, process, and analyze physical evidence without contamination.
Ability to perform latent impression examinations, including recognizing fingerprint patterns and analyzing, comparing, evaluating, and verifying latent palm and fingerprint evidence.
Ability to prepare for and testify in court as an expert witness in a variety of forensic disciplines.
Ability to learn, utilize, and remain current with technological advances pertaining to forensic investigations.
Ability to perform effectively and maintain professional composure at unpleasant crime and accident scenes, including photographing and collecting evidence from deceased persons in varying stages of decomposition.
Ability to prepare clear, concise, factual, and thorough supplemental reports and other forensic documentation.
Ability to operate and use computers, software applications, and modern business equipment necessary to perform assigned duties.
Ability to safely operate Police Department vehicles in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and City policies.
Ability to operate specialized law enforcement information and communication systems, including public safety computer systems, to access, enter, retrieve, and maintain information.
Ability to use and operate assigned forensic tools and equipment, including cameras, evidence collection kits, and fingerprint kits.
Ability to exercise tact, initiative, prudence, and sound independent judgment in analyzing situations, determining appropriate courses of action, and handling difficult situations within established policies and procedural guidelines; maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information, records, and reports.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to type and enter data accurately at a speed necessary for successful job performance.
Ability to work irregular and on-call hours, including weekends, evenings, nights, and holidays.
Ability to engage effectively with a diverse public and workforce and provide services in a professional, respectful, and inclusive manner.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Nice To Haves

A Bachelor's degree is desirable.
Previous experience at a law enforcement agency handling evidence is desirable (for Forensic Investigator I).
Possession of certificate of completion of a recognized fingerprint course is desirable.
Possession of any certification from the International Association for Identification is desirable.
Active membership with a state division of the International Association for Identification and the International Association for Identification (IAI) is desirable.

Responsibilities

Responds to scenes of police-related incidents and performs a variety of forensic investigative duties; searches for, identifies, evaluates, and documents evidence utilizing various tools and methods, including photography, videography, and diagrams.
Assesses evidence to determine the best means of collection, preservation, and packaging; collects various types of physical, trace, and biological evidence using a wide array of packaging materials and preservation methods while maintaining evidentiary integrity.
Analyzes evidence at the scene in order to create a reconstruction of the incident; examines and interprets the location and condition of evidence, including blood stains, gunshot damage, and other physical evidence to aid in reconstructing the events that occurred; serves as the principal forensic investigator and point of contact for all forensic work processes and products for major crime scenes and other scenes as assigned.
Processes evidence for latent impressions using various mechanical, chemical, and photographic techniques; evaluates evidence to determine the appropriate sequential processing methods; documents each stage of sequential processing; mixes and tests chemicals and reagents to ensure proper mixtures; utilizes and monitors forensic equipment to ensure proper working order.
Conducts thorough examinations of latent print evidence utilizing current industry-accepted methodologies; identifies, analyzes, compares, evaluates, and verifies print evidence; uploads latent impressions to automated fingerprint identification databases and examines automated search results.
Fingerprints living and deceased persons.
Receives and maintains latent print evidence from crime scenes, laboratory processing, Community Service Officers, Police Officers, and Department of Justice returns in accordance with departmental procedures.
Handles loaded firearms for the purpose of unloading, rendering safe, securing, collecting, and test-firing.
Ability to complete Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) requirements as a National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) Technician for NIBIN entries.
Establishes and maintains the proper chain of custody for all items of evidence collected or obtained by the Forensic Unit.
Provides instruction and training to police personnel, students, interns, and members of the community on techniques utilized in crime scene processing, crime scene photography, latent print processing, fingerprinting equipment, and Live Scan systems.
Testifies in court, frequently as an expert witness, regarding crime scene investigation methods, techniques, and processes; diagrams, photography, and documentation; latent print processing and comparison; collection and processing of firearm evidence; collection of trace and blood/DNA evidence; laboratory processing methods; automated latent print search results; and manual fingerprint comparisons utilizing current industry-accepted methodologies.
Maintains awareness of new forensic techniques and court rulings; attends and participates in job-related training courses; participates in the peer review process; and incorporates new developments into work practices as appropriate.
Assists in the development and implementation of department operating procedures and forensic protocols.
Prepares and maintains written records, logs, statistical information and supplemental forensic and routine reports.
Researches and assists in the development of grant applications pertinent to forensic operations.
Maintains assigned facilities, vehicles, equipment, forensic supplies, and forensic materials.
Serves as a liaison with other law enforcement agencies, City departments, and members of the public.
Performs other related duties as assigned.