Forensic Specialist

City of Redlands•Redlands, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, performs highly skilled technical work assisting police officers in criminal investigations, the identification, collection and preservation of evidence at crime scenes, advanced photography and audio-visual services, and latent fingerprint processing; and performs related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Equivalent to a high school diploma, supplemented by additional training in police science, photography or a related field
A minimum of one year of experience conducting forensic specialist/technician duties, including experience or training in the field of photography with an emphasis on digital photography
Possess and maintain a California Class C driver's license
Must be able to withstand rigorous situations in court, handle violent crime scenes, and meet deadlines upon demand
Ability to perform on-site field inspections, including exertion of a moderate amount of physical effort to stoop, crouch, climb and lift in performance of assigned duties
Requires sufficient hand/eye coordination to perform semi-skilled repetitive movements, such as typing, filing, data entry, and/or use of a personal computer or other office equipment or supplies and operation of a motor vehicle
Must be able to perceive color, shapes, and odors

Nice To Haves

An Associate's degree in criminology, administration of justice, police science, or a closely related field is highly desirable

Responsibilities

Utilizes various kinds of scientific instrumentation to analyze, compare, identify, and quantify materials of evidence
Utilizes technical expertise in operating a forensic laser and uses chemical methods of fingerprint detection
Collects, photographs, preserves, classifies and identifies fingerprints, palm prints and other types of body prints
Evaluates, compares and identifies latent prints from objects, structures and other materials
Conducts and properly documents crime scene investigations to recognize, search for, collect and preserve all types of evidence
Operates digital recording equipment in the collection and presentation of crime scene evidence
Maintains photographic equipment and supplies
Prepares and maintains detailed reports and records
Prepares in-depth reports and accompanying evidence for court presentations
Reconstructs crime scenes for reports, court, etc
May assist the property and evidence team in providing temporary and vacation relief as necessary in the maintenance and control of police property, evidence and supplies
Creates composite images of suspects using specialized forensic software or hand drawings of suspects based on victim and witness identifications
Tags, marks, and stores evidence collected
Transports evidence for analysis or disposal
Prepares evidence for presentation in criminal and other cases
Provides testimony regarding evidence, chain of custody, suspect identification and other forensic-related matters in criminal and non-criminal cases
Works a flexible schedule that will require an on-call status
Mixes and utilizes chemicals for job-related functions such as development and processing of fingerprints and photography
Receives radio dispatches and drives to all calls within the City and surrounding area
Documents crime scenes, training classes and special operations
Requests Cal-ID searches from the crime lab
Interviews witnesses to obtain information on crime scenes, evidence, etc
Attends post-mortem examinations, collects, packages, and stores evidence
Photographs autopsies of criminal investigations
Prepares photos for court presentations
May testify in court
Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned