Forensic Supervisor

City of Torrance • Torrance, CA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The City of Torrance is recruiting for a Forensic Supervisor to be a part of the Police Department. The Torrance Police Department's mission is to preserve public safety and quality of life within the City of Torrance, to respond effectively to the changing needs of the community, and to promote mutual respect between the Police Department and the people we serve. The Torrance Police Department Forensic Identification Specialist Unit is responsible for providing comprehensive forensic and crime scene support to the Torrance Police Department. The unit conducts detailed crime scene documentation; collects and preserves physical evidence; performs fingerprint processing and comparison; and utilizes advanced forensic technologies to assist in criminal investigations. Forensic Identification Specialists work closely with detectives, patrol officers, and external agencies to ensure accurate, timely, and professional forensic services that uphold the highest standards of evidence integrity and investigative support. The Forensic Supervisor oversees and coordinates the work of the Forensic Identification Specialist Unit within the Torrance Police Department. This position is responsible for supervising staff engaged in crime scene response, evidence collection, forensic processing, and specialized investigative support. The Forensic Supervisor ensures compliance with departmental procedures and forensic best practices, provides technical guidance and training; reviews work for accuracy and quality; and assists in developing and implementing unit policies and operational standards. The role also serves as a subject-matter expert to investigators and management, supporting the integrity of forensic evidence and the effectiveness of criminal investigations.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited college with a Bachelor's degree in forensic science, biology, chemistry, or a related field.
• Three years paid experience as a Forensic Identification Specialist or the equivalent at an accredited forensic laboratory, or law enforcement agency, participating in site investigations and laboratory analysis.
• Two years working in a lead or supervisory capacity.
• Experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis to a maximum of four years' experience.
• Must possess a valid State of California Class C Driver's License.
• Supervisory, leadership, and team-building skills.
• Effective report writing skills and courtroom expert testimony.
• Skills and knowledge in recognition, search techniques, collection, and documentation of latent prints from physical evidence.
• Competence in the operation of digital imaging systems used for documentation and analysis purposes.
• Knowledge and skillsets in automated systems and chemical methods used to identify and compare latent fingerprints to partial and distorted friction skin evidence as well as known friction skin exemplars.
• Strong ability in training and evaluating staff members, especially pertaining to the related fields of Crime Scene investigations and Latent print examinations.
• Knowledge and skillsets in entering and comparing latent print impressions in the local and federal Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS).

Nice To Haves

• An International Association for Identification (IAI) certification as a crime scene investigator (CCSI) and/or a Certified Latent Print Examiner (CLPE) is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Oversees and coordinates the work of the Forensic Identification Specialist Unit.
• Supervises staff engaged in crime scene response, evidence collection, forensic processing, and specialized investigative support.
• Ensures compliance with departmental procedures and forensic best practices.
• Provides technical guidance and training to staff.
• Reviews work for accuracy and quality.
• Assists in developing and implementing unit policies and operational standards.
• Serves as a subject-matter expert to investigators and management.
• Supports the integrity of forensic evidence and the effectiveness of criminal investigations.

Benefits

• The City of Torrance recognizes the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager