Forensic Technician

City of College Station•College Station, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Forensic Supervisor, the Forensic Technician responds to major crime scenes as requested, conducts crime scene investigations, and performs a variety of highly technical crime scene related processing functions. This includes collecting fingerprints, preparing detailed forensic reports, and identifying, documenting, collecting, preserving, processing, and/or handling evidence and recording the scene in accordance with established departmental policies and procedures. The position has two levels: Forensic Technician I (entry-level) and Forensic Technician II (full journey level). The entry-level class performs routine technical support, while the journey level handles more complex investigations and advanced processing duties. Advancement to the higher level is based on demonstrated proficiency, applicable certification, and meeting minimum requirements.

Requirements

Associate degree in criminal justice, chemistry, natural science or related field which includes field experience or an extensive internship in a practical setting with a reputable department or laboratory, or law enforcement agency; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Valid Texas Driver’s License.
Ability to respond to crime scenes on a 24-hour “on-call” basis, upon request.
Ability to complete required training including but not limited to latent print development, digital/forensic photography, crime scene investigation, digital forensic analysis.
Well organized, detailed oriented, with the ability to maintain good and accurate records.
Ability to learn basic knowledge of criminal investigation procedures and forensic science principles.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the job including but not limited to extensive kneeling, stooping, reaching, climbing and standing for long periods of time; ability to lift and/or move objects of varying weight and shape up to and including 50 pounds; exposure to chemicals used in processing evidence and crime scenes and to body fluids/blood at crime scenes and autopsies.
Must not currently be or have been within the last ten (10) years on court-ordered community supervision or probation for any criminal offense of the grade of a Class B misdemeanor or above.
May not have been convicted of an offense of the grade of a Class B misdemeanor or above within the last ten (10) years.
May not have been, at any time, convicted of a felony offense or any family violence offense.
Associate degree in criminal justice, chemistry, natural science or related field and two (2) years’ experience, which includes field experience or an extensive internship in a practical setting with a reputable department or laboratory, or law enforcement agency; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Possess IAI Level 1 (Certified Crime Scene Investigator) Certification
Ability to complete required training including, but not limited to latent print development, digital/forensic photography, crime scene investigation, fingerprint comparison courses, advanced crime scene methods courses.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, chemistry, natural science or related field

Responsibilities

Respond to various types of crime and accident scenes, as requested; evaluate the scene, conduct searches, and process the scene by utilizing disciplines related to crime scene investigation, at the direction of the supervisor in charge.
Document, collect, package, preserve, and process physical evidence in order to conduct scientific evaluation; transport evidence to the department, ensuring evidentiary value is maintained and all evidence is preserved in the proper manner.
Maintain a thorough working knowledge of all laws, statutory and case, pertaining to search and seizure of evidence.
Maintain a high degree of proficiency and knowledge in performing crime scene photography, lifting and developing fingerprints; and maintain a working knowledge of fingerprint classification in order to enter and modify information in the fingerprint database.
Process evidence collected by members of the department as necessary for fingerprints.
Download electronic devices for forensic analysis upon request.
Provide testimony in court, as required, on an occasional basis.
Prepare written reports as necessary.
Attend autopsies as directed and collect evidence discovered as a result of the autopsy and transporting the evidence to the department.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Maintain a high degree of proficiency in lifting, developing, comparing, and classifying fingerprints utilizing both chemical and powder processes; and maintain a working knowledge of fingerprint classification in order to enter and modify information in fingerprint database and compare unknown fingerprints with known samples in attempts to make proper identification.
Maintain proficiency and knowledge in performing crime scene photography, to include specialized photography using an alternate light source.
Maintain a level of proficiency and knowledge so as to qualify as an expert witness in court and provide testimony as requested.
Utilize alternate light sources, chemical and physical processes, scientific methods, and equipment for the detection, collection, and processing of evidence.
Assist with crime scene reconstruction including determining the sequence of events that took place, bullet trajectory, and identifying blood stain patterns to aid in blood stain analysis.
Work with and train/educate other employees in fields related to crime scene investigation.