Police Crime Scene Technician I

Town of Oro Valley•Oro Valley, AZ

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Oro Valley Police Department (OVPD) is accepting applications for the position of Crime Scene Technician (I and/or II). This entry-level classification performs routine and moderately complex assignments while developing proficiency under the guidance of experienced personnel. The position supports criminal investigations through the application of forensic science principles, evidence management practices, and specialized technical expertise. Responsibilities include documenting, identifying, collecting, preserving, processing, storing, safeguarding, tracking, releasing, and disposing of physical evidence; coordinating forensic laboratory submissions, maintaining chain of custody, managing department equipment and operational inventories, and supporting criminal investigations through scientific, technical, and administrative expertise.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
One (1) year of experience in forensic evidence collection, crime scene processing, digital photography, or a closely related field.
Arizona Terminal Operator Certification must be obtained within thirty (30) days of hire.
Valid Arizona Class D Driver License at the time of employment.
Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, and procedures governing crime scene investigations, evidence handling, and property management, and chain of custody.
Knowledge of forensic evidence collection, preservation, documentation, latent fingerprint development, and crime scene processing methods, and basic forensic processing techniques.
Knowledge of evidence management principles, records management systems, evidence tracking systems, and applicable property and evidence laws and procedures.
Knowledge of purchasing, procurement, inventory accountability, and equipment management procedures.
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with department personnel, outside agencies, and members of the public.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with department personnel, outside agencies, and the public.
Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain strict confidentiality, and follow established policies and procedures.
Ability to organize work, prioritize assignments, coordinate multiple responsibilities, meet deadlines, and work independently with minimal supervision.
Ability to accurately gather, analyze, document, preserve, package, and maintain physical evidence while ensuring chain of custody.
Ability to prepare clear, articulate, and comprehensive reports, records, and other documentation.
Ability to operate computers, records management systems, forensic equipment, and standard office equipment.
Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
Ability to communicate effectively in English in person, by telephone, and over two-way radio.
Ability to work flexible schedules, including nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call assignments.
Ability to safely perform duties while complying with all applicable safety standards and procedures.
Ability to apply established forensic processing techniques and operate department issued crime scene equipment under general guidance.

Nice To Haves

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

Independently respond to property and other routine crime scenes to provide technical forensic support.
Under the guidance of a CST II or CST Supervisor, respond to critical crime scenes (homicides, serious injury assaults, etc.) to provide technical forensic support.
Under the guidance of a CST II or CST Supervisor, respond to Pima Regional Critical Incident Team (PRCIT) activations. Assigned duties on PRCIT events will be based on individual CST I’s observed competencies.
Identify, document, preserve, collect, and package biological evidence, latent fingerprints, footwear and tire impressions, firearms, tool marks, and other forms of physical evidence.
Photograph and document crime scenes using digital cameras, measurement equipment, and approved forensic documentation techniques.
Process evidence in the field utilizing fingerprint powders, alternate light sources, specialized chemical techniques, and other forensic techniques.
Under the guidance of a CST II or CST Supervisor, process evidence in the laboratory utilizing fingerprint powders, chemical reagents, alternate light sources, specialized camera equipment, filters, and other forensic techniques.
Conduct presumptive chemical testing for blood and other biological evidence.
Produce and preserve impression evidence through casting, scaled photography, and other approved documentation methods.
Operate advanced crime scene documentation equipment, including digital photography systems, alternate light sources, forensic measurement equipment, and department-issued three-dimensional laser scanning systems, as assigned.
Perform duties on elevated surfaces, including ladders, lifts, rooftops, and similar work platforms.
Receive, inventory, document, barcode, transport, store, safeguard, release, and dispose of evidence, found property, and safekeeping items in accordance with department policy and applicable laws.
Inspect submitted evidence to ensure compliance with approved packaging, labeling, and submission standards.
Maintain accurate chain-of-custody documentation utilizing electronic records management systems and physical records as required.
Coordinate the submission, transfer, tracking, and return of evidence with forensic laboratories, prosecutors, detectives, outside agencies, and authorized property owners while maintaining accurate documentation and chain of custody.
Research ownership, legal disposition, retention requirements, and release eligibility for evidence, found property, safekeeping items, and unclaimed property in accordance with applicable laws and department policies.
Prepare and destroy evidence, found property, and unclaimed property as authorized and in accordance with legal retention requirements.
Maintain the integrity, security, accountability, and documentation of evidence management systems while ensuring evidence and property are released only to authorized individuals.
Under the guidance of a CST II or CST Supervisor, assist with Safekeeping and Found Property destruction processes.
Prepare detailed reports and complete all documentation associated with crime scene investigations and evidence handling.
Enter and maintain accurate data within department records management systems.
Provide testimony in court and other legal proceedings regarding crime scene processing, evidence collection, chain of custody, and evidence preservation.
Provide professional customer service by responding to inquiries regarding evidence and property disposition.
Perform routine filing and other administrative duties.
Participate in after-hours on-call rotations supporting crime scene response, property and evidence management, and equipment and operational support functions.
Issue, receive, inspect, inventory, maintain, and document department-issued firearms, less-lethal weapons, body-worn cameras, personal protective equipment, uniforms, radios, specialty equipment, and operational supplies.
Maintain accountability records for department-issued equipment.
Conduct inventories and inspections of department equipment and supplies.
Coordinate repair, replacement, procurement, and maintenance activities for assigned department equipment.
Obtain vendor quotations and assist with purchasing activities.
Assist department personnel regarding equipment issuance, accountability, and inventory procedures.
Maintain operational readiness of assigned equipment and inventory systems.
Assist with maintaining inventory accuracy through routine inspections and reconciliation of department equipment records.
Assist in the training and instruction of department personnel regarding crime scene processing and property and evidence procedures.
Attend required training to maintain proficiency and remain current with evolving forensic practices, technology, and legal requirements.