Police Criminalist

City of Gresham•Gresham, OR

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Gresham is accepting applications for a Police Criminalist. This position will be required to collect evidence at crime scenes, process, store and categorize evidence and items taken for safe keeping. In addition, this position will work closely with uniformed patrol and the detective’s division. As Oregon's fourth-largest city, Gresham is a welcoming community of hard-working people where tradition and heritage meet innovation and opportunity. Gresham is a dynamic and rapidly growing city where families and businesses have a mutual desire and drive to thrive. City of Gresham employees care deeply about the community they serve, and go 'one step beyond' to deliver services in collaborative, inventive, practical, and nimble ways. Our work is challenging, fast-paced and rewarding. We believe that to deliver the highest level of service to all Gresham community members, it is crucial we employ a diverse workforce, foster an inclusive working environment, and ensure our policies and systems result in equitable outcomes. The City seeks candidates who will support these values by continuously incorporating equity in their daily work, and actively contributing to a workplace culture that respects unique viewpoints, life experiences, and cultural perspectives. Come build the future with us.

Requirements

Knowledge of: Laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances affecting City and Police Department policies and operations
City government administration, organization, functions, and services
Practices, principles, procedures, regulations, and techniques as they relate to crime scene investigation, evidence identification and collection, storing and recording criminal evidence and personal property, analyzing and comparing physical evidence, and others
Techniques and use of photographic equipment, microscopes, and other scientific analytical instruments
Rules of evidence in criminal law
Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to the public and City staff
Communication principles, practices, and techniques
Modern office practices and methods, computer equipment, and software applications
Ability to: Exercise discretion in confidential and sensitive matters
Interpret, apply, and ensure compliance with applicable policies, procedures, laws, and regulations
Analyze criminal evidence; interpret and classify fingerprint patterns; manage and inventory property and evidence
Work in and process violent crime scenes
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all internal and external contacts
Operate office equipment and technology tools including microscopes, other analytical equipment, personal computers, laptop computers and printers, and presentation equipment
Communicate effectively verbally and in writing; present information, proposals, recommendations, and evidence clearly and persuasively
Physically perform the essential job functions
Equivalency of 5-8 years of qualifying education, training, and/or experience.
Associate's degree -AND- Three (3) to six (6) years of experience
Bachelor's degree -AND- One (1) to Four (4) years of experience

Nice To Haves

International Association for Identification Latent Print certification
International Association for Identification Crime Scene Certification
International Association for Identification Member with certifications and in good standing
Possess a four-year college degree as it would allow the Gresham CSI team to become a certified lab.

Responsibilities

Investigate crime scenes: search and process crime scenes for evidence; fingerprint suspects and other individuals; perform crime scene surveillance, evidence, and general department photography; process photos and maintain photo case files.
Perform various evidence tests in the laboratory including developing latent fingerprints, narcotics testing, and others; compare, classify, and identify fingerprints using chemistry, photography, and electronic techniques; identify unknown subjects and substances utilizing technical laboratory skills.
Research cases; analyze and evaluate evidence; prepare evidence for court exhibits; prepare and present a variety of records and related reports; testify in court.
Perform general facilities, equipment, and other specialty duties, including ordering, receiving, and stocking supplies; maintain photography equipment, supplies, and files; maintain supplies needed for investigation and evidence analysis.
Respond to and resolve confidential and sensitive inquiries; provide expert guidance to other departments, the general public, and/or outside agencies; provide training to staff on crime scene investigation, evidence, and related techniques; act as a representative on committees, interagency task forces, and special projects as assigned; conduct criminal and/or administrative investigations as assigned.
Analyze and review federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, and procedures in order to ensure compliance; conduct analysis on best practices and trends, and formulate recommendations.