Crime Scene/Property Evidence Specialist - Menifee Police Department, Menifee, California, USA (2023)

Duties

Examples of Essential Functions

• Identifies, examines, photographs, collects, preserves and transports evidence from crime scenes; searches for latent impressions, collects contact DNA, blood and other physical and trace evidence on a variety of objects and surfaces.
• Photographs, videotapes, sketches and diagrams crime scenes to ensure documentation of crime scenes and evidence; prepares reports and maintain records and logs of crime scenes and evidence collected.
• Attends medical legal autopsies at the Medical Examiner's Office to collect photographic and physical evidence; photographs all aspects of the body necessary for investigation.
• Evaluates, compares and identifies latent and visible impressions using a variety of automated fingerprint identification systems and manual methods.
• Uses chemical processes, a variety of powders, photography and laser technology both in the laboratory and the field to develop latent impressions.
• Prepares photographs, charts, and other materials for demonstration of evidence in court; provides expert testimony in court.
• Receives, identifies, classifies, processes, stores, safeguards, releases and disposes of all types of police property and evidence including weapons, explosives, narcotics, money, and hazardous materials in accordance with specific laws, rules, regulations and policies.
• Maintains manuals, computerized logs, and records of all property and evidence received, stored or destroyed.
• Tracks the movement of and maintains chain of custody documentation for all property and evidence; retrieves, packages, releases to personnel, and oversees the transport of property and evidence to labs for testing and to court for hearings.
• Coordinates and oversees the disposition of property and evidence, including release, auction, disposal, sealing, and conversion; coordinates the annual weapon, narcotics, bio-hazard, and hazardous chemical destruction; notifies owners and disposes of evidence and property according to applicable laws, codes, rules and regulations; coordinates and schedules appointments with the public for release of property.
• Maintains, monitors, and orders supplies for the evidence room and evidence counter; orders, receives and issues department equipment to employees; coordinates maintenance and repair of specialized tools and equipment including portable radios, video cameras, fingerprint identification equipment, photographic cameras and related film development equipment; maintains files and information on vendors and suppliers.
• Remains informed of laws, regulations and policies relating to property and evidence preservation, storage, and disposal; answers questions and provides general information to the public, District Attorney's Office, crime lab, and City staff including requests for information on property and evidence held.
• Researches and evaluates new technical developments in latent print development and analysis of evidence.
• Provides training and assistance to Police Department staff regarding crime scene protection, evidence collection and packaging, documentation and related safety and technical methods.
• Performs a variety of clerical and administrative duties in support of department operations; processes various forms, reports and documents including laboratory service requests, court orders and other documents.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Earn a Degree in Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Science, Computer Forensics or Forensic Psychology

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE OF

• Methods and techniques used in the identification, collection, and preservation of prints and commonly used fingerprint classification systems.
• Legal requirements and policies regarding the receiving, storage, disposition and chain of custody of property and evidence.
• Operations, services, and activities of crime scene investigation and property and evidence management.
• Methods, procedures, principles, practices, and terminology used in crime scene investigations and property and evidence handling, recording, preservation, storage, and release.
• Court procedures regarding evidence and providing testimony.
• Principles, practices, procedures, and techniques of records and inventory management.
• Methods and techniques for record keeping, letter writing, and report preparation.
• Operations, services and standard operating procedures of a modern Police Department.
• Handling and care of firearms and other police equipment.
• Customer service principles and techniques.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

ABILITY TO

• Learn, understand and interpret laws.
• Perform a variety of crime scene investigation, evidence and property control functions.
• Apply and explain pertinent laws, rules, regulations, protocols, policies, and procedures related to crime scenes, property and evidence.
• Maintain the integrity of evidence and chain of custody in accordance with established guidelines.
• Take clear and accurate photographs.
• Understand the criminal and civil judicial systems.
• Provide expert testimonial in court.
• Prepare accurate and grammatically correct written reports.
• Maintain a variety of records.
• Respond to requests and inquiries from other departments, City officials, and the public.
• Operate and maintain various print identification and other technical and scientific instruments, equipment and supplies.
• Safely perform the physical requirements necessary in storing and moving materials.
• Plan and organize work to meet changing priorities and deadlines.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
• Make sound decisions within established guidelines.
• Participate in the CSI on-call rotation.
• Communicate clearly and concisely; as well as follow, both oral and written instructions.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, staff, vendors and the public.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE - Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

• Graduation from High School or equivalent supplemented by specialized training used in crime scene investigations and property and evidence handling. Three (3) years (full-time equivalent) of current experience in a law enforcement setting involving crime scene investigations and the processing and handling of property and evidence.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License by time of appointment.
• Possession of a current Latent Print Expert Certificate is highly desirable.
• Possession of a Crime Scene Investigation Certificate is highly desirable.
• Possession of a Property and Evidence Certificate is highly desirable.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation, including a polygraph examination.

Additional Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement, and fine coordination in preparing reports and retrieving and entering data using a computer keyboard. Sensory demands include near and far vision in reading work related documents and using the computer, and acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service. The need to lift, drag, and push files, paper, documents and equipment weighing 25 pounds or more is required.
• Mental demands of the position require employees to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information and documents; analyze and solve problems; use math and mathematical reasoning; observe and interpret situations; learn and apply new information or skills; use effective judgment; and interact with citizens, business representatives, city staff, other organizations, police safety personnel, school representatives, and the public.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

• Exposure to various hazards and weather conditions and moderate noise levels, and often work with constant interruptions. Employees may be exposed to chemical and biological hazards, and the nature of the work requires incumbents to use ladders in the storage of property. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures and City codes.

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