Forensic Specialist

Overview

This classification is the entry position into the Forensic series and performs skilled technical work under general supervision. Essential duties of this position include but are not limited to: Processes complex crime scenes requiring specialized techniques in detection, recognition, documentation, collection, interpretation, and preservation of physical evidence associated with crime scenes to include all types of friction skin evidence, trace evidence, and biological evidence. Analyses, compares, and evaluates developed latent finger prints for the purposes of identification and comparison.

Final applicants will be subject to a background investigation prior to appointment.

Requirements

Graduation from high school or attainment of GED or CHSPE certificate. Completion of a Bachelor’s degree in a related field. Completion of six months recent experience in crime scene investigation or latent print comparison. Five years recent experience in crime scene investigation or latent print comparison may be substituted for the educational requirement. Certifications through the International Association for Identification are desirable.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a variety of locations to include on-site work at crime scenes, hospitals, and in the Police Department. Work is performed in indoor and outdoor environments. When work is performed outdoors, there is full exposure to the elements. The incumbent may be exposed to related health hazards to include blood and other bodily fluids/products, infectious diseases, human borne parasites, air, water, and blood borne pathogens, and may have contact with complete and/or partial human corpses in various stages of decomposition. Other health hazards may include odors, toxic chemicals, and hazardous substances. Occasionally, work is performed within confined areas or at high altitudes, including photography from helicopters. Physical demands include frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, lifting, crawling, climbing ladders and inclines, repelling down ravines, and moving objects weighing up to 50 pounds. May be required to independently work crime scene investigations either without supervision or without sworn police presence. Incumbents must be able to meet the physical requirements of the class and have mobility, vision, hearing and dexterity levels appropriate to the duties to be performed.

For more information, view the Forensic Specialist position bulletin.