Crime Scene Investigator I II III

Duties and Requirements Click to read more

Duties

Examples of Essential Duties
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily while consistently demonstrating the Town’s core values of integrity, innovation, commitment to quality service, and teamwork. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with a disability to perform the essential duties. The below list is intended to be illustrative of the responsibilities of this position and is not all encompassing. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement and the Town may change these duties at any time.

• Responds to crime scenes and other incidents to identify, document, collect, preserve, package, transport, and store physical evidence in accordance with established protocols.
• Processes crime scenes using appropriate techniques, including photography, measurement, sketching, and written documentation.
• Maintains evidence integrity by properly labeling, packaging, securing, and documenting chain of custody.
• Conducts laboratory and field examinations of evidence consistent with training, certification level, and assigned responsibilities.
• Prepares accurate and complete reports related to crime scene processing, evidence handling, and laboratory casework.
• Attends autopsies and other forensic examinations to document observations and collect evidence as assigned.
• Testifies in court regarding crime scene processing, evidence handling, and forensic findings.
• Maintains, inventories, and stocks equipment, supplies, and materials related to crime scene and laboratory operations.
• Ensures facilities, vehicles, and equipment are maintained in a safe, sanitary, and operational condition.
• Assists with training activities, technical guidance, or informational support for department personnel or community programs as appropriate to assignment level.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications
The requirements listed below are representative of the education, experience, certification and/or licensure required. An equivalent combination of education and experience to perform the essential duties and meet the necessary employment standards may be considered.

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, forensic science, chemistry, biology, or related field.
• Requires a current International Association of Identification (IAI) Level I, II or III certification.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid Driver's License issued by the State of Colorado for the type of vehicle or equipment operated; safe driving record and a minimum of two (2) years of driving history.

Employees within the Crime Scene Investigator position series have access to professional development opportunities such as accident investigation training and special certifications (laser scanning and bloodstain pattern analysis).

Employees within the Crime Scene Investigator position series are eligible to participate in a self-initiated progression for promotional advancement through investigator levels. Below are the distinguishing characteristics of each level:

Crime Scene Investigator I:
This position is within the Crime Scene Investigator position series. This position is distinguished from the Crime Scene Investigator II by performing more routine assignments and duties.

• This level requires twelve (12) months of related experience and a current International Association of Identification (IAI) Level I certification.
• The incumbent conducts forensic investigations and processes basic or routine crime scenes, including the identification, collection, preservation, packaging, and documentation of biological, friction ridge, impression, and other physical evidence. The incumbent performs basic laboratory evidence processing, conducts presumptive for biological evidence, and provides foundational training, education, and mentoring to Police Officers regarding general evidence collection and packaging procedures. This level is fully aware of the operating procedures and policies associated with the Forensic Services Section.

Crime Scene Investigator II:
This is a mid-level position within the Crime Scene Investigator position series. This position is distinguished from Crime Scene Investigator I by performing the full range of assignments and duties. The Crime Scene Investigator II receives only occasional instruction or assistance and is fully aware of the operating procedures and policies associated with the Forensic Services Section. Movement to an Investigator II role presumes all requirements of an Investigator I (or the equivalent) have been met.

• This level requires three (3) years of related experience and a current IAI Level II certification.
• The incumbent conducts forensic investigations and processes more complex crime scenes under limited supervision, applying a range of evidence documentation, collection, and examination techniques, including photography, videography, sketching, measurement, note-taking, report writing, and physical or chemical enhancement of latent, patent, and plastic impressions. The incumbent documents bloodstain patterns, bullet trajectories, and other scene dynamics; conducts investigations in sequences dictated by unique scene circumstances; assists detectives and officers with advanced evidence collection and preservation; provides training, education, and mentoring to Crime Scene Investigator I staff, Evidence Technicians, and Police Officers; and operates, maintains, and performs minor preventive maintenance on laboratory and analytical instruments and equipment.

Crime Scene Investigator III:
This is an upper-level position within the Crime Scene Investigator position series. This position is distinguished from the others within this series by the years of experience, additional certifications, and the performance of the full range of tasks, duties, and special assignments. The Crime Scene Investigator III receives only limited instruction or assistance and is fully aware of operating procedures and policies associated with the Section. Movement to an Investigator III role presumes all requirements of an Investigator II (or the equivalent) have been met.

• This level requires six (6) years of increasingly responsible, related experience and a current IAI Level III certification.
• The incumbent conducts highly complex forensic investigations and independently processes complex crime scenes, providing advanced crime scene documentation, analysis, and scene reconstructions. The incumbent performs advanced laboratory evidence processing; conducts independent chemical and biochemical analyses to presumptively identify unknown substances and interpret results for use in criminal investigations; resolves complex operational and technical problems; assists detectives and officers with advanced evidence collection and preservation; and provides advanced training, education, and mentoring to Property & Evidence Technicians, Police Officers, and Crime Scene Investigator I and II staff.

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