Forensic Specialist

Description Under general supervision, performs highly skilled technical work assisting police officers in criminal investigations, the identification, collection and preservation of evidence at crime scenes, advanced photography and audio-visual services, and latent fingerprint processing; and performs related duties as assigned. Duties Utilizes various kinds of scientific instrumentation to analyze, compare, identify, and quantify materials of evidence; Utilizes technical expertise in operating a forensic laser and uses chemical methods of fingerprint detection; Collects, photographs, preserves, classifies and identifies fingerprints, palm prints and other types of body prints; Evaluates, compares and identifies latent prints from objects, structures and other materials; Conducts and properly documents crime scene investigations to recognize, search for, collect and preserve all types of evidence; Operates digital recording equipment in the collection and presentation of crime scene evidence; Maintains photographic equipment and supplies; Prepares and maintains detailed reports and records; Prepares in-depth reports and accompanying evidence for court presentations; Reconstructs crime scenes for reports, court, etc; May assist the property and evidence team in providing temporary and vacation relief as necessary in the maintenance and control of police property, evidence and supplies; Creates composite images of suspects using specialized forensic software or hand drawings of suspects based on victim and witness identifications; Tags, marks, and stores evidence collected; Transports evidence for analysis or disposal; Prepares evidence for presentation in criminal and other cases; Provides testimony regarding evidence, chain of custody, suspect identification and other forensic related matters in criminal and non-criminal cases; Works a flexible schedule that will require an on-call status; Mixes and utilizes chemicals for job-related functions such as development and processing of fingerprints and photography; Receives radio dispatches and drives to all calls within the City and surrounding area; Documents crime scenes, training classes and special operations; Requests Cal-ID searches from the crime lab; Interviews witnesses to obtain information on crime scenes, evidence, etc; Attends post-mortem examinations, collects, packages, and stores evidence Photographs autopsies of criminal investigations; Prepares photos for court presentations; May testify in court; and Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned. Qualifications Education Equivalent to a high school diploma, supplemented by additional training in police science, photography or a related field. An Associate's degree in criminology, administration of justice, police science, or a closely related field is highly desirable. Experience A minimum of one year of experience conducting forensic specialist/technician duties, including experience or training in the field of photography with an emphasis on digital photography. License Or Certificate Possess and maintain a California Class C driver's license. Special Requirements Essential functions and duties require the following physical abilities and work environment: Must be able to withstand rigorous situations in court, handle violent crime scenes, and meet deadlines upon demand. May be required to be on-call 24 hours a day, up to seven days a week. Ability to perform on-site field inspections, including exertion of a moderate amount of physical effort to stoop, crouch, climb and lift in performance of assigned duties; May be subject to uncomfortable working conditions including odors, toxic agents, machinery, explosives, bright or very dim light and possible violent situations; Requires sufficient hand/eye coordination to perform semi-skilled repetitive movements, such as typing, filing, data entry, and/or use of a personal computer or other office equipment or supplies and operation of a motor vehicle; must be able to perceive color, shapes, and odors. Benefits Associated With This Position Include Medical Insurance – City pays premium of $800 up to $2,100 /mo for employees and eligible dependents, depending upon coverage level Dental Insurance – City pays monthly premium for employees and eligible dependents; 2 plans Vision Reimbursement – up to $300 per year Life Insurance - $25,000 Accidental Death & Dismemberment - $25,000 Deferred Compensation - $1560 per year Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) The City participates in Social Security Vacation Leave – 80 hours accrued in first year Sick Leave – 96 hours annually Clothing or Uniform allowance, depending upon position City contribution to a 401(a) plan $870 or $1560 per year depending upon assignment 14 Paid Holidays per year 2 Floating Holidays per year 20 hours of Additional Floating Holidays per calendar year Credit Union Employee Assistance Program Tuition Reimbursement Program - $5000 per fiscal year Education Incentive Pay – 3% for a Master\'s or Doctoral Degree Mobile Device Pay - $100 per month (for select positions) Shift Differential Pay - 5% (subject to the terms of the RCSEA MOU) Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) – 2% @ 55 for employees who are considered a "classic" member of Cal PERS or a current member of another California public retirement system who is hired on or after January 1, 2013; Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) – 2% @ 62 for an employee who becomes a "new" member of Cal PERS for the first time on or after January 1, 2013 (and who was not a member of another California public retirement system prior to that date.) #J-18808-Ljbffr City of Redlands