Forensic Specialist

Job Title

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.

Examples Of Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• 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.

Supplemental Information

Candidates must clearly demonstrate through their application material that they meet the minimum qualifications of the position. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Examinations for the positions may consist of any combination of written, performance, and oral exams to evaluate the applicant's skills, training, and experience for the position.

The employment application must be completed and submitted online. Applicants must list current and past work experience. Do not indicate "See Resume".

Proof of education, such as but not limited to university/college transcripts and degrees, must be submitted online with your application. Applicants are responsible for attaching proof of education, certification, and/or license to each position for which they apply.

An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credentials evaluation service. This evaluation must be submitted by the application deadline.

Failure to provide all required documents may result in elimination from the selection process.

Please note that the City of Redlands' preferred method of communication with applicants is via e-mail. As such, please ensure you verify the e-mail address on your application and check your e-mail frequently, including your spam and junk folders.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo a reference/background check (including a conviction record) and pass a post-offer pre-employment medical examination (which may include a drug/alcohol screening, depending on job classification). The City of Redlands utilizes E-Verify, and new employees must provide documentation to establish both identity and work authorization.

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Julie Maher at View email address on click.appcast.io or Sophia Diaz at View email address on click.appcast.io