JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Crime Scene Specialist
MAINTENANCE REVIEW DATE: April 2000
ORG/POS #: 5600/2852
JOB OBJECTIVE: To gather physical evidence at crime scenes
which will lead to the arrest and conviction of individuals responsible for the
crimes.
ACCOUNTABILITY: Receives general supervision from the
Crime Scene Supervisor.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
1. Conducts crime scene searches under
extreme conditions to gather physical evidence, such as latent fingerprints,
hair, fibers, blood, projectiles, shell casings and tool and tire marks.
2. Prepares detailed evidence submission
forms for use by State Crime Lab personnel which outline the specific tests to
be performed on the evidence (i.e., drug analysis, serology, toxicology,
firearms/tool marks, etc.) and the sequence in which the tests should be
performed.
3. Creates scale drawings of crime scenes,
utilizing computer aided drafting (CAD), which include the location of the
crime, evidence reference points, exact distances, and trajectory of bullets;
creates cast impressions of shoe, tool, tire, and hand marks found at crime
scenes.
4. Lifts, photographs, and develops latent
prints found at crime scenes, utilizing print enhancement chemicals and
photography equipment.
5. Identify, photograph, collect and
preserve biological material for DNA evidence.
6. Prepares detailed narrative and
technical reports for each crime scene investigated which include a detailed
summary of all evidence; maintains detailed case files for each case.
7. Meets with prosecuting and defense
attorneys to discuss cases or to provide formal depositions regarding crime
scene information and physical evidence.
8. Testifies in court regarding evidence
collected at crime scenes, the condition of the crime scene, and the methodology
employed in the collection and testing of the evidence.
9. Meets with State Crime Lab personnel to
discuss crime scene data and testing methods utilized on evidence; enters crime
scene information into a microcomputer.
10. Operates a City pool automobile in the performance
of essential job functions.
SECONDARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Transports evidence to and from
hospitals and the State Crime Lab; maintains evidence transmittal forms and an
evidence log book to track the chain of custody for all evidence to ensure its
integrity when introduced in court.
JOB TITLE: Crime Scene Specialist
JOB DESCRIPTION
- CONTINUED
2. Conducts chemical tests on blood,
drugs, body fluids, fibers, etc., found at crime scenes to provide physical evidence
to the prosecutor; ensures the security and integrity of all evidence processed
in the Crime Scene Search Unit Laboratory.
3. Extracts gunshot residue from victims,
suspects, and inanimate objects at crime scenes; operates a metal detector to
locate projectiles and shell casings.
4. Operates photography equipment to
photograph crime scenes; operates a video processor/enhancer to extract still
photographs from videotapes taken at crime scenes.
5. Interprets evidence collected at crime
scenes to develop a forensic evaluation of the suspect's physical and
behavioral characteristics.
6. Analyzes crime scene information, such
as blood spatter patterns to determine specific crime scene information (i.e.,
type of weapon used, suspect's proximity to the victim, and velocity of the
weapon at impact).
7. Develops lesson plans which meet State
Minimum Standards for law enforcement officers; trains Police Officers in crime
scene security and evidence collection and preservation.
8. Conducts instructional courses and
seminars for other law enforcement agencies, universities, etc., regarding
crime scene searches; conducts crime scene searches for other law enforcement
agencies as required.
9. Prepares monthly reports detailing the
number of crime scene investigations and the number of hours spent testifying
in court and at the State Crime Lab.
10. Performs
other related duties as required.
SUPERVISORY
RESPONSIBILITIES:
None.
JOB SPECIFICATION
CRIME SCENE SPECIALIST
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Performs work of average difficulty in
gathering physical evidence at crime scenes which will lead to the arrest and
conviction of individuals responsible for the crimes.
MAINTENANCE REVIEW DATE: April 2000
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
(Illustrative)
Conducts crime scene searches under extreme conditions to
gather physical evidence, such as latent fingerprints, hair, fibers, blood,
projectiles, shell casings and tool and tire marks.
Prepares detailed evidence submission forms for use by State
Crime Lab personnel which outline the specific tests to be performed on the
evidence (i.e., drug analysis, serology, toxicology, firearms/tool marks, etc.)
and the sequence in which the tests should be performed.
Creates scale drawings of crime scenes, utilizing computer
aided drafting (CAD), which include the location of the crime, evidence
reference points, exact distances, and trajectory of bullets; creates cast
impressions of shoe, tool, tire, and hand marks found at crime scenes.
Lifts, photographs, and develops latent prints found at
crime scenes, utilizing print enhancement chemicals and photography equipment.
Identify, photograph, collect and preserve biological
material for DNA evidence.
Prepares detailed narrative and technical reports for each
crime scene investigated which include a detailed summary of all evidence;
maintains detailed case files for each case.
Meets with prosecuting and defense attorneys to discuss
cases or to provide formal depositions regarding crime scene information and
physical evidence.
Testifies in court regarding evidence collected at crime
scenes, the condition of the crime scene, and the methodology employed in the
collection and testing of the evidence.
Meets with State Crime Lab personnel to discuss crime scene
data and testing methods utilized on evidence; enters crime scene information
into a microcomputer.
Operates a City pool automobile in the performance
of essential job functions.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Considerable knowledge of physical
evidence gathering and preservation methods and techniques.
Considerable knowledge of the
materials and methods used to lift and develop latent fingerprints.
Good knowledge of the methods and
techniques of photography and film processing and development.
Some knowledge of the methods,
techniques, and materials utilized to test physical evidence gathered at crime
scenes (i.e., serology, toxicology, drug analysis, etc.).
JOB TITLE: Crime Scene Specialist
JOB SPECIFICATION - CONTINUED
Some knowledge of computer aided
drafting (CAD).
Skill in the operation of equipment used to
lift and develop latent fingerprints.
Skill in the utilization of materials used to
make casts and replications.
Skill in the mixing and application of
chemicals used to collect crime scene evidence (i.e., cyanoachrylate
ether, rhodamina 6G, ninhydrin,
etc.).
Skill in the operation of photography
equipment.
Skill in the operation of a metal detector.
Skill in the operation of a microcomputer.
Skill in the operation of video
processor/enhancer.
Skill in the operation of an automatic
transmission automobile.
Ability to work in adverse conditions caused by
environmental factors, chemical contamination, and crime scene aftermath.
Ability to gather physical evidence at crime
scenes.
Ability to transport evidence and track the
chain of custody of evidence to ensure its integrity.
Ability to produce exact scale drawings of crime
scenes.
Ability to testify in court.
Ability to maintain complex, detailed files and
records.
Ability to prepared detailed evidence submission
forms for use by State Crime Lab personnel.
Ability to interpret evidence collected at crime
scenes to develop a forensic evaluation of the suspect's physical and
behavioral characteristics.
Ability to develop and present training programs
regarding crime scene searches and evidence collection and preservation.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally
and in writing.
ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
Completion of two (2) years of college coursework in
Criminal Justice, Criminology, Forensic Science, or a related area; at least one
(1) year of experience in crime scene investigation or a related area; OR any equivalent combination of experience
and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
JOB TITLE: Crime Scene Specialist
JOB SPECIFICATION - CONTINUED
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Must possess a valid Arkansas Class D (Non-Commercial
Vehicle) Driver’s License before employment and maintain licensure for the
duration of employment in this position.
Must be able to work rotating shifts and be available for
emergency call-out 24 hours a day.
Must obtain certification as a Professional Law Enforcement
Instructor through State Minimum Standards within 12 months of employment and
maintain certification for the duration of employment in this position.
JOB TITLE: Crime Scene Specialist
JOB SPECIFICATION - CONTINUED
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The physical demands marked below are representative of those that will
be required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to
enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
YES NO
|
Lifting (lbs.) |
50 |
|
|
Carrying (lbs.) |
50 |
|
|
Stooping, Bending |
ü |
|
|
Kneeling, Squatting |
ü |
|
|
Walking |
ü |
|
|
Standing |
ü |
|
|
Sitting |
ü |
|
|
Climbing, Balancing (e.g., climbing and
working from ladder) |
ü |
|
|
Use of Hands to Finger, Handle, or Feel |
ü |
|
|
Physical Coordination (sequential or
simultaneous use of hands, arms, feet, and legs) |
ü |
|
|
Eye-Hand Coordination |
ü |
|
|
Close Vision (clear vision at 20"
or less) |
ü |
|
|
Distance Vision (clear vision at 20' or
more) |
ü |
|
|
Color Vision (ability to identify and
distinguish colors) |
ü |
|
|
Depth Perception (ability to judge
distance spatial relationships) |
ü |
|
|
Hearing |
ü |
|
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The environmental conditions marked below
are common to this job:
YES NO
|
Outdoor Weather Conditions |
ü |
|
|
Wet, Humid Conditions (non-weather) |
ü |
|
|
Work Near Moving Mechanical Parts |
ü |
|
|
Work in High, Precarious Places |
ü |
|
|
Fumes or Dust |
ü |
|
|
Toxic or Caustic Chemicals |
ü |
|
|
Extreme Heat (non-weather over 90º F.) |
ü |
|
|
Low Noise (e.g., business office) |
ü |
|
|
Moderate Noise (e.g., light motorized
equipment such as lawn mowers) |
ü |
|
|
Loud Noise (e.g., jackhammer, heavy
motorized equipment) |
ü |
|