Detective I-IV (District Attorney Department)

The position of Crime Scene Investigator/Evidence Technician is devoted to the on-scene documentation, investigation, collection of evidence, and the documentation and processing of evidence within the lab. Listed below are examples of work performed in this position, however, the list is not exhaustive.

• Work with little or no supervision in the documentation and processing of a crime scene and in the documentation and processing of evidence within the lab.
• Ensure that all documentation, processing, collection, and packaging of evidence is completed in accordance with current manuals and best practices.
• Attend autopsies for the purpose of documenting the examination process and collecting any recovered evidence.
• Photograph and sketch evidence located within a crime scene.
• Take photographs of technical quality to be submitted as evidence.
• Create detailed reports regarding all actions that occurred as the result of a crime scene response.
• Determine if sufficient resources are present to conduct the appropriate processing of a scene.
• Work with lead investigators in determining if all processes have been completed and all potential evidence has been collected before releasing a scene from custody.
• Restock supplies in the lab and crime scene response vehicle(s).
• Provide general and preventative maintenance to laboratory equipment and facilitate the maintenance of crime scene response vehicle(s).
• Ensure that all evidence collected from a scene is properly entered in LIMS and stored per current policy.
• Take annual proficiency tests in evidence processing, crime scene investigation, serial number restoration, and/or any other applicable disciplines.
• Perform technical reviews of the work of other analysts to ensure conformance with proper technical procedures and laboratory policies.
• Assist in developing and updating lab manuals.
• Provide quality courtroom testimony when requested.
• Provide guidance and training to other law enforcement agencies on relevant subject matter.
• Provide lab tours, host interns and job-shadows, and participate in presentations and other public engagements.
• Attend training as directed by supervision.
• Perform related work as required.
• Ability to handle stress.
• Physical presence in the office is required.

Minimum Requirements:

Education  – High School Diploma; 4-year BS/BA in Forensic Science, Criminalistics, Biology, Chemistry, Criminal Justice, or related field from an accredited college or university preferred; Successful completion of a 40-hour crime scene processing course approved by the Lab Director preferred.

Experience :

• Three (3) or more years’ experience in a forensic services unit or lab, or in another department conducting crime scene work preferred; and/or
• Training and/or certifications that are consummate with the FSU program preferred.

Security  – Must have a clear background to meet CJIS standards.

Minimum Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of crime scene and evidence processing methods.
• Knowledge and experience in testifying as an expert in local, state and federal court.
• Strong analytical report writing skills.
• Knowledge of police investigative methods.
• Knowledge of the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Federal Statutes, local ordinances and Rules of Criminal Procedure.
• Knowledge, skill, and ability to conduct complex investigations and implement new and various investigative skills and techniques.
• Ability to maintain confidential information and handle confidential matters
• Ability to work with other law enforcement agencies.
• Ability to provide presentations to the public and to law enforcement on various best practices in crime scene investigation and evidence processing.
• Experience with laboratory and crime scene related equipment including but not limited to cyanoacrylate fuming chambers, fingerprint development chambers, evidence drying cabinets, ultraviolet light boxes, downdraft workstations, Alternate Light Sources (ALS), RUVIS, Vacuum Metal Deposition (VMD), Crime-lite AUTO, 3D laser scanning equipment, digital SLR cameras, laboratory fuming hoods, metal detectors, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).

Software Skills:

Software skills for a crime scene investigator/evidence technician may vary depending on the jobs they are tasked with. The following is software that each crime scene investigator/evidence technician should understand how to operate:

• MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook)
• Justice Trax LIMS
• FARO Zone 3D
• FARO SCENE

Language Ability:

Must be proficient in speaking, writing and communicating in English.

Work Environment:

• Standard office/laboratory environment as well as interior and exterior crime scenes
• May require travel to satellite locations and/or crime scenes
• May require some evening and weekend work
• May require working beyond the typical 8-hour workday, with little or no prior notice
• May require work in outside locations or locations typically classified as unhealthy (such as infested with garbage, human waste, rat, roaches, etc., or might be known crack houses or other drug-related areas)

Physical Demands:

• Occasionally must lift equipment and/or evidence over 25 lbs. and carry it over short distances, with a limited amount of bending, crouching, crawling and stretching.

This position description serves as a guideline for communicating the essential functions and other information about the position to the applicant/employee. It is not intended to create a binding employment contract nor cover every detail of the position and may be changed where appropriate.