Crime Scene Technician

About the role

The City of Charlotte seeks a highly skilled and experienced individual to join our team as a Crime Scene Investigator. This position combines science, technology, and expertise to analyze and investigate crime scenes systematically and legally.

Responsibilities

• Combines Science, Technology, and expertise to analyze/investigate all property crime types, violent and complex crime scenes in a systematic and legal manner with the goal of the identification, documentation, collection, and preservation of physical evidence.
• Documents crime scenes/evidence through basic, advanced/manual (ALS and Bluestar), macro, and 1:1 examination quality photography technique.
• Completes hand drawn sketches/diagrams.
• Prepares detailed and accurate crime scene reports which will be utilized by officers/detectives to assist with Criminal Investigations and in court testimony.
• Latent Print Processing – Evaluates and processes scenes and diverse items and surfaces for latent fingerprints/shoeprints, or other types of pattern evidence.
• Analyzes the scene to identify, process and collect touch DNA, blood evidence, seminal or other biological fluid evidence. Uses specialized equipment and procedures to determine the presence of blood, seminal fluids/body fluids, hair, fibers, gunshot residue and other trace evidence and materials.
• Responsible for basic scene reconstruction of trajectory pathways on shooting investigations.
• Processes living victims, witnesses, and suspects to document injuries/lack of injuries, and identify, document, and collect any relevant evidence found.
• Maintains issued equipment and follows safety protocols at crime scenes.
• Conducts training of new employees and other police department employees as needed. Provides demonstrations to outside entities as requested.
• Renders credible expert testimony in Local and Federal court (a court of law) regarding crime scene processing techniques utilized, the methodology of those techniques, and the methodology of evidence collection and preservation.
• Responsible for the proper use, maintenance, necessary replacement, and security of all personally issued and shared equipment and keeps the equipment in operational readiness.
• Responsible for the proper documentation, routing and dissemination of all messages and information as received.
• Works with decomposing corpses, body fluids, contagious diseases, hazardous materials, heavy objects, standard and unique equipment, and tools.
• Must have the ability to process crime scenes any time of the day and in all types of weather conditions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School graduate or equivalent with three (3) years related work experience
• OR Associate’s Degree and one (1) year of related work experience
• OR A two (2) year degree in forensic science, related natural/ physical science, or criminal justice and two years relevant work experience as a crime scene investigator, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the essential job duties may be considered in lieu of a bachelor's degree.
• OR A four (4) year degree in forensic science, related natural/ physical science or criminal justice.

Qualifications

• Possesses scientific proficiency in multiple disciplines, mathematics, biology, chemistry, and physics
• Keen observational skills and an eye for minute detail
• Knowledge of principles, methods, equipment and current techniques used in crime scene investigations and forensics
• Knowledge of investigative and laboratory techniques
• Ability to develop thorough knowledge of evidence chain of custody procedures and requirements
• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, and agency practices and procedures
• Ability to exercise initiative and consistently use independent sound judgment and discretion in the handling of sensitive and unique situations, determining and deciding upon procedures to be implemented, setting priorities, maintaining standards, and resolving problems
• Ability to work in often stressful, fast-paced environment. Ability to cope, maintain composure, and work effectively when dealing with difficult and traumatic scenes
• Superior organizational and time management skills and the ability to multi-task and work with frequent interruptions
• Ability to be adaptable and innovative with problem solving and general crime scene processing
• Possesses Analytical sensibilities, excellent critical thinking skills, active listening/active learning abilities
• Ability to follow oral and written procedures and policies
• Ability to read and comprehend authoritative directives, laws, and ordinances

Benefits

The City of Charlotte offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, including:

• Health insurance
• Retirement plans
• Vacation and sick leave
• Flexible spending accounts
• Life insurance
• Disability coverage
• Employee assistance program

Pay

$25.00 - $33.5 Commensurate with Experience

Schedule

Hours and schedule vary based on department needs.