Forensic Technician

Summary

Crime Scene Unit Supervisor Compensation Range: $62,680.80 - $85,073.20Please note: This job opening may close earlier than the stated date, due to high candidate volume. If interested, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.At the High Point Police Department, we are committed to protecting our city and building relationships with our community. Our team includes over 300 officers and professional staff who are passionate about serving others.A rewarding career awaits you here. Join our team and play a vital role in keeping High Point a safe place to live, work, and visit.The High Point Police Department offers a competitive salary commensurate with education and experience. We also offer a generous benefit package for full-time employees which include but are not limited to:A guaranteed monthly pension upon retirement, vested after 5 years of service401K and 457B Retirement PlansPaid Vacation and Sick TimePaid HolidaysTuition Reimbursement PlanCompetitive medical, dental, and vision plans effective day oneThe Crime Scene Unit Supervisor has direct supervision over assigned Crime Scene Technicians involved in the examination and investigation of all types of crime scenes and accident investigations in support of law enforcement activities. The Crime Scene Unit Supervisor works in the field, monitoring subordinates' work, participating in crime scene processing, coordinating crime scene investigations with sworn personnel in the field, and ensuring that tasks are performed in accordance with standard operating procedures, regulations, and best practices. This position allows for a significant amount of creativity and critical thinking in an effort to provide leadership to Crime Scene Technicians. The Crime Scene Unit Supervisor also performs the following duties: reviewing technical reports; creating and maintaining work schedules; completing thorough documentation of subordinates' work performance, as well as completing performance evaluations; and completing payroll and other administrative functions. An additional responsibility is training the Crime Scene Technicians and other department personnel in the forensic disciplines and functions of the Crime Scene Unit. The Crime Scene Supervisor is also responsible for overseeing the Crime Scene Technician field training program, the training of new Crime Scene Technicians, and the performance of Field Training Technicians. The Crime Scene Unit Supervisor is also required to maintain proficiency in performing the duties of a Crime Scene Technician, which includes: photographing all types of crime and accident scenes to record the appearance of evidence using highly-skilled photographic and other evidence gathering techniques; identifying, collecting, and securing physical evidence, such as blood, body fluids, hair and fibers, and firearms for laboratory testing and use as evidence in criminal prosecutions; searching for and developing latent prints at crime scenes; photographing and fingerprinting suspects, investigate leads, victims (including deceased individuals), and witnesses; producing castings and comparative photographs of footprints, tire tracks, and other impressions; and testifying in court. The use of chemicals in the field may be necessary in order to perform certain tasks. A major aspect of the duties includes writing detailed reports with proper grammar and punctuation, as well as establishing and maintaining records to ensure proper chain of custody of physical evidence. Duties may include other special assignments. Work is performed under the regular supervision of the Forensic Section Manager.Specifications/QualificationsMinimum of bachelor's degree in forensic science, biology, chemistry, criminal justice, or closely related field from an accredited institutionMinimum of six years of experience in crime scene processingMust be in good standing with your current agency with no serious written reprimands within the last yearMust be able to work crime scenes where there is graphic violenceMust have thorough knowledge of pertinent federal and state laws and municipal ordinances and rules and regulations of the departmentMust have the ability to assign, direct, and supervise the work of subordinate personnel; to deal with the public courteously and firmly and to maintain records and prepare reports.Must possess excellent oral and written communication and computer skillsMust have advanced knowledge of rules of evidenceMust have advanced knowledge of photographyMust be able to figure distance measurements for accurate crime scene sketchesPossess the ability to use all the issued equipment at the required level of proficiencyMust have advanced knowledge of methods and standards employed in forensic scienceBecause of the confidential and sensitive nature of the work required, successful completion of a polygraph and background investigation is required.Valid North Carolina Driver's License. Driver's license issued by another state must be changed to a North Carolina driver's license within sixty (60) days of employment.Preferred QualificationsCertifications in Forensic Discipline.Preference will be given to applicants with experience in a designated leadership/supervisory role within forensicsPreference will be given to applicants who have had leadership and/or training coursesPreference will be given to applicants with an established record of experience in the successful training of new employeesThe hours for this position may consist of evening and nighttime shift hours and could vary day to day and week to week. The Crime Scene Supervisor's schedule will be coordinated with and approved by the Forensic Manager. The Crime Scene Supervisor will be given the flexibility to build a 40 hour/week schedule based on several factors, including: High Point Police Department's needs, calls for service, Crime Scene Technician oversight, and task-driven assignments. The schedule will be very fluid, on-call hours will apply, and adjustments can be made with little required notice upon approval of the Forensic Manager.Essential Tasks & ResponsibilitiesCoordinates the Crime Scene Unit daily activities and responsibilities.Assigns, directs, supervises, and reviews the work of the Crime Scene Technicians who are responsible for the collection and preservation of physical evidence and processing of crime scenes.Maintains employee personnel records and completes performance appraisals of Crime Scene Technicians; provides feedback and guidance on employee performance; corrects deficiencies of Crime Scene Technicians.Assists in the implementation of goals and objectives.Monitors schedules and methods for providing forensic services.Implements procedures to improve efficiency of crime scene investigations.Participates and provides staff training.Reviews crime scene case notes, reports, photographs, evidence, and diagrams for accuracy and completeness in accordance with established procedures; provides advice and counsel as necessary.Serves as shift supervisory liaison for the Crime Scene Unit with police officers, detectives, and Patrol supervisorsConducts periodic inspections of vehicles, workspaces, equipment, evidence lockers, and evidentiary documentation.Ensures that ongoing training requirements are met and required or preferred certifications are obtained by staff.Provides training and keeps abreast of assigned staff training needs.Makes requests of equipment/supplies needed to meet crime scene processing needs to the Forensic ManagerStays abreast of trends, developments, and legal opinions related to the fields of crime scene investigations.Provides forensic expert advice to detectives and police officers.Testify in court as an expert witness regarding crime scene processing/investigations and examination of evidence.Understand and apply scientific concepts for forensic analysis of evidence to reach accurate conclusions of fact in criminal investigationsAbility to scan the crime scene, make decisions on evidence to be collected, and direct subordinates in the collection of evidence before it is distorted or destroyed through the moving of objects, bodies, etc.Physical RequirementsHearing/Speaking - Expressing and/or receiving information by means of spoken word are both necessary to converse with internal and external customers, including co-workers, citizens, and applicants.Visual Abilities – the ability to perceive via eyesight is required for this position:Acuity, far – clarity of vision at 20 feet or more. Must be able to see from a distance when administering and observing employment tests, operating a motor vehicle, or addressing an audience.Acuity, near – clarity of vision at 20 inches or less. Must be able to see work-related business documents close at hand.Depth perception – Three-dimensional vision and the ability to judge distance and space relationships.Field of Vision – the area that can be seen up and down or to the right or left while eyes are focused on one point

Job Description

Crime Scene Unit Supervisor Compensation Range: $62,680.80 - $85,073.20Please note: This job opening may close earlier than the stated date, due to high candidate volume. If interested, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.At the High Point Police Department, we are committed to protecting our city and building relationships with our community. Our team includes over 300 officers and professional staff who are passionate about serving others.A rewarding career awaits you here. Join our team and play a vital role in keeping High Point a safe place to live, work, and visit.The High Point Police Department offers a competitive salary commensurate with education and experience. We also offer a generous benefit package for full-time employees which include but are not limited to:A guaranteed monthly pension upon retirement, vested after 5 years of service401K and 457B Retirement PlansPaid Vacation and Sick TimePaid HolidaysTuition Reimbursement PlanCompetitive medical, dental, and vision plans effective day oneThe Crime Scene Unit Supervisor has direct supervision over assigned Crime Scene Technicians involved in the examination and investigation of all types of crime scenes and accident investigations in support of law enforcement activities. The Crime Scene Unit Supervisor works in the field, monitoring subordinates' work, participating in crime scene processing, coordinating crime scene investigations with sworn personnel in the field, and ensuring that tasks are performed in accordance with standard operating procedures, regulations, and best practices. This position allows for a significant amount of creativity and critical thinking in an effort to provide leadership to Crime Scene Technicians. The Crime Scene Unit Supervisor also performs the following duties: reviewing technical reports; creating and maintaining work schedules; completing thorough documentation of subordinates' work performance, as well as completing performance evaluations; and completing payroll and other administrative functions. An additional responsibility is training the Crime Scene Technicians and other department personnel in the forensic disciplines and functions of the Crime Scene Unit. The Crime Scene Supervisor is also responsible for overseeing the Crime Scene Technician field training program, the training of new Crime Scene Technicians, and the performance of Field Training Technicians. The Crime Scene Unit Supervisor is also required to maintain proficiency in performing the duties of a Crime Scene Technician, which includes: photographing all types of crime and accident scenes to record the appearance of evidence using highly-skilled photographic and other evidence gathering techniques; identifying, collecting, and securing physical evidence, such as blood, body fluids, hair and fibers, and firearms for laboratory testing and use as evidence in criminal prosecutions; searching for and developing latent prints at crime scenes; photographing and fingerprinting suspects, investigate leads, victims (including deceased individuals), and witnesses; producing castings and comparative photographs of footprints, tire tracks, and other impressions; and testifying in court. The use of chemicals in the field may be necessary in order to perform certain tasks. A major aspect of the duties includes writing detailed reports with proper grammar and punctuation, as well as establishing and maintaining records to ensure proper chain of custody of physical evidence. Duties may include other special assignments. Work is performed under the regular supervision of the Forensic Section Manager.Specifications/QualificationsMinimum of bachelor's degree in forensic science, biology, chemistry, criminal justice, or closely related field from an accredited institutionMinimum of six years of experience in crime scene processingMust be in good standing with your current agency with no serious written reprimands within the last yearMust be able to work crime scenes where there is graphic violenceMust have thorough knowledge of pertinent federal and state laws and municipal ordinances and rules and regulations of the departmentMust have the ability to assign, direct, and supervise the work of subordinate personnel; to deal with the public courteously and firmly and to maintain records and prepare reports.Must possess excellent oral and written communication and computer skillsMust have advanced knowledge of rules of evidenceMust have advanced knowledge of photographyMust be able to figure distance measurements for accurate crime scene sketchesPossess the ability to use all the issued equipment at the required level of proficiencyMust have advanced knowledge of methods and standards employed in forensic scienceBecause of the confidential and sensitive nature of the work required, successful completion of a polygraph and background investigation is required.Valid North Carolina Driver's License. Driver's license issued by another state must be changed to a North Carolina driver's license within sixty (60) days of employment.Preferred QualificationsCertifications in Forensic Discipline.Preference will be given to applicants with experience in a designated leadership/supervisory role within forensicsPreference will be given to applicants who have had leadership and/or training coursesPreference will be given to applicants with an established record of experience in the successful training of new employeesThe hours for this position may consist of evening and nighttime shift hours and could vary day to day and week to week. The Crime Scene Supervisor's schedule will be coordinated with and approved by the Forensic Manager. The Crime Scene Supervisor will be given the flexibility to build a 40 hour/week schedule based on several factors, including: High Point Police Department's needs, calls for service, Crime Scene Technician oversight, and task-driven assignments. The schedule will be very fluid, on-call hours will apply, and adjustments can be made with little required notice upon approval of the Forensic Manager.Essential Tasks & ResponsibilitiesCoordinates the Crime Scene Unit daily activities and responsibilities.Assigns, directs, supervises, and reviews the work of the Crime Scene Technicians who are responsible for the collection and preservation of physical evidence and processing of crime scenes.Maintains employee personnel records and completes performance appraisals of Crime Scene Technicians; provides feedback and guidance on employee performance; corrects deficiencies of Crime Scene Technicians.Assists in the implementation of goals and objectives.Monitors schedules and methods for providing forensic services.Implements procedures to improve efficiency of crime scene investigations.Participates and provides staff training.Reviews crime scene case notes, reports, photographs, evidence, and diagrams for accuracy and completeness in accordance with established procedures; provides advice and counsel as necessary.Serves as shift supervisory liaison for the Crime Scene Unit with police officers, detectives, and Patrol supervisorsConducts periodic inspections of vehicles, workspaces, equipment, evidence lockers, and evidentiary documentation.Ensures that ongoing training requirements are met and required or preferred certifications are obtained by staff.Provides training and keeps abreast of assigned staff training needs.Makes requests of equipment/supplies needed to meet crime scene processing needs to the Forensic ManagerStays abreast of trends, developments, and legal opinions related to the fields of crime scene investigations.Provides forensic expert advice to detectives and police officers.Testify in court as an expert witness regarding crime scene processing/investigations and examination of evidence.Understand and apply scientific concepts for forensic analysis of evidence to reach accurate conclusions of fact in criminal investigationsAbility to scan the crime scene, make decisions on evidence to be collected, and direct subordinates in the collection of evidence before it is distorted or destroyed through the moving of objects, bodies, etc.Physical RequirementsHearing/Speaking - Expressing and/or receiving information by means of spoken word are both necessary to converse with internal and external customers, including co-workers, citizens, and applicants.Visual Abilities – the ability to perceive via eyesight is required for this position:Acuity, far – clarity of vision at 20 feet or more. Must be able to see from a distance when administering and observing employment tests, operating a motor vehicle, or addressing an audience.Acuity, near – clarity of vision at 20 inches or less. Must be able to see work-related business documents close at hand.Depth perception – Three-dimensional vision and the ability to judge distance and space relationships.Field of Vision – the area that can be seen up and down or to the right or left while eyes are focused on one point