Crime Scene Analyst

Summary

Responsible for utilizing a variety of technical and scientific skills to identify and analyze physical and digital evidence at scenes and in the laboratory as part of a criminal investigation.

Essential Functions and Other Important Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

DUTIES

• Locate, document, develop, preserve, and collect deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), trace, impression evidence, and friction ridge detail from evidence using sequential processing, and advanced photographic techniques using alternate light sources.
• Conduct analytical examinations on collected physical and digital evidence; form conclusions and opinions relating to the actions of the subject(s).
• Prepare, establish, and maintain chain of custody for collected evidence; submit to crime laboratories for analysis and prosecution, as appropriate.
• Prepare reports to document case involvement in a timely manner.
• Prepare documentation and results to educate and inform internal and external stakeholders including, but not limited to, detectives, prosecutors, judges and juries, as appropriate.
• Function as an expert witness and testify in criminal and administrative proceedings, as necessary.

Job Requirements

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Forensic Science, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, or related field;
• AND
  • Two (2) years’ experience in collection or testing of forensic evidence, or related field; and,
  • Must have or obtain a valid Certified Crime Scene Investigator (CCSI), Certified Crime Scene Analyst (CCSA), or Certified Senior Crime Scene Analyst (CSCSA) certification within two (2) years of employment,
• OR
  • One (1) year experience in collection or testing of forensic evidence, or related field; and,
  • Must have a valid Certified Crime Scene Investigator (CCSI), Certified Crime Scene Analyst (CCSA), or Certified Senior Crime Scene Analyst (CSCSA) certification,
• OR
  • Any combination of related education, experience, certifications, and licenses that will result in a candidate successfully performing the essential functions of the job.

• Knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and Local Government laws, ordinances, and regulations.
• Knowledge of principles, processes, and methodologies used in forensic science including, but not limited to, scene processing, digital imaging/photography, latent print enhancement and examination, forensic chemistry and biology, scene reconstruction, and evidence management.
• Knowledge of criminal offenses, legal codes and criminal justice systems.
• Knowledge of laws of evidence, search and seizure, and court proceedings related to the presentation and management of evidence.
• Knowledge of principles, processes, and methodologies of developing and maintaining technical quality assurance and control systems.
• Skill at the intermediate level, working with applicable Microsoft Office 365 products, other software systems forensic laboratory technology, equipment, tools, software, and databases to complete work.
• Skill in providing exceptional service to internal and external customers.
• Skill in identifying, collecting, and examining physical and digital evidence using appropriate analytical techniques and methods.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both in oral and written forms, for the needs of the audience.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships.
• Ability to handle records and complex situations of a confidential nature.
• Ability to handle difficult and stressful situations with professional composure and confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently and/or with team environment while handling multiple tasks and changing priorities with attention to detail.
• Ability to motivate, mentor and train through direct and indirect influence.
• Ability to develop, understand, interpret, and apply rules, policies, and procedures operations.
• Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify best-practice approaches to investigative processes.
• Ability to detect and collect evidence and substances related to criminal offenses even in dangerous conditions.
• Ability to read and comprehend legal and nonlegal documents and prepare and process citations, affidavits, and warrants.
• Ability to render credible testimony in judicial and administrative proceedings.

• Must have and maintain a valid Class “C” Driver’s License and valid state required minimum automobile liability insurance prior to employment (must obtain Texas Class “C” driver’s license and state required minimum automobile liability insurance within 90 days of hire per state law)
• Must pass a drug test, driver’s license check, criminal history background check, employment history verification, and social security number verification.
• Must possess or obtain and maintain a valid CCSI, CCSA, or CSCSA certification within two (2) years of employment.
• Must meet civilian hiring standards of the Denton Police Department and complete a Personal History Statement.

Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements

SAFETY

• Ensure equipment is in safe operating condition; perform preventive maintenance on tools and equipment, as appropriate and/or notify leadership immediately of needed repairs.
• Follow established safety procedures and techniques to perform job duties, including lifting and climbing; operate tools and equipment according to established safety procedures.
• Promptly report unsafe conditions in the work area and/or any conditions that are not immediately correctable to leadership.

• Safety Sensitive (Subject to random drug testing): Yes.
• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including computer and peripherals; work with laboratory equipment and chemicals, digital video and audio equipment, and use of motor vehicle; wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Posture: Prolonged sitting and standing; occasional stooping, squatting, kneeling, bending, pushing/pulling, and twisting.
• Motion: Frequent repetitive hand motions, including keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching.
• Lifting: Lifting no more than 20 pounds and carrying up to 10 pounds.
• Environment: Works in a laboratory setting and outside with exposure to sun, heat, cold, humidity, and inclement weather, deceased individuals, biological matter, noise, dust, no/low light, insects, poison oak/ivy, debris, confined spaces, mold, chemicals, odors, heights, potentially hazardous conditions, steep slopes, uneven ground, and rough terrain; occasionally requires irregular and/or prolonged hours.
• Travel: Travel to City of Denton buildings and professional meetings as required.
• Attendance: Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position. Must be able to work after normal business hours, holidays, weekends, overtime, and during inclement weather and/or state of emergency as needed and/or with little to no prior notice.
• Mental Demands: Maintains emotional control under stress; works with frequent interruptions.

• Inclusive
• Collaborative
• Service-Oriented
• Strategically Focused
• Fiscally Responsible

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage in addition to life and disability insurance plans
• Employee Health Clinic
• Paid Vacation Days and Paid Holidays
• Retirement Plan

E-Verify:
The City of Denton participates in the federal E-Verify program in order to verify a new employee's authorization to work in the United States. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work in the U.S.