Forensic Scientist III-Crime Scene Investigator - Lowell Regional Laboratory

Job Description

**FOR EXISTING STATE EMPLOYEES, ESTABLISHED SALARY RULES APPLY**

*THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE MUST RESIDE WITHIN FIFTY (50) MILES OF THE LOWELL DISTRICT*

To serve as a civilian employee of the Indiana State Police (ISP) whose primary responsibility is to provide routine laboratory services and forensic support at crime scenes with associated court presentation, and as directed, maintain the security and quality assurance standards for evidence handling and storage at district facilities.

Job Duties

• Identify, examine, collect, and process evidence at crime scenes.
• Perform forensic tests to produce, develop, or enhance identification of evidence.
• Assist as directed in the security, management, and quality assurance protocols of the district evidence system in area of responsibility.
• Acquire and maintain proficiency in crime scene investigation.
• Perform administrative and support functions as necessary to maintain crime scene investigation service.
• Ensure the timely transportation of evidence to/from a laboratory and/or a district.
• Maintain effective communication with the scientific and criminal justice communities and Department personnel.
• Satisfactory completion of an ISP recognized crime scene investigation training/testing program.
• Participate in a proficiency testing program.
• Work under the direction of a higher-level crime scene investigator or supervisor including the review of records.
• Communicate crime scene investigation procedures, methodology, policies, and conclusions to various elements in the criminal justice system, including court testimony as an expert witness.
• Coordinate forensic investigations at crime scenes that may include autopsies, as well as the identification, documentation, collection, packaging, and preservation of evidence utilizing the approved Crime Scene Investigation Procedures Manual.
• Conduct preliminary examinations of evidence for establishing probable cause within limits of Forensic Services Division (FSD) policy.
• Demonstrate communication skills and forensic science knowledge.
• Assist in maintenance of crime scene investigation and safety equipment.
• Assist in the performance of periodic inspections of the district evidence facilities and ensure inventories and evidence destruction are conducted as required.
• Participate in continuing education and training programs for crime scene investigation.
• Comply with Standard Operating Procedures, Rules, Regulations, and FSD policies.
• Perform other duties as required.

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher with natural science, forensic science, and/or criminal justice courses.
• Five years experience as a certified full time Crime Scene Investigator for an ISO/IEC 17020 or 17025 accredited laboratory may substitute for a Bachelor's degree.
• Obtain and maintain certification as a Crime Scene Investigator with the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA).
• Knowledge of theory and practical operation of various crime scene investigations techniques.
• Ability to respond to requests for service while in an off-duty status is required.
• Ability to perform complex scientific procedures in an unbiased manner following the Crime Scene Investigation Procedures Manual.
• Ability to comprehend, demonstrate, and explain advanced knowledge of theory and practical operation of various equipment and crime scene investigation techniques.
• Ability to effectively operate various computer systems and software.
• Ability to operate and maintain equipment.
• Ability to adhere to established safety practices.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to testify as an expert witness in an objective, unbiased, and professional manner.
• Ability to understand search and seizure and rules of evidence as interpreted by the courts.
• Must be able to differentiate colors as evidenced by medical certification.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to travel by aircraft and other vehicles.
• Ability to attend training at alternate locations for extended periods of time.

For the successful candidate, a Department toxicology screening will be required.

Must be able to successfully pass a background investigation. Applicants are asked to submit a complete work history. All applicants are required to submit copies of their high school transcript or GED certificate, any college transcripts, technical certificates, and a military DD214 (if applicable). Please attach these documents to your online application. If you are unable to attach these documents as requested, please email the documents to ISPCivilianJobs@isp.in.gov and indicate your name and the position for which you have applied when forwarding all attachments.