Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY:

Under the general supervision of the Forensic Unit Manager, provides crime scene processing and evidence collection, particularly in photographs, fingerprints, and DNA collection. The qualified candidate will be required to perform other forensic duties pertaining to cases under investigation as their knowledge, skill, abilities, and certifications allow. The position requires cooperation with sworn officers and court officials involved in investigating and prosecuting criminal cases throughout Salt Lake County.

This is an entry-level position that requires problem-solving, critical thinking, organizational skills, and computer skills. Much of the time is spent working independently, however may work as part of a team on major incidents.

The position requires the qualified candidate to become a State of Utah licensed phlebotomist and perform blood draws for law enforcement purposes.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Respond to crime scenes during regular work hours, as well as being available for regularly scheduled "on-call" status.
• Responsible for the collection, preservation, and examination of evidence at crime scenes, traffic accidents, and other police related incidents.
• Gathers, preserves, and/or stores evidence, while maintaining integrity of evidence through appropriate collection, handling, security, chain of custody, etc.
• Documents crime scenes using a variety of photography techniques and equipment, take detailed notes of the scene, and completes sketches and 3-D diagrams as necessary.
• Writes detailed crime scene reports and maintains photographic files.
• Locates, develops, photographs, and lifts latent fingerprints at crime scenes and from evidence collected and brought to the Crime Lab for processing.
• Prepare chemicals/solutions used to process evidence for latent prints and blood enhancement.
• May provide expert testimony in court on matters related to crime scene investigation techniques and photography, evidence chain of custody, etc.
• Ensures laboratory, office, and photographic equipment are in good working order and work areas are kept clean.
• Drives, maintains, and keeps standard-size marked crime scene vehicles clean.
• Delivers presentations, training, and instruction to staff, management, clients, or the general public as assigned.
• Operate the LiveScan (digital fingerprinting system) for criminal cases and the general public. Collect money and operate the cash register.
• Performs blood draws on subjects to determine drug and alcohol content.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in forensic science or a closely related degree preferred. Those nearing completion of a 4-year degree will be considered.
• Must be able and willing to develop skills and obtain a Crime Scene Investigator or higher certification through the International Association for Identification (IAI).
• Ability to become a licensed phlebotomist to draw blood from live subjects involved in crime events and traffic accidents.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with department management, supervisors, police officers, other employees, professional peers, court representatives, other public safety agencies, and the general public.
• Must have above-average computer skills and must be willing and able to learn and use advanced computer programs used in Digital Forensics.
• Must be willing to train in two or more of the following specialties: Cellebrite, FARO, Firearms (NIBIN), Latent Print Analysis, or Video Analysis.
• Must have a valid Utah driver's license or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of employment.
• Must reside within 35 miles from the center of Salt Lake County (4748 S. 4400 W) to ensure compliance with UPD vehicle use policy and timely call out response.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• The position requires moderate physical exertion and the ability to stand; walk over rough surfaces; bend, crouch, stoop, stretch, and reach in a recurring manner and/or for long periods.
• Crime scenes are varied and diverse, including exposure to disagreeable elements such as death scenes, offensive smells, biological hazards, extreme temperatures, and various weather conditions.
• Considerable exposure to stressful situations as a result of human tragedy, unpredictable work hours and deadlines associated with managing a case load.
• Exposure to chemical elements, such as powders and noxious vapors associated with latent print development, exposure to forensic light sources and lasers, and exposure to bio-hazard substances for extended periods of time.
• The position requires the ability to work all hours of the day and night, on weekends, holidays, on a 24-hour on-call schedule.
• Willingness to assist when not on a scheduled "on-call" status to respond to major events where on-duty and on-call resources are not adequate.
• Frequent travel in crime scene vehicles is required in the daily performance of the job duties. Travel to local courts as expert witness is required.
• The position can require medical screening and monitoring of tuberculosis, HIV, hepatitis A & B, color blindness, depth perception, and pattern recognition ability.
• The position will require subjection to random drug and alcohol screening.

CAREER LADDER:

To advance to a Forensic Analyst II (grade 22), the incumbent must have at least three (3) years of full-time experience and successfully pass and maintain either a Crime Scene Investigator or Crime Scene Analyst certification through the International Association of Identification (IAI).

Advancement to a Forensic Analyst II (grade 22) is based on the incumbent's credentials, performance, and supervisor's recommendation.

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