Crime Scene Invesigator

Under direction, to perform skilled technical work at crime scenes and in the police lab to detect, collect, preserve, photograph, and identify physical evidence related to criminal cases.

Equivalent to two years of college with course work in criminal justice or a related field or completion of a forensic certification program. Two years of experience in detection, collection, preservation, photographing, fingerprinting, and identification of evidence associated with crime scenes. 

 

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license.

Knowledge of: Principles of crime scene investigation.  Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations. General law enforcement codes, practices and methods. Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment. Criminal justice system and the processing of informa­tion throughout the system. Fingerprint practices, techniques, classification, records and equipment. Photographic and video equipment and methods including printing, developing and enlarging negatives. Evidence collection and processing using a variety of technical equipment, materials, and processes. Safe driving principles and practices. Skill to: Operate technical crime scene and laboratory equipment. Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and software. Operate a motor vehicle safely. Ability to: Perform a variety of forensic laboratory procedures. Prepare clear and concise reports. Read, understand, and apply technical and legal documents. Interpret and explain Pomona police records policies and procedures. Take accurate measurements. Produce photography and videotape products which are acceptable evidence in legal proceedings. Testify clearly and accurately in court as an expert witness.   Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Identify, document, collect, process, and preserve crime scenes and evidence within crime scenes. Operate technical equipment including alternate light source, argon laser, camera, video equipment, and AFIS system. Photograph crime scenes, evidence, victims, and suspects; prepare photo displays. Utilize current techniques to identify, preserve, and collect latent prints; compare and identify fingerprints; fingerprint suspects, prisoners and corpses; maintain filing systems; utilize an AFIS terminal to perform database searches to assist in the identification of suspects; prepare fingerprint displays. Collect, photograph, preserve, identify and perform basic analysis of blood, ballistic, narcotic and other types of physical evidence; perform physical match comparisons. Prepare castings or moulages of tire impressions, foot impressions, hand impressions, tool and other type impressions.   Process evidence in the laboratory using special powders, chemical solutions, forensic light sources, and various cameras, lenses, and filters in order to develop and preserve evidence. Prepare scale diagrams, charts, displays, and other exhibits for professional court presentations. Provide expert testimony in court on matters related to identification of evidence. Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned. 

Ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, crawl, twist, climb, and lift up to 50 lbs.; exposure to noise, outdoors, confining work space, chemicals, blood borne pathogens, virus, disease, and mechanical hazards; ability to travel to different sites and locations; availability for shift work, on-call, stand-by, and emergency call.