6C16
CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATOR 1

This is forensic field investigation work in the Police Department’s Crime Scene Unit locating, gathering, documenting, transporting, preserving and analyzing physical evidence obtained from crime scenes. Employees in this class use specialized computer software in support of photographic and drafting responsibilities and a variety of chemicals, techniques and equipment to gather and analyze evidence. Employees in this class work on assigned shifts and are frequently exposed to undesirable situations and occasional heavy physical effort. Work is performed under the supervision of a technical or administrative superior.

• The position must perform crime scene investigation work.
• Positions must be located in the Police Department.

• Documents evidence at crime scene by photographing, labeling, sketching, preserving latent prints and preparing detailed written reports; receives instructions from higher level investigators as to range and kind of evidence to gather, measures and drafts preliminary sketches of crime scene, photographs crime scene using 35 mm, digital, large format, video and Polaroid cameras; photographs specific items of evidence; develops and enlarges photographs taken at crime scene, utilizes software to enhance images to be used in court proceedings; may take aerial photographs and videos of crime scenes.
• Dusts with special powders or applies other chemical or physical techniques to detect latent prints; lifts and preserves exposed latent fingerprints; photographs exposed latent prints; may roll fingerprints of suspects or others for comparison purposes.
• Searches interiors, grounds and rooftops; collects and preserves physical evidence; detects and lifts blood, semen, DNA and gunpowder samples; utilizes metal detectors, portable magnets and forensic (alternate) light sources; makes tire, tool, footprint and other impressions with plaster, dental stone or silicone rubber; vacuums and brushes surfaces for residue evidence; takes fingernail scrapings and hair samples and tests hands of victims or suspects for gunpowder residue; takes fingerprints and nail scrapings of cadavers at the morgue.
• Preserves, packages and labels all evidence collected; prepares property receipts and detailed reports of investigations and evidence gathered; uses specialized computer software packages for processing evidence; prepares scale drawing utilizing specialized software of crime scene from rough sketch and measurements; cooperates with city, state and federal authorities in the investigation of crime scenes; drives police vehicle to and from crime scene; communicates status via police radio.
• Gives both factual and expert testimony in court; references documentation to present accurate depiction of crime scene, creates evidence exhibits for use in discovery and court presentation utilizing specialized software and various modeling materials to transform photographs and other evidence into presentations; discusses and interprets findings with District Attorney.
• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:
• the techniques used in searching for, gathering, identifying, preserving, packaging and labeling physical evidence at crime scenes
• the methods and techniques of evidence investigation and identification
• operational processes specific to the Police Department
• the rules, procedures and laws of evidence
SKILL IN:
• report writing
• sketching crime scenes to scale
• the use of photographic/video equipment
ABILITY TO:
• learn the principles, practices and equipment used in photography
• learn the methods, techniques and equipment used in taking, developing, enhancing and enlarging photographs
• learn the methods, equipment, and materials used in detecting, lifting, preserving and photographing latent fingerprints
• learn and adhere to safety procedures
• learn to safely handle and disarm firearms
• document evidence through the use of photography, sketches, property receipts, and reports of investigation
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, police officials, and representatives of other city agencies and governmental jurisdictions
• provide expert testimony in court
• prepare evidence exhibits for presentation in court
• maintain records and databases
• conduct ground and roof searches
• understand and follow oral and written instructions
• communicate using a two-way radio
• learn to use crime laboratory computer software packages

EDUCATION
• Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth school grade.
AND
GENERAL EXPERIENCE
• Two years of experience in fingerprint identification or technical photographic work in support of law enforcement activities.
AND
SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE
• One year of full performance level experience in fingerprint identification or technical photographic work in support of law enforcement activities.

OR

Any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Personnel Department, which has included the specific experience described above.

Note

Completion of a bachelor’s degree program in forensic science may be substituted for the requirements listed above.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

• Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as a Crime Scene Investigator 1 as required by work assignment.