Crime Scene Investigator | Frederick, MD

 

 
Crime Scene Investigator
Location: Frederick, MD
Job Number: POS-95-23

Salary: $30.00 - $33.00 Hourly
Closing Date: June 7, 2023

JOB SUMMARY: 

A Crime Scene Investigator is directly responsible for the difficult and skilled specialized work of identifying, documenting, collecting, and preserving evidence at investigations in support of law enforcement activities. A Crime Scene Investigator performs the following duties: photographs crime scenes including burglaries, robberies, deaths, thefts, search and seizure warrants, and assaults to record the appearance of evidence using highly-skilled photographic and evidence-gathering techniques; identifies, collects, and secures physical evidence such as: blood, body fluids, hair and fibers, firearms, and narcotics for laboratory testing and use as evidence in criminal prosecutions; searches for and develops fingerprints at crime scenes and participates in laboratory processing; prepares presentations of evidence and testifies in court proceedings. A Crime Scene Investigator may also provide evidentiary analysis and digital evidence to law enforcement personnel and authorized agencies. An important aspect of the position is to establish and maintain records to ensure proper chain of custody of physical evidence, which is critical to the successful prosecution of a case.

 

Special Considerations: The Crime Scene Investigator is a civilian position assigned to the Special Services Bureau in the Police Department. This employee participates in trainings as part of their regularly scheduled duties. Work requires the exercise of initiative and independent judgment in implementing established work methods and procedures. Functional supervision may be received from a sworn police supervisor, command officer, or other unit members on a crime scene. The work requires exposure to dangerous chemicals and evidence that may be bio-hazardous and carcinogenic. A Crime Scene Investigator is required to use a respirator when these elements may be present. The Crime Scene Investigator position requires shift work and is subject to emergency call-out. A Crime Scene Investigator must reside within the departmental radius for on call vehicles and must be able to comply with departmental call-in response times. 

 
Special Selection criteria: Must possess an excellent moral character and background that will withstand a comprehensive background investigation and subsequent polygraph(s).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Utilizes a complex record keeping system ensuring proper evidence handling and maintenance of chain of custody; 
• Communicates with sworn officers, coworkers, supervisors, and a demanding and diverse public in answering questions, processing crime scenes, and explaining procedures; 
• Interacts with victims and witnesses; 
• Testifies in court; 
• Inspects and visually investigates crime scenes (burglaries, deaths, robberies, assaults, etc.) for the collection and preservation of evidence; 
• Photographs, dusts, and lifts latent prints; 
• Uses specific lighting techniques to make visible latent physical evidence; 
• Works with chemicals, powders, and body fluids using normal protective equipment according to prescribed safety standards and regulations; 
• Operates a motor vehicle requiring a standard Driver's License to respond to crime scenes; 
• Maintains sufficient inventory of PPE and evidence packaging supplies for sworn officers; 
• Performs maintenance and upkeep of forensic laboratory equipment; 
• Tests and evaluates new photographic techniques and equipment; 
• Production of crime scene sketches and various digital presentations;
• Analyze case information (i.e. crime scenes, items of evidence, and witness statements) to assist sworn investigators in creating forensic links (ties) throughout/during investigations; 
• Determines procedures/ methodology to be used when identifying, collecting, and processing evidence; 
• Learns job-related material in a classroom setting and through on-the-job training regarding the processing and preservation of physical and photographic evidence; 
• And other duties as assigned.

 
QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 
 
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE: 

• US Citizen, at least 18 years of age 
• Graduation from high school or GED required. 
• College degree in law enforcement/crime scene/forensics or equivalent work experience. 

 
REQUIRED CERTIFICATES AND/OR LICENSES: 

• Valid Driver’s License, at least equivalent to a Maryland Class C 

 
OTHER DESIRABLES: 

• Bilingual 
• Courses in the collection and preservation of evidence are highly desirable. 
• Crime scene training is highly desirable 

 
SKILLS (Communication/Language; Mathematical; Computer; etc.) 
Knowledge of: 

• Knowledge of law enforcement activities and the organization of a police department, and the functions of a police identification laboratory 
• Working knowledge of federal, state, and city law enforcement procedures and practices, as they pertain to required reports and evidence handling 
• Ability to differentiate between emergency and non-emergency calls and to determine the appropriate response to each 
• Knowledge of and ability to use police radio for communication with officers 
• Ability to enter and retrieve data or information into a terminal, PC, or other keyboard device 
• Ability to communicate orally with customers, clients, the public, and other employees in a face-to-face setting, and using a telephone 
• Ability to perform duties rapidly and accurately 
• Ability to keep privileged information confidential 
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions in the English language 
• Ability to read maps and learn the geography of the City 
• Ability to observe and recall details 
• Ability to learn photographic techniques and methods including the use of a variety of film, lighting, filtration, infrared, and ultraviolet techniques; 
• Ability to learn to use powders and chemicals to process scenes for latent fingerprints and subsequent lifting/ photographing 
• Ability to learn standard techniques for classification, development, transfer, and chemical processing of fingerprints 
• Ability to learn the techniques for gathering and preserving physical evidence 
• Ability to learn the rules of evidence and court methods and procedures 
• Ability to learn the hazards and safety precautions related to chemicals and equipment used in processing evidence 
• Ability to learn gunshot residue testing and field drug testing 
• Ability to present accurate and professional testimony in court 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associate personnel, federal, state, and regional law enforcement agencies, court personnel, and the public. 

 
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 

While performing the duties of this role, the employee is frequently required to remain in a stationary position for long periods of time. The employee is frequently required to read and comprehend written material and make inferences from the contents. This position requires continuous or repetitive arm-hand movements to utilize a computer keyboard to enter and retrieve data. The employee is required to frequently bend, stoop, and work in small, cramped area to gather crime evidence. Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken word and for conveying details or important instructions to others accurately and quickly either face to face, on the telephone, and/or through e-mail. Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels. Visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing crime scenes, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, distinguish colors when using chemicals and detecting blood, and observing general surroundings and activities. The employee may be required to push, pull, lift, and/or carry up to 25 pounds. Employee must be able to use a respirator when performing duties requiring exposure to dangerous chemicals and evidence that may be bio-hazardous and carcinogenic. 

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITION: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

 
Work is generally performed in a variety of weather conditions while collecting crime scene evidence. The noise level in the work environment can be moderate to loud.

Forensic Photographer

 Forensic Photographer

Location: Washington, DC
Job ID: 21851
Salary: $80,783.00 - $103,333.00
Closing Date: June 9, 2023

Job Summary·

The incumbent serves as a photographer and performs a variety of complex still assignments related to forensics.

The incumbent provides high-magnification forensic images of all decedent examinations (i e, full and partial autopsies examinations). The incumbent is responsible for creating 30 representative scans of decedents. utilizing a 3D white light scanner with photographic capabilities and processes.

The incumbent uses a specialized photomicrography camera to photograph various stains on microscopic slides to document disease processes The incumbent assists the medical examiner during examination in documenting identifying characteristics of a decedent, such as tattoos, and wounds. scars and other paraphernalia. The incumbent is responsible for devising photography methods and techniques, such as additional coverage, changes in placement and/or direction of action, changes in sequence and areas of operations, specialty I lighting, background and camera angles or other methods to obtain maximum effectiveness in photographic coverage and measurements (i.e., enhance desired effect or eliminate unwanted features of a subject).

Uploads forensic images, photomicrographs and scans to the agency's Forensic Analytic Case Tracking System (FACTS), The incumbent also imports, into the Multimedia Archiving Servers, x-rays and videos obtained from other sources during the death investigation process.

Aides in decedent identification by providing an identification photograph for viewing by the next of kin, This process involves making the decedent visually identifiable while reducing the sight of trauma utilizing advanced computer graphic techniques

The incumbent communicates with OCME investigators to ensure that identification photographs are appropriate for use. Using advanced imaging techniques, the incumbent obtains images of the decedent’s medical intervention/ hardware to aid investigators in the process of identification. The incumbent also provides investigative staff with digitized fingerprint cards for submission to requisite federal, state, or local agencies for identification purposes.

Performs other job-related duties as assigned

This position is not covered under the collective bargaining unit.

Full time position, tour of duty 9:00 am -5:00 pm

The position may be subject to a background and security clearance check prior to the appointment.

Qualifications

Knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of digital professional SLR cameras, photo microscopy cameras, 35mm cameras, special filters, and films, polarizing light equipment, magnifying bellows, measuring scales, slide scanners and gross specimen stands in order to complete assignments requiring high degrees of detail, critical timing or critical focus.

Knowledge of anatomy and medical terminology, sterile techniques, and safety precautions required during autopsy, and necessary precautions needed to handle infected or delicate specimens.

Knowledge of a wide range of specialized photographic equipment techniques and processes to develop, modify or adapt equipment and procedures to meet new requirements or to perform assignments involving unusual or unprecedented situations that require photographic treatment.

Knowledge of the most recent advancements in the field of photography and the range of new equipment, experimental materials, techniques, or processes to create photographic products or to evaluate possibilities for improvements, modifications, or replacements of existing equipment, materials, and techniques.

Knowledge of digital editing programs and their specific uses, is required to achieve proper contrast, sharpness, density and color in creating images suitable for teaching, documentation and publication.

Knowledge of the organization, the photographic objectives, and viewer reaction to various types of images to evoke desired responses.

Licensures. Certifications and other requirements

The .incumbent must possess a valid. motor vehicle operator's permit.t during the duration of employment in this position.

Education

A Bachelor's degree in photography, forensic science, criminal justice or another related field, OR equivalent combination of education and/or experience is preferred..

Work Experience

In-depth knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of digital professional SLR cameras, photo microscopy cameras, 35mm cameras, special filters, and films, polarizing light equipment, magnifying bellows, measuring scales, slide scanners, and gross specimen stands in order to complete assignments requiring high degrees of detail, critical timing, or critical focus.

In-depth of forensic photography techniques and equipment Comprehensive knowledge of anatomy and medical terminology, sterile techniques, and safety precautions required during the autopsy, and necessary precautions needed to handle infected or delicate specimens

In-depth knowledge of a wide range of specialized photographic equipment techniques and processes to develop, modify or adapt equipment and procedures to meet new requirements or to perform assignments involving unusual or unprecedented situations that require photographic treatment.

Through knowledge of the most recent advancements in the field of photography and the range of new equipment, and experimental materials,. Techniques or processes to create photographic products or to evaluate possible li1ies for improvements, modifications or replacements of existing equipment, materials, and techniques..

Work Environment

'Work is performed in an office setting, autopsy suite, medical laboratory or x-ray room; and may be performed in the field. The incumbent may be exposed lo health and safety risks related to forensic environments and must remain aware of precautions. Laboratory processing exposes employees to irritant chemicals and other hazards, such as HIV-AIDS, Hepatitis, Tuberculosis, Toxoplasmosis, WMD agents, potentially carcinogenic and corrosive substances, malfunctioning electrical appliances, open flames, and specialized gas, etc. The work requires the incumbent to utilize special safety precautions and personal protective equipment.

OSHA certified

Fieldwork includes, but is not limited to, hospitals, private/group homes, crowded public spaces, crime scenes, burned and abandoned buildings, underground tunnels, tram tracks, and natural and man-made disaster scenes. There 1s also poss1b1hty of physical harm from grief-stricken and hostile family members during body removal end 1dent1ficat1on procedures.

Pay Plan, Series, and Grade: CS-601-12

Salary Range: $80,783.00 - $103,333.00; based on funding

Type of Appointment: Career Service – Regular Appointment

Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered under a collective bargaining agreement.

Promotion Potential: No known promotion potential

Area of Consideration: Open to the public

Position Designation: This position has been designated as security sensitive therefore the incumbent of this position will be subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC Personnel Regulations, Suitability and as such, incumbents of this position shall be subject to criminal background checks, background investigations, and mandatory drug and alcohol testing, as applicable.

Residency Requirement: If the position you are applying for is in the Career, Management Supervisory, or Educational Service at an annual salary of one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) or more, you must establish residency in the District of Columbia within one hundred eighty (180) days of the effective date of the appointment and continue to maintain residency within the District of Columbia throughout the duration of the appointment.

Residency Preference: When claiming residency preference, you are required, and must agree in writing, to maintain bona fide District residency for a period of seven (7) consecutive years from the effective date of employment. You will be required to present documents (proofs) to show District residency and failure to maintain bona-fide District residency for the seven-year (7-year) period will result in forfeiture of employment.

EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.

The Fall 2023 USG Scholarship Application Priority Deadline is approaching soon!

 

The Fall 2023 Scholarship Application Priority Deadline is approaching soon! Priority Deadline: June 30 Final Deadline: July 31 Apply now for the Fall 2023 USG Scholarship! Students must apply for scholarships each semester.

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