Entry Level Crime Scene Investigator Jobs in Raleigh, NC

POSITION SUMMARY POSITION SUMMARY: An employee in this position performs investigative work in the solution of crimes and the identification, apprehension, and prosecution of persons suspected of committing criminal acts for the Office of Sheriff for Harnett County. This includes: conducting preliminary and supplementary investigations related to major crimes, property, domestic violence, drug, and juvenile offenses within the Department; interviewing victims, complainants, witnesses, and suspects; identifying, collecting, analyzing, and preserving physical evidence; preparing reports; and testifying in court. Work may also involve general criminal investigation; highly specialized types of investigations, such as those relating to vice, domestic violence, and narcotic offenses; crimes against, by, and/or pertaining to youths; or specialized evidence identification work.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION: Conducts initial and follow-up investigations of criminal, drug related and juvenile incidents; interviews persons in connection with all investigated incidents; develops contacts and information sources concerning drug, criminal, and juvenile activities; performs undercover operations and surveillance work as required; arrests offenders; identifies, collects, and preserves physical evidence; prepares written reports of investigative activities; testifies in court regarding investigative activities. Performs specialized narcotics investigations either leading or assisting with cases, developing sources, participating in task forces, performing or managing undercover operations and surveillance, and other specialized tasks. Interviews persons connected with crimes against children; investigates offenses involving youth; counsels delinquent and pre-delinquent youth, including referral to social service agencies; cooperates with representative of social service agencies in protecting youth from crime.

Obtains warrants; interrogates witnesses. Preserves crime scene, collects evidence, and processes that crime scene by taking photographs and video color photography, processes latent prints, obtains tool, tire and shoe impressions, collects hair and fiber evidence, collects other physical evidence, labels and packages evidence; analyzes all evidence and documents findings in prosecutions report. Conducts undercover operations to include drug raids, obtains search warrants and operates technical listening and video surveillance equipment.

Cooperates with members of other local, state, and federal law enforcement and investigative agencies in the identification, location, apprehension, and arrest of offenders and in the investigation of criminal activities. Performs case analysis. Conducts digital forensics and research.

Performs field work such as surveillance, canvassing neighborhoods, arrests, etc. Prepares paperwork related to case management; prepares documents for district attorney and presentations to court; and testifying in court. Depending upon work assignment may be involved in either conducting the crime scene analysis or conducting the total investigation.

Must be able to drive and operate a vehicle to travel as needed. Performs other related duties as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK: High school diploma supplemented by special training in investigative techniques; Two (2) years of work experience in law enforcement; Or equivalent education and/or experience.

Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license. Possession of Intermediate Law Enforcement Certification is desired. Completion of the minimum requirements by the NC Justice Training and Standards Council for Certified Law Enforcement Officers.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES: Knowledge of modern investigative techniques, principles, and procedures. Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and ordinances pertaining to law enforcement operations and investigative procedures. Knowledge of the physical, economic, and social characteristics of the County.

Knowledge of collection and preservation techniques associated with securing evidence at a crime scene and the analysis required to successfully prosecute criminals. Knowledge of the application of information technology to assigned tasks. Skill in the using firearms and other law enforcement equipment and in the application of self-defense tactics.

Ability to independently perform investigative assignments, to apply sound investigative principles to difficult cases, and to communicate the results of investigative efforts. Ability to work calmly under conditions of challenging circumstances and physical and emotional fatigue. Ability to prepare clear and concise records and reports.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the general public SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Must be able to perform medium work frequently exerting up to 30 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects; and occasionally requiring to exert up to 50 pounds of force to move objects. This work also involves the physical abilities of balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, feeling, grasping, handling, perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, discriminating among sounds, kneeling, lifting, having manual dexterity, using mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, performing repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, expressing ideas by the spoken word, shouting to be heard above ambient noise, and walking. An incumbent must also possess the visual acuity to analyze data, work with color or depth perception, perform extensive reading and administrative work, make observations, operate motor vehicles, use a computer, take measurements, and inspect for defects.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The employee is subject to hazards associated with law enforcement including working in both inside and outside environments, in extreme cold weather, and with exposure to various hazards such as exposure to atmospheric conditions, noise, vibration, and physical conditions. Employees are subject to Level III OSHA Standards on blood borne pathogens.