Entry Level Crime Scene Investigator Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

Position Summary Crime Scene Technician performs technical work photographing, measuring and diagramming crime scenes, collecting and classifying evidence and latent prints, and preparing detailed reports in support of law enforcement activities. Education, Training, Experience, Certifications, Licenses and Registrations Education / higher education: AA Degree For required college degrees, applicable field(s) of study: Criminal justice, forensic science, chemistry, biology, physical science or a related field. Minimum number of years of related experience: One (1) year of experience in photography, digital and video camera operation, fingerprint classification, public safety/ crime scene investigation or crime scene evidence collection.

In lieu of the required education, a qualified candidate may possess a HS diploma and three (3) years of related experience. Education and/or experience preferences: Associates degree in criminology. Driver's License requirement: Infrequent Driver -- Regular Driver's License Required Endorsements: None Note -- For any driver, driving record must always meet City driving and insurability standards.

Required certifications, licenses or registrations: Basic fingerprint and photography training. Time given after hire/promotion to obtain certification or licenses: One (1) year Preferred certifications, licenses or registrations: Advanced training in equivocal death, crime scene processing, blood spatter analysis, or firearms reconstruction. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge: Methods and techniques of crime scene investigations Fingerprinting processes and classification; rules of evidence, police procedures, and photo taking; DNA processing methods and evidence collection procedures.

Knowledge of personal computers and proficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Adobe Photoshop and any other computer software for fingerprinting, digital and video camera operations, photographic techniques and procedures. Skills: Must be able to type rapidly and accurately enough to accomplish the essential functions of the job; Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing and spreadsheet applications; Respond to requests and inquiries; communicate clearly and concisely both verbally and in written format. Attentiveness and intensity is critical to ensure accuracy and minimize errors.

Organize, plan, and prioritize investigations. Work effectively with all types of crime and accident scenes with the Office of the Medical Examiner. Must be able to organize large amounts of information in a methodical and logical manner.

Abilities: Ability to use photographic techniques and procedure under various lighting conditions. Process crime scene evidence with accuracy and attention to detail. Analytical thinking abilities; capacity to recognize patterns or connections between situations/events that aren't obviously related; Identify key or underlying issues in complex cases, or use creative conceptual, methodical, and/or inductive reasoning to develop case hypothesis.

Ability to cope with stressful situations calmly, fairly, tactfully and with respect for the public and co-workers. Ability to operate police vehicles and equipment. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.

Ability to adhere to established policies and procedures. Maturity of judgment and ability to maintain strict confidentiality. Interaction with Groups/Agencies/Entities: Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including professional agencies and the general public.

Provide expert testimony in administrative, civil, criminal, or other proceedings concerning investigative findings. Essential Functions The following functions are typical for this position. The omission of specific functions does not exclude them if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment for this position.

Other duties may be required and assigned. Travels to crime scenes to process and investigate crime scenes. Gather, locate, photograph, record, document, collect and preserve evidence.

Use digital cameras, video equipment and measurement and diagramming techniques following established methods and procedures. Searches for and recovers latent fingerprint evidence for personal identifications. Collects, preserves, and packages different types of evidence in accordance with established procedures.

Attends autopsies at the Office of the Medical Examiner to document and collect any potential evidence. Produces print/impression evidence by casting and/or photographing to scale impressions to use physical evidence as investigative aids. Processes evidence using powders, chemicals, and alternative light source for latent prints.

Enters, retrieves and searches by means of computer equipment and software in support of law enforcement efforts to resolve crimes. Conducts quality control operations involving fingerprint cards. Performs manual verification of 10-print cards for identification and latent reverse searches.

Enters latent fingerprints and palm prints into computers. Performs fingerprint activities for staff and general public. Performs fingerprint identification of deceased individuals.

Attends fingerprint training on new procedures and updated technology enhancements. Performs yearly proficiency fingerprint tests. Performs DNA collection through various non-evasive methods.

Prepare and present a variety of technical, written and verbal reports. Provide testimony as required. Maintain appropriate custody of evidence and confidentiality of case information.

Evaluate and recommend changes to establish policies and procedures. Communicate, coordinate and cooperate with other forensic investigators, forensic units and organizations. Ensure adherence to safe work practices and procedures.

Prepares and presents various special and recurring reports. Assists with training other staff in the methods of police photography and gathering latent fingerprints at crime and accident scenes. Prepare and present a variety of technical, written and verbal reports.

Provide testimony as required. Maintain appropriate custody of evidence and confidentiality of case information. Evaluate and recommend changes to establish policies and procedures.

Communication, coordinate and cooperate with other forensic investigators, forensic units and organizations. Ensure adherence to safe work practices and procedures. Respond to public and law officials' inquiries in a professional and courteous manner; provide information within the area of assignment.

Attend and participate in professional group meetings and trainings. Stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of crime scene investigations. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.