Forensic Science Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Description This unique role will work as a crime scene investigator and will also provide criminal intelligence analytics to aid the investigations division, specialized investigation units, department, and surrounding agencies. The primary responsibilities for crime scene investigators include but are not limited to the following: The technician is subject to call outs, must be available at any hour or any day as scheduled, and must be available to work under adverse conditions. The Investigator will perform a variety of highly skilled technical criminal identification tasks both in the field and in the laboratory.

This includes developing and identifying latent fingerprints; searching for, collecting, preserving, and identifying physical evidence found at crime scenes; photographing and sketching crime scenes; preparing comprehensive and technically correct reports; and testifying as an expert witness in court proceedings. The work environment may involve high risks with exposure to potentially dangerous situations or unusual environmental stress that require a range of safety and other precautions, i.e., frequent/extended exposure to outdoor weather conditions, exposure to hazardous chemicals and blood borne pathogens. Crime scene searches are often performed by extensive kneeling, stooping, reaching, and climbing

The crime scene investigator will handle objects of varying weight and shape and must, therefore, be in good physical condition. This dual position will require an exceptional candidate who maintains the ability to thrive under pressure while maintaining accuracy and professionalism, self-motivated in a collaborative division, and possess strong organizational skills. The investigator will serve in a rotational on call status for response to after hour incidents in either a crime analyst or crime scene investigator capacity.

This position provides the unique opportunity to conduct and connect forensic field work to case intel analytics. The analyst will perform a variety of intelligence driven tasks to include identifying patterns of criminal behaviors, data analysis, dissemination of criminal bulletins, compiling information for cases, and utilizing open-source information to develop suspects. The position is responsible for collecting raw data and producing crime trends, reports, and information to assist in crime prevention and officer safety.

The skills required for this job include having a strong attention to detail, scientific and data driven mindset, ability to multitask, knowledge to utilize various computer programs, ability to process sensitive information, and maintain the highest level of confidentiality. The candidate should be knowledgeable in open-source intelligence collection, prepare wide variety of intel driven reports, and possess strong verbal and written skills for public presentations in either a crime analyst or crime scene investigator capacity. This position provides the unique opportunity to conduct and connect forensic field work to case intel analytics.

Examples of Duties Works closely within the investigations division by locating information for cases, suspect identification and tracking, compiling information using law enforcement tools, and developing intel and special ops reports. Review data and evidence to identify patterns and develop suspect leads Perform statistical and analytical research utilizing various computer programs and law enforcement databases Link criminal associations and patterns of crime to specific offenders Provide enhanced continuity to investigations with case support Provide real-time intel assistance during investigations and major events. Intellectual analysis of crime patterns by identifying criminal hot spots and trends.

Utilize gathered statistical information for crime forecasting. Monitor local, regional, and national crime trends. Monitor social media platforms for intelligence gathering.

Maintain internal databases of criminal activity. Create spreadsheets, reports, charts, and maps for information management. Pull requests for crime information for special projects, presentations, and community engagement needs.

Conduct confidential analytical work involving highly sensitive data. Produce and disseminate public safety alerts and wanted bulletins. Develop calls for service bulletins.

Present findings and situational awareness including tactical and strategic planning to Deputies, Investigations Division, and Command Staff. Establishes professional contacts with area crime analysts to encourage a collaboration network for intel sharing. Transcribe audio tapes of interviews, interrogations, confessions, crime scene descriptions, case reports, phone calls, or other case information.

Download and retrieve digital images, videos, inmate phone recordings and 911 calls from a central database as required by the Prosecutors office. Perform criminal history and driver's license inquires on national and state law enforcement systems. Willingness to complete continued training and education to learn new patterns, methodologies, and developing tools.

Performs all other related duties as assigned. Processing scenes for all tangible and trace evidence, including latent/patent/plastic fingerprints and biological evidence. Responding to police crime scenes, fully documenting scenes in entirety, including digital photography, video, and sketching.

Maintain and document the chain of custody of evidence by completing detailed property reports. Properly collect and preserve all related evidence through packaging, labeling, and securing all evidence. Maintain and document the chain of custody of evidence by completing detailed property reports.

Assists with new employee training. Prepare detailed case reports of the processes performed and the results obtained. Transport and deliver all evidence, reports and photographs to the contracted police department contact person.

Examines and evaluates evidence and determines techniques and procedures to be used in the development of latent prints on diverse items of physical evidence by using physical, chemical, optical, or any combination of techniques appropriate to the substance being examined. Preserves and/or photographs developed latent print evidence. At the request of the Medical Examiner, CID, or outside agencies, obtain legible friction-ridge impressions of known and unknown deceased persons in various states of decomposition to establish a positive identification and/or comparison.

Make periodic equipment checks to ensure that all equipment is being properly maintained. Monitors the pager 24 hours, seven days a week, unless on vacation or on comp time. Assists other agencies when/as required.

Provides care and custody of all items impounded and processes all evidence for court, labs, and/or for release or destruction and ensures all entries are made in the Records Management System. Testifies as an expert in court regarding evidence handling. Other duties may include crime scene reconstruction, bloodstain pattern analysis, latent print processing, and chemical testing.

Collects and identifies physical evidence left at the crime scene. Evidence collection may include biological, trace, shoe and tire impressions, firearms and weapons, paint, tools, and any other items. Accept evidence submitted to the Laboratory for examination and/or storage.

Control access to the Laboratory, Evidence Lockers, and Vault evidence storage areas. Provide safe and secure storage of all evidence. Act as an interface between the Laboratory and its contributors.

Transport evidence to and from the Laboratory system. Initiate all paperwork surrounding submission of evidence and maintain a complete and accurate record of each transaction affecting the evidence. Ensure evidence has been sealed and/or marked for identification.

Identify the appropriate discipline to perform examinations. Arrange for the analysts and the contributor to interact, when necessary. Place submitted evidence in the storage location until it is examined and submit Request for Examination form to appropriate Laboratory personnel.

Return or release physical evidence to the contributor or owner, as appropriate. Receive seized or recovered property. Periodically conduct an inventory of evidence storage areas, to include random monthly storage location audits.

Coordinate the release, destruction, and subsequent paperwork of same. Expedite the destruction or disposal of property by state sale in accordance with Department procedures. Photograph evidence in pre-trial and post-release release or destruction of cases as directed.

Continuously check on completed cases in order to expedite return to the contributor. Responsible for ensuring that laboratory evidentiary control policies and procedures are followed. Maintain records of insurance companies' payment of claims due to criminal activity in case property is recovered and can be returned.

Will be a member of the Boone County FACT and SBI Team. Required to assist in teaching general techniques and responsibilities of a Crime Scene Investigator for Teen Academy, Citizen's Academy, Reserve Academy, and any other opportunities that arise. Any and all other duties assigned by superior officers.

Typical Qualifications Valid Indiana Driver's license Be a citizen of the United States. Be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment. Have obtained a high school diploma or have attained a passing score on the general education development test indicating a high school graduation level.

Cannot have any Felony, Battery misdemeanor, or Domestic Violence convictions. Possess good moral character as determined by a favorable comprehensive background investigation covering school, employment records, home environment, personal traits, and integrity. Consideration will be given to all law violations, including traffic and conservation law convictions, as indicating a lack of good character.