Scene Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary The City of Decatur is seeking a detail-oriented and highly motivated Crime Scene Technician to support criminal investigations through the collection, preservation, and analysis of physical evidence. This position is responsible for documenting crime scenes, photographing evidence, processing latent fingerprints, recovering forensic evidence, and preparing detailed reports that assist law enforcement personnel and the judicial process. Successful candidates will possess strong observational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in challenging and often sensitive environments.

Major Duties Collects and performs preliminary comparisons of latent fingerprints from evidence, crime scenes, and individuals, both living and deceased. Responds to dangerous scenes which may involve; armed and dangerous persons, dangerous animals, persons or article with contagious/communicable diseases, hazards concern work around active roadways, emergency situations and in confined spaces. Performs general crime scene processing such as identifying, processing, collecting, and preserving evidence found at crime scenes.

Prepares crime scene sketches. Maintains personal log of work activities; documents all evidence found at crime/accident scenes. Uses computer and databases in order to access/update information.

Establishes and maintains effective working relations with coworkers, superiors, the public, etc. Provides assistance to other law enforcement agencies, as needed. Performs basic clerical functions necessary to ensure the efficient performance of assigned tasks, such as typing, filing, copying documents, answering telephones, etc.

Photographs crime/accident scenes and/or evidence; photographs people, places, and things. Provides testimony relevant to the work performed in court and departmental hearings. Stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of crime scene investigations.

Performs related duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's Degree from a college or university accredited by a regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education with major course work in Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, Crime Scene Management, or a related field

Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years. Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of Alabama for the type of vehicle or equipment operated. Physical and mental stamina to work in an environment that involves imminent danger from conditions or events which cannot be fully anticipated or protected against including life threatening conditions.

Exposure to individuals who may display violent, erratic behavior, carry communicable diseases and weapons. Work may also involve exposure to infectious diseases and contact with bodily fluids and biohazards from crime scenes which may have been of a violent nature. Work is performed in indoor and outdoor environments in varying weather temperatures and conditions and requires physical and mental stamina inherent in the work.

The work environment involves imminent danger from conditions or events which cannot be fully anticipated or protected against including life threatening conditions. Work exposes the employee to individuals who may display violent, erratic behavior, carry communicable diseases and weapons. Work may also involve exposure to infectious diseases and contact with bodily fluids and biohazards from crime scenes which may have been of a violent nature Knowledge of applicable federal, state and local laws and ordinances, particularly the laws of arrest evidence.

Knowledge of the rules and regulations of the Police Department. Knowledge of property control and inventory principles and practices. Knowledge of record-keeping practices and procedures.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of fingerprint classification and identification. Knowledge of the proper methods and guidelines for wrapping, packaging and transporting physical evidence. Knowledge of proper procedures to maintain the chain of possession of evidence.

Knowledge of the proper procedures and techniques for the collection, documentation, and preservation of evidence. Knowledge of effective and proper techniques for photographing a crime scene and/or evidence. Knowledge of proper crime scene sketching techniques and procedures.

Knowledge of the basic principles and procedures of data entry and retrieval. Knowledge of courtroom procedures. Knowledge of criminal behavior along with experience in identifying case variables in order to identify crime trends and patterns.

Skill in the use and care of a personal computer, and video and photography equipment. Skill in written communication (i.e. grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc.) sufficient to complete assigned forms, documents, and reports

Skill in performing basic mathematical calculations (i.e. addition, subtraction, multiplication, division). Skill in developing and maintaining effective working relations with coworkers, supervisors, the public, etc

Skill in properly comparing and coding fingerprints for identification purposes. Skill in reading and interpreting complex legal and other technical materials. Skill in communicating ideas and information to individuals of diverse backgrounds in a clear, concise and courteous manner.

Skill in using tact, courtesy and other principles and techniques of good interpersonal relations in dealing with others. Skill in performing general clerical activities such as sorting, filing, indexing, coding, etc. Ability to operate photographic equipment and highly specialized forensic equipment.

Ability to work indoor and outdoor environments in varying weather temperatures and conditions. Supplemental Information Guidelines Department and city policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.

Complexity/Scope of Work The work consists of related technical duties. The necessity or performing the work in tragic and traumatic crime scenes contributes to the complexity of the position. The purpose of this position is to identify, collect, preserve, and analyze evidence.

Success in this position contributes to the successful arrest and prosecution of criminals. Contacts Contacts are typically with co-workers, other city employees, members of other law enforcement agencies, and members of the general public. Contacts are typically to provide services, to give or exchange information, and to resolve problems.

Physical Demands/Work Environment The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, walking, or stooping. The employee frequently lifts light and heavy objects. The work is typically performed in a public building, at crime scenes, and in an automobile.

The employee may be exposed to noise, dust, dirt, and grease, machinery with moving parts, contagious or infectious diseases, or irritating chemicals. Work may be performed outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. Work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.

Work is performed in indoor and outdoor environments in varying weather temperatures and conditions and requires physical and mental stamina inherent in the work. The work environment involves imminent danger from conditions or events which cannot be fully anticipated or protected against including life threatening conditions. Work exposes the employee to individuals who may display violent, erratic behavior, carry communicable diseases and weapons.

Work may also involve exposure to infectious diseases and contact with bodily fluids and biohazards from crime scenes which may have been of a violent nature. Supervisory and Management Responsibility None.