Lead Crime Scene Investigator - GT1019 - POLICE CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS
City of Denton
Job Description
Title: Lead Crime Scene Investigator
Position ID: GT1019-310102
Department/Division: Police/Forensics
Reports to: Forensics Manager
FLSA Designation: Non-Exempt
Safety Sensitive: Yes
DOT: No
Definition: Responsible for the supervision of personnel within and the day-to-day management of the Crime Scene Unit to ensure the implementation of methods and procedures that provide
accurate and reliable examination results and provides technical and administrative review of scientific reports. Position allocates work, provides advice, guidance, training and quality
assurance and policy compliance of subordinate investigators.
Essential Functions:
Assigns duties and evaluates performance of unit employees including personnel performance improvement plans and corrective actions, court testimony evaluations, and staff feedback.
Receives, prepares and transmits communications, instructions, and policies.
Ensures compliance with departmental policies and procedures.
Responds and leads employees on serious crime scenes.
Provides training and guidance to unit employees; shares forensic expertise with staff; conducts training and information sharing with other agencies and outside groups
Provides quality control assurance in crime scene and laboratory work.
Locates, documents, collects, and preserves physical and digital evidence at crime scenes and in the laboratory.
Reconstructs crime scenes by using available physical evidence to determine actions and activities of suspect(s) and victim(s) through accepted forensic disciplines and scientific practices.
Performs analytical examinations on physical and digital evidence collected and forms conclusions and opinions relating to the actions of the subject(s).
Evaluates and compares unidentified fingerprints to “known” fingerprints via Automated Fingerprint database comparison or directly obtained from subject(s).
Prepares reports and visual presentations of findings, investigative methods, techniques, and procedures. Prepares investigative and other reports, including sketches, using appropriate
grammar, symbols, and mathematical computations. Prepares results to educate and inform Detectives, Prosecutors, Judges and Juries.
Testifies as an expert witness in criminal and administrative proceedings.
Maintains area specific certifications and attends regular training to maintain currency in area of expertise.
Operates city vehicle within policy guidelines.
Maintains regular and punctual on-site attendance
Additional Duties:
Performs other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications / Acceptable Equivalency:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in forensic science, chemistry, biology, physics, or related field.
Four years of experience in a law enforcement position that requires collection or testing of forensic evidence, including one year of lead or supervisory experience.
OR
Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in forensic science, chemistry, biology, physics, or related field.
Two years of experience in a law enforcement position that required collection or testing of forensic evidence, including one year of lead or supervisory experience.
OR
Any combination of related education, experience, certifications and licenses that will result in a candidate successfully performing the essential functions of the job
Core Competencies:
Knowledge of principles, processes, and methodologies used in forensic science including scene processing, digital imaging/photography, latent print enhancement and examination, forensic
chemistry and biology, scene reconstruction, and evidence management.
Knowledge of criminal offenses, legal codes and criminal justice systems.
Knowledge of laws of evidence, search and seizure, and court proceedings related to the presentation and management of evidence.
Knowledge of principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
Knowledge of principles and practices of data storage and recovery, digital forensic acquisition and analysis.
Knowledge of principles, processes, and methodologies of developing and maintaining technical quality assurance and control systems.
Skills to communicate effectively orally in writing in formal and informal settings.
Skills to use a variety of modern office and forensic laboratory technology, equipment, tools, software, and databases.
Skills to identify, collect, and examine physical and digital evidence using appropriate analytical techniques and methods.
Ability to plan, organize, supervise, and audit the activities of a technical scientific work unit.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all internal and external agency customers and personnel.
Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify best practice approaches to investigative processes.
Ability to detect and collect evidence and substances related to criminal offenses, often in dangerous conditions.
Ability to read and comprehend legal and nonlegal documents, including the preparation and processing of such documents as citations, affidavits, and warrants.
Must be able to render credible testimony in judicial and administrative proceedings.
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
Ability to form and maintain effective relationships with coworkers and customers
Ability to perform all job duties in a manner that is consistent with the City of Denton’s mission to be a leader among cities in delivering outstanding quality services and products
through citizen involvement, innovation and efficient use of resources.
Preferences:
Bilingual in Spanish and English
International Association for Identification (IAI) Certified Latent Print Examiner
Crime Scene Certified – IAI (Certified Crime Scene Investigator, Certified Crime Scene Analyst, or Senior Crime Scene Analyst) or UT LEIC/NFA (Certified Crime Scene Investigator or Certified
Senior Crime Scene Investigator)
Conditions of Employment:
Must have and maintain a valid Class “C” Driver’s License and valid state required minimum automobile liability insurance prior to employment (must obtain Texas Class “C” driver’s license
and state required minimum automobile liability insurance within 90 days of hire per state law)
Must pass a drug test, driver’s license check, criminal history background check, and social security number verification check
Must meet the Civilian Hiring Standards of the Denton Police Department
A personal history statement must be submitted with each application
Must be able to work overtime when requested
May be required to work in extreme weather conditions for extended periods of time
Must be able to work any shift
Physical Requirements:
Overall Strength Demands: The italicized word describes the overall strength demand of the functions performed by the incumbent during a typical workday.
Sedentary – lifting no more than 10 pounds
Light – lifting no more than 20 pounds; carry up to 10 pounds
Medium – lifting no more than 50 pounds, carry up to 25 pounds
Heavy – lifting no more than 100 pounds, carry up to 50 pounds
Very Heavy – lifting more than 100 pounds, carry more than 50 pounds
Physical Demand Codes: The following describes if the incumbent is expected to exert the following physical demands during a typical workday and the overall frequency.
Codes for “how often”:
Y = Yes
N = No
E = extensive (100-70%)
M = moderate (60-30%)
I = infrequent (20-10%)
A = almost never (<10%)
Task: Code:
Standing: M
Sitting: E
Walking: M
Lifting: I
Carrying: I
Pushing/Pulling: I
Overhead Work: I
Fine Dexterity: I
Kneeling: I
Crouching: I
Crawling: A
Bending: I
Twisting: M
Climbing: M
Balancing: M
Vision: E
Hearing: E
Talking: E
Video Display: E
Other:
Machines, Tools, Equipment and Work Aids:
The essential functions of this position require the daily use of a phone and a computer, and extensive use of chemicals, supplies and equipment used in forensic analysis, including
digital video and audio recording equipment.
Environmental Factors:
The essential functions of this position are performed in laboratory and field environments with some work inclement and extreme weather conditions.
This job description is not an employment agreement, contract agreement, or contract. Management has exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.
ADA/EOE/ADEA
Effective Date: 9/23/21
Revision Date: