WORK SCHEDULE: 4 Day Workweek / 10 Hours Daily / 30 Minute Lunch Break
THIS IS AN DAY / EVENING / NIGHT SHIFT POSITION.
- Work Schedule and shift my vary, due to seniority during shift bids and the needs of the Department.
Summary of Duties:
When Assigned to Crime Scene: Under general supervision, the Criminalist is responsible for performing basic chemical, physical, and optical scientific techniques to locate physical evidence; and to recover, compare, and identify fingerprints left at a crime scene.
When Assigned to Latent Print: Under general supervision, the Criminalist – Latent Prints is responsible for performing basic chemical, physical, and optical scientific techniques to locate, recover, compare, and identify fingerprints.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
When Assigned to Crime Scene:
- Assists in the investigation of criminal offenses and death investigations.
- Evaluates and documents crime scenes utilizing notes, photographs, sketches, and reports.
- Analyzes and compares fingerprints; enters unidentified latent prints into identification systems to conduct comparisons of latent with known fingerprint impressions; documents comparison results in reports.
- Performs a variety of complex, independent laboratory tests, analyses, classifications, comparisons, and identifications of all types of physical evidence from crime scenes.
- Testifies as an expert witness in court cases.
- Collects fingerprint impressions from juveniles and others as required.
- Regular and consistent attendance for the assigned work schedule is essential.
When Assigned to Latent Print:
- Analyzes and compares fingerprints; enters unidentified latent prints into searchable databases to conduct comparisons of latent with known fingerprint impressions; documents comparison results in reports.
- Locates and develops latent prints on a wide variety of materials and surfaces by using physical, chemical, or any combination of techniques appropriate to the surface being examined.
- Properly documents, lifts, and photographs latent print evidence.
- Uses digital examination software for friction ridge analysis.
- Performs verification and technical reviews of casework when appropriate.
- Assists in training new employees in latent comparisons when appropriate.
- Testifies as an expert witness in court cases.
- Collects fingerprint impressions from juveniles and others as required.
- Regular and consistent attendance for the assigned work schedule is essential.
Marginal Duties:
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Typical Decisions:
When Assigned to Crime Scene: The incumbent must select and apply the most effective methods of locating, developing, and preserving evidence and latent prints on a wide variety of materials and surfaces. Determines a positive identification, negative comparison, or that a latent print is of no value for comparison purposes.
When Assigned to Latent Print: The incumbent must select and apply the most effective methods of locating, developing, and preserving latent prints on a wide variety of materials and surfaces. Determines latent print suitability and makes appropriate conclusions on latent print comparisons.
Minimum Qualifications:
Knowledge of:
When Assigned to Crime Scene:Laws and regulations for the collection and analysis of evidence; chain of custody protocols; criminal court proceedings; proper safety and disinfecting procedures to be used at crime scenes; fingerprint collection and comparison methods; basic photography principles.
When Assigned to Latent Print:
- Must have professional knowledge of the principles, theories, methods and technical procedures used to process materials for latent prints, recovery of latent prints, visualizing/recording of latent prints, and examining and comparing latent prints to known prints in a forensic laboratory.
- Must have knowledge of general forensic laboratory procedures, quality control and safety procedures; knowledge of ISO quality standards for testing and calibration of lab equipment and/or the ANAB accreditation standards.
- Must be familiar with or have working knowledge of other disciplines within a forensic laboratory to assure that examinations are consistent with accepted protocols and that casework is properly coordinated with other forensic specialties as necessary.
- Must have excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Must know the appropriate scientific procedures and equipment used in latent print examination as well as safe handling practices for chemicals in use by the laboratory.
Skill in:
When Assigned to Crime Scene: Communicating clearly both verbally and in writing; preparing reports; operating a personal computer; collecting photographic evidence; analyzing crime scenes for pertinent evidence; fingerprinting methods, practices, and procedures; prioritizing assignments.
When Assigned to Latent Print: Communicating clearly both verbally and in writing; preparing reports; operating a personal computer; fingerprinting methods, practices, and procedures: photography; prioritizing assignments.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, Chemistry, or related field is required. A Master’s degree in a related field is preferred.
Experience: Three (3) years of experience and proven competency in a forensic laboratory; experience in latent print processing and comparison when assigned to Latent Print division.
Any work-related experience resulting in acceptable proficiency levels in the above Minimum Qualifications is an acceptable substitute for the above specified education and experience requirements.
Licenses and Certifications: Texas Class C driver’s license (must obtain within 30 days of hire per state law).
When Assigned to Latent Print, also: Current TX DPS AFIS certification or ability to obtain within one year of hire. Certified latent print examiner through the IAI is preferred.
Conditions of Employment: Must pass a drug test, driver license check, criminal history background check, periodic CJIS background check (for positions requiring access into Police buildings) and social security number verification check.
When Assigned to Latent Print: Must also be able to successfully pass latent print comparison testing prior to and periodically during employment.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
When Assigned to Crime Scene: Must possess mobility to work in a standard office and laboratory setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to work in the field including traversing uneven terrain, to operate a motor vehicle, and tools and equipment, and to visit various crime scenes; vision to inspect evidence and to read printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator, to operate standard office equipment, conduct tests and to operate tools and equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information, obtain evidence, and set up equipment. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing 40 pounds, or heavier with the use of proper equipment.
Employees partly work in the office and partly in the field and are exposed to cold and hot temperatures, road hazards, dust, toxic waste, chemical, mechanical, and electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives and contractors in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
When Assigned to Latent Print: Must possess mobility to work in a standard office and laboratory setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator to conduct tests and to operate tools and equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information, obtain evidence, and set up equipment.
Employees work primarily in the office and are exposed to dust, toxic waste, chemical, mechanical, and electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives and contractors in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills which may be required. The position also requires meeting the essential requirements of the Physical Demands and Working Conditions, with or without reasonable accommodation.
