APD Forensic Technician

At the City of Atlanta, we are passionate about building and improving our community.  Our police officers, firefighters and building inspectors keep our citizens safe. Our Public Works staff keeps our City clean and helps maintain, build and improve our City’s infrastructure.  Our City planners help envision and shape future City growth. Our Parks & Recreation professionals enhance our quality of life.

Our engineers help keep our drinking water clean, the largest airport in the world (by passenger volume) operating and our buildings maintained.  Along with the host of Finance, Procurement, and Human Resources professionals whose support is vital, we are the City of Atlanta   If you are seeking a meaningful role where you can make a real difference improving and growing our City, we welcome you to explore the job opportunities we have to offer.

General Description and Classification Standards

 Under the general direction of the Crime Laboratory Director, performs technical work in the development, preservation, and presentation of evidence relating to criminal activities and retrieved from crime scenes. Work is reviewed through observation of quality and quantity of results obtained, detailed oral and written reports, discussions and inspections. Works closely with other police and crime scene staff to identify evidence retrieved from crime scenes. An employee in this classification may be required to work in shifts. Performs other work as requested. 

Supervision Received

Work is performed with limited supervision and requires that the duties be accomplished with a degree of independence and at a level of responsibility where the employee must exercise considerable good judgment and individual initiative in the performance of assigned duties. The technician works with other police personnel under minimal supervision.  May assist in training, orienting lower level employees in the group.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities  These are typical responsibilities for this positions and should not be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.  May perform other duties as assigned.

•  Receives and records physical evidence from crime scenes
•  Implements section specific policies and procedures, maintains files, and chain of evidence
•  Conducts a variety of tests and examinations in one of the following sections: Drug chemistry or  Firearms Identification
•  Documents findings for use in prosecuting criminal cases
•  May test fire weapons to gather comparative evidence used to determine a match with evidence collected at crime scene
• The technician testifies as an expert witness on evidence collected and test results upon examination
• Enters data on all evidence, tests and resulting findings into the police department's computerized laboratory management database
• Prepares daily and weekly reports on activities. 
•  Trains and assists new employees in the development of knowledge and expertise in conducting the activities of the forensics unit.

Decision Making

The technician works independently conducting the duties of the forensics unit.  May use some discretion in the completion of assigned tasks.

Leadership Provided  

Senior technicians will be available to assist. May act as a lead worker when a new employee is assigned to the unit.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities  This is a partial listing of necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job successfully.  It is not an exhaustive list.  

Some knowledge of crime scene work and evidence gathering is required.  Skill in the use of computers and other office equipment. Ability to work in stressful environments and maintain focus on assigned tasks.  Ability to communicate with other police staff and accurately record information received. Ability to use appropriate equipment/instruments. Ability to maintain accurate case records. Ability to prepare technical reports.