Criminalist

2 months ago

San Marcos, United States Hays County Full time $48,697 - $73,659
Responsibilities:
  • Prepare, collect, document, process, maintain and dispose of evidence in accordance with Texas Code of Criminal Procedure and/or ordered directive.
  • Prepare reports and other written documentation as needed.
  • Provide internal and external customer service.
  • Communicate and assist law enforcement officials and others regarding evidence status.
  • Testify in court as a witness as required.
  • Receives, collects evidence/property, maintain care, custody and control, and release or destroy evidence and any other stored property in accordance with established operating procedures (SOP).
  • Develop evidence/property statistics and reports.
  • Research, locate, and return property to appropriate owner/custodian using established procedures.
  •  Photograph, video-record, diagram and preserve any area designated as a potential crime scene including those item(s) contained with the scene, the surrounding area or other areas as directed.
  •  Research, update, and modify law enforcement database information appropriately.
  • Collect, process, preserve, package, store, transport and dispose of hazardous material and bio-hazardous in accordance with established laws and SOP.
  • Transport evidence and property to authorized storage locations, laboratories, processing plants, and criminal court for trials while maintaining chain of custody.
  • Process and or analyze all collected evidence to include, but not limited to fingerprints, palm prints, footprints, etc.
  • Assume care, custody, and control of evidence/property in accordance with established rules of evidence and procedures.
  • Assist at crime scenes and pathology labs to include but not limited to photography, videotaping, inked rolled impressions, or as directed by the attending pathologist, Detective or Supervisor.
  • Available to respond after normal work hours to any active crime scene when requested.
  • Transport, arrange, coordinate, and facilitate the destruction and disposal of evidence/property in accordance with Texas Statutes.
  • Work with law enforcement to identify, isolate and secure the crime scene.
  • Work with law enforcement to establish a restricted perimeter around the crime scene as to not compromise evidence.
  • Work with law enforcement to define a clear set of restrictions regarding nonessential personnel and investigative personnel.
  • Preserve, collect and record impressions, including tool marks, footprints, tire marks, bite marks, and fingerprints.
  • Collect DNA evidence, including blood, semen, hair, skin, blood stain patterns, bodily fluids and nails.
  • Collect trace evidence, including gunshot residue, fibers, accelerant, glass, etc.
  • Collect firearms evidence, including weapons, spent cartridges, and bullet fragments.
  • Requires the employee to be able to render credible testimony in any court proceeding to include Justice Courts, County. Courts, District Courts and any U.S. Federal Court.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge Required:
  • General knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of recordkeeping and evidence/property management.
  • General knowledge of the processing, storage and disposal of evidence.
  • General knowledge of various fingerprint processing techniques.
  • Skill in accurate maintenance of detailed records.
  • Skill in operating personal computer and related equipment.
  • Skill in typing at a rate of 50 words per minute (preferred).
  • Skill in use of computer software.
  • Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
  • Ability to resolve, Evidence and Property problems or situations requiring the exercise of good judgment.
  • Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other county employees, outside agencies, and the public.
  • Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to properly document a crime scene.
  • Ability to analyze, collect, process, preserve and transport evidence without compromise.
  • Ability to deploy proper methods and techniques for evidence recovery.

Education and/or Experience:
  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • Bachelor’s degree is required.  It is preferred for the degree to be in a natural or forensic science, or related field.
  • One (1) year in crime scene related activities preferred.
  • Two to three (2-3) years of work experience in a police evidence room or other law enforcement work preferred.
  • Three to five (3-5) years' experience in Evidence/Property Room Management preferred.
  • Three to five (3-5) years' experience Forensic Photographer preferred.
  • Three to five (3-5) years' experience with death and sexual assault crime scene processing (preferred).

Other Qualifications, Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
  • Current Class C Texas Driver’s License.
  • Expert Witness (preferred).

Emotional Demands     This position must be to able handle occasional stressful situations when interacting with some argumentative or emotional contacts within the general public. The Criminologist will be meeting with persons, not only in a structured setting at the Sheriff’s Office, but also in various other public and private settings in the community. The contacts are generally cooperative; however, in some situations this position may be called upon to persuade, influence, motivate, or control situations where individuals may be fearful, skeptical, or uncooperative.                                                                                     Physical DemandsThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job as defined by the employer.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:
  • Use of his/her hands and fingers to handle or feel.
  • Reach with hands and arms.
  • Smell.
  • Talk.
  • Hear– Demonstrate the ability to clearly understand one-on-one conversations, communicate on the telephone, and to be aware of any situations or conversations going on in your peripheral space for public safety issues.
  • Regularly stand, walk, sit, climb, kneel or stoop.
  • Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 plus pounds.
  • Maneuver up and down a ladder.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.  Vision acuity must be correctable to 20/20 in both eyes.
  • Work in tight, confined, adverse, and unsanitary conditions.
 Work Environment:While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office or outdoor setting.  The employee frequently travels to various locations.  The work involves everyday risks or discomforts requiring normal safety precautions typical of offices, meeting rooms, or vehicles.  The employee may be exposed to health or physical hazards, such as infectious diseases and environmental hazards. They must have the ability to maneuver/function in a variety of work environments such as confined spaces, extreme temperatures and inclement weather and/or elements. The office work area is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated.  The employee is required to wear protective gear. 

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