Forensic Technician

**Description**:
Under supervision of the Forensic Supervisor, the Forensic Technician responds to major crime scenes as requested, conducts crime scene investigations and performs a variety of highly technical crime scene related processing functions, include but not limited, to collecting fingerprints, preparing detailed forensic reports; and identifying, documenting, collecting, preserving, processing, and/or handling evidence and recording the scene in accordance with established departmental policies and procedures.

**Principal Duties**:
**FORENSIC TECHNICIAN I**

This is the entry-level class in the Forensics Technician series performing the more routine technical support in processing crime scenes. Incumbents at this level are not expected to function with the same amount of knowledge or level of competency as the Forensic Technician II level and exercises less independent discretion and judgment. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Advancement to the Forensic Technician II level is based on demonstrated proficiency in performing the assigned functions and/or assessment that validates the performance of the full range of duties, obtaining applicable certification and meeting the minimum requirement of the Forensic Technician II.

**Principal Job Duties**

The following represent the core areas of responsibilities of the position however may not include all duties. In addition, the duties listed may not include all tasks that may be found within a position in this class.
- Respond to various types of crime and accident scenes, as requested; evaluate the scene, conduct searches, and process the scene by utilizing disciplines related to crime scene investigation, at the direction of the supervisor in charge.
- Document, collect, package, preserve, and process physical evidence in order to conduct scientific evaluation; transport evidence to the department, ensuring evidentiary value is maintained and all evidence is preserved in the proper manner.
- Maintain a thorough working knowledge of all laws, statutory and case, pertaining to search and seizure of evidence.
- Maintain a high degree of proficiency and knowledge in performing crime scene photography, lifting and developing fingerprints; and maintain a working knowledge of fingerprint classification in order to enter and modify information in the fingerprint database.
- Process evidence collected by members of the department as necessary for fingerprints.
- Download electronic devices for forensic analysis upon request.
- Provide testimony in court, as required, on an occasional basis.
- Prepare written reports as necessary.
- Attend autopsies as directed and collect evidence discovered as a result of the autopsy and transporting the evidence to the department.
- Perform other duties as assigned.

**FORENSIC TECHNICIAN II**

This is the full journey level class within the Forensic Technician series performing the more complex crime scene investigations. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Forensic Technician I by the performance of more complex and more advanced crime scene processing duties, as assigned. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Positions in this class series are generally filled by advancement from the Technician I level, or when filled externally require prior experience.

**Additional Principal Job Duties/Forensic Tech II**
- _Performs all job duties of the Forensic Technician I in addition to the following:_
- Maintain a high degree of proficiency in lifting, developing, comparing, and classifying fingerprints utilizing both chemical and powder processes; and maintain a working knowledge of fingerprint classification in order to enter and modify information in fingerprint database and compare unknown fingerprints with known samples in attempts to make proper identification.
- Maintain proficiency and knowledge in performing crime scene photography, to include specialized photography using an alternate light source.
- Maintain a level of proficiency and knowledge so as to qualify as an expert witness in court and provide testimony as requested.
- Utilize alternate light sources, chemical and physical processes, scientific methods, and equipment for the detection, collection, and processing of evidence.
- Assist with crime scene reconstruction including determining the sequence of events that took place, bullet trajectory, and identifying blood stain patterns to aid in blood stain analysis.
- Perform other duties as assigned.

**Qualifications**:
**Job Qualifications/Forensic Technician I**

**Required**:
Associate degree in criminal justice, chemistry, natural science or related field which includes field experience or an extensive internship in a practical setting with a reputable department or laboratory, or l