6C17
CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATOR 2

This is forensic field investigation work at the advanced level in the Police Department's Crime Scene Unit, locating, gathering, documenting, transporting, preserving and analyzing physical evidence obtained from crime scenes. Employees in this class perform the most complex and specialized investigations and have controlling responsibility for assigned crime scenes under their jurisdiction and for the work of lower-level investigators engaged in evidence collection. Work includes the use of specialized camera equipment, computer software and a variety of chemicals used to gather and analyze evidence. Employees work on assigned shifts and are frequently exposed to undesirable situations and occasional heavy physical effort. Work is performed under the direction of a technical or administrative superior.

• The position must perform advanced level crime scene investigation work.
• Positions must be located in the Police Department.

• Trains new members of the unit, provides direction and guidance to lower level Crime Scene Investigators, and introduces Police personnel to latent fingerprints; documents evidence at crime scene by photographing, labeling, sketching, preserving latent prints and preparing detailed written reports; determines and provides direction regarding type of evidence to gather; measures and drafts preliminary sketches of crime scene; photographs crime scene using 35 mm, digital, large format, video and Polaroid cameras; photographs specific items of evidence; develops and enlarges photographs taken at the crime scene; utilizes software to enhance images to be used in court proceedings; may take aerial photographs and videos of crime scene.
• Dusts with special powders or applies other chemical or physical techniques to detect latent prints; lifts and preserves exposed latent fingerprints; photographs exposed latent prints; may roll fingerprints of suspects or others for comparison purposes; searches interiors, grounds and rooftops; collects and preserves physical evidence; detects and lifts blood, semen, DNA and gunpowder samples; utilizes metal detectors, portable magnets and forensic (alternate) light sources; makes tire, tool, footprint, and other impressions with plaster, dental stone or silicone rubber; vacuums and brushes surfaces for residue evidence; takes fingernail scrapings and hair samples, and tests hands of victims or suspects for gunpowder residue; takes fingerprints and nail scrapings of cadavers at the morgue.
• Preserves, packages and labels all evidence collected; prepares property receipts and detailed reports of investigations and evidence gathered; uses specialized computer software packages for processing evidence; prepares scale drawing utilizing specialized software of crime scene from rough sketch and measurements; cooperates with city, state and federal authorities in the investigation of crime scenes; drives police vehicle to and from crime scene; communicates status via police radio.
• Gives both factual and expert testimony in court; references documentation to present accurate depiction of crime scene; creates evidence exhibits for use in discovery and court presentation utilizing specialized software and various modeling materials to transform photographs and other evidence into presentations; discusses and interprets findings with District Attorney.
• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:
• the techniques used in searching for, gathering, identifying, preserving, packaging and labeling physical evidence at crime scenes.
• the methods and techniques of evidence investigation and identification.
• operational processes specific to the Police Department.
• the rules, procedures and laws of evidence.
• all safety procedures as they pertain to forensic field investigation.
• procedures for the safe handling and disarming of firearms.
• report writing techniques.
SKILL IN:
• documenting evidence through the use of photography, sketches, property receipts, and reports of investigation.
• providing expert testimony in court
• preparing evidence exhibits for presentation in court.
• conducting ground and roof searches.
• using crime laboratory computer software packages.
• sketching crime scenes to scale.
• the use of photographic/video equipment.
ABILITY TO:
• direct the activities of others at crime scenes.
• assume responsibility for the collection and preservation of evidence.
• use tact and diplomacy in dealing with bystanders and other members of the public.
• explain the policies, procedures and laws of evidence to others.
• review the work of lower level investigators.
• make decisions regarding the selection of the tools and methods used to discover and preserve evidence.
• learn new methods in the discovery, documentation and preservation of evidence.
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, police officials, and representatives of other city agencies and governmental jurisdictions.
• maintain records and databases.
• understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• communicate using a two-way radio.

EDUCATION
• Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth school grade.
AND
GENERAL EXPERIENCE
• Three years of experience in fingerprint identification or technical photographic work in support of law enforcement activities, one of which has been at the full performance level.
AND
SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE
• Two years of experience performing forensic field investigation work at the Crime Scene Investigator 1 level.

OR

Any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Personnel Department, which has included the Specific Experience.

• Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

• Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as a Crime Scene Investigator required by work assignment.