Introduction

Examples of Duties

Plans, schedules, organizes, and directs the work of forensic specialists, latent print examiners, property and evidence room personnel, and others who assist in evidence gathering and crime investigation, including coordinating the training of sworn personnel when necessary;
Designs, develops, and coordinates training programs related to crime scene investigation and evidence
Responsible for managing the inventory, custody, control, and disposition of property and evidence acquired by the department and the custody and control of the physical property as needed for analysis and examination;
Coordinate evidence gathering at major crime scene investigations, coordinates requests for services from various divisions,
Serves as the resource person and technical expert for the Forensic Specialists and property and evidence room, and performs related work as required.
Assigns, supervises and reviews the work of personnel involved in crime scene processing and property and evidence room;
Establish procedures and oversee the collection, security, analysis, and integrity of physical evidence;
When necessary, assists with crime scene investigations
Responds to callouts after hours, on weekends or on holidays as necessary;
Orders equipment, furnishings and necessary supplies as needed, makes recommendations regarding equipment needs, arranges maintenance, and oversees assets;
Offers technical information and assistance to other governmental and law enforcement agencies;
Participates in the selection and training of staff, evaluates performance, monitors workflow, counsels employees, and initiates disciplinary action as appropriate;
Develops procedures and techniques specific to the division and establishes and enforces safety programs as necessary;
Monitors and evaluates the efficiency of service delivery methods and procedures, as well as service and staffing levels;
Stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of forensic science;
Represents the Police Department at professional meetings and in the community as assigned;
Safeguards all property and evidence remanded to the custody of the Police Department;
Inspects evidence and crime scene facilities to ensure procedural compliance, safety, and maintenance
Testifies in court as needed and required;
Arranges for the destruction of weapons, narcotics, and other evidence as needed;
Arranges for the transfer of surplus property to auction;
Oversees the transfer of seized funds to the City of Oceanside Finance Department;
Proctors and oversees competency and proficiency testing for members of the Forensics Unit
Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Crime scene investigation and physical evidence comparisons, including impression evidence, latent print identification, and the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS);
• Principles and practices of evidence collection, analysis and preservation,
• Safe handling of chemicals used for fingerprint and crime scene processing,
• Federal and State statutes and case law covering contraband, drugs, and the use of physical evidence in court, the rules of criminal procedures concerning time limits, discovery, and evidence,
• General law enforcement and police department procedures, operations, and policies,
• Principles and practices of supervision, training, and performance evaluation,
• Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building and personnel management,
• Recent developments, current literature, and sources of information related to forensic science,
• Modern office procedures and equipment including computer hardware and software.
• Laboratory information management systems

• Supervise, train, mentor, motivate and evaluate assigned staff,
• Plan and coordinate work assignments,
• Effective coordinate activities with other Police Department sections, law enforcement agencies and the judiciary,
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions and implement recommendations,
• Develop and recommend policies and procedures related to assigned operations,
• Research and identify potential grant funding,
• Prepare and maintain accurate and complete records and reports,
• Maintain confidentiality and security of records and information,
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing,
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups tactfully and effectively.
• Make presentations to departments, agencies and the public.
• Provide training and technical guidance to sworn or civilian departmental personnel and assist supervisors and managers in coordinating designated activities and programs.

Working Conditions and Selection Process

Working Conditions: Most of the employee's time is working indoors in an office setting; incumbents may be required to work extended hours, including evenings and weekends, and may be required to travel outside City boundaries to attend meetings and training. Work is frequently disrupted by the need to respond to in-person and telephone inquiries. Exposure to crime victims and suspects is possible while assisting with forensic services. Exposure to hazardous items such as firearms, drugs, body fluids, blood-borne pathogens, chemicals, explosive devices is common while performing duties related to evidence collection and crime scene investigation.
Physical Condition: Continuously sit at a desk for long periods, intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding the desk, perform simple grasping and fine manipulations, use telephone and write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means, and lift or carry weight of 10 pounds or less. Occasional exposure to hazardous items such as firearms, drugs, body fluids, and chemicals. When conducting fieldwork, walk, stand, bend, crouch, stoop, and sit for varying periods, use hands and fingers to grasp and use various types of equipment and tools used in forensics work, make repetitive hand and body motions, twist and reach below and above the shoulder. Fieldwork may include climbing stairs and ladders, bending, lifting, and crawling into small/confined spaces, and lifting weights up to 50 pounds.