What are the responsibilities and job description for the Crime Scene Technician position at City of Lynchburg?
The City of Lynchburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The Lynchburg Police Department is seeking a non-sworn Crime Scene Technician to perform technical work in the collection, identification, classification, packaging, preservation, transportation, and documentation of physical evidence gathered from crime scenes.
This position performs specialized technical work involving the recognition, documentation, collection, processing, packaging, preservation, and transportation of physical evidence obtained from crime scenes and other investigative activities.
The Crime Scene Technician plays a critical role in supporting criminal investigations by ensuring evidence is properly identified, documented, collected, and preserved in accordance with established forensic standards, departmental policies, and applicable laws.
This position may require working more than 40 hours per week, including nights, weekends, holidays, and extended hours based on operational needs.
Applicants must be willing and able to participate in a regularly scheduled on-call rotation and respond to crime scenes outside normal working hours. When on call, employees must be able to respond within the City of Lynchburg limits within 30 minutes of notification.
- Responds to and processes a variety of crime scenes, including homicides, suspicious deaths, violent crimes, property crimes, and other incidents requiring forensic examination.
- Recognizes, identifies, documents, collects, processes, packages, preserves, and transports physical evidence in accordance with established forensic procedures and departmental policies.
- Conducts systematic examinations of crime scenes to identify potential evidence relevant to criminal investigations.
- Utilizes approved forensic techniques and specialized equipment to locate, develop, photograph, and collect physical evidence, including latent fingerprints, biological evidence, trace evidence, firearms-related evidence, and other evidentiary materials.
- Photographs crime scenes, evidence, injuries, and other relevant details using appropriate photographic techniques and equipment.
- Prepares accurate crime scene sketches, measurements, diagrams, and other documentation necessary to preserve the condition and layout of a scene.
- Identifies, documents, collects, and preserves electronic devices and digital evidence, including cellular phones, computers, surveillance video, and other electronic media, in accordance with established procedures and the scope of assigned responsibilities.
- Maintains accurate and complete records of evidence collection, processing, transfers, and chain of custody.
- Properly packages, labels, stores, and transports evidence to designated facilities, forensic laboratories, or other authorized locations.
- Prepares detailed, accurate, and timely investigative and forensic reports documenting crime scene observations, evidence collection, processing techniques, and findings.
- Provides clear, accurate, professional, and credible testimony in criminal and civil court proceedings regarding evidence collection, forensic procedures, and other work performed.
- Collaborates effectively with sworn law enforcement personnel, investigators, prosecutors, forensic laboratory personnel, medical examiners, and other criminal justice professionals.
- Maintains the cleanliness, organization, operational readiness, and proper care of assigned forensic equipment, vehicles, supplies, and workspaces.
- Maintains strict confidentiality concerning criminal investigations, sensitive information, and evidentiary materials.
- Participates in required departmental training, professional development, and continuing education to maintain proficiency in current forensic techniques, technology, and best practices.
- Exercises sound judgment when assessing crime scenes, identifying potential evidence, prioritizing responsibilities, and addressing unexpected circumstances.
- Performs assigned duties with a high degree of accuracy, professionalism, integrity, and attention to detail.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
The successful applicant should possess or demonstrate the ability to develop the following:
- Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, accepted principles, practices, procedures, and techniques related to crime scene investigation and forensic evidence collection.
- Understanding of evidence recognition, collection, preservation, contamination prevention, and chain-of-custody requirements.
- Working knowledge of, or the ability to learn, applicable rules of evidence, constitutional considerations, and laws governing search and seizure.
- Ability to operate specialized forensic equipment, digital cameras, computers, and other technology used in crime scene documentation and evidence processing.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare comprehensive reports and effectively articulate technical information.
- Ability to remain calm, professional, and focused when responding to stressful, emotionally challenging, or rapidly evolving situations.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while recognizing when additional assistance or supervisory guidance is necessary.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple assignments and competing priorities.
- Ability to apply critical thinking, logic, and sound judgment when evaluating crime scenes and making decisions.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, law enforcement personnel, and members of the public.
- Willingness to work collaboratively, contribute to team objectives, and assist other personnel when necessary.
- Commitment to maintaining confidentiality, professional ethics, integrity, and the highest standards of evidence handling.
- Willingness to learn new techniques, adapt to evolving technology, and participate in ongoing professional development.
- Working indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions, temperatures, and lighting.
- Standing, walking, kneeling, bending, crouching, climbing, and performing repetitive movements for extended periods.
- Lifting, carrying, and transporting evidence, equipment, and supplies in accordance with the position's established physical requirements.
Must have a valid driver license that meets the City of Lynchburg driving policy.
The successful candidate must demonstrate a commitment to the mission and values of the Lynchburg Police Department and understand the importance of maintaining public trust through professionalism, accountability, and integrity.
Crime Scene Technicians are expected to recognize that their work directly impacts criminal investigations and judicial proceedings. Accuracy, thoroughness, impartiality, and proper evidence handling are essential to the success of this position.
Requires working in all weather conditions and often under unpleasant circumstances.Must attend and successfully complete extensive training in forensic sciences, which will include either the University of Tennessee National Forensic Academy or the Virginia DFS Forensic Science Academy within one year of employment.
Salary : $45,011 - $55,016