Crime Scene Investigator II (Non-Sworn)

The Crime Scene Investigator is responsible for examining crime scenes, collecting evidence, analyzing it in the laboratory, and presenting their findings in a court of law. The role requires a combination of fieldwork and laboratory work, as well as strong attention to detail, critical thinking, and an understanding of scientific principles. 

Essential Functions:

• Must be able to communicate with others in spoken and written English to ensure the safe and efficient operations of the business.
• Crime Scene Examination: Respond to crime scenes promptly and systematically document the scene through photographs, sketches, and written notes. Ensure that evidence is properly collected, marked, and preserved to maintain its integrity.
• Evidence Collection: Collect and package physical evidence, such as fingerprints, DNA samples, hair, fibers, weapons, and other items relevant to the investigation. Use appropriate tools and techniques to minimize contamination. Submit evidence to the lab. 
• Process evidence for latent prints or other trace evidence. 
• Examining latent prints for identification purposes. 
• Responsible for photographing crime scenes. 
• Diagramming/mapping crime scenes. 
• Record Keeping: Maintain detailed records of all actions taken, observations made, and analysis results obtained during the investigation process. Prepare accurate reports to be used in court or shared with law enforcement agencies.
• Equipment Maintenance: Ensure that all equipment used during investigations is properly maintained, calibrated, and in good working condition.
• Prepare lab reports.
• Testimony: Provide expert testimony in court proceedings, explaining the methods used and the significance of the evidence collected and analyzed 
• Works on special projects as needed. 
• Maintains crime scene vehicles, lights, equipment, and supplies.
• Trains field personnel to process and protect crime scenes.
• Attends meetings and training classes as required.
• Working in AFIS System for fingerprint comparison.
• Working in NIBIN System for ballistic comparison.
• Working with FARO System for detailed crime scene reconstruction. 
• Working with software for cellular telephone data extractions. 
• Assists with community immersion events such as Citizens Police Academy and Informational speaking events.
• Strong knowledge of forensic investigation techniques, evidence handling, and preservation methods.
• Familiarity with laboratory equipment and scientific analysis techniques.
• Excellent attention to detail, analytical skills, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work under pressure and handle emotionally challenging situations.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Knowledge of legal procedures and the ability to provide expert testimony in court.

Additional Duties:

Performs related work as assigned.

Physical Demands:

• Performs work that involves walking, standing, sitting, crouching, and crawling regularly and involves exerting up to 50 pounds of lifting regularly. Sustained keyboard operations.
• Use of fingers, hands, or limbs on the repetitive operation of mechanical or electronic office machines or tools within moderate tolerances or limits of accuracy.
• Involves exposure to a variety of environments that may be heavy in dust, pollen, and biological hazards that contain a variety of diseases or potentially hazardous chemicals. 
• Work involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions typical of such places as crime scenes, etc.  The work area is not always adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. Work is often performed in a non-temperature-controlled environment.
• Must be able to perform in a stressful environment. 
• Requires travel to crime scenes with short notice.  Employees are required to use protective clothing or gear such as masks, coats, goggles, gloves, or shields when working with chemicals or diseased/decomposing bodies.  There is walking, standing, bending, carrying heavy items, etc. Special physical demands are required to perform the work.  
• May be required to testify in court and work varying shifts, weekends, and holidays.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

• Requires a high school diploma or GED.
• Bachelor's degree in forensic science, criminal justice, biology, chemistry, or a related field, or two years of full-time equivalent related experience. 
• Must have at least two years of experience related to crime scene investigations.
• Requires the International Association of Identification (I.A.I), Crime Scene Certification, or the ability to obtain certification within 12 months of the start date. 

Special Certifications and Licenses:

The City of Murfreesboro is an Equal Opportunity Employer.