FORENSIC SPECIALIST

JOB DESCRIPTION

FORENSIC SPECIALIST
POLICE DEPARTMENT

Human Resources

NEWPORT NEWS, VA Department
CITY OF OPPORTUNITY

GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Under limited supervision, this position is responsible for complex evidence identification, collection
and preservation associated with civil and criminal cases and internal investigations assigned to the
Forensic Services Unit. Reports to the Forensic Unit Sergeant.

There are two (2) levels of Forensic Specialist distinguished by the level of work performed and the
qualifications of the employee.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Identifies, collects, preserves, documents, and processes physical evidence independently from victims
and suspects, complex crime scene, digital phones, video footage, computers, mobile and other
electronic devices and from victims and suspects and serves as a technical witness; collects latent
fingerprints; photographs and sketches complex crime scene; maintains chain of evidence; processes
and maintains digital images; transports evidence to and from the State crime lab; coordinates with
detectives and all appropriate laboratories.

Utilizes detailed crime scene reports to document actions, procedures, information, and evidence
collected at scenes of criminal investigations and other locations relating to the case in question;
properly disposes and labels biohazard materials; maintains drying cabinets and proper cleaning of
cabinets and handles all wet, bloody items collected by technicians and officers; handles and processes
firearms under specific safety conditions; handles chemicals that are in accordance to the material
safety data sheets (MSDS) set forth by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA).

Processes and maintains digital images and archives case photographs and images; transports all
departmental evidence collected with the exception of drug evidence to and from the state laboratory
on a weekly basis; and work on a variety of projects within the department; processes latent
fingerprints chemically on various surfaces; obtains inked fingerprint impressions; interprets
fingerprint patterns; and recovers fingerprints.

Processes evidence in the field and in the Forensic Services Unit laboratory; interprets laboratory
analysis reports and forensic findings; creates forensic images of original data using a variety of
validated imaging programs; prepares detailed reports for inclusion in formal case files; and works
with detectives and patrol officers, the Commonwealth Attorney’s office and other agencies to develop
and prepare cases; and prepares, presents expert testimony and defends court testimony.

PC# 31590, 31591, 31592, 38751, 38845, 38945, 315900
Page 1 of 3 Revised: 11/01/2021

Develops comprehensive lesson plans and course curriculum to train Police Officers on crime scene
protocol; creates policies and procedures encompassing digital forensic processes; performs a variety
of projects within the department as needed; serves as a liaison with the Medical Examiner and the
Department of Forensic Science.

Performs other duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE STANDARD

Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community
and the organization through work behaviors demonstrating the City’s Values. Employees are also
expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE


Forensic Science –Knowledge of all aspects of crime scene processing and crime investigation
procedures and techniques. Comprehensive knowledge of fingerprint and palm print identification
and the Virginia Automated Fingerprint Identification System computer. 

Technology – Knowledge of general office equipment and personal computers to include word
processing, spreadsheet, and related software. Knowledge of mobile devices and mobile device
applications.

REQUIRED SKILLS


Computer Skills – Utilizes a personal computer with word processing, spreadsheet, and related
software to effectively complete a variety of administrative tasks with reasonable speed and
accuracy. 

Interpersonal Relationships – Develops and maintains cooperative and professional relationships
with employees, managers, and representatives from other departments and organizations. Shares
knowledge with staff for mutual and departmental benefit. 

Time Management - Ability to plan and organize daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the
completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology.

REQUIRED ABILITIES


Evidence Collection - Ability to recognize and identify physical evidence and properly collect and
preserve physical evidence. 

Communication – Ability to communicate ideas effectively, including the preparation of reports.
Ability to listen and understand directions, information and ideas presented verbally and in
writing. Ability to handle a variety of issues with tact and diplomacy in a confidential manner.
Ability to deal with victims, victims’ families, witnesses, etc. in a respectful, sensitive and
professional manner. 

Judgement/Decision Making – Ability to use logic and reasoning to understand, analyze, and
evaluate situations and exercise good judgment to make appropriate decisions.

PC# 31590, 31591, 31592, 38751, 38845, 38945, 315900
Page 2 of 3 Revised: 11/01/2021

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Forensic Technician - Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Police Science, Chemistry, Biology, Forensic
Science or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Certified Forensic
Computer Examiner (CFCE) Certification desired.

Forensic Specialists - Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Police Science, Chemistry, Biology, Forensic
Science or a related field and 3-4 years of experience in evidence identification, preservation and
collection, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Certified Forensic Computer
Examiner (CFCE) Certification desired.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires a comprehensive background investigation to include a local, state and federal criminal
history check; sex offender registry and credit check.

Requires satisfactory results from a medical and pre-employment substance abuse testing and is subject
to random alcohol and controlled substance testing.

A valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

Will declare an area of specialty and will work towards a primary area of expertise and certification
such as fingerprints, bloodstain, forensic photography, crime scene and crime scene reconstruction or
similar specialty.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

Tasks require the regular and, at times, sustained performance of moderately physically demanding
work. 

Some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling. 

May involve the lifting to include overhead lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of moderately
heavy objects and materials (20-50 pounds).

SENSORY REQUIREMENTS 

Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, odor,
depth, texture, and visual cues or signals. 

Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES

Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as
dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, weather, fumes, smoke, temperature and noise extremes,
hazardous materials, fire, traffic hazards, toxic agents, explosives, firearms, violence, disease or
rude/irate persons.

PC# 31590, 31591, 31592, 38751, 38845, 38945, 315900
Page 3 of 3 Revised: 11/01/2021