Criminalist

(The following statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job.  The City and County of Broomfield retains the right to modify or change the duties or responsibilities and additional functions of the job at any time.  Examples of duties are not intended to be all-inclusive or restrictive.)

• Must meet all requirements for the job description of Crime Scene Investigator, in addition to:

• Supervises Crime Scene Investigators by providing direction, guidance, and oversight of daily operations, ensuring compliance with Department policies, procedures, and professional standards. 

• Conducts comprehensive crime scene investigations by locating, documenting, collecting, preserving, analyzing, and interpreting all types of evidence.

• Processes crime scenes to locate and collect physical evidence for scientific evaluation.

• Performs laboratory examinations using scientific methods and techniques.

• Analyzes all latent fingerprint lifts, comparing all suitable impressions, and entering fingerprints into the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS).

• Processes all requests for digital evidence.

• Attends post-mortem examinations to obtain fingerprints, nail scrapings, clothing, and other evidence as needed in death investigations.

• Prepares accurate crime scene diagrams and graphic representations.

• Regularly maintains laboratory and evidence collection equipment to ensure proper functioning, using all required safety equipment, and maintaining accurate supply inventories for ordering.

• Accurately enters and retrieves information from City and County computer systems.

• Reads, understands, and adheres to applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures to ensure appropriate conduct and responses when interacting with the public.

Education

• A minimum of a Bachelor’ degree from an accredited college or university in related fields such as Forensic Chemistry or Police Science or an equivalent combination of relevant training, certifications, or law enforcement experience which demonstrates the applicant possesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for the role of Criminalist.

• Latent Fingerprint Examiner Certification - preferred

• Certification in crime scene, latent prints/identification, blood spatter analysis, laser scanning, crime scene photography, alternative light source, impression evidence collection, or similar - preferred

Experience

• A minimum of 3 years  experience in crime scene investigation and evidence collection. 

• 1 year supervision/lead experience - preferred. 

Years of related experience may be substituted for required education, however education cannot be substituted for the necessary work experience. Candidates must meet the minimum required years of work experience.

Necessary Applicant Traits:

• Knowledge of computers, applicable software, crime scene equipment, investigative techniques, and technical manuals.

• Knowledge of basic rules of evidence and applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations relevant to criminal investigations.

• Skill in applying crime scene processing techniques, including locating, developing, and lifting latent fingerprints, and utilizing photography, videography, measurements, and scaled diagrams to accurately document crime scenes.

• Ability to conduct laboratory examinations, interpret results, and follow established technical procedures while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.

• Knowledge of safety practices and the ability to maintain regulatory compliance when handling hazardous and biohazardous materials in accordance with applicable regulations.

• Ability to exercise critical thinking and sound judgment when evaluating evidence, interpreting technical information, and addressing investigative needs.

• Skill in time management and organization to balance competing priorities, maintain concentration during complex or repetitive tasks, and meet deadlines with limited supervision.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism when handling sensitive information, responding to customer needs, and interacting effectively with the community.

• Ability to communicate effectively through clear verbal and written English using appropriate technical, medical, and legal terminology, along with skill in fostering positive working relationships with employees and the public.

• Ability to navigate the City and County's geography, safely operate a motor vehicle in varying weather conditions, and follow written and verbal instructions and procedures.

• Ability to coordinate work activities, communicate priorities, resolve routine work-related issues, and support the performance or development of others. 

Necessary Special Requirements

New hires must, as a condition of employment, pass the following pre-offer and post-offer/hire processes: in-person and/or virtual interviews, Computer Voice Stress Analysis (CVSA), psychological job suitability assessment, reference checks, background checks including local police check and sex-offender registry, DMV check, medical examination, drug screening, psychological fitness for duty exam, and fingerprint check through CBI/FBI.

• Must be at least 21 years of age. 

• Cannot have been convicted of a felony or disqualifying misdemeanor as per NCIC/CCIC policy. 

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license with the ability to obtain a valid Colorado driver’s license and safe driving record for continued employment. 

• Must be willing to obtain necessary certifications in crime scene processing and latent fingerprint examination. 

Candidates will not be considered if they have used marijuana within the last 6 months, psilocybin within the last 3 years, or any other illegal substance within the last 5 years. All candidates must pass a comprehensive background check and pre-employment drug screening prior to receiving a final offer of employment.

• Work is generally scheduled Monday through Friday, and may include weekends, holidays and overtime as needed, with regular and predictable attendance in both indoor and year-round outdoor environments. Must be available to respond to crime scenes with little or no notice.  

• The noise level in the environment is moderately noisy.  

• Must be available for on-call response to departmental needs, Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) activations, requests for specialized assistance from outside agencies, and other special circumstances outside of regular working hours, often with little to no advance notice. 

• May occasionally work in high precarious places, near moving mechanical parts; in enclosed or tight places, in conditions of extreme heat and cold, and may occasionally be exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals, fumes, or airborne particles. 

• May come in contact with blood-stained and/or bio-hazardous materials. 

• Frequently required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. 

• Occasionally required to walk, stand, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, taste, smell, talk, or hear.  

• Physical demands are described as heavy (exert up to 100 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 lbs. of force frequently, and up to 20 lbs. of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body).

• Data entry and other tasks may require sitting at a computer for several hours.  

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, ability to adjust focus, color vision, and peripheral vision.