Crime Scene Technician, (B272366-1), 209, Patrol

The Crime Scene Technician is responsible for Identifying, collecting, and preserving evidence at major crime scenes by utilizing specialized equipment and highly skilled photographic and evidence gathering techniques. Properly collects, preserves, packages, and transports physical evidence from crime scenes, so as to facilitate Its maximum potential for use In subsequent criminal or civil proceedings and ensure the chain of evidence/custody Is not compromised. Becomes a crucial witness to all Investigations and testifies In criminal and civil proceedings when required.ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Evaluates and processes scenes for evidence, such as obtaining photographs, recovering latent prints, preserving footwear/tire impressions, collecting firearms evidence, identifying blood and other physiological fluids, preserving DNA evidence, collecting controlled substances and other trace evidence (such as hair, fibers and gunshot residue).
• Properly secures items and submits any trace evidence or narcotics for proper lab processing. 
• Prepares diagrams, charts and photos for court presentations with the use of special equipment and computer programs.
• Testifies in trials and depositions.
• Assists with booking procedures, conducts fingerprint comparisons, and provides fingerprinting services for the general public, as needed.
• Attends continuous development trainings and must successfully complete the course and obtain the desired certification. Out-of-town travel is involved.
• Willingness to work different shifts, to include holidays and weekends.
• Will be required to drive a City vehicle for city business use.
• Performs related work as required.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Skills and Abilities:

• Skilled in critical thinking.
• Ability to handle specialized equipment (such as a photographic camera, video camera, mapping equipment, computerized
  equipment, two-way radio, etc.) 
• Ability to work with minimum supervision. 
• Ability to have good judgement and discretion.
• Ability to travel out-of-town. 
• Ability to pass an extensive law enforcement background check.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain good planning and organizational skills.
• Ability to take and follow directions from supervisor.
• Ability to give directions to and gain compliance from assigned staff.
• Ability to perform strenuous work and routine work.
• Ability to maintain a valid Texas Driver License and a good driving record.
• Ability to project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing in the English language and orally in the Spanish language.
• Ability to comply with all City of Laredo's policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of this position.
• Ability to pass an extensive law enforcement background. 

 
WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Effort Requirements
 Position will have the following exposures

• Occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards.  Occasional outside work.
• Exerting up to 35 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.

Work Environment Locations 
Position will require the employee to work in the following types of work environments
 
 Sometimes

• Office or similar indoor environment
• Construction site
• Confined space 
• Warehouse environment

 Frequently

• Outdoor environment
• Street environment (near moving traffic)
• Vehicles

Exposures 
Position will require the employee to be exposed to the following environmental elements
 
Seldom

• Moving mechanical parts
• Fumes or airborne particles
• Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances
• Loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)

Sometimes

• Individuals who are hostile or irate
• Individuals with known violent backgrounds
• Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)
• Communicable diseases

Frequently

• Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)

Travel 
Position will require the employee to travel
 
Never:

• National travel
• International travel

Sometimes

• Local travel
• Regional travel

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited* college or university in Forensic Science, Chemistry, Biology, Anthropology, Criminal Justice or related field.
• At least one (1) year of experience in crime scene processing, lab technician, supervision of project/program, handling computer/technical equipment, or report writing that includes oral presentations. 

Foreign Education: 

• Applicants who have completed education outside of the United States must submit a foreign credential evaluation completed by a professional credential evaluation agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). The evaluation must verify the U.S. equivalency of the degree and identify the comparable U.S. degree level. Applicants are responsible for obtaining and submitting the required evaluation documentation.

Note: The City of Laredo is not responsible for any fees associated with obtaining a foreign credential evaluation or educational equivalency documentation.

Required Licenses or Certifications:

• Valid Texas Driver License. If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 6 months of employment.

As part of the minimum requirements for all positions with the City of Laredo, a thorough background check and certified school transcripts will be required from all applicants who are offered employment.
 

Effective February 24, 1997, all selected applicants are required to undergo a drug and alcohol test prior to employment.
 

Effective January 7, 2008, all persons in safety-sensitive functions/positions, as per City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Policy definition, shall be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.
 

A person with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at (956) 791-7480 two days prior to the scheduled interview and/or test if applicable.