City of Johns Creek Job Description

Department:  Police

Starting Salary:  $43,000-$50,578

FLSA:  Non-Exempt

Title:  Crime Scene Investigator

Overview of Duties, Responsibilities and Position Requirements

• Oversees and maintains inventory for evidence and property in evidence lockers and crime lab. Assists other staff in receiving and storing all property booked in by Police officers. Places orders for evidence and crime scene supplies.
• Trains and assists in the processing of crime scenes which includes: interviewing officers, witnesses, and victims, taking photographs, sketching scenes, locating and processing physical evidence, producing cast impressions of shoe prints and tire tracks, and other applicable duties.
• Trains and assists in processing evidence for fingerprints with powders and chemicals, identifies biological substances, such as blood, and utilizes specialized equipment.
• Trains on computer systems to prepare detailed reports of crime scene investigations and lab findings.
• Maintains all CALEA accreditation and Departmental standards to successfully pass internal and external audits.
• Distributes crime lab reports, prepares log for crime lab, and maintains chain of custody at crime lab.
• Reviews all evidence and property submitted to determine which will be accepted into evidence and which will be corrected or rejected.
• Checks evidence in and out, to and from law enforcement and government employees according to chain of custody requirements.
• Assembles and disposes of property including high risk items from property system in accordance with applicable laws including auction, conversion and destruction. Determines ownership of found or unclaimed property when possible.
• Responsible for booking, storing and maintaining records of crime scene evidence.
• Testifies in court as a witness in connection to the marijuana processed and evidence preserved.
• Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data; utilizes word processing, database, spreadsheet, or other software programs.
• Prepares and maintains a variety of reports including screening reports, property reports, daily logs, and personnel forms.
• Coordinates information with departmental employees on evidence submittal procedures and GBI requirements.
• Responsible for training agency personnel on all elements of properly documenting, packaging and logging in evidence.
• Assists the public with locating and retrieval of personal property from evidence.
• Transports crime evidence to and from state crime laboratory.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• The principles, practices, and methods of warehousing, inventory control, material handling, storage, record keeping, and property accounting.
• Photography and the various methods of printing, developing and enlarging negatives to pictures.
• Applicable federal, state, and local criminal and civil laws, codes, and regulations.
• Police, court systems, and criminal procedures relative to the processing, retention, and disposal of evidence including hazardous and carcinogenic materials.
• Safety and security methods and practices involved in the handling and storage of firearms, weapons, narcotics, drugs, money, vehicles, and dangerous devices.
• Various forms used by the court system and their meanings.
• Department policies and procedures relating to property/evidence.
• Basic principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Computer terminal data input and retrieval processes.

• Learn applicable federal, state, and local criminal and civil laws, codes, and regulations.
• Learn police, court systems, and criminal procedures relative to the processing, retention, and disposal of evidence.
• Learn safety and security methods and practices involved in the handling and storage of firearms, weapons, narcotics, drugs, money, and dangerous devices.
• Work in adverse conditions caused by environmental factors, chemical contamination, and crime scene aftermath.
• Identify and evaluate a wide variety of materials and equipment from visual inspection or verbal description.
• Plan, organize, track, and prepare property to be auctioned including verification of revenues and receipts reported to the City Finance department.
• Maintain legible, complete, and accurate records and related documents.
• Devise and maintain storage, security, and accounting procedures for sensitive, valuable, and unusual supplies and equipment.
• Transport evidence and track the chain of custody of evidence to ensure its integrity.
• Coordinate with other law enforcement agencies in the development of procedures for the disposition of property when cases are adjudicated.
• Pass state required courses or tests for certifications.
• Operate specialized automated law enforcement information systems including public safety computer systems to access and maintain data.
• Type and enter data accurately at a speed necessary for successful job performance.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in evidence technology, biology, chemistry, criminal justice, forensic science or a related field.
• Two years experience in the handling, receiving, storing, and disposal of police property/evidence, inventory control, and materials management.
• Certification as a Certified Property and Evidence Specialist (CPES).
• Possession of a valid Georgia Class C driver's license.

Physical Demands

Hazards:  Exposure to bodily fluids and infectious diseases and other public safety related hazards. Ability to work in adverse conditions caused by environmental factors, chemical contamination, and crime scene aftermath.

Vision:  See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens, printed documents, paperwork, evidence, and to drive and operate equipment; scan and/or stare at photographs.

Hearing:  Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction; hearing for telephone, radio and verbal communication.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.