Crime Scene Technician II

The Anne Arundel County Police Department is committed to the pursuit of excellence. We uphold the public trust by being honest and maintaining the highest standards of ethical and moral character.

This posting will be used to fill a Full-time, Permanent, Represented, Safety Sensitive Crime Scene Technician II position within the Anne Arundel County Police Department. This is the full performance level of skilled technical evidence collection work involving the examination of crime and accident scenes for the purpose of collecting and preserving evidence.

NATURE AND VARIETY OF WORK

Work includes identifying, collecting, photographing, recording and preserving evidence. Work involves traveling in a County vehicle to the scene of an accident or crime to process evidence and transport it to the crime laboratory. In the processing of the scene, the Crime Scene Technician will take necessary measurements, photographs, and castings, and collect evidence including latent fingerprints, shoe and tire impressions to be used in criminal investigations and subsequent court proceedings. Crime Scene Technician II's are responsible for establishing the chain of custody for evidence, and may be called upon to give testimony in court to explain steps and procedures followed. The work of this class requires writing detailed notes related to the crime scene and supplement collection of physical evidence with sketches and other documentation. Work is performed independently within established policies, procedures and technical guidelines, and is reviewed by a Crime Scene Technician Supervisor upon completion for completeness. The Crime Scene Technician II performs evidence collection work independently following established protocols and chain of custody requirements. Work performance is evaluated on the basis of completeness and adherence to County standard operating procedures, federal, state and local laws governing the collection of evidence, and the accuracy of the recovery of evidence from a crime or accident scene. Employees in this classification are designated essential employees, must report to work under all weather conditions and requires shift work and overtime. This work involves exposure to hazardous chemicals and biological materials, blood borne pathogens, and bodily fluids. Collection of evidence involves strict adherence to established protocols for evidence collection and preservation. Work of this class involves climbing, reaching, stooping, accessing cramped spaces, and lifting items weighing up to fifty pounds or more. Employees will be required to work overtime, holidays, weekends and standby duty. (Note: The duties and responsibilities enumerated in this class specification are for the purpose of determining a common set of qualifications and salary level for all positions in this class. They are not intended to include all of the essential job functions of all positions in the class). Conducts searches for, identifies, collects, records, packages and transports physical evidence to be used in criminal investigations and court proceedings. Initiates the chain of custody for biological and physical evidence. Develops fingerprints and makes castings of evidence impressions. Testifies in courts of law concerning the collection of evidence. Takes measurements at a crime scene to develop crime sketch to illustrate scene and items within the scene; takes shoe and tire impressions. Conducts blood splatter pattern analysis.; Documents crime scenes through photography, video, written or other methods, such as digital cameras, computer software, and instrumentations, along with scientific processing of evidence. Develops detailed notes, accurate reports, and narratives related to the crime scene to supplement collection of physical evidence, including sketches and other documentation. Drives mobile crime laboratory vehicle to crime scene. Lifts and carries items weighing up to 50 pounds to take crime scene processing materials from vehicle to scene. Operates a reciprocating saw to cut through walls and floors to recover evidence. Climbs to roof of building or crawls in tight spaces to obtain latent prints and obtain photographs. Works with chemicals to develop latent prints. Processes blood and other hazardous body fluids and physical evidence such as weapons, i.e., guns, ammunition, knives, scissors etc., from the crime scene which may involve homicide victims. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Knowledge of the collection, identification, documentation, preservation and storage of evidence obtained from crime and accident scenes. Knowledge of processing evidence for latent fingerprints, taking accurate measurements, making castings and sketches. Knowledge of the operation of photographic equipment, and specialized evidence collection equipment to include but not limited to metal detectors, cyanoacrylate fuming chambers, omnichrome alternate light source, ultraviolet light, fingerprint brushes and powders, power hand tools, and electrostatic dust print lifter. Ability to gather, analyze, and organize facts and evidence and develop accurate reports and documents. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors and other employees. Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, and to operate a personal computer and software applications. Performs related work as required.
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in forensic science, chemistry, biology, physics, or a related science and course work in collection and preservation of evidence or other areas of forensic science or criminalistics; two (2) or more years of experience in the collection, preservation and latent fingerprint processing of evidence or in a related field of forensic science or criminalistics; and a valid non-commercial Class C motor vehicle operator's license. This is a Safety-Sensitive position and employees in this position are subject to Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) and Alcohol testing.

The selection process includes a comprehensive background investigation.

Longevity pay is available based on years of service.