City of McDonough 136 Keys Ferry Street McDonough, Georgia JOB ANNOUNCEMENT. Crime Scene Technician

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1 City of McDonough 136 Keys Ferry Street McDonough, Georgia JOB ANNOUNCEMENT Crime Scene Technician The City of McDonough is accepting applications for a full-time Crime Scene Technician. Under direct supervision, this position performs entry-level to moderately complex technical duties in the evidence processing and investigation of crime scenes. Employees in this class are responsible for evidence processing, chain of custody and related scene investigation activities. Required to report to crime scenes to support the unit s objectives and the department s initiatives in gathering, assembling, analyzing and interpreting evidence and in preparing and documenting investigative activities, as well as maintaining the Agency s evidence room. For a complete job description please see Minimum Qualifications: High School diploma or equivalent; State of Georgia Crime Scene Technician Certification; valid Georgia Driver s License; satisfactory MVR; acceptable background investigation; successfully pass employment physical and drug and alcohol screen; equivalent combination of education and experience. To be considered for this position the applicant must currently be a certified State of Georgia Crime Scene Technician. P.O.S.T. certification is not required for this position but is desired. Starting salary: $17.42 per hour ($37,223 annually) Benefits include health, dental, life, short and long-term disability, retirement, vacation, sick leave, and holidays. Applicants must complete a Police Department application which can be obtained at the Police Department at 88 Keys Ferry Street, McDonough, GA or downloaded at Submit applications directly to the Police Department. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Posted 12/20/2013

2 Job Title: Crime Scene Technician FLSA: Non-exempt Department: Police Designation: Safety Sensitive Reports to: Major - CID Revised: 7/23/2013 Job Summary: Under direct supervision, performs entry-level to moderately complex technical duties in the evidence processing and investigation of crime scenes. Employees in this class are responsible for evidence processing, chain of custody and related scene investigation activities. Required to report to crime scenes to support the unit s objectives and the department s initiatives in gathering, assembling, analyzing and interpreting evidence and in preparing and documenting investigative activities, as well as maintaining the Agency s evidence room. Employees in this class function in an entry-level capacity by participating in on-the-job-training (OJT) initiatives in learning and mastering the essential functions of the work. Major Duties: The list of major duties, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this class specification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position. Investigates and evaluates the crime scene and determines the scope of the scene including surveying the area and formulating a plan for processing. Supervises police officers and assigned staff at crime scenes. Prioritizes critical crime scene tasks based on each case; applies scientific knowledge to determine the forensic process applicable to each scene; decides what specialized equipment will be used on each scene. Ensures the Rules of Evidence as dictated by state law are followed; notes in detail all crime scene observations; reconstructs events to aid in determining sequence of events during crime; try to find link to victim, suspect and other involved parties to scene. Ensures that safety procedures are followed as it pertains to blood, body fluids and/or infectious disease. Dusts and lifts latent fingerprints from objects at crime scenes; makes plaster casts of footprints and tire treads. Creates a visual record of the crime scene by taking photographs and/or video of the crime scene and items of evidence; processes photos. Prepares crime scene drawings to establish a permanent record of items, condition, distance and size relationships. Takes measurements to determine size and distance of physical locations at crime scene, such as room, furniture size, distance between objects and placement of body. Conducts trace evidence examination when applicable and the type of collection method to use; performs chemical field test to determine if trace or substance tests positive for blood and/or body fluids; determines which process to use that would not hinder DNA testing. Presents finding and opinions to case agents based on the results of the crime scene investigation.

3 Detects, identifies and seizes evidence; properly preserves evidence for scientific evaluation; examines evidence by means of physical and chemical analysis; monitors Crimes Against Persons evidence room to ensure evidence is properly packaged and that departmental SOPs are followed pertaining to the evidence. Prepares property evidence control records in order to maintain an accurate chain of command on evidence; determines which items will be processed at scene and which items will be transported to the in-house laboratory or to the state crime lab for processing. Records victim and witness descriptions of suspects to compile a composite drawing and/or line-up; creates BOLO s for dissemination to the police and public on wanted individuals. Testifies in court regarding observations made and evidence obtained at crime scene and articulates evidence in layman terms regarding the significance of the evidence as it relates to the scientific process. Conducts background checks for detectives investigating cases including criminal and financial histories, driving records and wanted persons. Participates in scene management and control while investigation proceeds, e.g., collection and preservation of evidence, scene security, scene photography, witness interviews, diagramming and scene sketching, data entry for incident reports. Prepares and submits reports regarding processing and investigation activities; ensures accuracy and completeness; ensures adherence to standards for proper language, grammar, and spelling, as well as appropriate methodologies selected to process scene. Interacts with various other professional, judicial, investigative, insurance, and public and private agencies in support of on-going investigations, to ensure accurate and thorough information exchanges. Maintains the Department s evidence room. Organizes, files and disposes of evidence in accordance with the department s Standard Operating Procedures. Conducts the department s marijuana examinations, maintains a log of each examination and testifies in court of the findings. Transports and receives evidence to/from the Georgia Bureau of Investigations Crime Laboratory and any other agency as directed by supervision. Operates department vehicle in performance of duties; Maintains attendance and punctuality within customary tolerances for this position. Performs other related duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required by the Position: Ability to maintain effective records maintenance and file management systems. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, and in presenting information and responding to questions regarding functional area of assignment. Ability to read, analyze and interpret professional periodicals and journals, technical procedures, and legal documentation. Ability to utilize personal computers, standard office equipment and standard software applications, e.g., word processors, database software, spreadsheet applications.

4 Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communications with coworkers, department management, members of the judiciary, and the general public. Ability to foster a team environment by supporting cohesive work relationships and providing effective conflict resolution. Ability to organize work, establish priorities, meet established deadlines, and follow up on assignments with a minimum of direction. Ability to maintain all licenses and certifications required of the position. Supervisory Controls: Work is performed under the general supervision of the Major. The work is reviewed through reports and observation of activities. Guidelines: Guidelines include federal and state laws, criminal and traffic laws, city ordinances, departmental policies and procedures and court decisions. Guidelines may require interpretation and judgment. Complexity: Work requires analysis and judgment in accomplishing diversified duties. Work requires the exercise of independent thinking within the limits of guidelines, policies, standards, and precedents. Work involves personal danger. Scope and Effect: The purpose of this position is to protect the lives and property of the citizens of McDonough by conducting criminal investigations of assigned cases from the initial crime scene through the prosecution of the suspects in court. Personal Contacts: Contacts are typically with co-workers, emergency personnel, victims, witnesses, defendants, judges, attorneys, law enforcement and public safety personnel and the general public. Purpose of Contacts: Contacts are for gathering information, exchanging information, providing services, resolving problems, influencing and interviewing people in a variety of environments. Physical Demands: Visual acuity in both eyes, normal color vision, good accommodation and no field deficits; hear in-person, radio and telephone conversations; recognize differences or changes in sound patterns, loudness or pitch; speak audibly and clearly; identify and distinguish smells of different materials; sit or stand for prolonged periods; walk, run, kneel, stoop, crawl and crouch; make precise and coordinated finger, hand and limb movements; maintain uniform, controlled hand-arm posture or movement; push, pull or drag an adult (averaging 160 pounds); lift and carry boxes of evidence (average 50 pounds); use force to restrain/subdue others; work efficiently for long periods of time. While performing the major duties of this position the employee is frequently exposed to fumes, airborne particles, or odors; toxic or caustic substances; excessive noise, temperature extremes, and dampness/humidity; and grease, dirt and/or dust.

5 Work Environment: Work is performed either in an office environment or in a variety of field and office settings and may require exposure to dangerous and life-threatening situations. Must be willing to carry a firearm on and off the job; mentally and physically capable of taking the life of another, if justified; willing to work any hour of the day or night (shift work), overtime, weekends, on call and holidays; work at any location in the City and travel on specific assignments. Supervisory and Management Responsibility: The position has supervisory responsibilities over police officers and other assigned staff at crime scenes only. Minimum Qualifications: High School diploma or equivalent; State of Georgia Crime Scene Technician Certification; valid Georgia Driver s License; satisfactory MVR; acceptable background investigation; successfully pass employment physical and drug and alcohol screen; equivalent combination of education and experience.