Forensic Technician
GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES
Under general supervision, this position is responsible for assisting with complex evidence identification, collection and preservation associated with civil and criminal cases and internal investigations assigned to the Forensic Services Unit. Reports to the Major Crimes Lieutenant in the Criminal Investigations Division.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Identifies, collects, preserves, documents, and processes physical evidence independently from
victims and suspects, complex crime scene, digital phones, video footage, computers, mobile and
other electronic devices and serves as a technical witness; collects latent fingerprints; photographs
and sketches complex crime scene; maintains chain of evidence; processes and maintains digital
images; transports evidence to and from the State crime lab; coordinates with detectives and all
appropriate laboratories.
Utilizes detailed crime scene reports to document actions, procedures, information, and evidence
collected at scenes of criminal investigations and other locations relating to the case in question;
properly disposes and labels biohazard materials; maintains drying cabinets and proper cleaning of
cabinets and handles all wet, bloody items collected by technicians and officers; handles and
processes firearms under specific safety conditions; handles chemicals that are in accordance to the
material safety data sheets (MSDS) set forth by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration
(OSHA).
Assists with processing and maintaining digital images and archives case photographs and images;
transports all departmental evidence collected with the exception of drug evidence to and from the
state laboratory on a weekly basis; and work on a variety of projects within the department; processes
latent fingerprints chemically on various surfaces; obtains inked fingerprint impressions; interprets
fingerprint patterns; and recovers fingerprints.
Assists with processing evidence in the field and in the Forensic Services Unit laboratory; assists in
interpreting laboratory analysis reports and forensic findings; assists with creating forensic images of
original data using a variety of validated imaging programs; assists with preparing detailed reports
for inclusion in formal case files; and works with detectives and patrol officers, the Commonwealth
Attorney’s office and other agencies to develop and prepare cases; and may prepare, present expert
testimony and defend court testimony.
Assists with developing comprehensive lesson plans and course curriculum to train Police Officers
on crime scene protocol; assists with creating policies and procedures encompassing digital forensic
processes; performs a variety of projects within the department as needed; may serve as a liaison
with the Medical Examiner and the Department of Forensic Science.
Performs other duties as assigned.
PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Employees at all levels are expected toeffectively work together to meet the needs of the community
and the organization through work behaviors demonstrating the City’s Values. Employees are also
expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE
Forensic Science –Knowledge of all aspects of crime scene processing and crime investigation
procedures and techniques. Knowledge of fingerprint and palm print identification and the
Virginia Automated Fingerprint Identification System computer.
Technology – Knowledge of general office equipment and personal computers to include word
processing, spreadsheet, and related software. Knowledge of mobile devices and mobile device
applications.
REQUIRED SKILLS
Computer Skills – Utilizes a personal computer with word processing, spreadsheet, and related
software to effectively complete a variety of administrative tasks with reasonable speed and
accuracy.
Interpersonal Relationships – Develops and maintains cooperative and professional relationships
with employees, managers, and representatives from other departments and organizations.
Shares knowledge with staff for mutual and departmental benefit.
Time Management – Ability to plan and organize daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the
completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology.
REQUIRED ABILITIES
Evidence Collection – Ability to recognize and identify physical evidence and properly collect and
preserve physical evidence.
Communication – Ability to communicate ideas effectively, including the preparation of reports.
Ability to listen and understand directions, information and ideas presented verbally and in
writing. Ability to handle a variety of issues with tact and diplomacy in a confidential manner.
Ability to deal with victims, victims’ families, witnesses, etc. in a respectful, sensitive and
professional manner.
Judgement/Decision Making – Ability to use logic and reasoning to understand, analyze, and
evaluate situations and exercise good judgment to make appropriate decisions.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in police science,
chemistry, biology, forensic science or a related field. Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE)
Certification desired.