Job Description

Position open until 4/3/2026

Salary: $19.56 per hour

General Description and Classification Standards

Processes crime scenes for the Police Department.

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: operating mobile crime scene lab; collecting and processing physical evidence; photographing crime scene; lifting, processing, classifying, and identifying fingerprints; testifying in court; compiling reports; and maintaining and updating records for proper documentation.

Supervision Received

Works under very general supervision. May work independently or with other skilled or semi-skilled workers with responsibility for completion of assigned tasks.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities These are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all inclusive.

• Photographs and/or video tapes crime scenes, persons and property; collects physical evidence, lifts fingerprints using powders and chemicals, measures distances, etc.
• Compares and searches latent fingerprints manually and on AFIS computer system for classification, comparison and identification; searches suspects' fingerprints.
• Processes physical evidence using various chemicals/processes; may perform chemical tests on suspects to determine gun firing.
• Masters stamps records classified by other technicians and reviews classifications for errors.
• Testifies in local, state and federal courts as expert witness on fingerprint charts and evidence.
• Enters/retrieves data into/from computer system to maintain database on wanted persons.
• Classifies and searches new records.
• Uses independent judgment and discretion in the handling of emergency situations, determining and deciding upon procedures to be implemented, setting priorities, maintaining standards and resolving problems.
• Provides guidance and training as required to lower level, interns, temporary employees, etc.
• Sketches the crime scene.
• Secure crime scenes to ensure that the evidence is not tampered with or contaminated.
• Decides which items at a crime scene need to be bagged as evidence.
• Transport evidence, ensuring the proper chain of custody.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities This is a partial listing of necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job successfully, it is not an exhaustive list.

• Knowledge of modern police identification techniques, police photography, human relations, and local law enforcement practices, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of proper methods of collecting, handling, and processing evidence.
• Skill in effectively communicating and interacting with supervisors, elected officials, employees, members of the general public, and all other groups involved in the activities of the City.
• Skill in managing time wisely.
• Ability to work to achieve the highest level of cooperation and efficiency as possible with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and its officers.
• Ability to assist clerical personnel in releasing of criminal history data to certain lawfully authorized officers and investigators.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

Associate’s degree in a related field and one (1) year experience in police identification and evidence collection techniques in a similar law enforcement environment required; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Licensures and Certifications

Position would be expected to have licensure or professional certifications appropriate to the position.

Preferred Requirements

Three (3) years of experience in police identification and evidence collection techniques in a similar law enforcement environment preferred.

Work Environment

Required physical, lifting, and sensory capabilities are requirements to perform the job successfully. Typical environmental conditions associated with job.

Lifting Requirements

Heavy Work Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

It is the policy of the City of Atlanta (“COA”) that qualified individuals with disabilities are not discriminated against because of their disabilities regarding job application procedures, hiring, and other terms and conditions of employment. It is further the policy of the COA to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in all aspects of the employment process. The COA is prepared to modify or adjust the job application process or the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known physical or mental limitations of the applicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee to be considered for the position he or she desires, to perform the essential functions of the position in question, or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation will impose an undue hardship. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Human Resources Director for your department.

The City of Atlanta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, ender identity, marital status, veteran’s status or national origin, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law. We value and encourage diversity in our workforce