Job Description

Posting number: 2026125852148SS

Department: Police Department

Job classification: Forensic Technician Trainee

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Forensics

Summary

Under general supervision, responds to an processes crime scenes in the City of Detroit. Serves as a support service to the Detroit Police Department; arrival to the crime scene occurs when the scene is secured and preserved by the responding uniform officers.

Examples of duties

• Identifies, evaluates, collects, and properly preserves all evidence collected from the crime scene including, but not limited to proper chain of custody of the evidence, including latent prints, and maintains the proper custody chain.
• Measures locations and distances of evidence, victims, and other important landmarks utilizing a variety of equipment; both manual and automated.
• Prepares sketches based on measurements and location of collected evidence at crime scenes.
• Photographs crime scenes, locations, victims, perpetrators, related evidence and performs general overall photography in such a way as to show the viewer the entire crime scene in neutrality.
• Enters the collected evidence into the DPD Tracker System.
• Develops latent fingerprints on a variety of surfaces at the scene and items processed in the C.S.S office using fingerprint powders, chemicals and alternate light sources.
• Testifies in the District courts, State courts, and occasionally in the Federal Court System regarding the nature and appropriateness of work performed.

Qualifications

High school graduation or GED. with successful completion of coursework in biology, chemistry, physical science, and algebra.

A Valid State of Michigan Operators License is Required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Metric system weights and measures
• General laboratory safety procedures.

SKILL IN:

• Observation
• Mathematical applications including fractions, percentages, ratios and simple geometry.

ABILITY TO:

• Precisely document observations and prepare basic technical reports.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing and make public presentations.
• Operate personal computers and other common office equipment.
• Organize and prioritize work and follow documented procedures.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships.

LICENSE, CERTIFICATION AND OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Due to the confidential nature of work performed and access to illegal and controlled substances, qualification for employment in this class is subject to a Police Department background check.

This is a training class for promotion for Forensic Technician.

Employment in this classification is limited to a maximum for four (4) years. Employees promoted or hired into this class must successfully complete two (2) years of college level studies with courses in chemistry, biology and mathematics and qualify for promotion within the four (4) year period.

Employees who do not qualify for promotion to Forensics Technician will be considered for transfer to available positions in some other classification, reverted to their former classification or separated from City employment.

Supplemental information

Evaluation Plan

Interview: 5%

Computerized Assessment: 70%

Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal Qualifications: 25%

Total of Interview, Computerized Assessment and Evaluation T.E.P: 100%

Additional points may be awarded for:

Veteran Points: 0 – 15 points

Detroit Residency Credit: 15 points