Job Description

Posting number: R-12927

Department: Department of Police

Job classification: POLICE EVIDENCE SPECIALIST TRAINEE

Posting type: Open

Categories: Professional, Forensics

Under immediate supervision, receives initial orientation and training in searching for, recovering, preserving, marking and processing of physical/digital evidence at crime scenes and traffic accidents as required, and in preparing evidence reports and exhibits for court presentation; assists more experienced specialists with conducting tests and analyses in a police forensics laboratory; and performs other related duties as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This class differs from the Police Evidence Specialist I in that the Police Evidence Specialist Trainee performs as a trainee and receives initial orientation and training relating to the search, recovery, preservation, and marking of physical/digital evidence in accordance with prescribed standards, methods, and techniques; whereas the Police Evidence Specialist I performs moderately difficult tasks relating to the search, recovery, preservation and marking of physical/digital evidence, and assists more experienced specialists with the more difficult and complex aspects of the work.

Examples of duties

(The following are examples of duties and are not necessarily descriptive of any one position in this class. The omission of specific duties statements does not preclude management from assigning such duties if such duties are a logical assignment for the position.)

• Receives orientation in the prescribed standards, methods, and techniques in searching for, recovering, preserving, and marking physical/digital and trace evidence at crime scenes and traffic accidents as required;
• Learns the proper procedures for measurements and notes; learns to prepare simple sketches and drawings of crime scenes and traffic accidents as required, including placement of physical evidence;
• Receives on-the-job training in dusting, lifting, and recovering latent fingerprints from various sources; producing castings of footprints, tire tracks, and other impressions;
• Receives orientation in taking photographs of latent prints, evidence, victims, crime scenes and traffic accidents as required;
• Receives orientation and training in conducting tests and analyses in the crime laboratory to include examination and analysis of drugs, and alcohol; processing latent prints through chemical methods; examining, and testing firearms and comparing bullets and cartridges; preparing chemical reagents, etc.;
• Learns the proper procedures for preparing detailed evidence reports and assembling evidence and exhibits for court presentation;
• Assists in procuring supplies and services;
• Attends in-service and other classes pertinent to the field;
• Operates a mobile crime scene response vehicle as required;
• Performs other related duties as required.

Qualifications

Training and Experience: A combination of education and experience substantially equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in the physical or biological sciences.

Qualification for Firearms: Must be qualified to carry and/or possess firearms or ammunition in accordance with state and federal laws, e.g., no misdemeanor or felony domestic violence conviction.

License Requirement: Possession of a valid motor vehicle driver’s license (equivalent to State of Hawaii, Type 3).

Knowledge of: Basic principles of physical and biological sciences; standard laboratory procedures and equipment; uses of standard office equipment.

Ability to: Learn crime scene characteristics and evidence recovery procedures; learn and apply the rules of evidence; learn and apply investigative methods and techniques; learn to prepare reports of crime scene investigations; learn the use of common laboratory instruments and equipment; assist with routine laboratory analyses and keep records of findings; work well with others; and follow oral and written instructions.

Health and Physical Condition:

Persons seeking appointment to positions in this class must meet the health and physical condition standards deemed necessary and proper to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

Physical Effort Grouping: Light

Special Working Conditions: Irregular hours, shift and weekend work, and occasional exposure to obnoxious conditions as required.