New job CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATOR in California | 2021

This promotional recruitment is open only to current City of Huntington Beach REGULAR employees. (Employees who have not completed their INITIAL probationary period are not eligible.)

DUTIES SUMMARY
Under general supervision, conducts investigations on crime scenes, deaths, serious traffic accidents, industrial accidents and other crimes; documents and gathers evidence; and performs other duties as required within the scope of the classification.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The Crime Scene Investigator works under the supervision of the Administrative Services Division of the Police Department and is a non-sworn classification. It differs from the Community Services Officer in that the Crime Scene Investigator is a journey level classification expected to perform the full range of crime scene investigations, while the Community Services Officer performs preliminary investigations, of lesser complexity.

Note: This job description is currently being updated and is under review for final approval.

• Conducts investigations on crimes including residential, commercial and bank robberies; petty and grand thefts; residential, commercial and vehicle burglaries; stolen and recovered stolen vehicles; domestic violence, homicides, suicides, and all death investigations; sexual assaults; serious injury and fatal traffic accidents; industrial accidents; and other crimes

• Collects, preserves, and transports physical evidence from crime scene investigations such as latent fingerprints, trace evidence, clothing, serological evidence, narcotics and firearms
• Documents crime and accident scenes; takes photographs and videos of crime and accident scenes using a variety of photographic films and techniques
• Writes crime reports based on evidence found, classified, and results obtained
• Examines evidence in both field and laboratory for latent fingerprints using print powders, chemicals and laser techniques
• Prepares charts, graphs or exhibits for investigation or court presentation
• Appears in court as an expert witness and gives depositions
• Assists traffic officers in the investigation of serious accidents; issues parking citations and impounds vehicles
• Reviews, evaluates, processes, and maintains a variety of files related to cases
• Attends a variety of continuing education classes, seminars and meetings to maintain current knowledge of applicable codes, regulations, policies and procedures
• Travels to various sites and locations during the course of work
• Reports to work as scheduled; may work a variety of schedules including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required
• Maintains a regular and consistent attendance record
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Any combination of education, training, and experience that would likely provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying. A typical combination includes:

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices and techniques used in crime scene investigation; evidence collection; analysis and documentation of investigations; including latent fingerprint techniques and crime scene photography
• Public safety practices and procedures;
• Applicable laws, rules and regulations such as California Penal Code, California Health & Safety Code, California Vehicle Code, California Evidence Code, Municipal Code and various training and information bulletins
• Courtroom procedures as they relate to giving testimony

• Conduct investigations and solicit information
• Gather and preserve evidence
• Work as a team member and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
• Operate laboratory and photographic equipment
• Provide technical support to Police Officers
• Communicate clearly, both orally and in writing
• Give and follow oral and written instructions
• Maintain effective record keeping systems
• Write reports and correspondence
• Exercise sound independent judgment within established procedure guidelines
• Work extended hours when required

• An official on-line application must be completed in its entirety. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
• Applicants must clearly demonstrate meeting minimum education and experience qualifications and other supplemental question requirements by demonstrating proof or submitting the supporting information/documents or they may be subject to exclusion from further consideration.
• Qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the examination process which will include an oral board exam (weighted 100%)- date to be determined- and may include other job related assessments before or after the oral board exam.
• Passing candidates will be placed on the employment eligible list from which hires may be made. The employment eligible list is valid for up to one year, unless exhausted sooner.
• Additional departmental interviews may be scheduled at the discretion of the Hiring Manager- date to be determined.
• IMPORTANT: In-house candidates who do not apply by the closing date of this promotional recruitment may apply to the "open" recruitment. However, they will compete based on the standards established for the "open" recruitment and if successful, will place on the "open" eligible list.

Must meet the physical requirements of the class and have mobility, balance, coordination, vision, hearing and dexterity levels appropriate to the duties performed.

Work is performed indoors and outdoors. When working outdoors, the incumbent may be exposed to heat, cold and the elements. There is frequent need to walk and stand. Work may necessitate exposure to environmental factors and incidents such as traffic accidents, odors, dust, noise, human or animal violence, disease, or machinery that may cause discomfort and risk of injury. May climb, stoop, bend, crouch, kneel, and reach above and below shoulder level. Indoor office work requires sitting at a desk or table for prolonged periods of time and use of a computer and screen. This job requires physical activity such as lifting moderate weights up to 25 pounds and climbing walls, ladders onto roofs, etc. Must be able to work any shift, including weekends and holidays. Must be able to report to a major crime scene at any time of the day.

Reasonable employee accommodation(s) for an individual with a qualified disability will be considered on a case-by-case basis.