Police Criminalist

The City of Gresham is accepting applications for a Police Criminalist. This position will be required to collect evidence at crime scenes, process, store and categorize evidence and items taken for safe keeping. In addition, this position will work closely with uniformed patrol and the detective’s division.

As Oregon's fourth-largest city, Gresham is a welcoming community of hard-working people where tradition and heritage meet innovation and opportunity. Gresham is a dynamic and rapidly growing city where families and businesses have a mutual desire and drive to thrive. City of Gresham employees care deeply about the community they serve, and go 'one step beyond' to deliver services in collaborative, inventive, practical, and nimble ways.

Our work is challenging, fast-paced and rewarding.

We believe that to deliver the highest level of service to all Gresham community members, it is crucial we employ a diverse workforce, foster an inclusive working environment, and ensure our policies and systems result in equitable outcomes. The City seeks candidates who will support these values by continuously incorporating equity in their daily work, and actively contributing to a workplace culture that respects unique viewpoints, life experiences, and cultural perspectives.

Come build the future with us.

This position reports to a detective sergeant and will work with the Oregon State Crime Lab, Medical Examiner’s Office, District Attorney’s office, Public Defenders office, Multnomah County Courts, other law enforcement agencies. Routine duties include processing of evidence, taking photographs of crime scenes and traffic crashes, crime scene documentation and processing, assisting in the collection of evidence during search warrants, ridge detail identification and collection, latent processing and documentation, and DNA collection.

• Investigate crime scenes: search and process crime scenes for evidence; fingerprint suspects and other individuals; perform crime scene surveillance, evidence, and general department photography; process photos and maintain photo case files.
• Perform various evidence tests in the laboratory including developing latent fingerprints, narcotics testing, and others; compare, classify, and identify fingerprints using chemistry, photography, and electronic techniques; identify unknown subjects and substances utilizing technical laboratory skills.
• Research cases; analyze and evaluate evidence; prepare evidence for court exhibits; prepare and present a variety of records and related reports; testify in court.
• Perform general facilities, equipment, and other specialty duties, including ordering, receiving, and stocking supplies; maintain photography equipment, supplies, and files; maintain supplies needed for investigation and evidence analysis.
• Respond to and resolve confidential and sensitive inquiries; provide expert guidance to other departments, the general public, and/or outside agencies; provide training to staff on crime scene investigation, evidence, and related techniques; act as a representative on committees, interagency task forces, and special projects as assigned; conduct criminal and/or administrative investigations as assigned.
• Analyze and review federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, and procedures in order to ensure compliance; conduct analysis on best practices and trends, and formulate recommendations.

• Adaptable –someone who can quickly adjust to circumstances and intensive deadlines
• Critical thinker who exercises sound judgement and decision making
  – Someone who can analyze situations, data and information and apply critical thinking to resolve problems and decide on what actions and solutions…