Criminalist

Overview

SERVE At the City of Plano, our values make us who we are and guide us as we SERVE our city. As members of Team Plano
, our organizational Values (SERVE: Stewardship, Engaged, Respectful, Visionary, Excellence) guide our work.

Work Schedule
: 4 Day Workweek / 10 Hours Daily / 30 Minute Lunch Break

Shift
: THIS IS AN DAY / EVENING / NIGHT SHIFT POSITION.

• Work Schedule and shift may vary, due to seniority during shift bids and the needs of the Department.

Job Title:

Criminalist

Location:

Police Protection

Job

Employment Type:

Full-Time, Regular

Summary Of Duties:
When Assigned to Crime Scene:
Under general supervision, the Criminalist is responsible for performing basic chemical, physical, and optical scientific techniques to locate physical evidence; and to recover, compare, and identify fingerprints left at a crime scene. When Assigned to Latent Print:
Under general supervision, the Criminalist – Latent Prints is responsible for performing basic chemical, physical, and optical scientific techniques to locate, recover, compare, and identify fingerprints.

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Assists in the investigation of criminal offenses and death investigations.
• Evaluates and documents crime scenes utilizing notes, photographs, sketches, and reports.
• Analyzes and compares fingerprints; enters unidentified latent prints into identification systems to conduct comparisons of latent with known fingerprint impressions; documents comparison results in reports.
• Performs a variety of complex, independent laboratory tests, analyses, classifications, comparisons, and identifications of all types of physical evidence from crime scenes.
• Testifies as an expert witness in court cases.
• Collects fingerprint impressions from juveniles and others as required.
• Regular and consistent attendance for the assigned work schedule is essential.

• Analyzes and compares fingerprints; enters unidentified latent prints into searchable databases to conduct comparisons of latent with known fingerprint impressions; documents comparison results in reports.
• Locates and develops latent prints on a wide variety of materials and surfaces by using physical, chemical, or any combination of techniques appropriate to the surface being examined.
• Properly documents, lifts, and photographs latent print evidence.
• Uses digital examination software for friction ridge analysis.
• Performs verification and technical reviews of casework when appropriate.
• Assists in training new employees in latent comparisons when appropriate.
• Testifies as an expert witness in court cases.
• Collects fingerprint impressions from juveniles and others as required.
• Regular and consistent attendance for the assigned work schedule is essential.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

When Assigned to Crime Scene:
The incumbent must select and apply the most effective methods of locating, developing, and preserving evidence and latent prints on a wide variety of materials and surfaces. Determines a positive identification, negative comparison, or that a latent print is of no value for comparison purposes. When Assigned to Latent Print:
The incumbent must select and apply the most effective methods of locating, developing, and preserving latent prints on a wide variety of materials and surfaces. Determines latent print suitability and makes appropriate conclusions on latent print comparisons.

Knowledge of:

When Assigned to Crime Scene:
Laws and regulations for the collection and analysis of evidence; chain of custody protocols; criminal court proceedings; proper safety and disinfecting procedures to be used at crime scenes; fingerprint collection and comparison methods; basic photography principles.

When Assigned To Latent Print:

• Must have professional knowledge of the principles, theories, methods and technical procedures used to process…