Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
DEFINITION
Direct, manage, supervise and coordinate the activities and operations of the Grand Junction Lab and Property Section. Coordinate assigned activities with other divisions, departments, and outside agencies. Perform the more technical and complex tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility and provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to assigned Police Commander.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direction from assigned Police Commander.
Exercises direct supervision over assigned professional and technical staff.
PRIMARY DUTIES--The following are examples of primary duties assigned to positions in this classification. Other related duties and responsibilities may be assigned.
1. Plan, prioritize, assign, supervise, review, and participate in the work of staff responsible for the forensic examination of physical evidence, conduct of crime scene investigations and the provision of expert testimony in court.
2. Establish schedules and methods for providing evidence and crime lab and forensic examination services; identify resource needs; review needs with appropriate management staff; allocate resources accordingly.
3. Research and adopt laboratory policies and procedures; monitor work activities to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures; make recommendations for changes and improvements to existing standards and procedures.
4. Receive and prioritize requests for assistance from higher level law enforcement staff and attorneys.
5. Conduct crime scene investigations; identify, collect and preserve physical evidence; perform physical, chemical, biological, microscopic, and/or instrumental examinations of evidence; analyze and identify narcotic and toxic substances.
6. Maintain the evidence and property room; examine evidence and property from cases to ensure compliance with procedures and accuracy of records.
7. Coordinate the development of lab and property facilities to meet current and future growth needs.
8. Review and approve lab reports prepared by staff including the identification of drugs and controlled substances and fingerprint comparisons.
9. Construct demonstrative evidence for court; prepare exhibits, reports, diagrams, and drawings; provide expert testimony in court as required.
10. Oversee and participate in the development and administration of the annual budget; prepare grant proposals; participate in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitor and approve expenditures; implement adjustments.
11. Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of property and evidence analysis, crime scene techniques, and digital forensic analysis.
12. Select, train, motivate, and evaluate personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures.
13. Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommend, within departmental policy, appropriate service hours and staffing.
14. Conduct research into modern lab and evidence section functions and techniques to provide continuous improvement in efficiencies and effectiveness.
15. Respond to inquiries; provide training and education related to crime scene investigation and laboratory activities.
16. Troubleshoot and resolve technical and complex problems related to Evidence and Laboratory equipment and systems; determine needs and recommend solutions.
17. Serve as the system administrator for the electronic Property Management system.
18. Provide responsible staff assistance to assigned Police Commander.
19. Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Operations, services, and activities of a forensic laboratory.
Methods and techniques of crime scene processing, evidence collection, and photography
Operational characteristics of forensic instruments, equipment, and tools.
Advanced laboratory techniques and procedures.
Advanced chemistry, biology, biochemistry, and physics principles.
Principles and procedures of fingerprint development and restoration of obliterated serial numbers.
Methods and techniques of classifying and identifying individuals by fingerprints.
Rules and procedures of providing expert testimony in court.
Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
Principles and procedures of record keeping.
Principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation.
Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
Principles of budget preparation and administration.
Principles and practices of program development and administration.
Recent court decisions affecting law enforcement.
Methods and techniques of processing, cataloging, documenting, storing, and releasing property and evidence.
Principles and procedures used in evidence control and destruction.
Rules and regulations governing the release and destruction of property and evidence.
Computer hardware and architecture of a technical nature.
Methods and techniques of processing, cataloging,documenting, storing and releasing video and audio evidence.
Principals and procedures for collecting and analyzing digital evidence including computers, cellular devices, and
other digital media sources including video and audio files.
Ability to:
Organize and review the work of lower level staff.
Select, supervise, train and evaluate staff.
Perform a variety of property and evidence collection, processing, and analysis.
Perform fingerprint development using various powders and chemical techniques.
Investigate and process crime scenes in a professional manner.
Ensure accuracy of work performed by subordinate staff.
Interpret and explain City policies and procedures.
Prepare clear and concise reports.
Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement
recommendations in support of goals.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Experience and Training Guidelines
Minimum Requirements:
Experience:
Four (4) years of experience performing crime lab or forensic analysis including two years of administrative and supervisory responsibility.
Training:
A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in criminology, chemistry, or a related field.
Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.
License or Certificate
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Colorado Driver License.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Environmental Conditions:
The job is performed in the following working environment:
Office, laboratory, and field environment.
The following condition(s) may be present on a continuing basis:
Hazardous materials (chemicals, toxic substances, dust, smoke, fumes, gases, mold, blood, and other body fluids.)
Local Travel
Environmental (disruptive people, imminent danger, threatening environment, extremes of heat and cold.)
Physical Conditions:
The job is characterized by:
Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
Primary functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time; near visual acuity for examining evidence and fingerprints; operating laboratory equipment and vehicles.