Crime Scene Investigator

• Processes crime scenes by taking photographs, dusting for fingerprints, collecting, preserving and logging physical evidence, completing crime scene and evidence reports, and packaging and inventorying evidence.
• Identifying latent prints by conducting searches on latent prints utilizing the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) and the FBI's Integrated Automated Identification System (IAFIS).
• Processes evidence by performing presumptive laboratory tests, analyses, classifications, comparisons, and identifications of all types of physical evidence from crime scenes and completes and distributes lab reports for each request received.
• Testifies in court by consulting with court personnel concerning testimony, responding to requests for specific evidentiary information and testifying under oath on crime scenes processed for specific cases.
• Provides educational opportunities by conducting training classes for police officers on crime scenes, teaching classes at police academies and providing public safety education at public schools.
• Provides departmental support by maintaining files and records, preparing detailed reports to ensure proper chain of custody, and assisting other organizations and agencies that do not have crime scene investigative units.

Education & Experience
Work requires broad knowledge in a general professional or technical field. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

• Bachelor's Degree in forensic science, crime scene investigation or related fieldplus the completion of Basic 40 hour Crime Scene Investigation training course through TEEX or similar agency with a basic understanding of latent prints.

Certification and Other Requirements

• Valid Class C Driver's License.
• Intermediate Latent Print Status or the ability to obtain in twelve (12) months of hire.
• Must be able to pass required pre-employment screenings, CJIS and fingerprint check, and have the ability to comply with state and federal requirements forCriminal Justice Information Security (PDF)standards.

Work Schedule

• Position requires on-call rotation schedule.

Knowledge of:

• Crime scene investigation protocols, evidence collection, and preservation techniques
• Fingerprint classification systems including AFIS and IAFIS
• Legal standards for evidence handling and courtroom testimony
• Laboratory testing procedures for physical evidence analysis
• Chain of custody documentation and reporting requirements
• Public safety education and crime scene awareness training techniques
• Police procedures and criminal justice processes

• Processing crime scenes, including photographing, fingerprinting, and collecting physical evidence
• Identifying and comparing latent prints using automated systems
• Performing presumptive forensic tests and generating laboratory reports
• Clearly and accurately testifying in court as a forensic expert
• Communicating effectively with law enforcement, legal personnel, and the public
• Preparing detailed, accurate reports and maintaining organized case files
• Conducting public presentations and training related to forensic science and crime scene investigation

2. Class B Misdemeanor Convictions or Admissions
Applicants who have been convicted of, or admitted to, conduct that constitutes a Class B misdemeanor under state law or its federal or UCMJ equivalent within the last ten (10) years will be temporarily disqualified. Offenses involving moral turpitude may result in permanent disqualification and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Note: A person is considered convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude or a felony if a court has entered a finding of guilt or the individual has entered a plea of guilty, regardless of whether:

• The sentence was probated or deferred,
• The case was later dismissed,
• The person was released from penalties or disabilities, or
• A pardon was granted (unless for proof of innocence).

3. Felony or Class A Misdemeanor Convictions or Admissions
Any conviction or admission to conduct constituting a Class A misdemeanor or a felony under state, federal, or UCMJ law results in permanent disqualification. Applicants with pending criminal charges for any offense are ineligible for employment consideration.

4. DWI/DUI Convictions
An applicant convicted of Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Driving Under the Influence (DUI) within ten (10) years preceding the application date, or during the hiring process, will be temporarily disqualified. Eligibility may be restored once ten years have passed from the date of conviction.

5. Court-Ordered Community Supervision or Probation
Applicants who have been on court-ordered community supervision or probation for an offense above a Class B misdemeanor at any time, or for a Class B misdemeanor within the last ten (10) years, are temporarily disqualified. Eligibility resumes after the ten-year period has expired from the date of the court order.

6. English Language Proficiency
Applicants must be able to read, write, and speak the English language fluently. Ineligibility remains in effect until this requirement is met.

7. Inability to Perform Essential Job Functions
Applicants who are unable to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, are ineligible until they meet the required functional standards of the role.

8. Failure to Obtain a Texas Driver's License
Applicants must be able to obtain a Texas driver's license within the timeframe specified by the Texas Transportation Code. Ineligibility remains until this requirement is satisfied.

Disqualifying Criteria

These conditions may result in either temporary or permanent disqualification. Final determinations will be made by the Chief of Police or an authorized designee.

1. Illegal Drug Use and Substance Abuse
Applicants who have admitted to using marijuana or any derivative within the last three (3) years are temporarily disqualified.

Applicants who have abused legally obtained prescription medications or used prescription medications prescribed to another person may be either temporarily or permanently disqualified. These cases are reviewed individually, with consideration given to the circumstances and frequency of misuse.

Applicants who have unlawfully used or possessed any felony-level controlled substance under the Texas Controlled Substances Act-including, but not limited to, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and THC oil/vape products-will be permanently disqualified. If the use occurred before the applicant's 25th birthday, a waiting period of ten (10) years from the last use is required. For example, an individual who used cocaine at age 20 would be eligible to apply at age 30.

Applicants with a history of inhaling solvents, paints, or similar products after age 17 will be disqualified. Limited use as a juvenile (once or twice) may be considered acceptable.

Applicants who have used illegal anabolic steroids after 1991 will be disqualified.

2. Driving Record
Applicants will be temporarily disqualified if they have more than three (3) moving violations or preventable accidents within the preceding thirty-six (36) months, or if they have a conviction for reckless driving within the preceding sixty (60) months.

Additional disqualifying factors may include lesser but serious driving violations that demonstrate unsafe driving habits inconsistent with the operation of emergency vehicles and which present liability concerns. Reapplication may be considered once the applicant's driving history meets acceptable standards.

3. Employment Dismissal or Misconduct
Applicants who have been dismissed or have resigned in lieu of dismissal due to inefficiency, delinquency, or misconduct will be permanently disqualified. Each case is reviewed individually for final determination.

Tattoo Policy:

Tattoos may be visible on the arms, but each must be approved prior to wearing short sleeves while in uniform. Tattoos that are not approved must be covered with long sleeves; the use of bandages, covers, or wraps to conceal tattoos is not permitted. Tattoos are not allowed on the hands, neck, face, or head. To review the complete tattoo policy, please visit the department's official website.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as needed.