Mesa Police Department

Salary Range:
$54,727.71 - $76,472.86 Annually

Description/Duties

The current vacancy is for the Crime Scene Unit Assignment in the field; however, this recruitment will be used to establish an eligible list which may be used to fill future vacancies in the Evidence Processing Unit Assignment.

A Crime Scene Specialist performs forensic processing of evidence using a variety of traditional methods, including chemical processes and documents evidence through photography, notes, reports, and sketches the Crime Scene Unit or Evidence Processing Unit.  

Crime Scene Unit Assignment:  A Crime Scene Specialist is responsible for identifying, collecting, and preserving evidence at crime scenes in support of law enforcement activities.  An employee in this assignment performs the following duties:  photographs crime and accident scenes including homicides, kidnappings, burglaries, robberies, deaths, assaults, and thefts to record the appearance of evidence using highly-skilled photographic and evidence-gathering techniques; identifies, collects, and secures physical evidence including:  blood, body fluids, hair, fibers, and firearms for laboratory testing and use as evidence in criminal prosecutions; searches for and develops latent prints at crime scenes; photographs and fingerprints suspects, victims (including deceased individuals), witnesses, and applicants; produces castings of footprints, tire tracks, and other impressions; uses a variety of chemicals to enhance biological evidence; and testifies in court.  A few major aspects of the duties include writing detailed reports, establishing and maintaining records to ensure proper chain of custody of physical evidence, and completing report peer reviews.  This class is responsible for performing related duties as required.

Evidence Processing Unit Assignment:  A Crime Scene Specialist assigned to the Evidence Processing Unit is responsible for the processing of physical evidence submitted to the Police Department Forensic Services.  Duties include:  visual examination and chemical processing of physical evidence; preparation of samples for DNA analysis; using photography techniques to document evidence; and collecting and preserving physical evidence.  Incumbents in the classification may also respond to crime scenes to consult or use chemical processes for which they are qualified and authorized.  Other related duties include writing and reviewing technical reports, conducting training, and performing related duties.

The Crime Scene Specialist is a civilian position assigned to Forensic Services.  Employees in this class participate in an on-the-job training program as part of their regularly scheduled duties.  A Crime Scene Specialist may also participate in laboratory processing.  Work requires the exercise of initiative and independent judgment in implementing established work methods and procedures.  Employees in this class may progress by noncompetitive promotion to Senior Crime Scene Specialist upon meeting the specific criteria-based promotion requirements.  Supervision is received from a Crime Scene Unit Supervisor who reviews work through reports, meetings, field observations, and overall results achieved.  The work requires exposure to hazardous chemicals and evidence that may be biohazardous or carcinogenic.  Incumbents in this class may be required to use a respirator when these elements may be present.  A Crime Scene Specialist position requires shift work including graveyard hours, working weekends, and holidays.  This class is FLSA nonexempt.

Please refer to link below for the full job description and additional information regarding assignments, preferred qualifications, and essential functions. 

Qualifications & Requirements

Employee Values:  All employees of the City of Mesa are expected to uphold and exhibit the City's shared employee values of Knowledge, Respect, and Integrity.

Minimum Qualifications Required.  Completion of at least 64 credit hours of college coursework from an accredited college or university with a grade point average of 2.0 (out of a possible 4.0) or better; or graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate’s Degree; or have at least two years’ full-time experience as a Crime Scene Specialist (or equivalent) with a law enforcement agency.

Special Requirements.  Must possess a valid Arizona Driver’s License by hire or promotion date.  Because of the confidential, sensitive nature of information handled, successful completion of a background investigation is required.  Candidates given a conditional job offer will be required to successfully complete a psychological evaluation.  Must meet the qualifications to wear a tight-fitting respirator by passing a medical evaluation in accordance with Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910.134 by hire or promotion date and must maintain certification (Crime Scene Unit Assignment). 

Substance Abuse Testing.  Due to the safety and/or security sensitive nature of this classification, individuals shall be subject to pre-employment or pre-placement alcohol, drug and/or controlled substance testing as outlined in City policy and procedures.

Preferred/Desirable Qualifications.  Coursework in photography, criminalistics/forensic science, and natural science courses (biology/biochemistry or chemistry) is highly desirable.  Preference will be given to applicants who have graduated from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology/Biochemistry, Chemistry, or Forensic Science.  Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) training in the field of forensics, or at least one year of law enforcement experience (including evidence collection, report taking, investigation, and fingerprinting) is also preferred.  Crime Scene Technician Certification through the International Association for Identification (IAI) within two years of hire or promotion date is desirable.

Link to Job Description

http://apps.mesaaz.gov/JobDescriptions/Documents/JobDescriptions/cs3828.pdf