Forensic Lab Tech

POSITION SUMMARY:

This is a day shift position with normal hours of 0700 hours to 1500 hours, Monday - Friday. This is also an On-Call position, and you will be required to work an On-Call rotation with the other technicians.

The SBPD Forensic Lab Tech purpose is to perform a variety of crime scene investigation duties within the Police Department. This is a civilian position responsible for complex crime scene investigations as well as using various types of equipment; locating, processing, securing, and packaging physical evidence for the scientific evaluation and comparison; preparing detailed reports on the observations and activities at the scene and in the South Bend Police Crime Lab. The job requires meticulous attention to detail and preparation that the work will come under the scrutiny of courts, juries, and the public. The evidence collected at the scene of a crime must be able to withstand tough legal challenges.

Additionally, the SBPD Forensic Lab Tech may be asked to analyze data, comply, and control evidence, prepare documentation, make recommendations to the justice system authorities, and provide court testimony. This position will collaborate with other law enforcement agencies to include St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office, F.B.I., A.T.F., and other law enforcement agencies, including our own.

The SBPD Forensic Lab Tech will report directly to the supervisor or designee of the SBPD Crime Lab for daily assignments and duties and will be under general supervision of the Detective Bureau and any other Commanding Officer so properly designated.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assumes a high degree of accountability for delivering the highest quality crime scene investigative service possible. This accountability attaches not only to the actual duties in the crime lab or processing of the crime scene but includes all follow up tasks. Adherence to a step-by-step crime scene approach, knowledge of evidence, and proper procedures. This includes but is not limited to locating and extracting fingerprints, taking pictures, and other duties required to fully investigate, interview, document, and testify related to all aspects of a crime scene. Maintain proficiency in all CST related job skills, as defined in the South Bend Basic Crime Scene school syllabus. Identification: documentation, collection, preservation, packaging, transportation, and submittal into the evidence lockers at the Police Department of all crime scene evidence related to the incident. Prepare necessary investigative reports in a timely manner. Ability to testify or prepare and present information competently in a court of law or other settings to various groups. Attend all mandatory CST trainings as required or as necessary. Including the 4-day Crime Scene Photography Course and the 5-day Basic Crime Scene Processing course. Attend in-service training as required and perform other such duties as required of a position of this type. Utilize the digital imaging workstation including digital photography, scanner, and Adobe Photoshop to enhance, save on disk and print latent prints. Ability to successfully utilize all items listed under “EQUIPMENT” in this job description, with appropriate training. Collect DNA from evidence when required and properly preserve in laboratory freezers. Perform preliminary examination on all other forms of evidence. Determine subsequent analysis or examination needed and collect additional evidence there from as needed. Perform Shooting Incident Reconstruction upon specific request. Remove and package biohazard evidence from evidence drying chambers and disinfect the chambers thereafter. Prepare and maintain chemicals for latent fingerprint development and research alternative chemical methods available. Process vehicles from crime scenes, including but not limited to, bullet trajectory / shooting incident reconstruction, photography, collection and preservation of latent print and DNA evidence and any other request by the SBPD Detective Bureau. Assist the Firearms and Ballistics Lab in processing of firearms and ballistic evidence. Responds to death investigations upon request during normal working hours and/or on an on-call rotation with other technicians as needed. Transport evidence to the Indiana State Police Lab or other laboratories as needed. Attend autopsies upon request. Assist in the training of other officers related to the forensic sciences. Ensure supplies are stocked, and equipment is clean, maintained and in good, working order. Assist in performing routine maintenance of the SBPD Crime Lab and Technician’s Bay. Any other duties as assigned and directed by the SBPD Crime Lab Supervisor and/or the Investigative Bureau or any other Commanding Officer so properly designated.

• EDUCATION / QUALIFICATIONS:
• To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty in a satisfactory manner. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Preferred Qualifications
• A two (2) year degree in a forensic science, related natural/physical science, two years relevant work experience as a crime scene investigator, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience and certification by the IAI as a Crime Scene Investigator or above
• Or
• A four (4) year degree in forensic science, related natural/physical science
• Minimum Qualifications:
• High School Graduate or Equivalent and 5 years work related experience

Required:

• Ability to receive certification from the IAI as a Crime Scene Investigator within one year of employment or equivalent
• Ability to communicate clearly in English, both orally and in writing with scientific and non-scientific personnel.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and operate a motor vehicle.
• Ability to travel by aircraft.
• Ability to attend training at alternate locations for extended periods of time.
• Successfully complete a truth verification examination, criminal history background and personal background with no criminal record.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITY:

• Ability to work with chemicals, biological hazards, and forensic lab equipment.
• Ability to maintain accurate and complete records.
• Ability to multitask, use good judgement, and make independent decisions.
• Ability to communicate clearly in English, both orally and in writing, with scientific and non-scientific personnel.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSE, REGISTRATION:

• · Valid Indiana Driver’s License.

EQUIPMENT:

• Alternate/forensic light sources, Computer, Digital Imaging System, Telephone, Various cameras (film based, digital), Magnifying lens, AFIS, IBIS, Fax, Copy machine, Scanner, Lab Equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and walk, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to fingers, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required in this job include vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The employee may work indoors and outdoors. Conditions indoors will be in a temperature-controlled environment but exposed to changing weather conditions outdoors. Storage room areas can be dusty. Lab environment may require the use of respirators, gloves, or mask. Exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals, human body fluids, blood borne pathogens, biological hazards such as viruses and germs, and other hazardous evidence items.

REQUIRED:

• Pre-employment drug screen

Essential Duty: Uphold Core Values

All employees of the City of South Bend are expected to uphold and actively demonstrate the City's Core Values in their daily work, which are summarized below:

• Excellence – Deliver high-quality service and strive for continuous improvement.
• Accountability – Take ownership of responsibilities and outcomes.
• Innovation – Seek creative solutions and embrace new ideas.
• Inclusion – Promote a respectful, equitable, and welcoming environment.
• Empowerment – Support and encourage others to grow and succeed.

This duty is fundamental to fostering a positive workplace culture and delivering exceptional public service.

These values shape our culture, inform our decisions, and inspire our work every day.