FORENSIC SUPERVISOR

Job Description:

FORENSIC SUPERVISOR

Description

Applicants applying for positions assigned to the Police Department will undergo a comprehensive background investigation, including a credit check, polygraph examination, and medical evaluation, prior to being offered an official appointment to the position.

Must be available to work shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and during emergencies or natural disasters as requested.

POSITION

Under general supervision, plans, organizes, supervises, and reviews the work of civilian personnel assigned to the Forensic Services Section, including field and office staff. Supervises, plans, coordinates a comprehensive forensic services program, including processing complex and major crime scenes, analyzing physical evidence, recording or visualizing physical and trace evidence, and performs related work as required. The below list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.

TASKS

• Manages the activities of the crime scene investigation unit; plans, organizes, supervises, and reviews the work of subordinates; sets work schedules; trains and evaluates assigned staff; participates in the selection of assigned staff; and assigns work based upon priorities of cases and available personnel.
• Evaluates the evidence requirements of cases; monitors work progress and reviews results for accuracy and completeness of assignment.
• Remains current on industry standards and new or innovative evidence-gathering and crime scene investigation techniques and tools; ensures staff are also kept current through training and other notification processes; identifies specific training needs of staff; designs, develops, and coordinates training programs related to crime scene investigation and evidence preparation.
• Assumes control of crime scenes as the field supervisor; participates in complex and/or sensitive investigations and evidence gathering; assists subordinates in specialized or complex work; prepares narratives and statistical reports related to evidence gathering and crime scene investigations.
• Prepares and gives expert court testimony; evaluates changes in technology and/or the law; recommends and implements new/revised practices, policies, and procedures accordingly.
• Assists in budget preparation by providing input regarding staffing, training, and equipment requirements.
• Acts as a liaison with the courts to ensure the efficient and accurate processing of information; maintain liaison with other agencies, committees, etc., and advises superiors regarding new procedures, innovations, and problems that may arise; attends meetings related to area of assignment; operates a personal computer and uses applicable software to produce a variety of reports and correspondence; and drives a vehicle on City business.

QUALIFICATIONS

An Associate’s Degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Forensics, or a closely related field, AND four years of experience in crime scene investigation and scene analysis, OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. Must possess at the time of application and maintain a valid California Driver's License.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

• Knowledge of principles and techniques of supervision related to the direction, evaluation, and training of subordinates; criminal law, including rules of evidence; goals, methods, and techniques of modern crime scene investigation and the development of information from physical evidence; crime scene techniques and analytical procedures including photography, sketching, latent print development Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) evidence recognition, collection and preservation; evidence analysis and interpretation; and type and content of testimony which constitutes being an expert witness; English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation; negotiating and conflict resolution techniques; public relations and customer service techniques; budgeting methods and procedures; computer applications related to the area assigned. Skilled in analyzing administrative, operational, and organizational problems; evaluating alternatives and reaching sound conclusions; collecting, evaluating, and interpreting varied information and data; Interpreting and applying laws, regulations, policies, and procedures; Preparing clear, concise, and complete reports and other written materials; and maintaining accurate records and files.

• Ability to analyze, interpret, apply and enforce applicable federal, state, and local policies, procedures, laws, regulations and department policies; effectively and efficiently schedule, supervise and train personnel engaged in the field investigation of crime scenes or the laboratory processing of physical evidence; coordinate work efforts with other police units; assess requests for service and make appropriate personnel and equipment assignments; coordinate field activities of employees; monitor field and laboratory assignments and provide assistance when necessary; perform evidence gathering and crime scene investigations of complex and/or sensitive cases; prepare and give expert court testimony regarding cases; remain current on new technology and laws affecting the forensic services detail; develop, schedule and participate in training programs; perform research and analysis, make recommendations and prepare detailed, comprehensive reports; establish liaison with the court system; adhere to deadlines and handle multiple projects; exercise tact, courtesy, and diplomacy in understanding problems, explaining regulations, and recommending solutions; understand and carry out oral and written instructions

• Proficient in operating office equipment, including computers and software, fax machines, copiers, scanners, and other specialized equipment, MS Office software packages, and other industry-related software.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work is performed indoors and outdoors. When work is outdoors, there is exposure to the elements. The incumbent identifies evidence, including exposure to chemicals and contact with blood and other bodily fluids/products. The incumbent operates a vehicle on City business, utilizing a computer, and may be required to sit or stand for extended periods. The incumbent grasps, sits, stoops, crouches, crawls, stands, walks, bends, kneels, pulls, pushes, climbs stairs, ladders, and inclines, twists, and may lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds. The incumbent may participate in aerial photography assignments, which require being a passenger in a helicopter or light, fixed-wing aircraft. With or without reasonable accommodation, the Forensic Supervisor must meet the class's physical requirements and have mobility, vision, hearing, and dexterity level appropriate to the duties to be performed. The position may require assignments on nights, weekends, and holidays.

THE SELECTION PROCESS

Applicants whose experience best meets the city's needs will be invited to participate in the examination for this position. Candidates must have access to a computer with internet, video, and audio capabilities to participate in our examination process. The examination may consist of one or more of the following: (1) Training & Experience Evaluation, (2) Writing Exercise, and (3) Qualifications Appraisal Interview with a panel of subject matter experts. Candidates must receive a score of 70 or higher to have their names placed on the active eligibility list for one year. The top three ranks on the Eligibility List will have their application materials forwarded to the hiring authority for a selection interview.

The City of Inglewood is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It does not discriminate by age, sex, race, religion, national origin, marital status, or handicap status in its employment actions, decisions, policies, and practices.